Archive for December, 2011

2012 Porsche 911 reveal

Published by Barrier Porsche on December 31st, 2011

Porsche pulled form-fitting covers off two of its all-new 911 models back at the Rennsport Reunion IV, marking the first official unveiling of the vehicle in North America. While we were at the Frankfurt Motor Show in mid-September for the Type 991′s worldwide debut, it was an excellent opportunity to check out a few static examples up close and watch some of Porsche’s famed drivers take hot laps around the Laguna Seca race circuit in two similar models circling the track.

On display were two of the upgraded 911 S models, fitted with 3.8-liter flat-six engines that produce 400 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque (standard Carrera models have a 3.4-liter flat-six rated at 350 horsepower and 287 pound-feet of torque). A seven-speed manual is standard in both rear-wheel-drive models, with Porsche’s seven-speed PDK automated gearbox optional.

Bigger, better and lighter than its equivalent Type 997 predecessor, the new two-door promises impressive performance. According to Porsche, the 3,075-pound Carrera S will hit 60 mph in 3.9 seconds with the PDK (with Sport Chrono option), while the 3,042-pound Carrera will need 4.2 seconds to hit the same benchmark. Our first opportunity to drive is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to tell you about it.

Barrier Porsche

2012 Porsche 911 reveal

 

Take a look at what’s going on in Barrier Motors! Be sure to check out Barrier Motors for all of the newest incentives on the exciting new Porsche vehicles.


Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid

Published by Barrier Porsche on December 23rd, 2011

Porsche has announced that it will continue development on its innovative 911 GT3 R Hybrid, delivering a new third-generation model in 2012 in an effort “…to gain extra practical experience under racing conditions and make the hybrid drive even more efficient.”

The rolling race laboratory, as the automaker prefers to call it, ran the 2011 season in second-generation trim. That version used a 470 horsepower gasoline-powered 4.0-liter flat-six to drive the rear wheels and 202 horsepower worth of electric motors to drive the front wheels – with electricity generated by a 36,000 rpm flywheel mounted on the passenger side of the cabin. With a curb weight of just 2,866 pounds and total system power of 672 horsepower, the all-wheel-drive Porsche GT3 R Hybrid 2.0 accelerated to 60 mph in about 2.5 seconds.

We drove Porsche’s 911 GT3 R Hybrid 2.0 at the famed Estoril race circuit outside of Lisbon, Portugal, just last month. Despite the second-generation model being the answer to all of our enthusiast prayers, we assume Porsche will reduce the overall weight of the system, increase the duration of the boost and reduce the deafening noise level in the cabin. There’s always room for improvement.

Barrier Porsche

Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid

 

Take a look at what’s going on in Barrier Motors! Be sure to check out Barrier Motors for all of the newest incentives on the exciting new Porsche vehicles.


911 GT3 RSR

Published by Barrier Porsche on December 13th, 2011

When Porsche launches a new 911, it doesn’t just launch one model, it starts a process that will see literally dozens of variants to follow. Some with turbos, some without. Some with all-wheel drive, some driving just the rear. Coupes, convertibles, targas, lightweight models, and yes, even racing versions.

The 911, after all, is one of the most prolific racing cars on circuits around the world. This example, however, is not based on the new 911. What you see here is still based on the old 997. But it is the pinnacle of Porsche Motorsport’s range of customer racing cars.

The new GT3 RSR is built to race in the ACO’s GTE category, making it instantly eligible for competition in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Le Mans Series, the American Le Mans Series and the new FIA World Endurance Championship, as well as the International GT Open and a variety of other series and events.

Its 4.0-liter boxer six drives 460 horsepower (kept in check by a mandatory air restrictor) to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox. Porsche has also fitted larger wheels front and rear, and given it a completely new aero package to keep it glued to the tarmac, slicing through the air and at front of the pack.

Barrier Porsche

911 GT3 RSR

 

Take a look at what’s going on in Barrier Motors! Be sure to check out Barrier Motors for all of the newest incentives on the exciting new Porsche vehicles.


New Californian Porsche facility

Published by Barrier Porsche on December 7th, 2011

The artist’s rendering above is an early look at Porsche’s planned West Coast Experience Center. Announced at the LA Auto Show, the facility will be opening in Southern California in the near future. The 51-acre facility is designed to be a “center of excellence for vehicle and human performance education, from track experiences and driver training to car culture events,” says Porsche.

What that means is that the Experience Center (the second Porsche has planned for North America after announcing another location in Atlanta) will include a paved racing circuit, an off-road testing area, a low-friction skidpad and other areas for dining and meetings (the automaker will also offer the facility to car clubs, corporate clients, and other special groups). In addition, the facility will host the Porsche Human Performance Center, with a sport science laboratory to maximize personal fitness, wellness, and athletic performance.

Located in Los Angeles near the intersection of two major freeways (the 405 and 110), groundbreaking is expected in spring 2012.

Barrier Porsche

New Californian Porsche facility

 

Take a look at what’s going on in Barrier Motors! Be sure to check out Barrier Motors for all of the newest incentives on the exciting new Porsche vehicles.


2012 Porsche Cabriolet

Published by Barrier Porsche on December 2nd, 2011

Porsche has finally officially unveiled its 2012 911 Carrera Cabriolet, and the model will boast the same sleek profile with its soft top in place as its hardtop twin for the first time in the vehicle’s history thanks to a unique roof mechanism. The vehicle blends the aluminum and steel chassis of the standard 911 with a folding top manufactured from a slew of lightweight materials, including canvas magnesium and advanced high-strength steel to keep weight as low as possible. Porsche isn’t saying exactly how many pounds engineers managed to shave from this vehicle compared to the previous generation, but the company assures us that the latest iteration is “significantly lighter.” Sounds good.

With a 350-horsepower 3.4-liter flat six in the base 2012 Porsche 911 Cabriolet, the vehicle can scoot to 60 mph from standstill in as little as 4.4 seconds. The 911 Cabriolet S, meanwhile, can do the deed in 4.1 seconds thanks to its 400-horsepower 3.8-liter engine. Look to shell out $97,300 for the Carrera Cabriolet and $108,800 for the Carrera Cabriolet S.

Barrier Porsche

2012 Porsche Cabriolet

 

Take a look at what’s going on in Barrier Motors! Be sure to check out Barrier Motors for all of the newest incentives on the exciting new Porsche vehicles.

 


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