Kicking off the 2012 racing season was the grueling, unrelenting and infamous Rolex 24 hours of Daytona, and 2012 marked the race’s 50th anniversary. The Grand-Am Racing series is the proud torch-bearer of the race, with 60 cars separated among distinct racing classes, and even more drivers accepting the 24 hour challenge.

In the GT class, things went better than great for Porsche. In fact, the end result for the storied German brand was absolutely exceptional. Austrian driver Richard Lietz, sharing the #44 Magnus Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race car with John Potter, Andy Lally, and Rene Rast, took over the driving duties with less than two hours left to go at the 50th Rolex 24 at Daytona. He then guided his car through two pit stops and to the GT victory for the Salt Lake City-based team owned by Potter and led a clean-sweep of the GT podium by Porsche.

In second-place was the TRG Porsche driving team of Steve Bertheau, Marc Goosens, Wolf Henzler, Spencer Pumpelly and Jeroen Bleekemolen. Finishing the sweep was the #59 Brumos Porsche with drivers Leh Keen, Hurley Haywood, Andrew Davis, and Marc Lieb. Both teams led for substantial lengths of time during the 24-hour event, but, in the end, both the cars couldn’t catch the Magnus Porsche.

““With both our customer race car owners and our factory drivers, we have the best people in the motorsports business associated with Porsche, and they are a key part in making our street cars and race cars great,”” said Jens Walther, who has been president of Porsche Motorsport North America, Inc. since 2010.

Look for more Porsche racing action in the Rolex Grand-Am Series on March 30th-31st, at the Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds, Alabama.

When people think of British automotive journalists, the popular trio from Top Gear may be the first faces that come to mind. But over time, Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond have morphed into of entertainers with cars, rather than expert automotive opinion leaders. And while they are still influential, it’s Britain’s Chris Harris that has begun to take the spotlight as one of the best automotive writers and video hosts of the new decade.

Harris continues to hit home runs with his Porsche test drive videos, and this high-budget, high-octane thrill ride with a 911 GT3 RS 4.0 not only delivers as another awesome take, but raises the bar. Chris Harris continues to show us that there’s more to automotive review videos that are well worth the watch, and aren’t published by Top Gear.

Harris hails the GT3 RS’ 4.0L six-cylinder engine as one of the best production engines out there. It’s naturally aspirated set up will growl and rev to the moon and back while delivering 415 brake-horsepower to the rear wheels that are circled in Michelin rubber. And for an asking price of $116,650 USD, the GT3 RS 4.0 calls for only the best drivers that seek exclusivity.

The new West Coast location will be conveniently planted near the intersection of two major Los Angeles area traffic arteries, which are the 405 and 110 Freeways. The new facility will also be just minutes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Southern California is also one of Porsche’s largest markets in the United States, and 15 million consumers reside within a 50-mile radius of the upcoming Experience Center. Another 59 million travelers pass through LAX annually, and there are even more consumers a few hours drive away residing in Orange and San Diego counties. Needless to say, the place will be in a prime location.

The mission of the Porsche Experience Centers is to provide Porsche enthusiasts, both young and old, with advanced driving skills, along with providing unforgettable moments. But it goes beyond the track, as there are special programs for children that are sure to spark the interest of the next generation enthusiast. There is even a Porsche Café and gift shop along with plenty of trackside viewing areas and even fine dining facilities will be available for business/group meetings and events, along with conference centers and track access.

What’s more, is the Porsche Human Performance Center. This unique fitness center facility will feature a sports science laboratory and training programs, incorporating the same techniques used in preparing Porsche race car drivers. This facility will offer customized experiences to guests, ranging from heat acclimation training and hydration strategies to individual wellness assessments. However, none of these features will take away from the centerpiece of it all: the track.

The Porsche Experience Center’s extensive lineup of facilities and programs are sure to impress. Porsche plans an upcoming world-class test track and handling course, including areas where surfaces will replicate rain, ice, and snow conditions. For these adverse road conditions, Porsche will offer special programs. These training sections include the Ice Hill, where a steep slope, computer-controlled water jets, and a low-friction surface are sure to challenge even the most experienced driver, all while sharpening practical real-world skills. Lastly, a special off-road area will combine 45-degree declines and ascents  for Porsche Cayenne training.

In the past 11 of 13 years, there has been a Porsche Boxster or Cayman listed on Car and Driver Magazine’s 10Best cars sold in America. Eddie Alterman, editor-in-chief of the magazine, praised both vehicles for their consistent performance, value, and are just plain fun to drive. Both Porsche’s made the cut of of 68 contenders.

The new Porsche Boxster comes in at under $50,000, but can achieve speeds of over 160 mph thanks to its 265 horsepower engine. Some would say that the 0-60 time of 5.5 seconds is well worth the price alone, not to mention its butter 7-speed PDK double-clutch transmission. The Boxster S ups the ante with 325 horsepower and a 0-60 time of a mere 4.8 seconds. A weapon of choice for those who enjoy the thrill of the drive and the wind in their hair.

The Cayman comes in at $51,900, and features the same power output of the Boxster, but its fully enclosed hard-top cabin is the go-to choice for those who put performance first. Go for the top-shelf Cayman R, and the vehicle transforms into monster with a 330 horsepower engine that will propel the 2,855 mountain-carver to 60 in a scant 4.7 seconds.

Also called the 991, the 2012 Porsche 911 sports a longer wheelbase and wider stance than the outgoing model, allowing for a more supple ride while finding more grip on the road — something any driver can appreciate. Then there’s the new PDK transmission system, which Harris describes in the video as “sharp and responsive” in a way the outgoing transmission didn’t. All in all, Harris boasts that the new 911 is “more comfortable and less fatiguing,” while being a “sharper, more dynamic car,” and pretty close to being perfect. 

You can watch Harris carve up the mountains in the video just below. 

First, the new Porsche Panamera GTS made its world premiere debut.
The Panamera was ceremoniously unveiled by two surprising guest:
Patrick Long, Porsche Works & Flying Lizards Driver along with
Romain Dumas, Porsche factory driver. The Panamera GTS is powered by
a modified 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, delivering 430 hp
at 6,700 rpm, increasing the output over the Panamera S/4S by 30 hp.
The maximum torque also increases by comparison, from 369 to 384 lb.
ft.

At the push of a button, thanks to the standard Sport Chrono package,
the 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmission
transmits the engine output to the all-wheel drive system during gear
changes without interruption to the power flow. This collaboration
enables the Panamera GTS to sprint to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds,
accelerating on to its top track speed of 178 mph.
The GTS is equipped with the latest Porsche dynamic driving dynamic
control systems, including adaptive air suspension including Porsche
Active Suspension Management (PASM). This system constantly calibrates
settings to suit specific driving challenges, from regulating
leveling, height and spring rate to electronic damping. With the
suspension set at “Normal,” the GTS sits an aggressive ten millimeters
lower than any other Panamera model.

In terms of looks, the new Panamera GTS includes distinctive design
features at the front, side and rear as well as black highlights. The
interior is also tailored to its sporty personality with adaptive
sports seats, SportDesign steering wheel with shift paddles and
exclusive GTS leather interior with Alcantara surfaces.

Secondly, Porsche also unveiled the all new Porsche 911 (991) Carrera
S for the first time in North America. This is the seventh generation
Porsche 911 and it does not disappoint. Executive VP of R&D,
Wolfgang Hatz says that everything in this new 911 has been completely
reengineered and redesigned, but maintains every inch the embodiment
of 911 Carrera. Longer, lower, wider and 100 lbs. lighter than the
previous 911, the seventh generation is athletic, elegant and iconic.
The Porsche 911 Carrera is equipped with a new 350 hp, 3.4-liter boxer
engine while the 911 Carrera S features a 400 hp, 3.8-liter boxer
engine – a 15 hp improvement versus its predecessor. The first 911
models will arrive in dealerships beginning in February of 2012.

Lastly, Porsche announced its plans for the Porsche Experience Center
Los Angeles, to be built in nearby Carson, California. It will be
situated near the intersection of two major Los Angeles area traffic
arteries, the 405 and 110 Freeways. Detlev von Platen, President and
CEO of Porsche Cars North America, indicates that the facility is
going to be 53 acres, twice the size of the Atlanta Porsche Experience
Center and both facilities will cost over $100 million dollars
combined.

The centerpiece of the complex will be a world-class test track and
handling course, including areas where special surfaces replicate
rain, ice, and snow conditions. These training sections include the
Ice Hill, where a steep slope, computer-controlled water jets, and a
low-friction surface will challenge even the most experienced drivers
and help them improve their real-world skills. A special off-road area
will combine 45-degree declines and ascents – ideal terrain for
unleashing a Porsche Cayenne.

The Porsche Experience Center will also offer programs focused on
maximizing personal fitness, wellness, and athletic performance
through its Porsche Human Performance Center. This unique facility
will feature a leading sports science laboratory and training
programs, incorporating the latest techniques used in preparing
Porsche race car drivers.

More than 300 races cars were on the track, with even more on display around the paddock, parking lots, and even at hotels around the Monterey are for the three-day event. It is a rare sight to see 908s and 917s on track together, but mixing in 956s and 962s is enough to make any Porschephile just a little teary.

Check out the video below to get a taste of the event.

“The start phase was huge fun, because it was relatively easy to overtake the slower competitors,” Dumas said after the race. “But it’s even more fun because we can apply superior tactics thanks to the lower fuel consumption. We are much more flexible and we made the most of this day.” It was the car’s first appearance on the West Coast (and only its second in North America since it debut last year.)

Based on the 911 GT3 R, this hybrid isn’t a traditional hybrid in a sense that it uses a kinetic energy recovery system, and instead of a battery, the energy is stored in the flywheel. The system store 0.2 kWh of energy, which is enough to provide an additional 150 kW (203 horsepower) for an eight second burst. “That doesn’t sound like much, but the system recharges quickly,” said Dieter Steinhauser, head of motorsport R&D. “For performance applications, a battery recharges too slowly.”

The flywheel, mounted where the passenger seat would be, spins up to 40,000 RPM. It powers a pair of 75 kW (101 hp) motors, one per front wheel. The rear wheels are driven by a 4.0-liter flat-six which is good for 470 horsepower.

The 911 GT3 R doesn’t fit into any one of the five classes in American Le Mans, therefore it essentially is an experimental car. Which means, it cannot participate in qualifying and must line up in the back of the grid. The car started in 35th which makes the climb to the 10th spot that much more impressive.

“It’s a shame that we weren’t permitted to join the qualifying, we could have done with the extra practice for finding a good set-up,” Dumas said. “I last drove the car at Road Atlanta. Compared to last year’s version, the 2.0 has made huge progress.” The hybrid system in version 2.0 weighs 120 kg, 50 less than the first generation. The electric flywheel is about 90 percent efficient, and the hybrid delivers a 10 percent improvement in fuel economy over the conventional 911 GT3 R race cars. Porsche also reduced the weight of the car, which comes in at 1,300 kg.

So far the 911 GT3 R Hybrid is just a showcase for Porsche’s Intelligent Performance advanced drivetrains, but a similar system will be available in the gorgeous 918 RSR race car. Porsche hopes to see the American Le Mans Series create a classification for hybrid drivetrains in time for the 2014 season.

A year later, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Porsche unveils the 2012 Porsche 911, and it is clear that Porsche has delivered. “The 911 is an attitude, a statement and a lifestyle,” says Muller after the wraps came off in Germany.

The 911 is perhaps the most important car in Porsche’s history. More than 700,000 have been sold since 1963. And the 2012 edition must be a success if we are to maintain sales growth and meet our goals. Sales are up 30 percent this year to 20,494 units which is an improvement over the first eight months of 2010 in the U.S. Even the 911 saw an increase of 9 percent to 4.253 units–despite the fact its successor has been among the most talked about cars of the year.

Still, that’s just the tip of the iceberg, as Volkswagen AG chairman Martin Winterkom has said that he want’s Porsche to sell 150,000 vehicles globally, which is part of the group’s strategy to become the world’s largest automaker. The 911, however, remains Porsche’s anchor, its spotlight attraction that makes people want Cayennes and Panameras in the first place. Muller calls the 911 a “huge component of the growth and success” of the company historically. “The fascination with the 911 is hard to put into words,” he said.

The 2012 Porsche 911 won Autoweek’s Most Significant award in Frankfurt, and this version may be the most advanced ever. The Carrera outputs 350 hp from a 3.4-liter boxer six-cylinder, and the Carrera S is rated at 400 hp with its 3.8-liter engine. The styling is evolutionary, primarily with the lines finessed and the headlights now pop with LED technology. The base model starts at U.S. $83,050 when it arrives in February 2012.

The 2012 Porsche 911 definitely is beauty and lives up to expectations. If you’re just as excited as we are about driving one, be sure to continue to follow us on Twitter and stay in tuned to our community on Facebook and we’ll be sure to let you know as soon as the 2012 911 arrives in our showrooms.

“Porsche customers enjoy both performance and technology and are using their mobile devices to help make vehicle purchasing decisions,” said Michael Bartsch, chief operating officer of Porsche Cars North America. “The dealers that have begun using mobile tags in their showrooms, have noted positive feedback from their sales team as well as greater customer engagement and enthusiasm.”

The pilot program was launched in early June, where 11 Porsche dealers have implemented the Instant Intelligence program, with 184 dealers to follow. According to a 2009 Morgan Stanley study, one-third of all digital information is now viewed using mobile devices, and by 2013 that number is expected to reach 50 percent.

In addition to making the Porsche shopping experience even more convenient, Porsche has designed new web and mobile tools that help on-the-go customers quickly locate and connect with dealer sales and service information. The latest include Smart Mobile for touch-screen handhelds, featuring customized dealership information including available inventory, special offers, and easy driving directions. Also new is a location-based mobile version of the Porsche Dealer locator to help you locate the nearest Porsche dealer via your smartphone.

To find out more about each of these technologies, feel free to drop by the dealership or contact us. We would be happy to assist you with using any one or all of these tools. Do check out the mobile tags posted on the cars available on our lots and let us know what you think.