Notice of Receipt of Petition for Decision That Nonconforming 2005-2006 Porsche Carrera (997) Passenger Cars Manufactured Prior to September 1, 2006 Are Eligible for Importation

Federal Register
March 15, 2011

[Federal Register: March 15, 2011 (Volume 76, Number 50)]
[Notices]               
[Page 14117-14119]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr15mr11-165]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

[Docket No. DOT-NHTSA-2011-0028, Notice 1]

 
Notice of Receipt of Petition for Decision That Nonconforming 
2005-2006 Porsche Carrera (997) Passenger Cars Manufactured Prior to 
September 1, 2006 Are Eligible for Importation

AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of receipt of petition for decision that nonconforming 
2005-2006 Porsche Carrera (997) passenger cars manufactured prior to 
September 1, 2006 are eligible for importation.

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SUMMARY: This document announces receipt by the National Highway 
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a petition for a decision that 
2005-2006 Porsche Carrera (997) passenger cars manufactured prior to 
September 1, 2006, that were not originally manufactured to comply with 
all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) are 
eligible for importation into the United States because they are 
substantially similar to vehicles that were originally manufactured for 
sale in the United States and that were certified by their manufacturer 
as complying with the safety standards (the U.S.-certified version of 
the 2005-2006 Porsche Carrera (997) passenger cars manufactured prior 
to September 1, 2006), and they are capable of being readily altered to 
conform to the standards.

DATES: The closing date for comments on the petition is April 14, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Comments should refer to the docket and notice numbers above 
and be submitted by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility: U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground 
Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001
     Hand Delivery or Courier: West Building Ground Floor, Room 
W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
    Instructions: Comments must be written in the English language, and 
be no greater than 15 pages in length, although there is no limit to 
the length of necessary attachments to the comments. If comments are 
submitted in hard copy form, please ensure that two copies are 
provided. If you wish to receive confirmation that your comments were 
received, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard with the 
comments. Note that all comments received will be posted without change 
to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information 
provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading below.
    Privacy Act: Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all 
comments received into any of our dockets by the

[[Page 14118]]

name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, 
if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78).
    How to Read Comments submitted to the Docket: You may read the 
comments received by Docket Management at the address and times given 
above. You may also view the documents from the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov.
    Follow the online instructions for accessing the dockets. The 
docket ID number and title of this notice are shown at the heading of 
this document notice. Please note that even after the comment closing 
date, we will continue to file relevant information in the Docket as it 
becomes available. Further, some people may submit late comments. 
Accordingly, we recommend that you periodically search the Docket for 
new material.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Coleman Sachs, Office of Vehicle 
Safety Compliance, NHTSA (202-366-3151).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Under 49 U.S.C. 30141(a)(1)(A), a motor vehicle that was not 
originally manufactured to conform to all applicable FMVSS shall be 
refused admission into the United States unless NHTSA has decided that 
the motor vehicle is substantially similar to a motor vehicle 
originally manufactured for importation into and sale in the United 
States, certified under 49 U.S.C. 30115, and of the same model year as 
the model of the motor vehicle to be compared, and is capable of being 
readily altered to conform to all applicable FMVSS.
    Petitions for eligibility decisions may be submitted by either 
manufacturers or importers who have registered with NHTSA pursuant to 
49 CFR part 592. As specified in 49 CFR 593.7, NHTSA publishes notice 
in the Federal Register of each petition that it receives, and affords 
interested persons an opportunity to comment on the petition. At the 
close of the comment period, NHTSA decides, on the basis of the 
petition and any comments that it has received, whether the vehicle is 
eligible for importation. The agency then publishes this decision in 
the Federal Register.
    J.K. Technologies, LLC (``JK''), of Baltimore, Maryland (Registered 
Importer 90-006) has petitioned NHTSA to decide whether nonconforming 
2005-2006 Porsche Carrera (997) passenger cars manufactured prior to 
September 1, 2006, are eligible for importation into the United States. 
The vehicles which JK believes are substantially similar are 2005-2006 
Porsche Carrera (997) passenger cars manufactured prior to September 1, 
2006, that were manufactured for sale in the United States and 
certified by their manufacturer as conforming to all applicable FMVSS.
    The petitioner claims that it compared non-U.S. certified 2005-2006 
Porsche Carrera (997) passenger cars manufactured prior to September 1, 
2006, to their U.S.-certified counterparts, and found the vehicles to 
be substantially similar with respect to compliance with most FMVSS.
    JK submitted information with its petition intended to demonstrate 
that non-U.S. certified 2005-2006 Porsche Carrera (997) passenger cars 
manufactured prior to September 1, 2006, as originally manufactured, 
conform to many FMVSS in the same manner as their U.S. certified 
counterparts, or are capable of being readily altered to conform to 
those standards.
    Specifically, the petitioner claims that non-U.S. certified 2005-
2006 Porsche Carrera (997) passenger cars manufactured prior to 
September 1, 2006 are identical to their U.S. certified counterparts 
with respect to compliance with Standard Nos. 102 Transmission Shift 
Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect, 103 
Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems, 104 Windshield Wiping and 
Washing Systems, 106 Brake Hoses, 109 New Pneumatic Tires, 113 Hood 
Latch System, 116 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluids, 124 Accelerator Control 
Systems, 135 Light Vehicle Brake Systems, 201 Occupant Protection in 
Interior Impact, 202 Head Restraints, 204 Steering Control Rearward 
Displacement, 205 Glazing Materials, 206 Door Locks and Door Retention 
Components, 207 Seating Systems, 210 Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages, 212 
Windshield Mounting, 214 Side Impact Protection, 216 Roof Crush 
Resistance, 219 Windshield Zone Intrusion, 301 Fuel System Integrity, 
and 302 Flammability of Interior Materials.
    The petitioner also contends that the vehicles are capable of being 
readily altered to meet the following standards, in the manner 
indicated:
    Standard No. 101 Controls Telltales, and Indicators: Installation 
of U.S. conforming instrument cluster and cruise control lever, and 
installation or activation of associated U.S.-version software in the 
vehicle's computer system.
    Standard No. 108 Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated 
Equipment: Installation of the following U.S.-model components on 
vehicles not already so equipped: (a) Front sidemarker lamps with 
integral side reflex reflectors; (b) headlamps; (c) integral tail lamp 
housings that includes rear side marker, rear turn signal, and brake 
lamps, as well as rear and side reflex reflectors.
    Standard No. 110 Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles with a 
GVWR of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or Less: Installation of a tire 
information placard.
    Standard No. 111 Rearview Mirrors: Installation of a U.S.-model 
passenger side rearview mirror, or inscription of the required warning 
statement on the face of that mirror.
    Standard No. 114 Theft Protection: Installation of a supplemental 
key warning buzzer, or installation or activation of U.S.-version 
software to meet the requirements of this standard.
    Standard No. 118 Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel 
Systems: Installation or activation of U.S.-version software in the 
vehicle's computer system to meet the requirements of this standard.
    Standard No. 208 Occupant Crash Protection: Inspection of all 
vehicles and replacement of any non U.S.-conforming model seat belts, 
air bag control units, air bags, and sensors with U.S.-model components 
on vehicles that are not already so equipped; and (b) installation or 
activation of U.S.-version software to ensure that the seat belt 
warning system meets the requirements of this standard.
    Standard No. 209 Seat Belt Assemblies: Inspection of all vehicles 
and replacement of any non U.S.-certified model seat belts with U.S.-
model components.
    Standard No. 225 Child Restraint Anchorage Systems: Installation of 
U.S.-model child restraint anchorage systems components.
    Standard No. 401 Interior Trunk Release: Installation of U.S.-model 
interior trunk release components.
    The petitioner additionally states that a vehicle identification 
plate must be affixed to the vehicles near the left windshield post to 
meet the requirements of 49 CFR part 565.
    All comments received before the close of business on the closing 
date indicated above will be considered, and will be available for 
examination in the docket at the above addresses both before and after 
that date. To the extent possible, comments filed after the closing 
date will also be considered. Notice of final action on the petition 
will be published in the Federal

[[Page 14119]]

Register pursuant to the authority indicated below.

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 30141(a)(1)(A) and (b)(1); 49 CFR 593.8; 
delegations of authority at 49 CFR 1.50 and 501.8.

    Issued on: March 9, 2011.
Claude H. Harris,
Acting Associate Administrator for Enforcement.
[FR Doc. 2011-5982 Filed 3-14-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P

2011 Porsche Boxster S Recall

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/results.cfm?rcl_id=10V125&searchtype=quicksearch&summary=true&refurl=email

NHTSA Campaign ID number : 10V125000

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
PORSCHE / BOXSTER S 2011
Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC. Mfr's Report Date: MAR 26, 2010
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V125000
N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: VISIBILITY:SUN ROOF ASSEMBLY
Potential Number of Units Affected: 9
Summary:
PORSCHE HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 BOXSTER SPYDER 2 DOOR CONVERTIBLE PASSENGER VEHICLES. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE LOCKING HOOK ON THE SUN SHIELD (TEMPORARY SOFT TOP) MAY NOT ENGAGE CORRECTLY INTO THE LOCK CATCH WHICH IS POSITIONED ON THE WINDSCREEN FRAME OF THE VEHICLE.
Consequence:
IF THE SUN SHIELD IS NOT FULLY LOCKED, THE SUN SHIELD CAN OPEN WHEN TRAVELLING AT HIGHER SPEEDS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL HAVE BOTH THE LOCKING HOOK AND LOCK CATCH REPLACED WITH REDESIGNED COMPONENTS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-545-8039.
Notes:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

Porsche 911 Turbo

By Jan Hvizdak

Porsche’s new 911 Turbo houses a pioneering, twin turbo-charged 3.6 litre boxer engine, which produces the output of 480 horsepower. It holds the crown as the world’s first petrol engine to use variable turbine technology (VTG), boasting an upgraded all-wheel-drive system and contemporary style.

The 911 Turbo’s engine represents a new output record for the 3.6 litre Boxer engine, producing 133 bhp per litre. The engine’s new variable turbine geometry system generates 480 horsepower at 6000 rpm. In terms of torque, the previous 911 Turbo’s peak rpm range was between 2,700 – 4,600 rpm. The new 911 Turbo extends this range from 1,950 – 5,000 rpm, with peak torque at 457 lb/ft. A 10-second, mid-rpm-range “overboost” can be produced in the optional Sport Chrono Package. This temporarily increases turbo boost by 2.9 psi, taking peak torque to 502 lb/ft.

The six-speed manual gearbox is capable of 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds which is significant value, with the optional Tiptronic S five-speed automatic gearbox reaching the same speed in just 3.4 seconds. Both gearboxes are capable of a top speed of 193 mph.

At the heart of the 911 Turbo’s increased performance is its variable turbine geometry system. This technology is based on adjustable guide blades, which change position to guide engine exhaust flow onto the impeller wheel of the turbocharger in the most effective way possible. This equips the 911 Turbo with improved dexterity and acceleration, especially at lower rpm outputs.

The 911 Turbo brings this improved power to the road with a modernised all-wheel-drive system and a new, electronically controlled multi-disc clutch. Variable power distribution, to both the front and rear, is provided by Porsche Traction Management (PTM). This equips the new 911 Turbo with outstanding agility on meandering roads, superb grip in adverse weather conditions and impressive safety features at even the highest speeds. The PTM system results in one of the lightest all-wheel-drive setups available.

The 911 Turbo’s exceptional acceleration is matched by its braking system – six-piston monobloc calipers on the front wheels and four-piston monobloc calipers on the rear wheels. Also available is Porsche’s Ceramic Composite Brake system (PCCB). This setup offers larger front discs, complete corrosion protection, superior fade resistance and a weight saving of 37 pounds against the standard braking system.

Styling

The new Porsche 911 Turbo boasts advanced styling features. The changes to the front end include rigid cooling air inlets, sunken fog lights and LED indicators, which are found in the side air inlets. The rear of the vehicle is wider than the previous model by 22 mm (0.9 in.). The new wing spoiler has been matched to fit the wider profile of the car, sloping downwards at both ends to complement the contours of the rear fender. The redesigned side air inlets and new air ducts allow for more efficient engine cooling.

Porsche’s 2007 911 Turbo is available in the United States and Canada from this summer.

Jan Hvizdak, the author of this article works for sport-cars.org where you can find another article on Porsche 911 Turbo. However, if you like luxury, off-road and safe cars, you're welcomed to visit article on Mercedes-Benz G Guard too.

Porsche Injects 911 Power Into The Cayenne

By Anthony Fontanelle

Porsche AG, the maker of remarkable supercars, has decided to inject more 911 power into the Cayenne in the form of a new variant called the GTS. The new variant will be unveiled next week at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The performance-oriented Cayenne is based on the S variant but is lowered by nearly an inch. The Cayenne GTS features the advanced Porsche Active Suspension Management system in combination with steel springs. The system features a suspension setup that was previously reserved for Porsche's cars only. To enhance the handling, the German automaker is also offering the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control active anti-roll system and optional air suspension.
The S' direct injected 4.8-liter V-8 gets a timely boost to the tune of an additional 20hp, bringing its output to 405. Torque, however, remains unaltered at 369 lb-ft. The GTS comes standard with a six-speed manual, with a Tiptronic automatic optional. Aside from the engine and other systems, the new variant also flaunts enhanced auto parts that are far from the aged Porsche 924 radiator.

The Cayenne GTS is fitted with the Turbo's front and rear fascias and rides on 21-inch wheels. It comes in two distinct colors: Nordic Gold Metallic and GTS Red. The colors are in addition to the existing colors available throughout the Cayenne Range. Inside are new 12-way adjustable sports seats upholstered in a mix of leather and Alcantara.

The Cayenne, a mid-size luxury sport utility, has been built since 2002. The SUV is the first V8 engined vehicle built by the German automaker since 1995, when the 928 was discontinued. According to the automaker, the sportiest of Porsche sport utilities, comes as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox and a shorter axle drive ratio than the Cayenne S. The GTS can thus accelerate from zero to 100km/h in just 6.1 seconds - precisely 0.5 seconds quicker than the Cayenne S.

The new Cayenne GTS, positioned above the S, but below the Turbo, is instantly identifiable: the front and rear look similar as the Turbo, and the 14mm wheel-arch enlargements offer plenty of space for the standard 21-inch alloy rims.

The new Cayenne, with Tiptronic S transmission, has an average consumption of 13.9 liters/100 km in accordance with EU standards, the automaker added. The Cayenne GTS will go on sale in February. In Germany, it will cost 76,725 Euros including 19 percent VAT and country-specific requirements. The base price is 64,300 Euros. The base price for the USA is $69,300 - $11,400 more than the S variant.

With a sticker price like that, the automaker is still all the wage. Porsche is anticipated to remain as the much-adored car of higher earners. The Glasgow Daily Record reported that the 2007 "Rich Car List" shows Porsche keeping the top spot from last year, followed by, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Saab, Audi, Jeep, BMW, Smart and Alfa Romeo.

Craig Staniland of swiftcover.com explained: "The car is a status symbol but smaller and greener cars are becoming popular with higher income earners."

Porsche Range of Hybrid Vehicles Soon to be the Fastest in the World

By Evander Klum

News from GoAutonews states that the Panamera which is a four-door Porsche sedan is going to be produced with a range of engines that will include a V10 model and a hybrid version that employs the same drivetrain as the Cayenne hybrid. The Panamera is said to have the potential of becoming the fastest hybrid in the world.

By 2009 it is expected that the V10, V6, and V8 versions of the Panamera are to be released followed by hybrid versions after two years. The hybrid will make use of Cayenne’s 34kW electric motor driving via the standard six-speed Tiptronic transmission. Top speed is obtained through the use of the so-called parallel system of Porsche that involves an electric motor placed in between the petrol engine and the transmission that boost stability and provide the benefits derived from power split systems that are commonly employed by other automakers in transferring a fixed amount of torque by way of the electrical path while limiting the top speed so as to match the capability of the electric motor.

The four-door, four-seat Panamera will roundup Porsche’s planned quartet which will be comprised of the 911, Cayenne, Boxster/Cayman and of course the Panamera. After the launching of the fourth series, Porsche will introduce a sports coupe from the premium class and will be regarded as a genuine Porsche in performance, exclusivity and sporting spirit.

GoAutonews has also predicted that Porsche might reveal the Panamera at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

More news on Porsche Hybrids… Porsche the producer of Porsche catalytic converter has recently confirmed that its engineers are working to achieve 26 mpg from the full hybrid system that will be installed in the upcoming hybrid version of the Cayenne.

The German sports car maker has already released pictures of the Cayenne Hybrid as its way of arousing interest for the vehicle before its formal launch scheduled at the end of the decade.

The automaker is also targeting an average fuel consumption of around 24 mpg in the US and further stated that "future developments may allow Porsche engineers to push towards an average fuel consumption figure of approximately 26 miles per gallon."

Porsche has also explained that the Cayenne Hybrid will be given a full-hybrid design "where the hybrid module [clutch and electric motor] is positioned between the combustion engine and the transmission rather than having the hybrid drivetrain branching output along various lines and in various directions via a planetary gearset." This particular design is employed since it perfectly suits the current platform of the Cayenne. It also improves acceleration as well as engine flexibility.

The power steering together with other auto components such as vacuum pump for both brakes and air-conditioning are powered by electricity which further lowers down fuel consumption. In addition, the electrohydraulic steering which is fitted in the Cayenne Hybrid is said to be a first of its kind used for vehicles.

Porsche has also announced its plans of creating a similar hybrid technology in a version of its Panamera four-door Gran Turismo probably at the end of the decade.

Reminiscing 'Porsche Pete'

By Rain Stockton

He was known simply as “Porsche Pete”, a character created on a website intended for Porsche automobiles specifically the Boxster. The man behind it was Charles “Chuck” Hammersmith of Burlington.

In July 1, Hammersmith died at the age of 53. He pioneered the PPBB.com Web site, or Porsche Pete’s Boxster Board, one of the first Internet message boards on the subject, and the most active devoted to the Boxster, Porsche’s best-selling car. The website might also have an insight on Porsche 944 parts.

While Hammersmith had been charmed by Boxsters since before he could drive, friends from his message board say that the car particularly interested him because it was the first Porsche made available to a wider audience. Before his first Boxster, the fanatic owned three 911s.

Porsche fans organized the Blue Ridge Boxster Summit in Blowing Rock, where PPBB.com users have met for the last nine years. That’s because of Hammersmith’s site.

Karl Folkens, a South Carolina resident and PPBB.com administrator, said that the biggest thrill for many who attended the first and subsequent summits, was meeting “Porsche Pete” in person. He continued that one got the sense he’s a pistol-pulling kind of guy form the website, but in person one would find he’s very mild mannered.

Kim, Hammersmith’s daughter, said that her dad was never the spotlight dominant, and would have been surprised by all the appreciation he received since his death began to spread. Thousands of posts are on the Web site, highlighting Hammersmith through memories and photos.

Kim, who has an appreciation for Porsche herself and toured a factory while visiting Germany a few years ago, continued they didn’t realize how big an impact the site made for the past 10 years. The daughter added her dad never really wanted to take credit for anything he did.

Hammersmith wasn’t able to make it to the 9th annual gathering last month, where Boxster friends spent four days driving along the 400-mile Blue Ridge Parkway’s winding mountain roads.

Gordon Mckeehan, parts manager at Porsche dealer Suncoast Motorsports, said the honor was his and the other employees, to sell Hamersmith his last Boxster in 2003.

Cecil Thorpe, one of the site’s administrators said that since the opening of the website, Porsche owners and other self-designated “car geeks” have posted millions of messages on the message board. Thorpe said the discussions on the board are monitored by Porsche’s corporate headquarters to learn what owners like and don’t like about the vehicle. The loss was especially difficult for Robert Granger, Hammersmith’s co-host from Texas.

In an email, Granger implied that Chuck’s philosophy has always been really so special.

Aside from meeting Hammersmith at Boxster gatherings, Granger had met Hammersmith’s daughters, and was especially amazed by the father’s love for them. He said that other than a true Boxster fanatic, Chuck’s real pride and joy were his two girls, Kim and Sarah. He added Chuck never missed a chance to brag on them.

Porsche Snubs Detroit Auto Show

By Mike Bartley

Porsche AG said last Monday it will pull out of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the largest in the United States industry, in favor of marketing efforts that more directly reach potential buyers. The luxury sports car manufacturer intends to concentrate on shows where it has more customers. The automaker plans to focus on shows in regions where it has more customers, spokesman Tony Fouladpour said.

Fouladpour said that Porsche gets better results when it spends its marketing dollars getting prospective customers into vehicles - such as at performance-driving lessons held at local dealerships than at events such as auto shows. "People are much more apt to buy if they drive the cars," he added.

Instead of having displays at many auto shows, Porsche decided to put a greater emphasis on personal marketing activities, such as local events where customers can test drive vehicles, said Fouladpour. "What we find typically is that the more people drive our cars, the more likely they are to buy them," he noted.

In 2006, Porsche sold 290 cars in Michigan, compared with 8,827 in California, 4,177 in Florida and 2,172 in New York. The decision is not intended as a snub to Detroit and the region, said Fouladpour, noting that Porsche is supporting the revived Grand Prix race later this year.
The North American office of Porsche said that it is re-evaluating its presence at traditional auto shows and wants to focus resources on interacting directly with potential Porsche customers to offer efficient performance like the Flowtech. "As a media showcase for new products, the Detroit auto show is clearly the premier international auto show in North America," said David Pryor, the company's vice president of marketing, in a statement. "Still, as Porsche strives to seek new, more personal ways to directly reach out and communicate to its potential customer base we need to look beyond the traditional consumer auto show - even ones that are highly renowned in the industry. For us, this is a strategic business decision that allows us to allocate our limited marketing resources more effectively."

The German automaker said that over the past two years or so, it has cut back from exhibiting at 23 North American auto shows to participating in nine such events. The news did not produce any buzz at Monday's golf outing for members of the Detroit Automobile Dealers Association who are also sponsors of the North American International Auto Show.

"There were no comments at all," said Carl Galeana, a Chrysler dealer and senior co-chairman of the 2008 auto show. "Porsche has been very, very good to us over the years. It's strictly a strategic marketing decision and I certainly respect it." Galeana said taht, if anything, Porsche's withdrawal is a chance for other auto show exhibitors to spread out. "It's a great opportunity for us."

Galeana said that he regrets Porsche's decision to leave and would welcome it back for future shows. The show is run by the Detroit Auto Dealers Association. "It's a shame because they're an iconic brand, but we respect their decision," Galeana said. "Certainly, they leave as friends. We hope to get them back someday.” Accordingly, next year Porsche in North America will only appear at trade shows in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and Toronto.
The Detroit Auto Dealers Association has been pushing for a new or the expanded Cobo Center to host the show, but Porsche's departure is unrelated, he said. "I would love to say if we had more space Porsche wouldn't have left," Galeana said. "That really isn't the case. This is a marketing decision based on their sales."

Porsche Boxster: Most Satisfying Sports Car in America

By Zeke Gervis

AutoPacific, a California-based automotive marketing and product-consulting firm has just released the result of their Vehicle Satisfaction survey and after asking thousands of new car owners of their choice for the most satisfying sports car in the United States, the 2007 Porsche Boxster came out on the top spot.

The Porsche Boxster and Boxster S received the Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA), considered the industry benchmark for clearly measuring how satisfied new-car owners are with their vehicles. Boxster owners rated their cars highly within the Power/Acceleration and Braking categories, as well as the Cargo/Space/Capacity, Cupholders and Interior Storage areas of the survey.

“Sports cars are supposed to be exhilarating to drive, but sometimes difficult to live with,” noted George Peterson, president of AutoPacific in the Company’s release on Tuesday. “Owners of the Porsche Boxster indicate it delivers on exhilarating, but it is not difficult to live with.”
The Boxster remains a constant winner in consumer opinion surveys, thanks to the ultimate open-air driving experience it continues to provide. Its unique mid-engine configuration, numerous handling enhancements and greater active and passive safety makes it the acknowledged leader in its segment – definitely something you’ll wish fervently for if you still own and drive one of those Yugos (with their Yugo oxygen sensor).

Redesigned for 2005, Porsche's moderately priced sports car again comes in base and Boxster S forms. For 2007, Porsche has boosted the power of both models and modified the Tiptronic transmission to be more responsive for those who don't want to drive a stick shift. The Boxster's 2.7-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder gains 5 horsepower (to 245), and its torque grows by 2 pounds-feet (to 201). Torque for that engine peaks 100 rpm earlier than the previous engine. It also gains VarioCam Plus for variable valve timing and lift control.

Both versions have dedicated head-protection airbags and the Porsche Stability Management system.

For 2007, the Boxster S comes with a new six-cylinder power unit enlarged in size by 0.2 litres. Output of this 3.4-litre with VarioCam Plus valve control is 217 kW (295 bhp), 15 bhp more than on the former 3.2-litre.Benefiting from this extra power, the new Boxster S accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, one-tenth of a second faster than its predecessor. Top speed, in turn, is up by 4 km/h to 272 km/h or 169 mph. And average fuel consumption of the S-model is 10.6 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 26.6 mpg Imp.

Rivals include the Audi TT, BMW Z4, Honda S2000 and Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class.
AutoPacific is a future-oriented automotive marketing and product-consulting firm. Every year it publishes a wide variety of syndicated studies on the automotive industry. The firm also conducts extensive proprietary research and consulting for auto manufacturers, distributors, marketers and suppliers worldwide. Company headquarters and its state-of-the-art automotive research facility are in Tustin, California, with an affiliate office in the Detroit area. AutoPacific releases VSA results yearly as a consumer and industry service measuring owner satisfaction across 46 specific areas related to a vehicle’s operation, comfort, safety and overall buying experience.

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 300 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 213 U.S. and Canadian dealers. They, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service.

Porsche 959

By Jan Hvizdak

Porsche 959; The car with 4260 mm in length, with 335.6 kW output at 6500 rpm and torque of 501.7 nm at 5500 rpm is one of top sport cars ever manufactured.

Let's get back into 1981 when Helmutt Bott, Porsche’s head engineer, began developing the Porsche 959. His idea was to create a sports car which was based on the 911, but took the classic model to a new level in terms of design, performance and technology. Bott’s proposal was to maintain the rear engine setup, upgrade to all-wheel drive and test the model in racing competition.

The resulting 959 was not made street legal in the US until 1999. The US Department of Transportation required four vehicles for crash testing before they would grant their approval of a model – a request which Porsche were not prepared to meet. With the removal of the ‘Show and Display’ crash test requirement in 1999, the NHTSA passed the 959 for street use, on the condition that catalytic converters be fitted and changes be made to the mirror configurations. The refusal of a number of owners to cede to these extra demands means that many examples of the 959 remain museum pieces rather than street legal cars.

Engineering and design

The Porsche 959 is constructed from an aluminium and kevlar composite, allowing the vehicle to be strong yet lightweight. The rear boasts a 2.9 litre engine which powers all four wheels. The engine was not new – instead Porsche used their existing twin-turbocharged, six-cylinder Boxster powerhouse. It produces 450 bhp, with assistance from an air-cooled block, water-cooled cylinder heads and four-valve heads, as well as the turbocharger.

This engine had already seen action in the Porsche Indy Car, the ‘Moby Dick’ racecar and, of course, the 961. The powerful engine and lightweight design propel the 959 from 0-60 mph in an astonishing 3.6 seconds, topping out at just below 200 mph. Speeds this high raise stability concerns, which Porsche answered with finely tuned aerodynamics, suspension and ride height. The result is surprising stability at the top end of the 959’s capabilities.

The advanced all-wheel-drive Porsche-Steuer Kupplung (PSK) system allows for variable distribution of torque between the front and rear wheels. This capability helps the weight-distribution bias to remain stable under challenging driving conditions such as wet surfaces or heavy acceleration.

A racing classic

In 1983, Porsche introduced the 961 model. It was a version prepared specifically for racing, and won the Paris-Dakar Rally twice, in 1984 and 1986. It also achieved a respectable seventh place in the challenging Le Mans 24 Hour race.

Following the success of the 961, the street version 959 was released onto the market in 1987, at a price of $225,000. Whilst this price tag may seem hefty, it was a bargain compared to the cost to Porsche for developing the model. Production of the 959 ceased in 1990 after the completion of 226 European street legal vehicles.

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