Press release:

US customers verify Porsche’s top quality

Stuttgart. In the renowned “Initial Quality Study” conducted by the US market research institute J.D. Power on the quality of new cars, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, once again reached the winner’s circle. By ranking first place in the overall ratings, the manufacturer of premium sports cars met the highest quality demands again this year in its most important export market, the USA.

After ranking first place three times from 2006 to 2008 and second place in 2009, Porsche has now reached a leading position in the J.D Power study for the fifth consecutive time. The 911 sports car was ranked first in the “Premium Sporty Car” segment and was rated the second-best car in the entire study. Its new fourth Panamera modelline came in third place in the “Large Premium Car” segment against established competitors.

“The high level of customer satisfaction at Porsche is the result of our consistent quality strategy, from development to production and sales, which we are continually improving,” said Michael Macht, President and Chief Executive Officer of Porsche AG. “Current proof that we focus strictly on customer requirements is also our Gran Turismo Panamera. Its excellent rating performance in the J.D. Power study highlights its top class.”

In March of this year, Porsche already achieved impressive ratings in the J.D. Power Study on used car quality, ranking number one in the overall ratings. The Initial Quality Study surveys the satisfaction of more than 82,000 US customers in the first three months of purchasing their new cars. A total of 236 car models are rated according to 228 criteria that are arranged in categories like driving experience and engine performance.

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Press release:

Stuttgart. The eight-cylinder Panamera models are entering the next model year as of August 2010 with an even higher standard of all-round efficiency and new options. Particularly the new brake energy recuperation system featured as standard, together with optional 19-inch all-season tyres offering reduced roll resistance, give the Panamera Turbo a further improvement of fuel consumption by 0.9 litres/100 km. As a result, the 500-horsepower top model now consumes just 11.3 litres instead of formerly 12.2 litres/100 km in the New European Driving Cycle, equal to 25.0 mpg imp (formerly 23.2 mpg imp) and a reduction of CO2 emissions by 21 grams per kilometre. The Panamera S and Panamera 4S now making do with just 10.3 ltr/100 km and, respectively, 10.6 ltr/100 km (equal to 27.4 and, respectively, 26.7 mpg imp in the NEDC), are likewise up to half a litre more efficient per 100 kilometres (equal to minus 11 grams CO2/km).

This increase in efficiency results primarily from brake energy recuperation, with the battery being charged primarily during application of the brakes and, respectively, in overrun. When accelerating, on the other hand, the field current in the alternator is reduced, minimising the load acting on the combustion engine since it is now required to deliver even less energy for charging the battery, instead making this energy available for even faster acceleration. In conjunction with further improvements, this battery charging strategy on the Panamera Turbo saves no less than 0.7 litres on 100 kilometres, while newly developed, optional all-season tyres measuring 19 inches in diameter likewise serve to reduce fuel consumption by another 0.2 ltr/100 km on each model in the Panamera range. Together with the enhanced tread of the tyres, a special rubber compound serves to reduce roll resistance while at the same time increasing the mileage covered by the tyres. The Auto Start Stop function has also been optimised, now allowing the driver to set off again even faster and more comfortably after coming to a halt.

Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) now available as an option together with Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) and a fully controlled rear axle differential lock enhances the driving qualities of the Panamera V8 models. PTV Plus optimises steering behaviour by intervening in the brakes on the inner rear wheel in a bend and generating an additional rotational force acting in the same direction as the steering wheel. The result is even more direct and dynamic steering when entering a bend – and at the same time PTV Plus, in conjunction with the rear axle differential, improves traction on the rear wheels when accelerating out of a bend on the road.

As a further highlight, Porsche is extending the range of paintwork colours, leather options and special equipment for the Panamera. As an example, the Gran Turismo is now also available with auxiliary heating and a three-spoke sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles on cars equipped with PDK Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe. Three-dimensional presentation of maps by the further improved, optional navigation system may now also be combined with a satellite image for even more realistic presentation and enhanced orientation. Even traffic lane information is provided in this way for complex road junctions in Europe and the USA. And last but not least, the speed limit indicator so far covering only the Autobahn, motorway and interstate now also comprises – depending on the database material – main roads and major routes leading out of town.

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Today’s sport auto day. After Mercedes-Benz, here’s Porsche celebrating their success in the sport auto readers’ poll. Porsche made it in no less than three categories: The 911 GT3 won in the category “coupes up to EUR 150,000″ and the Panamera is the “sedan above 80,000 EUR” 2010. Finally, the Boxster S finished first in the category “convertibles up to 60,000 EUR”.  Porsche also had ‘podium’ finishes in two other categories: A second place for the 911 Carrera S convertible in the category “convertibles up to 120,000 EUR (after the Wiesmann Roadster MF3) and a third place for the 911 Turbo S convertible in the category “convertibles above 120,000 EUR” (1st: Audi R8 Spyder; 2nd: Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder) Congrats to Porsche!

Press release:

Porsche Triple Winner in sport auto Readers’ Choice

Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has received further public awards for a number of models in the Company’s premium sporting range: The readers of the renowned German motoring journal sport auto have picked the Porsche Boxster S, the Panamera Turbo, and the 911 GT3 RS as the “No 1 Cars” in their respective categories. Receiving these three first prizes, Porsche has once again moved right to the top in the highly competitive market of sports-oriented brands. In all, nearly 10,000 readers of sport auto participated in the competition organised by the magazine’s editors ever since 1980, with participants able to choose their favourites among more than 260 models in 25 categories.

Nearly half of the readers opted in favour of the 911 GT3 RS, precisely 49.4 per cent making this very sporting 911 their first choice in the category of Coupés up to Euro 150,000.-, thus beating the competition by far. In the category of Convertibles up to Euro 60,000.-, the Boxster S came in first place, bringing home 27.1 per cent of the votes cast by readers. Accounting for 26.5 per cent of all readers’ votes, finally, the Panamera likewise finished a strong No 1 in the category of Sedans above Euro 80,000.-. These highly successful results achieved by Porsche models are rounded off by the Carrera S ranking No 2 in the category of Convertibles up to Euro 120,000.- and the 911 Turbo S finishing third in the category of Convertibles above Euro 120,000.-.

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Celebrating 40 years since the first Porsche victory at Le Mans

Stuttgart. On 14 June 1970, Porsche claimed the first of what would become 16 overall victories in the world’s most prestigious endurance race, the Le Mans 24 Hours. After precisely 4,607.811 kilometres – or 343 laps – Hans Herrmann and Richard Atwood were first across the finishing line in the legendary Porsche 917 KH from Porsche Salzburg, which bore the starting number 23. Gerard Larrousse and Willy Kauhsen in the Martini Porsche 917 LH, followed by Rudi Lins and Helmut Marko in the Porsche 908/02 took second and third places respectively, making it a total triumph for Porsche.

However, the road to this victory was by no means an easy one for Porsche. The Zuffenhausen sports car manufacturer had been racing at the Sarthe circuit since 1951, achieving numerous class wins thanks to intrinsic Porsche qualities such as lightweight construction, aerodynamics and reliability. In 1969, Porsche was pipped to the post in the closest ever Le Mans race, with Herrmann and Larrousse in the Porsche 908 finishing just 75 metres – around one second – behind the Ford GT 40 of Jacky Ickx.

In the anniversary year of 1970, all the signs pointed towards an offensive that would finally see the much longed-for overall victory in Le Mans go to Stuttgart. The Porsche 917 was destined for victory, having made its debut just a year earlier. On 21 April 1969, the 25 Porsche 917s were approved by the homologation commission in Zuffenhausen. The cost of materials alone exceeded DM 5 million. The Porsche 917, developed by Ferdinand Piëch, was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. This new ‘ultimate’ Porsche quickly caused a stir among rival competitors. Weighing in at close to the minimum weight of 800 kilograms, it went on to become one of the fastest and most successful racing cars of all time. The lightweight 12-cylinder engine delivered up to 580 hp at 8,400 rpm with a displacement of 4.5 litres. This enabled the long-tail version to reach speeds approaching 400 km/h (248 mph) on the 5,823 metre-long Hunaudières straight at Le Mans.

In the run-up to the 1970 race, it was clear that the lessons learned from previous years had been worthwhile. Realising that rash manoeuvres in the first few hours of this classic endurance race would ultimately end in failure, Porsche made the experienced Hans Herrmann its first choice as driver. The Sindelfingen veteran combined speed and good sense. Together with Englishman Richard Attwood, he started in the 4.5-litre short-tail version bearing the number 23, which was painted in the red and white colours of Porsche Salzburg. The team’s second car, featuring a 4.9-litre engine and long-tail body, was driven by Vic Elford and Kurt Ahrens. A further three Porsche 917s were entered by John Wyer along with the psychedelic-coloured 4.5-litre long-tail version of the Martini team. There was also an entire armada of 907, 908, 910, 911 S and 914/6 models. At precisely 4 p.m. on 13 June, 24 Porsche cars stood at the starting line in Le Mans. By the next day there were still 12 remaining, five of which were classified. The only other cars to be classified were two Ferrari 512 S – this was out of a total field of 51 starters.

This race went down in history – and not just from the perspective of Porsche – because of the disastrous weather. Vic Elford recalled how it was sometimes impossible to overtake, even on the long straights. Kurt Ahrens described it as being like sitting in a boat. And just a few weeks after his victory, Hans Herrmann admitted that driving in the rain had prompted him to make the decision to finally hang up his helmet no matter what the outcome. When leaving his house in Sindelfingen-Maichingen, his wife had asked him when he was going to give up driving, to which he responded: “When I win.”

A promise is a promise. An hour after the start, which saw the drivers begin the race sitting in their cars instead of performing the world-famous “Le Mans start”, Herrmann was only in ninth place. The race leader was Jo Siffert, also in a Porsche 917, followed by Jacky Ickx in a Ferrari 512 S. Siffert later missed a shift and blew his engine, while Ickx crashed his red racer at the chicane. At around 6:15 p.m. came the almost unbelievable news that four Ferrari 512 S had crashed into one another in the driving rain and were out of the race. The race also took its toll on the Porsche armada, with all three 917s of the Gulf team gradually dropping out.

Now was the moment for the experienced veteran Herrmann, who had the perfect partner in Richard Attwood, to show what he could do. Under the most difficult weather conditions, he gradually moved his way up the field, guiding the Porsche Salzburg 917 confidently to the first ever overall victory for Porsche at Le Mans. He realised the significance of this moment as the race came to an end on 14 June 1970: “Wow! That may have been your last lap ever as a racing driver.” Back home in Stuttgart, his victory was celebrated with a parade, in which he drove his winning car through the city to the market square. Thousands of people turned out to congratulate Hans Herrmann, ex-racing driver.

Porsche followed up this success with a further 15 overall victories at Le Mans, the second coming just a year later in 1971. In a unique Porsche 917 with a lightweight magnesium chassis, Gijs van Lennep and Dr. Helmut Marko drove to victory on a still largely chicane-free circuit. In doing so, they set an incredible record, which has never been broken. The Porsche 917 completed precisely 5,335.313 kilometres and 397 laps in 24 hours, clocking up an average speed of 222.304 km/h (138.140 mph) despite all of the pit stops and the long night. The fastest lap in the race was achieved by Jackie Oliver’s Gulf 917, with an unbelievable 244 km/h (151.6 mph) average speed, while the 917 long-tail Coupé of Elford/Larrousse was clocked at a maximum speed of 386 km/h (239.8 mph) on Hunaudières in 1971.

In 1976 and 1977 the Porsche 936 was victorious, while in 1981 it won again under Jacky Ickx and Derek Bell with a new turbo engine. Belgian driver Ickx won at Le Mans six times, four of them in a Porsche. In 1982 he was yet again part of the winning team in a triple victory that represented the first milestone for the most successful racing car of all time, the Porsche 956. Up to 1994, different variants of the 956/962 won at Le Mans seven times. 148 of these were produced in Weissach.

In some years, Porsche conceded the most important race of the year to customer teams, who emerged as frequent winners. Klaus Ludwig and the Whittington brothers thus achieved victory in Le Mans in 1979 with a Porsche 935 for the Cologne-based Kremer team, while Reinhold Joest guided the Porsche brand to well-deserved overall victories in 1984, 1985 and 1997.

Faced with the strongest ever field to line up at Le Mans in June 1998, Porsche racing director Herbert Ampferer spoke at the time of the “race of the century”. Porsche was represented with two new 911 GT1s and achieved a stunning double victory for the factory in the world’s most important endurance race, in front of a crowd of 250,000 thrilled spectators. This was the 16th and most recent overall victory for Porsche at the Sarthe circuit.

From 10 to 11 July 2010, Porsche will be celebrating this special motor sports anniversary in suitable style by taking part in the “Le Mans Classic”, an event which is only held every two years. In six classes covering model years 1923 to 1979, around 400 historic racing cars will gather to relive their old racing triumphs once more. Among them will be some of the overall winners from the Porsche Museum, which will lead an anniversary parade on the race track. Many famous drivers including Hans Herrmann and Richard Attwood will also be taking part and will be available for autograph sessions.

Porsche overall victories in Le Mans

1970

Hans Herrmann/Richard Attwood

Porsche 917 KH

1971

Helmut Marko/Gijs van Lennep

Porsche 917 KH

1976

Jacky Ickx/Gijs van Lennep

Porsche 936

1977

Jacky Ickx/Jürgen Barth/Hurley Haywood

Porsche 936

1979

Klaus Ludwig/Bill Whittington/Don Whittington

Porsche 935 K3 Kremer

1981

Jacky Ickx/Derek Bell

Porsche 936 81

1982

Jacky Ickx/Derek Bell

Porsche 956

1983

Al Holbert/Hurley Haywood/Vern Schuppan

Porsche 956

1984

Klaus Ludwig/Henri Pescarolo

Porsche 956 Joest

1985

Klaus Ludwig/Paolo Barilla/John Winter

Porsche 956 B Joest

1986

Derek Bell/Al Holbert/Hans-Joachim Stuck

Porsche 962 C

1987

Derek Bell/Al Holbert/Hans-Joachim Stuck

Porsche 962 C

1994

Yannick Dalmas/Mauro Baldi/Hurley Haywood

Dauer-Porsche 962 LM

1996

Manuel Reuter/Davy Jones/Alexander Wurz

TWR Joest-Porsche WSC95

1997

Michele Alboretto/Stefan Johannson/Tom Kristensen

TWR Joest-Porsche WSC95

1998

Allan McNish/Laurent Aiello/Stéphane Ortelli

Porsche 911 GT1 98

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