A Sound Carrera Choice

\”We can modify the 911, hone and improve it, but we must never alter either its character or its unmistakable appearance.\” So opined Ferry Porsche in 1993 at the launch of the 993-series Porsche 911. Yet this iteration of the 911 came close to contradicting the old man and divides opinions between Porschephiles. Some see it as a stopgap model, produced for a mere five years before the introduction of the water-cooled 996-series 911 while others view it as the last of the ‘real’ 911 models. Both views have an element of truth, but what can’t be argued is that the 993 – as we shall refer to this model – still represents one of the finest and most practical supercars around. As a used proposition it makes paying nearly £30,000 for a new Audi TT look a little predictable.

HISTORY

*HISTORY

Porsche was not in good shape when the 993 was born. The boom years of the eighties were but a fading memory and Porsche had failed to invest the windfall income of the good times wisely. With the ageing 928 and the slow-selling 968 – effectively a rehashed 944 – on their books, this independent company was looking a ripe target for takeover by one of the big automotive carnivores eager to bask in the reflected glory that Porsche engineering would have on their other wares. With the Boxster model still some way off and the relatively unloved 964-series 911 looking a little old, the 993 had to carry the company through a difficult period.

Fortunately it was good enough to do so, coming at a time when key rivals were also going through a tough patch. The Honda NSX only sold in trickles, TVR’s Griffith couldn’t shake its reputation for poor build quality and in the shape of the 348, Ferrari had their weakest offering in the junior supercar sector that most could remember. The 993 arrived in the UK in December 1993 in base rear-wheel drive Carrera form. With 272bhp on tap it wasn’t a great deal quicker than the 964-series Carrera 2 but the lines were far smoother, the interior a little more modern and the running gear a good deal more sophisticated. The Cabriolet model was launched in April 1994, but it wasn’t until October 1994 that fans of four-wheel drive were sated by the arrival of the Carrera 4, identifiable by indicators that were white at the front and red at the back rather than orange all round in the case of the standard Carrera.

In April 1995 Porsche launched the iconic 911 Turbo in 993 guise, powered by a 408bhp version of the 3.6-litre lump, mated to the Carrera 4′s all-wheel drive running gear. The 993 Turbo represented the first Porsche Turbo with a six-speed box, two turbochargers and four-wheel drive. It was truly an awesome beast. This was followed in October 1995 by the Carrera 4S, a model which aped the Turbo’s looks but with the Carrera’s normally aspirated engine. At the same time, Porsche also revived the Targa designation, this time around substituting the lift-off targa panel for an electrically operated sliding glass roof. The engines in the Carrera models was also uprated to 285bhp thanks to modifications to the valves and the addition of Varioram, a two stage induction system. A Carrera 2S was launched in August 1996. Although the 996-series of the Porsche 911 was launched in late 1997, production of the 993 Turbo continued right up until October 1998.

WHAT YOU GET

*WHAT YOU GET

Always renowned as the supercar you could drive to work in, the Porsche 993 is a remarkably practical thing, especially when compared to the compromised mid-engined exotica it often found itself compared with. The 993 shape took a little getting used to, Porsche ditching the upright headlamps in favour of a more aerodynamic look pioneered by the 959 special although many of the styling changes were evolutionary, Porsche already working on the revolutionary water-cooled 996 series 911 throughout the life of the 993.

Certain 911 trademarks remain. The floor mounted pedals and four dials across the rudimentary dashboard, the good all-round visibility and the untemperamental nature of that flat-six engine were all familiar touchstones that soothed those fretting over the smooth styling. With a pair of rear seats and a boot under the bonnet, the 911 gave a nod towards practicality. Twin airbags, leather trim, alloy wheels, electric windows, air conditioning and a sunroof were fitted as standard to even the base Carrera. By today’s standards the interior looks a little dated, with some haphazardly scattered switches, but build quality is admirable, the 993 feeling very solid even with 100,000 miles on the clock.

WHAT YOU PAY

*WHAT YOU PAY

Prices of used Porsche 993s vary wildly according to condition, mileage and service history, and this is one car that really does benefit from main dealer or specialist maintenance to keep on song. As a guide, expect to pay around £28,000 for a 1995 M-plated Carrera coupe, with Tiptronic automatic transmission adding around £1,000 to that figure. A 1996 N-registered Carrera Targa retails at around £32,500 whilst an equivalent vintage Cabriolet will fetch in the region of £33,500. Add £2,000 to each of these prices if you fancy the security of all-wheel drive. The Turbo starts at £41,000 for a 1995 M plated car – a decent saving on its £91,950 new price tag! The last of the 1998 R-plated cars will still fetch around £53,500. Insurance for all models is Group 20.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

*WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Make sure the alarm system is working. The Porsche 993 was fitted with a Thatcham Category 1 rated system but it is notoriously prone to failure and any Porsche will always make a car thief’s eyes light up. 1995 model year cars have also had problems reported with their wiring looms, with cracked wires at the alternator due to low quality insulation. Open the doors on both sides and listen for a cracking sound. Hinges on the 993 have been known to drop, making door alignment wonky. Don’t worry too much if there’s a cloud of smoke from the exhaust on start up. As a result of the dry sump lubrication and boxer engine setup, a little oil occasionally leaches into the cylinders.

Alloy wheels are expensive to replace, so check for parking scrapes. The same goes for tyres, so haggle away if they\’re looking close to replacement. Steer clear of cars that have non-approved extras or over the top spoiler kits. The 993 sells best in subtle colours like black, grey and especially silver. Try to avoid garishly coloured examples. Guards Red looks particularly wrong. Insist on a full service history, ideally by official Porsche dealers or, at the very least, recognised specialists. If it’s ‘unavailable’, ‘lost’ or ‘being stamped up’, walk away.

REPLACEMENT PARTS

*REPLACEMENT PARTS

(approx. based on a 1995 911 Carrera) As you might expect, parts aren\’t cheap – though they\’re not as pricey as you might expect. However, they do last. A clutch assembly will be around £450, brake pads will be about £50 for the front and £45 for the rear, whilst a full exhaust system can be up to £650. A starter motor should be close to £250, a radiator is about £250 and an alternator around £420.

ON THE ROAD

*ON THE ROAD

Although the changes from 964-series 911 to 993-series weren’t as great as from 993-series to 1997′s 996-series, the 993 was still a significantly different drive to the last of the ‘upright headlamp’ 911s. With 272bhp to call upon at launch, the Carrera could accelerate to 60mph in 5.2 seconds due to great traction and favourable gearing – this 911 being the first to feature a six-speed box. So good is the traction of the Carrera that paying extra for the four-wheel drive chassis of the Carrera 4 seems of debatable benefit.

Handling was a good deal more benign than the previous generation, something we always seem to say about every 911 series in an attempt to witness engineering overcome physics. Nevertheless, it’s still possible to feel the weight in the tail if, for instance, you step of the throttle in a tightening corner. The brakes are almost ridiculously powerful and the engine note of this – the last of the air-cooled 911s – is to die for. The Targa model was never particularly popular, feeling much like a 911 with an overgrown sunroof, but the Cabriolet versions are sought after. Anything that gets you closer to that breathy engine note has to be worthwhile. Tiptronic models seem a little pointless unless you really do want to cruise and pose. The later ‘Varioram’ cars are a little quicker still, but if its speed you’re after, the 408bhp 911 Turbo might just satisfy your requirements. With acceleration to match anything produced by Ferrari or Lamborghini at the time, the Turbo is still a force to be reckoned with.

OVERALL

A 993-series Porsche 911 is a car that rewards research. Go see a few, spend a few hours trawling through internet bulletin boards and speak to Porsche club members about the cars. Although it’s a model that has largely escaped the clutches of the cowboys, it still pays to buy the best looked after car you can find, irrespective of age. The base Carrera coupe is probably the best buy although if you require the sort of genuine supercar speed and capability that’ll put Japanese evo-cars in their place, you’ll need the Turbo. Whichever model you choose, chances are that Porsche ownership will exact far fewer compromises than any equivalent exotic.

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How to Choose a Good Porsche Service Specialist

Porsche cars are very exquisite and delicate. They need high caliber fine-tuning during their maintenance intervals. However, with many Porsche service specialists around, how do you choose a good one? Here are several tips you can use.

First, consider your budget. Many automobile dealers and service specialists offer good Porsche service, although the service is often expensive. You can spend on it if you have the money and if you are willing to shell out that much, but if that is not the case, why not look for an alternative? For example, you can check out the Porsche service Costa Mesa and Newport Beach have because many specialists in those areas provide professional Porsche service at a reasonable price.

Second, remember the complexity of Porsche cars. From the car paint to the components that comprise them, Porsche cars require special handling and maintenance. You would not want your Porsche to get the wrong paint or parts due to mechanic’s ignorance on Porsche specifications. Thus, select a Porsche service specialist that has a competent staff equipped with extensive training and experience in handling Porsche cars.

Third, get to know your prospective Porsche service specialist. Verify the background of the company and ask about its success rates, accreditations, and scope of their services. In addition, it would be better if you could meet some previous clients of the company because they could affirm the reliability of the company’s services. For instance, a lot of clients that chose the Porsche service Newport Beach and Costa Mesa companies offer are willing to vouch for the reliability of their respective chosen companies.

Fourth and lastly, choose a Porsche service specialist that makes you appreciate more the value of your Porsche. Choose one that provides support for your passion for Porsche cars and one that engages you to maximize the potential of your Porsche. You might want to check the Porsche service Newport Beach and Costa Mesa companies have because many of them offer Porsche support group and even racing club membership.

Although choosing a good Porsche service specialist is not an easy task, it certainly is a meaningful one. With proper budgeting and selection of a specialist, you and your Porsche can avail of quality service. Many Porsche service Costa Mesa and Newport companies are willing to give you great deals without compromising quality Porsche service. Check them out.

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Porsche- All Car History Volume 9

Porsche are renowned for producing a high calibre of sports car. The German car makers have succeeded making sports car that are renowned for its quality, reliability and performance. Above all, Porsche is a prestigious sports car that can be used for everyday driving.

The collection of opulent Porsches’ includes the Boxter, Cayman, 911 and the Cayenne series, which are produced in Germany. Porsche have managed to retain the car plant despite other German manufacturers have relocated to other countries chiefly Eastern Europe.

PORSCHE HISTORY

Ferdinand Porsche founded Porsche in 1931. Interestingly, he was the engineer for the first Volkswagen created, hence the first Porsche made used machinery from the Volkswagen Beetle. The first model was launched in 1938 and 10 years later the second Porsche was released, the 356. The end of the war saw Porsche participating in motor racing which proved to be highly successful. 1963 saw the launch of the Porsche 911, the most well known model, which is still in production today due to its success by the public and on the race track.

PORSCHE FACTS

Type: Public

Founded: 1931

Headquarters: Stuttgart, Germany

Key people: Dr. Wendelin Wiedeking, CEO and President

Industry: Automotive

Products: Cars

MODELS

PORSCHE 911 - a sports car made by Porsche since 1963, the famous rear-engine 911 has undergone continuous development.

PORSCHE BOXSTER - mid-engine roadster built by Porsche since 1996.

PORSCHE CAYENNE - The Porsche Cayenne is a five-seat mid-size sports utility vehicle produced by Porsche since 2002.

DID YOU KNOW?

At the Paris Auto Show in 1974, during the height of the oil crisis, Porsche presented the 911Turbo – the world’s first production sports car with exhaust turbocharger and pressure regulator.

In 1996, the one millionth Porsche rolled off the company’s Zuffenhausen assembly line just outside Stuttgart on July 15.

Porsche founder Ferdinand Porsche’s grandson, Ferdinand Piëch, was chairman and CEO of the Volkswagen Group from 1993 to 2002. With half of all shares, he also remains the largest individual shareholder of the Porsche company.

Porsche’s 2002 introduction of the Cayenne also marked the unveiling of a new production facility in Leipzig, Saxony, which today accounts for nearly half of Porsche’s annual output.

Porsche Weighs Launching Four Cylinder Models

German sports car maker, Porsche, may soon be doing the unthinkable: offering at least one four cylinder powered model in their product mix.

Porsche, along with most other automakers, has suffered tremendously this year as sales have plunged by more than 17% through August 2008. In August, Porsche’s sales were down a whopping 45%; both figures apply to the US market only.

A Four Cylinder Engine For Porsche?

The decision to build a car with a four cylinder engine hasn’t been finalized, but it is something that Porsche believes that they must consider in order to garner more sales. Several years ago Porsche boldly expanded its product line up by adding an SUV, the Porsche Cayenne, a vehicle that alarmed purists but helped stoke the company’s bottom line.

By introducing the Cayenne, Porsche contended that they were losing sales to BMW and Mercedes as families who needed more room were forced to look beyond Porsche’s two-seater product offerings. With the SUV market expanding, adding this type of vehicle was deemed to be critical to helping Porsche.

Cayenne Sales Are Up For The Year

Apparently, Porsche is doing well with the Cayenne as its year to date truck sales are up almost 4% for the year, according to Autodata Corp. who tracks this information. Cayenne is the only vehicle sold by Porsche under the truck category.

If Porsche chooses to add a four cylinder engine to its product mix, it wouldn’t be a strange engine for Porsche. As recently as the 1980s, both the Porsche 924 and 944 models offered four cylinder engines, a technology Porsche traces all the way back to the 1930s.

Targeting the Boxster

The likeliest recipient for a four cylinder engine would be the Porsche Boxster, the smallest and lightest of all Porsche models. Some analysts are theorizing that Porsche could easily make the transition to a four cylinder engine by removing two cylinders from a current six cylinder engine and coming up with a 2.4L flathead four cylinder.

Another option would be for Porsche to harvest an existing four cylinder engine from partner Volkswagen and modifying it according to their needs. The two automakers have a long history of sharing technology and co-developing vehicles with the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne underpinned by the same truck platform.

Lastly, Porsche might also consider developing an all-new model, perhaps a four passenger sport sedan to expand its product line and to provide a fuel efficient model. That move would further infuriate Porsche loyalists, but in face of the current economic climate and concerns about global energy, a hotrod compact sedan might be the direction Porsche will go.

Porsche 918 Spyder

The new Porsche 918 Spyder concept synthesizes racing abilities and electrical mobility, providing an wonderful suite of characteristics: emission ranges of about 70g CO2 per kilometer, when using an average of 3 liters/one hundred kilometers. Its fuel consumption is about 78 mpg. Also, weighing only three,285 (one,490 kg), the prototype provides supercar performances this sort of as: accelerating from to one hundred km/h in just three,2 seconds and a optimum velocity of 62 mph (320 km/h). Additional than that, it scored a much less than 7:30 minutes document on the Nurburgring track, outranking the Porsche Carrera GT – the pinnacle of the German company’s series.
Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid

Porsche 918 is 1 of the three hybrid propulsion designs which have been revealed at the Geneva Motor Indicate. This trio of the new Cayenne S Hybrid, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid and the 918 Spyder Hybrid concept, demonstrates not just the characteristics of this new technologies, but also Porsche’s modern power, as a pioneering pressure in hybrid propulsion methods.
Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid

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The new two-seated 918 Spyder model is made up of a hybrid plug-in program, with a V8 engine that operates with the assist of air-cooled lithium-ion batteries, producing more than 500 hp, at a maximum of 9,200 rpm, and two electric motors, placed on the two axes, with a optimum electrical power of 218 hp (160 kW). The V8 engine is a model of the 3,4 liter one particular which is incorporated in the RS Spyder racecars. Batteries also recharge even though braking, by using KERS, and although coasting. Chassis products consist of carbon fiber reinforced plastic and magnesium and aluminium for a reduced weight.

In the electrical mode, 918 Spyder is capable of driving on a 25 km track. In hybrid mode, the automobile makes use of both the electrical engines and the fuel engine, relying on driving situations, supplying each wonderful effectiveness and dynamic ultra-performances. When you are in Activity Hybrid Mode, the car uses each propulsion techniques, but tends to boost performance. Most of the generated power is directed to the back again wheels. When in Race Hybrid Mode, programs are centered solely on pure efficiency, at the highest standard of track racing, pushing the engines to their restrict.Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid

In the centre console is a contact-sensitive handle unit, which provides you intuitive handle and enhances the immediate operation of the automobile. Important manage models are located on the multifunction steering wheel. Other units that serve to customize your driving mode are illuminated and mapped like that the driver can call up different capabilities, like as the E-boosting button, when overtaking.

Quite a few much more innovative features, like the Variety Manager, activated on the middle show, estimates your remaining variety that you can cover with the remaining electrical power, preserving you on an intuitive manage of the selection of energy or performance. If there are environmental alerts in cities, the Assortment Manager helps you estimate whether or not you can continue on electrical energy to attain your vacation spot.

The German business introduced its production in a minimal sequence, proving that they will take the proper approach in direction of combining effective drivetrain concepts with supreme efficiency.

The Top Gear team review the Porsche Carrera GT. Whilst Jeremy Clarkson finds it one of the most beautiful, exciting and fastest drives of his life, the Stig sees if it can beat the record-holding Maclaren Mercedes as the fastest car they’ve tested out. Don’t forget to hit ‘view in high quality’ at the bottom right of the video to get the best picture. Visit www.topgear.com for all the latest news and reviews.

Replica Porsche Design watches always provide the quality you want at an affordable price

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Porsche Design P’6930 chronograph

Porsche Design has just created the P’ 6930 chronograph that borrows something from the high successful P’6910 indicator when it comes to styling. This new Porsche design chronograph watch, crafted from natural titanium or black PVD-coated titanium, comes with a sophisticated look and is driven by a self-winding mechanical movement whose accuracy is proved by the COSC.
 
The case of the P’6930, sized at 47mm, looks quite impressive thanks to the light and corrosion-resistant titanium it is made from. The black bezel and the four iconic screws are eye-catching elements of the case, bringing a manly touch to the watch. And the watch is fitted with sapphire crystal at both side.
 
Similar to the P’ 6910 indicator, the style of P’6930 is inspired by the design elements of the Porsche Carrera GT that was created between 2005 and 2006. This high-end sports case is fruit of advanced technology and represents a new high of the modern sports-car making. As you may know, the P’6920 from the Indicator is one of the winners of the the Red Dot Award.
 
The two chronograph pusher buttons of P’6930 , based on the pedals of the Carrera GT, looks quite sleek. The screw-down crown, coated by black PVD and sporting Clous-de-Paris pattern, is not less attractive either. The natural caoutchouc strap features tyre-tread design that allows air to reach the skin and sweaters go out freely. It is secured onto the wrist by a PVD-coated titanium folding clasp. The automatic Valjoux 7750 movement comes with an energy-optimised rotor system that is resembles the Carrera GT wheel rim. You can admire it via the display case back.
 
The dial of the P’6930, with optimal layout and color solution, represents the classic design of all Porsche Design watches. It is eye-pleasing and very easy to read. The hour hand and minute hand are partially skeletonized to ensure optimal reading of the subdials, and the sufficient luminous material application on the hands and markings makes sure that the watch is highly legible all the time.

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New Porsche Centre at Hotel Ashok, New Delhi

Luxury car maker Porsche has opened its new centre within India’s flourishing market for exclusive cars. The new centre of Porsche is located at the prestigious Hotel Ashok at New Delhi. The new Porsche centre aims at providing an unparalleled experience to its customers through its state-of-the-art facility. The construction of this grand and luxurious Porsche centre at Delhi had begun in early 2010. The new showroom is spread on an area of 4,000 square feet. Six sales consultants would be permanently available at this centre for answering visitors’ inquiries. The centre is also a home to the entire product range of Porsche. It also includes the recent Porsche Cayenne.

By starting its new centre at Delhi, Porsche is following its approach of establishing high-quality dealerships in India. Such high quality centres will enable the car manufacturers to provide high-end product with uncompromising service standards to its customers. Ashish Chordia, Director of Porsche India, commented that it has always been their endeavour to build an exclusive retail facility in New Delhi, which will provide a premium experience. The company is proud of its achievements and looks forward to offer its customers outstanding service in this modern facility.

Deesch Papke, Managing Director of Porsche Middle East and Africa was quoted saying that India is a promising market with a fantastic outlook. In the entire region of the company, Porsche has enjoyed continuous growth over the last decade and they are certain that with the newly opened Porsche Centre New Delhi, they have realized the next crucial step for an even brighter future in this market. Chordia also stated that Porsche will expand its presence across India with operations to be opened in Hyderabad, Chennai, Chandigarh, Kochi and Ahmedabad.

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Porsche car parts from marque21.co.uk

Porsche have a great reputation for building top grade, durable cars and this can be a great option if you want a good quality affordable used performance car. Buying a used Porsche can be difficult as there are so many different models on offer. The main restriction for your used Porsche purchase will most likely be your budget and in this modern era of rising fuel costs you do also need to consider fuel consumption if you are going to be using your Porsche as an everyday car.

Used Porsches

When you are buying a used Porsche you do need to look for a durable model that will work in all weather and road conditions. If you get a good used Porsche it will be reliable and practical, however many of the older models will need a lot more care than a modern car to keep them in good working order. You do need to look past the surface glamour to the car underneath and make sure you thoroughly inspect any used Porsche before you buy it. The body work on Porsche can look good for a long time but this could be disguising a car that has not been well looked after in the areas which count such as the engine, chassis, gearbox and clutch. It can be expensive replacing any parts on a quality car such as a Porsche so you will save money in the long run by buying a decent car to start with.

Porsche 911

The Porsche 911 is a good choice if you want to combine practicality with performance. The 911 is designed to perform in all road conditions and drives just as well around town as it does out on the motorway. Many modern cars have been designed to insulate drivers from the effort of driving but the 911 is designed to celebrate the act of driving and ensure that you enjoy every mile. Another benefit of the 911 is that the depreciation value is very low. This means if you buy a good model and look after it well you should not lose very much money on it when it comes time to sell it on, even if you have put more miles on the clock. A classic model such as the 1980′s 3.2 Carrera, 964 RS or 993 RS will only increase in value so you can see these as an investment.

Porsche Parts

You do not have to go back to the manufacturer directly for parts as there are plenty of independent sellers stocking a wide range of affordable parts. You do need to check you are buying genuine Porsche parts though as there are a number of inferior copies on the market that do not last as long or provide the best performance.

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2011 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

The 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race car, making its debut in the 2011 Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship, is the latest edition of the best-selling racing car of all time, having been built in a production series of more than 1,400 units since 1998.

The latest Porsche 911 GT3 Cup racer is based for the first time on the 911 GT3 RS road car, with the weight of the motor sport derivative reduced significantly versus the already lightweight road car. The Porsche 911 GT3 Cup is designed for racing in the many Porsche Carrera Cup Championships around the globe and the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup that supports Grands Prix, and was based previously on the 911 GT3.

As a consequence of being based on the 911 GT3 RS, this is the first Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car to feature the 44-millimetre (1.73″) wider body at the rear, which provides increased space for even larger wheels and slick tyres. Wider front wheel arches also clearly show that the front wheels/tyres are likewise bigger which, combined with other evolutionary changes, has enabled the dynamic performance of the latest car to reach new heights.

Engine capacity is up by 0.2 litres over the prior GT3 Cup car, with power output rising by 30 hp more than before. Thus the rear-mounted 3.8-litre six-cylinder horizontally-opposed power unit develops 450 hp, and drives the rear wheels through a sequential six-speed manual gearbox and limited slip differential.

Emphasising the Porsche ‘track to road’ philosophy which has guided the company since its beginnings in 1948, the power unit featured in the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup is largely identical to the production engine in the 911 GT3 RS – and offers the same output of 450 hp and identical maximum engine speed of 8,500 rpm.

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The Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race car is designed by the same team based in Weissach, near Stuttgart, Germany, responsible for the iconic Porsche 911 GT3 and RS road cars. In keeping with the lightweight, race-bred credentials that are synonymous with Porsche RS models, the road car weighs 1,370 kg. As befits its single-minded motor sport purpose, the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race car tips the scales at 1,200 kg, resulting in even sharper performance on the circuit.

From the outside, the new 911 GT3 Cup clearly demonstrates its RS road car origins while at the same time maintaining the purposeful appearance of a race car. The striking daytime driving lights come straight from the current generation of the 911 and the front body panels are the same as on the 911 GT3 RS. However, the front spoiler lip is 15 millimetres (approx 0.6″) lower to provide significantly more downforce on the front axle.

Downforce on the rear axle is also increased by the rear wing, that is extended in width from 1.46 to 1.70 metres (57.5 to 66.9″) and now mounted higher up in a development feature reminiscent of that fitted to the even faster 911 GT3 R raced in international FIA GT3 series. The rear bumper valance with its distinctive air vent openings and LED technology rear lights, in turn, come straight from the GT3 RS road car.

The wider front wheel arches and the flared rear wheel housings provide ample space for even wider wheels. The front axle rides on three-piece light-alloy rims measuring 9.5 J x 18 (previously 9 J x 18) and running on 24/64-18 Michelin racing tyres. The width of the three-piece light-alloy rims on the rear axle have increased by one inch, and now measure 12 J x 18 with 27/68-18 tyres.

Additional Unibal joints are featured on the track control arms of the front and rear suspension to permit greater chassis adjustability, and the sword-shaped anti-roll bars fitted front and rear are now adjustable to seven different positions on both sides. Combined, this allows for an even more precise set-up of the car depending on the characteristics of the respective race track.

The cockpit of the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup caters more than ever before for the specific needs of the race driver. An additional vent in the upper part of the front lid, for example, provides the driver with a better supply of fresh air. The controls for the Info Display are now positioned directly on the steering wheel which houses a total of six switches that control a variety of functions including the pit-lane speed limiter, windscreen wipers, and lights. In addition to fore-and-aft adjustment, the steering wheel may now also be adjusted for height, as on the 911 road car.

The new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup costs £94,600 plus VAT and deliveries to customers will begin in early 2011. Next season it will be raced not only in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, but also in the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup on the occasion of Formula 1 races and many other Cup Championships around the world.

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