Who want's to play Steve McQueen?

Also part of this past weekend's Icons of Hollywood auction was the original "Michael Delaney" hero fire suit worn by Steve McQueen in his iconic 1971 film Le Mans. Estimated to sell for $200,000 to $300,000. Bidding went crazy, with a final bid of $800,000, plus a $184,000 buyer premium for a total of $984,000. This may very well be the single most valuable piece of Steve McQueen movie history that isn't a car. And certainly the record for a piece of motorsport memorabilia.  The story goes that the suit was donated The Observer, a British news paper to be given away in a Le Mans contest and was won by a 12 year old boy by the name of Timothy Davies. He sold the suit a number of years later, and probably for a sum no where near this figure.

In August the 1970 Porsche 911S owned and driven by Steve McQueen in the opening sequence of Le Mans set a record sale at $1.375 million dollars.

Source & Photos: Profiles in History.

Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix raises $200,000 for charity

Being a Pittsburgh based car guy and racing fan. I brag about the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix throughout the year. Not only do I show cars and participate in the events, but I also serve as a member of the Car Show Committee. Be it the car shows, the races, the fun of enjoying a nice weekend in the park, what ever fits your fancy, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix has a little bit of everything. The best though is that ALL proceeds from the PVGP events benefit two awesome charities, the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny Valley School. This year, the PVGP set a new record, donating $200,000 to both charities at the recent "Victory Lap" check presentation ceremony. Representatives from the PVGP, event sponsors, car manufacturers, and participating car clubs were on hand at the Allegheny Valley School's campus for tours, a checkered flag waving and Terrible Towel wave (Myron Cope, inventor of the Terrible Towel sat on the board of AVS and the PVGP, and sales benefit AVS also). Each charity will benefit equally, receiving $100,000 each. This money will be used to provide residential care, treatment and support for developmentally disabled individuals in the Pittsburgh area.

Since 1983, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix has raised over $2.95 million dollars for both charities, with no signs of stopping.

For more information on how you can donate to the PVGP, volunteer or find out about the 2012 event, please visit http://www.pittsburghvintagegrandprix.com

Charity Ambassadors representing each charity;  Anita Iyengar -Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Brandon Fisher - Allegheny Valley School were on hand to receive the $200,000 check. 

left to right: PVGP Showside Director Bob Speer, Shop 'n Save's Rich Haeflein, Autism Society's Dan Torisky and PVGP Race Director Rocky Farrar with the 2011 check for $200,000.

Little known history of the Chevrolet Bowtie.

Some automotive brands are pretty clear about how their corporate logos have come about. Ford, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Porsche and Ferrari all come to mind. One that's not well known, but also shrouded with a bit of mystery is the bowtie logo of GM's Chevrolet division.

Several stories have emerged as to how the now famous logo originated. One from Billy Durant's daughter who says that it originated from her father's imagination one night at dinner. Another from Durant's widow saying that her husband found a similar logo while reading a newspaper while on vacation in 1912. Others say it is a stylized version of the Swiss flag cross as Louis Chevrolet was born in Sweeden.

The official origin from General Motors is that Billy Durant saw the logo as part of the pattern on some wallpaper in a Paris hotel that he would tear down and return to Detroit with in 1908. The earliest known use of the the bowtie logo dates to 1913. So who's to say which one is the true meaning behind the bowtie? Durant passed away in 1947, so the answer has certainly gone to the grave at this point. But there is no denying that it ended up being the right choice as now, 100 years later the Chevrolet brand is still in business making cars.

Press Release:

DETROIT, Sept. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Globally recognized today, the Chevrolet bowtie logo was introduced by company co-founder William C. Durant in late 1913. But how it came to be synonymous with the brand is open to wide interpretation.

Durant's version of how the logo came into existence is well known. The long-accepted story, confirmed by Durant himself, was that it was inspired by the wallpaper design in a Parisian hotel.

According to The Chevrolet Story of 1961, an official company publication issued in celebration of Chevrolet's 50th anniversary:

"It originated in Durant's imagination when, as a world traveler in 1908, he saw the pattern marching off into infinity as a design on wallpaper in a French hotel. He tore off a piece of the wallpaper and kept it to show friends, with the thought that it would make a good nameplate for a car."

However, conflicting accounts have emerged, each of which is plausible enough to deepen the mystery and suggest it may never be solved. Two of the alternate origins come from within the Durant family itself.

In 1929, Durant's daughter, Margery, published a book entitled, My Father. In it, she told how Durant sometimes doodled nameplate designs on pieces of paper at the dinner table. "I think it was between the soup and the fried chicken one night that he sketched out the design that is used on the Chevrolet car to this day," she wrote.

More than half a century later, another Bowtie origin was recounted in a 1986 issue of Chevrolet Pro Management Magazine based on a 13-year-old interview with Durant's widow, Catherine. She recalled how she and her husband were on holiday in Hot Springs, Va., in 1912. While reading a newspaper in their hotel room, Durant spotted a design and exclaimed, "I think this would be a very good emblem for the Chevrolet." Unfortunately, at the time, Mrs. Durant didn't clarify what the motif was or how it was used.

That nugget of information inspired Ken Kaufmann, historian and editor of The Chevrolet Review, to search out its validity. In a Nov. 12, 1911 edition of The Constitution newspaper, published in Atlanta, an advertisement appeared from by the Southern Compressed Coal Company for "Coalettes," a refined fuel product for fires. The Coalettes logo, as published in the ad, had a slanted bowtie form, very similar to the shape that would soon become the Chevrolet icon. Did Durant and his wife see the same ad – or one similar – the following year a few states to the north? The date of the paper was just nine days after the incorporation of the Chevrolet Motor Co.

One other explanation attributes the design to a stylized version of the cross of the Swiss flag. Louis Chevrolet was born in Switzerland at La Chaux-de-Fonds, Canton of Neuchatel, to French parents, on Christmas Day 1878.

Whichever origin is true, within a few years, the bowtie would emerge as the definitive Chevrolet logo. An October 2, 1913 edition of The Washington Post seems, so far, to be the earliest known example of the symbol being used to advertise the brand. "Look for this nameplate" the ad proclaims above the emblem. Customers the world over have been doing so ever since.

Many variations in coloring and detail of the Chevrolet bowtie have come and gone over the decades since its introduction in late 1913, but the essential shape has never changed. In 2004, Chevrolet began to phase in the gold bowtie that today serves as the brand identity for all of its cars and trucks marketed globally. The move reinforced the strength of what was already one of the most-recognized automotive emblems in the world. More than 4.25 million Chevrolets were sold in more than 120 countries and regions during 2010.

About Chevrolet -- Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 120 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Spark, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly to gas-free" solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended range. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com

Source: GM

What's in a name? Ex Steve McQueen Porsche 911 sells for $1.25 Million.

There's hardly a person out there who doesn't know who Steve McQueen is. It is also no secret that he had a great passion for anything powered by gasoline. He owned and raced numerous cars and motorcycles, and even on occasion few a few airplanes before his untimely death in 1980. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in anything and everything Steve McQueen. However, on the rare occasion, you can find something that he actually owned. Take the case of this Slate Grey 1970 Porsche 911 S. This car was purchased new from Porsche by McQueen for use while filming his movie LeMans. Not only was it owned by McQueen, but it also appeared in the opening sequence of LeMans as Michael Delaney's personal car. After filming wrapped, the Porsche was sent back to Porsche for some upgrades (the car was already heavily optioned including a leather interior and A/C) before being shipped to LA. In late 1971 McQueen put the Porsche for sale, the theory is due to his also owning a 1969 911 S that was nearly identical, but having an upgraded stereo installed (that car is still in the McQueen family today).

Since that time, the 1970 has passed through several collectors hands, all knowing the cars unique place in history. It also remains largely original, having only received a fresh coat of paint and a new interior along with the usual maintenance items. Also surprising is that the car has covered well over 100,000 miles. So it's been driven, just the way Steve would have had it. The current owner elected to offer the car for sale and commissioned the car to RM Auction's Monterey sale (fitting) and with an opening bid of $200,000, the Porsche quickly rose to $1 million dollars and ending just short of the high auction estimate of $1.35 million.

This is another car, that I personally would love to have in my collection, even if it didn't have the Steve McQueen pedigree. There is something about the early 911s that just look so right, even today. And when topped with the subdued slate grey paint color, it makes for one classy ride. Congratulations to the new owner, and hopefully the 911 will be see out on the road and at car events rather than locked away in a garage.

Photos: RM Auctions.

Oh the things you'll see!

A special treat at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix this year, may just have been one of the cars that could probably have been confused as a replica. There is no denying that one of the coolest Porsches ever made was the 911 RSR IROC used in the 1974 season of the International Race of Champions. The 911 RSR was used for only the 1974 season before IROC switched to Chevrolet Camaros. Only 15 RSRs were built by Porsche and then prepared by IROC. The later was so that the cars would be prepared identical with the exception of color to keep an even playing field. The 1974 911 RSR above is owned by former racer and Porsche dealer Bob Nikel. He purchased the car shortly after the 1974 season ended and added it to his private collection of cars.

The car was originally born in Aubergine before being repainted in Peru Red. As impressive as the car is to look at, even more impressive is the list of drivers that drove this very car in 1974. Peter Revson finished 2nd to  Mark Donahue in this car. A.J. Foyt drove it Race 1 at Riverside and finished in 6th place. Richard Petty drove it Race 2 at Riverside, finishing 10th, and Emerson Fidapaldi dove it Race 3, finishing in 3rd place after starting 10th. What also makes the car unique, is that with the exception of the color change, the car is largely original. Only a few minor modifications have been made to the car since 1974. And even more astounding is that the car is driven regularly.

Porsche on board to celebrate 125 years of the automobile.

Coming up next weekend in Stuttgart, Germany. Porsche will be teaming up with Mercedes Benz and Audi to stage a 125 car parade through Germany's car crazy town. 2011 marks the 125th birthday of the automobile and what a great way to mark the occasion. Porsche will be pulling 45 of their most historic cars. Porsche's presence will include everything from 1948 Porsche 356 no.1 to a 917 that won LeMans in 1970 to a Carrera GT to a 356 Cabriolet police car. Many of the cars will be driven by current and former Porsche  factory race drivers which is an added bonus. All of the festivities will kick off in the Porscheplatz in the center of Stuttgart. This will certainly be a birthday to remember.

Source: Porsche

Press release:

The "125 years of the car" birthday procession kicks off on the Porscheplatz

Porsche classic cars on the streets of Stuttgart

Stuttgart. On Sunday 8 May 2011, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, will be teaming up with Mercedes-Benz and Audi, two other car brands also based in Baden-Württemberg, to stage a car procession through Stuttgart. 125 vehicles, contemporary witnesses all, will bring the history of the three carmakers to life – in some cases with well-known drivers at the wheel. The Zuffenhausen sports car manufacturer will be putting 45 current and historic vehicles from more than six decades of Porsche history on the start line.

The “125 years of the car” procession will get under way at 11.00 a.m. at the Porsche museum, which will be offering visitors free admission on the day. Matthias Müller, Chairman of the Board of Management of Porsche AG, will head the birthday procession in a Porsche 911 Turbo S – together with his Mercedes-Benz and Audi opposite numbers. Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Porsche Automobil Holding SE, will be driving the first Porsche prototype, the Type 356 “No. 1”, developed by his father Ferry Porsche in 1948.

Current and former Porsche AG works and racing drivers will also be taking part in the drive through the town. For example, racing legend Hans Hermann will be piloting the Porsche 917 KH on the streets of Stuttgart, the same car he and Richard Attwood drove in the 1970 Le Mans 24 Hours when they won the first ever overall victory for the Zuffenhausen company. The three times winning Porsche 908/03 Spyder is being withdrawn from the Porsche museum’s exhibition for Porsche works driver Marc Lieb. Finally, the 612 hp (450 kW) Carrera GT high performance sports car, once limited to 1,270 units, will be driven by double world rally champion Walter Röhrl.

In addition to a “police presence”, the car procession will also give an outing to the Swabian sense of humour. Stuttgart “Tatort” (Crime Scene Investigation) Inspector Richy Müller will be switching on the blue lights on the Porsche 356 C Cabriolet. In the Sixties, this classic car was used by the Württemberg motorway police. And cabaret artist Christof Sonntag will be behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 Targa (Type 964).

The destination of the procession that will start at Zuffenhausen’s Porscheplatz is the Schlossplatz in the centre of Stuttgart. Here there will be an opportunity on Sunday afternoon to admire all the participating vehicles at close quarters. Porsche will also be showcasing itself on the Schlossplatz as part of an innovation exhibition true to its “Porsche Intelligent Performance” philosophy: more power with lower consumption, increased efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions. Three modern day Porsche vehicles await the visitor there, providing an impressive demonstration of alternative driveline technologies: the Porsche Boxster E, the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid and the Porsche 911 GT3 R.

Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix adds additional racing classes for 2011

The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix is an event that we support and have participated in every year since 1997. Every year continues to get bigger and better and 2011 with the 29th annual event is no exception. Big news is that sanctioning for the vintage races held at both Schenley Park and at BeaveRun raceway has been transferred from the Vintage Sports Car Club of America(VSCCA) to the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Association (PVGPA). This means that now the race classes will be expanded to cover cars made well into the 1970s and thusly, lowering costs to racers participating in the events by $50.

Also new for 2011 will be improvements to the Schenley Park race course. This is welcome news as 360 days a year the course serves as public roads around and through Schenley Park and the Schenly PArk Golf Course. This includes repaving and the addition of new timing equipment.

On the car show side of the event, Porsche will serve as the 2011 Marque of the Year and along with the Allegheny Region of the Porsche Club of America celebrating their 50th anniversary. They are planning for this to be one of the largest Porsche gatherings in the U.S.

The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix is unique in the world of vintage sports car racing in that all of the racing takes place on city streets, just like in the old days. Since 1983, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix has raised over $2.5 million dollars for the benefit of the Allegheny Valley School and the Autism Society of Pittsburgh with 100% of the proceeds from the races and combined car shows going to charity.  And has grown from a weekend event to a 10 motorsports festival filled with car shows, races, parades, parties, and much more.

This year the PVGP is set for July 10th through the 24th with race weekend and the famed international car show taking place July 23rd and 24th. The full schedule is available at www.pittsburghvintagegrandprix.com

Press release:

Vintage Racers,

As the 2011 racing season draws nearer, we are very excited to welcome everyone to the 29^th renewal of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. Plans are underway and we anticipate another outstanding event at Schenley Park.

The best news is that Schenley Park will be less expensive in 2011. For those participants who enter early, the entry fee will be reduced by $50. In addition, there will be an option for the entry of a second car at nearly half price. Other benefits are available for those who want to enter both the Schenley Park and the BeaveRun races together.

The PVGP continues to encourage sponsorship of cars. Sponsorship funds directly benefit children and adults throughout Pennsylvania with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities through the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Allegheny Valley School. We anticipate continuing a car sponsorship program for 2011 with many benefits for both the sponsors and drivers.

We are going to continue the traditional large PVGP tent at the head of the paddock. It will be the site for the Friday night Happy Hour get-together and the Saturday night driver/volunteer dinner. Plans are underway to expand and upgrade the menu for the Saturday night dinner. As in the past, we will hold all driver meetings at this location and it will remain open during the event for dining and other functions.

Based on comments from prior participants, there will be changes in the dining arrangements. A continental breakfast will be provided on Saturday and Sunday mornings and is included with your entry. In addition, there will be several food vendors offering a wide variety of lunch items at reasonable prices. We hope that this will provide more flexibility and convenience for participants who make their own dining arrangements.

Improvements to the race course include repaving the start/finish straight as well as a permanent transponder line. If you have a transponder, you will be timed. Rentals will be available but limited. It is recommended that participants have their own transponder. As has been the case over the past several years, we are continuing to expand the eligibility in each of the groups to accommodate more cars. Rest assured that we are not going to open up eligibility to those cars that do not fit the unique course that is Schenley Park. We will not compromise safety for the cars, drivers or the spectators. All participants at Schenley are strongly encouraged to take notice of the PVGP Driver Policy as excessive exuberance or unsafe driving will not be tolerated.

Porsche will be the featured marque for 2011 and it is expected to draw a large number of participants in the marque race as well as a large representation on the show field. In addition, if participants wish to paddock together, we strongly encourage that they send the PVGP their space requirements. We are anticipating a large entry this year and paddock parking is expected to be very tight.

As Competition Director this year, I look forward to maintaining the tradition and uniqueness of the only city street road race in the country. I have been working in many capacities at the PVGP since its inception in 1983 and expect that the 2011 event will continue to provide all of the fun for participants and spectators that it has in the past. All of the PVGP team, including, Jim “Rocky” Farrar, Race Director, Mike Connolly, Assistant Race Director, Donna McDonough, Chief Registrar and all the other outstanding volunteers welcome and offer you the opportunity to enjoy and participate in the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, recognized worldwide as a premier vintage racing event, through the spectacular Schenley Park in Pittsburgh.

Please join us in making the 29th running of the PVGP the very best ever.

Richard Barnes – PVGP Schenley Park Competition Director 412-767-8611
Jim “Rocky” Farrar - PVGP Race Director
Mike Connolly - PVGP Assistant Race Director

Drive it like Steve McQueen

Coming soon to a garage near you, if you are the lucky bidder. The 1970 Porsche 911 S driven by Steve McQueen in the opening scenes of the cult classic Le Mans will soon be crossing the auction block. Current owner Frank Gallogly has consigned the car to RM Auctions Monterey sale later this year. The owner won't disclose his asking price for the car and the details on the auction have not been released yet by RM. Once they are made available, we will pass on the details here.

The car is a slate gray 1970 911 S that was purchased by McQueen's Solar Productions from Porsche to drive while on location in France. Many assumed it was the same Porsche that Steve McQueen owned in the states, however that car was a 1969 model in the same slate gray. The 911 came equipped with air-conditioning, a Blaupunkt AM/FM radio, leather interior, electric sunroof, aluminum wheel trim rings and driving lights. As with any vintage car, some restoration work has been performed over the years which included a fresh coat of paint and a new windshield. The car was thought to have been lost for decades, but the truth was the car was sent back to Porsche for some modifications before being sent back to McQueen in California. The car was later sold when Solar Productions filed for bankruptcy. The car changed hands a few times with each owner knowing exactly what they had. 

It's stock. I swear

Not what you would normally expect from a beetle.

Old speed at its best.

A little more winter day dreaming.....

Summer can't come soon enough.

Coming soon! 2011 Porsche 911 Speedster! With video.

Recalling one of the most famous road Porsche's in history, Porsche is launching the 4th generation Speedster. Based on the 911, the Speedster recalls Porsche's heritage of the original 356. The new Speedster is set to debut in Paris next month and will officially go on sale in December. Porsche is only going to produce 356 copies of the new classic. So act fast. Instantly noticeable is the lower ride height, wider rear track and raked windshield. All paired with the hard cover that goes over the 911s rear seat area. There are a few other body changes, like the rear bumper and side skirts. And who can deny those awesome modern Fuchs alloys taken from the 911 Sport Classic? The new Speedster packs a healthy 408 horsepower. The new 7 speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe transmission is the only choice and also Richard Hammond's favorite to pronounce. The Speedster will only be available in the exclusive Pure Blue paint or optional Carrara White. However, I'd imagine that further color choice are available to make your new Speedster a truly one of a kind car. The interior again is unique to the Speedster, but color options are not available. Check out the full press release after the video.

Read the press release below:

Exclusive Small Series Limited to 356 Cars

Fourth Edition of a Sports Car Legend: The New Porsche 911 Speedster
Stuttgart. Very low-slung, very sporty, and very rare: The Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche
AG, Stuttgart, launches a small edition of a new 911 Speedster. Paying homage to
the first Porsche model that bore the name Speedster – the 356 Speedster –, the
production run for the new model is limited to 356 cars. The two-seater is significantly
different from the other members of the 911 family. In the best tradition, the 60 millimetre
lower, more raked windscreen, the flat contour of the sporty-look manual hood,
and the characteristic double-bubble hardcover for the soft top define the striking profile
of the new 911 Speedster. This makes the body of this rear-wheel drive with its
44 millimetre wider rear stand out even more. The new Porsche 911 Speedster will
celebrate its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in early October.

The new 911 Speedster combines the classic features of this type of Porsche sports
car with further improved performance of the current 911 generation: The 3.8-litre flat
six delivers 408 hp (300 kW), 23 hp more in comparison with the 911 Carrera S. With
its average consumption of 10.3 litres/100 km (27.43 mpg imp) (NEDC), the new
Speedster is no less efficient than the 911 Carrera S Cabriolet without Powerkit – an
effect of Porsche Intelligent Performance. The seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe
(PDK) is in charge of transmitting power to the rear axle fitted with a
standard differential lock. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and Porsche
Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) are standard, too. Add to that exemplary
protection for driver and passengers in the new 911 Speedster. Especially for this model, the Porsche engineers further improved the rollover protection system which
is standard in all open-top Porsche cars.

The conception of the current Speedster comes from Porsche Exclusive – the company-
owned "enhancer" specialising in individualisation of Porsche cars and small
series. The 911 Speedster heralds the 25th anniversary of Porsche Exclusive which
will be celebrated in 2011, and once again, demonstrates the small-series competence
of Porsche Exclusive after the big success of the 911 Sport Classic.

Living up to the Porsche Exclusive standard, the 911 Speedster features almost all
optional equipment of the 911 series and its appeal also comes from its meticulously
hand-finished interior in black smooth-finish leather with numerous exterior colour
painted details exclusive to the Speedster. These include decorative designs with
checkerboard patterns in the seat centre section of the adaptive sports seats reminiscent
of a chequered flag, and the leather side bolsters in the exterior colour.

The sporty flavour is further enhanced by the exterior colour “Pure Blue” that has
been developed exclusively for the Speedster, providing an intriguing contrast with
the tinted front lights, black headlight rings, black windscreen surround and other
black decorative designs. Upon request, the Speedster is available in Carrara White,
at no extra cost. It also features a special front apron, specific sideskirts and a distinct
rear apron.

In 1953, the Speedster series was launched with a puristic sports car based on the
Porsche 356, which had two sports bucket seats, doors with slide-in plastic side windows,
and a shortened, elegantly curved windscreen. In 1988, the Speedster based
on the 911 Carrera celebrated its revival with an added feature. For the first time, the
hood compartment lid had the characteristic double bubbles. In 1993/1994, the next
evolutionary stage of the 911 Carrera was ushered in with yet another Speedster.

In Germany, the 911 Speedster including country-specific equipment and 19 % VAT
is priced at Euro 201,682 and will be launched in December 2010.

Motorsports being shaken to the core. Not stirred

If there is not a further sign that our economy is in peril, then look no further than to the motor sports community. In the last couple weeks we have seen most major forms changed. We have Honda pulling out of Formula 1. Then Suzuki pulls their World Rally Championship program. Followed a few days later by Subaru.

Next Audi and Porsche suspend racing in the American LeMans Series, with a triple blow by the announcement canceling the 2009 Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix after its short two year stint after nearly a decade off the circuit.

Nascar is pretty much in shambles because of the Detroit Big 3 cutting spending.

And now off road racing is feeling the effects. Land Rover is canceling the G4 Challenge.

While we do hate to see this happen. But given the current economic conditions it is understandable to see major changes like this. Especially since that is the reason given in each case. Hopefully 2009 will be prosperous for the economy and many of these series will resume to normal operating procedures.

2008 Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder

Before you start drooling. Don't get your hopes up too high. We won't be getting this one on this side of the Atlantic. I know, it's a bummer. Porsche has really been into the special editions recently. We've seen special edition Boxsters, Caymans, and Cayennes. But the new Boxster RS 60 Spyder is by far the coolest of the bunch.


Echoing the glory days of grand prix racing, this Boxster recalls the winning #42 1960 Porsche Type 718 RS 60 Spyder. The very car that went on to win overall at the 12 Hours of Sebring race in 1960, with Hans Herrmann and Olivier Gendebien at the wheel.

Based off the Boxster S, the RS 60 Spyder will feature unique styling cues, 19 inch Porsche Sport Design wheels, Special GT Silver Metallic Paint, and the oh so sexy Carrera Red leather interior.

The engine is going to remain relatively stock. A special sport exhaust system will help to boost the horsepower to 303hp. So you're getting an 8hp boost over the stock 295hp.

On the inside you will find Carrera Red leather sport seats, a combination of stainless steel and GT Silver dash and interior accents, and of course special RS 60 badging. The instrument cluster will be sans the hood that typically is found. This is to give the car more of a race car feel. The dials will also be painted GT Silver. There will be a choice of an optional interior. Rather than red, a dark gray natural leather, with a black top will be offered.

Porsche is limiting production to 1,960 cars, and as of this writing will be offered only in the UK & Ireland. Pricing will be set at £45,400.

PRESS RELEASE
Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder Echoes Sporting Heritage

Porsche is presenting a new version of the mid-engined Boxster roadster at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy on December 5 - 16. In its distinctive design, features and philosophy, the Boxster RS 60 Spyder echoes the classic motorsport era of the 1960s, and in particular the success of Porsche sports cars during that period.

After countless class wins around the circuits of Europe and America, in 1960 the Porsche Type 718 RS 60 Spyder beat competitors with much larger engines to score its first overall victory in the 12 Hours of Sebring in Florida, USA, one of the most prestigious long-distance sports car races, courtesy of Hans Herrmann and Olivier Gendebien.

The new Boxster RS 60 Spyder reflects the sporting character and design purism of that successful mid-engined two-seater sports racing car. The RS 60 Spyder is based on the acclaimed Boxster S model, but differs significantly in terms of its performance and features.

Externally, the RS 60 Spyder is distinguished by a unique front spoiler and 19-inch diameter Porsche SportDesign alloy wheels, which spacer plates have moved outwards purposefully in the wheel arches. A modified sports exhaust system combined with dual tailpipes increases engine output to 303 bhp as well as adding further definition to the car's appearance. Completing the sporting orientation to the driving experience is Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) which adds further dynamism to the Boxster chassis.

Distinctive GT Silver Metallic paintwork is accentuated by the contrasting natural leather interior in Carrera Red. The roof is also finished in red. As an alternative, there is also the choice of Dark Grey natural leather in conjunction with a Black roof. The tail light clusters are also finished in red.

Inside, door trim strips made of stainless steel proudly bear the "RS 60 Spyder" model designation. The leather interior trim is further distinguished by a textured surface on the centre sections of the sports seats and the centre door linings, and this also extends to the steering wheel rim and handbrake lever. Completing the sporting ambience is a bespoke gear lever.

Complementing the exterior appearance, the faces of the instrument dials have a GT Silver Metallic finish and with this model not having the usual hood over the instrument cluster, the large central rev counter and the two circular dials on either side bring something of the flair of a racing car to the cockpit.

Further features include the windscreen surround finished in black, as well as the centre console, the seat backrests and the roll hoops all finished in GT Silver Metallic and thus harmonising with the seat belts also finished in Silver.

Reflecting its model designation, the Boxster RS 60 Spyder is limited to 1,960 examples, each one proudly bearing a silver-coloured plaque on the lid of the glove compartment.

The Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder will be priced from £45,400 including VAT, and deliveries in the UK and Ireland begin from March 2008.

Source: Porsche

Techart Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet

The Porsche 997 911 Turbo Cabriolet has a lot going for it in stock form. 480 Horsepower, all wheel drive, the great looks, and the Porsche heritage. Techart has been know for their line of wheels, body kits, and performance upgrades for years. They take the best and make it better.

Just in time for the Essen Motor Show(European equalivent of SEMA) arrives Techarts version of the new 911 Turbo. Techart really outdid themselves with this one. 630 Horsepower with 604 lb ft of torque. This makes for a top speed of 214mph! What makes all this power? Techart started with adding larger turbos to the 3.6 liter boxer engine, a new exhaust system and manifolds, a new intake system, and of course a reprogramed computer. The enhanced chassis also allows for the car to be lowered an additional 25mm from stock. While still taking advantage of the Porsche's sport mode. Techart also enhanced the brakes with new calipers, rotors, and brake lines.

Two different aerodynamic packages are planned also. Aero Package I consists of a front spoiler lip, side sill, rear diffuser and rear spoiler. Aero Package II adds a different front spoiler, side sill, rear apron and rear spoiler. Headlight shades, mirror shades, roof spoiler, air outlet grid in the front apron. Also part of the package are 20 inch Techart Formula wheels. With your choice of either Continental or Michelin tires.

Pricing for the package is not available yet, though it should be a considerable amount over the stock 911 Turbo Cab's $136,000 price tag. Still a very exciting package.

Source: Techart

LA Preview: Porsche Cayenne Hybrid

Unfortunately, the press release does not give any specific details, though we're sure that will come very soon. About the only thing is mentions is that the parallel hybrid system will consume less than 9 Liters of gas for every 100 Kilometers. Or roughly 2.5 gallons to every 62 miles. And should be in production some time by the end of the decade. Hopefully it will be sooner than that. Knowing Porsche's passion for performance. The Cayenne Hybrid should be one of the fastest hybrids on the market. And the fuel efficiency a lot better than the Cayenne V6.


PRESS RELEASE:
Porsche at the Los Angeles Auto Show Committed to Alternative Drive Systems

Stuttgart/Los Angeles. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is presenting drive concepts particularly friendly to the environment at the Los Angeles Auto Show starting on November 16, 2007:

The highlight of this leading event at the Los Angeles Convention Center is of course the first appearance of the innovative Cayenne Hybrid in America. At the same time Porsche is also presenting a milestone in automobile development to the well-informed public attending the most significant trend show in North America with their great knowledge of history and technical development over the years: The electric-drive Lohner-Porsche from the year 1900, one of the world's first zero emission vehicles and, accordingly, a forerunner for hybrid drive.

With its future-oriented electric motors in the wheel hubs, the Lohner-Porsche was acknowledged as the absolute sensation at the Paris World Fair in 1900. On loan from the Technical Museum in Vienna, Austria, this outstanding achievement in technology protected today as a universal monument is now to be seen the first time outside of Europe at an auto show.It was this vehicle, Ferdinand Porsche's first major project completed at the time without layshafts and without a transmission that gave the 24-year-old automobile genius his breakthrough as a pioneer in the history of the automobile. Shortly thereafter Ferdinand Porsche added a combustion engine providing power for the electric generator to the electric drive system with two internal-pole motors in the front wheels. This made Porsche's hybrid drive ready for production and created a unique highlight at the Paris Auto Show in 1901.

More than 100 years later the engineers at Porsche's Weissach Research & Development Center took up precisely this concept, creating the future-oriented high-tech Cayenne Hybrid, a unique vehicle combining superior efficiency with equally superior driving dynamics. The Full-Parallel-Hybrid System developed by Porsche combines the best of two worlds so efficiently that the series-production will consume less than 9 liters/100 km. An equally important point was to maintain Porsche's typically ambitious standards in terms of vehicle weight and driving dynamics also in the hybrid model. And perhaps the best news is that Porsche will be introducing this very economical SUV before the end of this decade.

The Los Angeles Auto Show has become the most significant show for Porsche in the USA, reaching Porsche customers in one of the brand's main regions with maximum impact and with a great effect on the company's image. The particular lifestyle of California is clearly borne out by the new Porsche GT2 likewise making its North American debut in Los Angeles and offering high technology of tomorrow in today's market: This 530-hp super-sportscar is powered by a biturbo engine featuring a new expansion intake manifold to reduce fuel consumption under full load. The fastest production-911 of all times will be available as of February 2008 in the USA at a retail price of US$ 191,700.

Source: Porsche

Lucky fans drive away with Sopranos Porsche Cayenne

Lucky Bid Winners to Drive Away With Piece of TV History

ATLANTA – Two lucky Sopranos fans’ lives just got a lot spicier. Their winning bid at the the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation’s 12th Annual Grand Slam for Children landed the actual Porsche Cayenne SUV Carmela Soprano drove through the streets of her New Jersey suburb on the hit drama “The Sopranos.”

Last weekend in Las Vegas, the Cayenne was the must-have item up for auction during the Grand Slam, one of the city’s biggest entertainment and fundraising nights of the year. Tony Bennett, Kelly Clarkson, Hall & Oates, Matchbox Twenty, Carlos Santana and Jerry Seinfeld were among the A-list celebrities who performed at the event.

Richard and Theresa Beauchamp from Steamboat Springs, Colorado placed the winning bid on the Porsche Cayenne for $90,000. To round out the bidding, auctioneer Jack Williams added $10,000 of his own money bringing the total price to $100,000. The Beauchamps’ new SUV comes complete with a bronze plaque bearing the signatures of the show’s Emmy award-winning stars James Gandolfini and Edie Falco.

Richard and Theresa Beauchamp of Steamboat Springs, Colo. sported big smiles in front of the Porsche Cayenne S they purchased during the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation's annual auction and gala, the Grand Slam for Children event, on October 6. The SUV is the authentic Porsche showcased in "The Sopranos" and features a bronze plaque inside with the signatures of stars James Gandolfini and Edie Falco. Image Credit: Kevin Cannon

“I am grateful that there are so many people dedicated to helping kids,” Andre Agassi said. “I’m thrilled with the turnout from the public, the generosity of our sponsors, donors and bidders, and the commitment and talent of the performers who so graciously give their time to the Grand Slam. It was one of the greatest nights of the year.”

The coveted car, a 2005 Porsche Cayenne S* in Prosecco with Sand Beige interior, boasts a 4.5-liter V8 engine, as well as automatic climate control with dual front-passenger settings and a 350-watt, 14-speaker Bose stereo. It only has 6,758 miles on the odometer.
“We already own a Cayenne Turbo, which we love,” said Theresa Beauchamp. “In addition, we watched ‘The Sopranos’ for years when it was on television, so we were drawn to the novelty of the car.”

Founded in 1994 by former professional tennis player Andre Agassi, the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation (AACF) was created to provide recreational and educational opportunities for at-risk children in Southern Nevada.

Since its inception, the Foundation has supported more than 20 organizations and raised more than $60 million for programs designed to enhance a child's character, self-esteem and career possibilities. For more information, visit http://www.agassifoundation.org/.

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga., and its subsidiary, Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd., are the exclusive importers of Porsche sports cars and Cayenne sport utility vehicles for the United States and Canada. A wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, PCNA employs approximately 250 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 214 U.S. and Canadian dealers. They, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service.

* Tony Soprano presented the Cayenne to Carmela in the series’ sixth season as a “Turbo”; in reality, the SUV is a Cayenne S model.

Source: Porsche

Porsche take over of VW now possible due to changes in VW Law.

It is no secret that Porsche has been buying up stake in Volkswagen for the last year. Though a piece of legislation called the VW Law has been the only thing to prevent the sports car builder from completely take over Europe's largest automaker. Currently Porsche has a 31% stake in VW, but with news today of the European Court striking down the VW Law, many expect the company to quickly increase its stake to a controlling 51%.

The VW Law itself dates back to 1960, and while a bit complicated to understand, basically stipulates that 80% shareholder approval is required to pass major decisions and regardless of how much stake a single entity holds, its voting block cannot be greater than 20%. Since the company's home state of Lower Saxony owns 20.1% of VW, it alone holds the power to influence the company's decision making. Under the VW Law, Lower Saxony has the power to block any decision that would threaten its jobs and the local economy. Thus, Porsche's desire to own a controlling stake in VW has been blocked by Lower Saxony as well as its inability to use the full force of its 31% stake in voting.

Though two separate companies, Porsche and Volkswagen share a long history dating back to Dr. Ferdinand Porsche who was the designer of the Beetle, as well as the Auto Union Silver Arrow race cars. Much of the leadership at VWAG are also direct descendants of Dr. Porsche as well. Dr. Ferdinand Piech is Dr. Porsche's grandson. Though the family ties do not end there. Volkswagen and Porsche have collaborated on many projects. The Porsche 914, 924 & Cayenne were all joint developments between the two companies.

2007 Porsche Cayman S "Porsche Design Edition 1"

Coming soon to a Porsche dealer near you! Porsche will offer a special editon Cayman S. The Porsche Design Edition 1 which emphasizes the purist nature of the Cayman. The car will feature sparkling black paint, black leather and Alcantara upolstery, Porsche Design Chronograph styled instruments, even the steering wheel, gear lever, handbrake, and roof lining are also covered in black Alcantara, a numbered plaque will also be displayed on the dashboard. The 19 inch 997 Turbo wheels perfectly accent the black paint. Edition 1 will be powered by the standard 3.4 liter 6 cylinder engine producing 295 Horsepower and 252 ftlbs torque. Along with the long list of standard equipment on the Boxster S. Edition 1 owners will also receive a matching briefcase packed with a matching Flat Six Chronograph watch, pocket knife, sunglasses, pen, and key ring. All of which are painted the matching black of the car. Only 777 of these special Caymans will be available. Thus making this Porsche a true collectors item. Germany will begin to see the Porsche Design Edition 1 starting in November 2007 with the United States following in January 2008. The price is expected to be around $93,000.