USA - Porsche announces new 911 Targa at the NAIAS in Detroit.

At the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Porsche is introducing two new models to the 911 range: the 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S. These models are the first to combine the classic Targa concept with cutting edge, innovative roof technology. Just like the legendary original 911 Targa of 1965, the new models feature the distinctive Targa roof bar, a movable front roof section, and a wraparound rear window. But unlike the classic 911 Targa, the roof segment can be opened and closed at the push of a button. The fully automatic roof system stows the Targa top behind the rear seats.

Both 911 Targa models exclusively come in AWD version, featuring the wider rear track and body, and the same Porsche Traction Management (PTM), found in all 911 all-wheel-drive models. It is an active all-wheel-drive system that helps to ensure the optimal distribution of drive power for optimum traction in most road scenarios, whether on long straights, through tight corners, or on surfaces with different friction coefficients. The combination of the wide body, the Targa bar, and the wraparound rear window results in an extremely sporty and low-slung profile.

The 911 Targa 4 is powered by a horizontally opposed 3.4-liter 6-cylinder engine with 350 hp. Equipped with the optional Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) and Sport Chrono package, the 911 Targa 4 accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and is capable of a top track speed of 174 mph (175 mph with the manual transmission). The 911 Targa 4S delivers 400 hp from its 3.8-liter horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engine, and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds when equipped with optional PDK and Sport Chrono package. The 911 Targa 4S is capable of reaching a top track speed of 183 mph when equipped with a manual transmission and 182 mph with PDK.

The 911 Targa 4 will have an MSRP of $101,600 while the 911 Targa 4S model will have an MSRP of $116,200. Both cars also have a destination charge of $995. Deliveries of the 911 Targa in the U.S. are scheduled to begin this summer.

AUSTRALIA - Jaguar F-Type needs to respond to Porsche price cuts.

Jaguar F-Type needs to respond to Porsche price cuts.

Price cuts and/or feature upgrades are a chance for the Jaguar F-Type despite strong early demand for the roadster. Jaguar Land Rover Asia-Pacific boss David Blackhall says Porsche's price cuts in response to the launch of the F-Type earlier this year prompted JLR to re-evaluate.

The results seems to say (Porsche) took a look at the car and the segment and thought ‘We're going to protect our turf'." Blackhall says. 'We were comfortable with where the F-Type's price and position ended up but when the goalposts moved, we've had to respond to that."

The F-Type Jaguar is priced between the Porsche Boxster and 911 cabrio, ranging from $138,645 for the base supercharged V6 to $201,945 for the V8 S. The Boxster range starts at $101,500 while the 911 drop-top kicks off at $228,900.

Former Porsche Australia head Michael Winkler will take over local JLR operations from November 11. His appointment comes at a time when demand for Land Rovers and Range Rovers is outstripping supply. 'We would sell in Australia almost anything we can get across the entire Land Rover range except Defender," Blackhall says.

The first shipment of 40 F-Types for Australia was pre-sold and Blackhall says a second batch of 80 also will be a sellout. 'The F-Type was never going to be a volume-seller but it is a halo car for the brand and we'll defend its position in the segment as required," Blackhall says.

Quizzed as to whether basic options - such as dual-zone aircon, manual activation of the active sports exhaust and reversing camera - would be standard to bolster the value-for-money equation, Blackhall says: 'That's all on the table as part of this review. We won't rule

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USA - Porsche celebrates another great month of sales in the US

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), importer and distributor of Porsche sports cars, Cayenne SUVs and Panamera four-door sports sedans in the United States, today announced October 2013 sales of 3,562 vehicles, an increase of 11 percent over the same period in 2012. Year-to-date, Porsche has sold 35,111 cars in the U.S., 24 percent ahead of last year’s total of 28,226, thus surpassing the entire 2012 sales volume of 35,043.

“Having sold more cars in the first 10 months of this year than the entire total of our 2012 record year is quite a feat, and it is rewarding to see that nearly half of our sales success is carried by our two-door sports cars,” said Detlev von Platen, President and CEO, Porsche Cars North America, Inc. “This bodes well for the final two months and is the perfect set-up for the upcoming market introduction of the Panamera S E-Hybrid, the top-of-the-line 911 models, the GT3 and 911 Turbo and, especially, the world premiere of our fifth model line, the Macan, at the Los Angeles Auto Show.”

The Cayenne model line continued its strong performance with 1,669 units sold this month (plus 2 percent over last October). For the year, 15,582 Cayenne models have been sold in the U.S. – a year-over-year increase of 30 percent. The 911 model line, which will round out its 50th anniversary celebration this year, impressed with 748 units sold in October, up 27 percent over the same period last year. The Boxster/Cayman mid-engine models, together with the rear-engine 911, account for roughly 40 percent of overall Porsche sales in the U.S. this year.

Porsche Approved Certified Pre-Owned vehicle sales were 883 for October 2013, which brings the year-to-date total to 13,222 units.

Flagship Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S Coupé models now joined by Cabriolet versions

• Flagship 911 Turbo and Turbo S Coupé models now joined by Cabriolet versions
• Set to make public debut at LA Auto Show in November
• Recommended UK retail prices (including VAT): £126,766 for the Turbo Cabriolet, £149,511 for the Turbo S Cabriolet; on sale from December

The dynamic capabilities of the new 911 Turbo models combined with the driving pleasure offered by an open-top sports car: this is the compelling formula behind two new flagship 911 Cabriolet models, the Turbo and Turbo S. Some 50 years after the 911 first appeared and to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the 911 Turbo, Cabriolet versions of this iconic model are making their global debut. The pair will be unveiled to the public for the first time at the Auto Show in Los Angeles on 20 November.

The 911 Turbo Cabriolet and 911 Turbo S Cabriolet deliver the same blend of dynamism, performance and efficiency offered by the Coupé model unveiled just a few months ago. The turbocharged 3.8-litre six-cylinder engine delivers 520 hp (383 kW) in the open-top 911 Turbo and 560 hp (412 kW) in the S model. The cars accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.5 and 3.2 seconds respectively, reaching a top speed of up to 197 mph. And all this while achieving fuel consumption figures not typically associated with such high performance: both new models return 28.5 mpg on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), with CO2 emissions of 231 g/km. When compared against their respective predecessors, the new cars deliver 30 hp more power and are 0.2 seconds faster in terms of 0 to 62 mph acceleration. They are also up to 15% more efficient.

Active rear-axle steering and active aerodynamics for even greater dynamism on the road 

The driving dynamics offered by the two new top-of-the-range Cabriolet models is something that cannot be expressed in simple figures. Boasting PDK dual-clutch transmission as standard and the new PTM all-wheel drive, as well as featuring rear-axle steering and active aerodynamics, the open-top 911 Turbo models are now also establishing leading Porsche technology in the open-top super sports car segment.  While the rear-axle steering has an immensely beneficial impact on handling for the two new models – both on the racetrack and during everyday use – the active aerodynamics can be tuned to offer optimum efficiency or driving dynamics at the touch of a button, depending on the driver's wishes.

More than ever before, both of these new top-of-the-range models also make a clear visual statement about their performance. The characteristic, widely flared rear wings of the new 911 Turbo generation are 28 mm wider than those of the 911 Carrera 4 models – a virtually level surface of just over a hand's width extends out from the C-pillar to the outer edge of the vehicle. The impressive effect of this width is accentuated still further when the top is down.

Another eye-catching feature of the 911 Turbo Cabriolet is the exclusive Porsche panel bow top with its lightweight magnesium frame. This innovative technology enables the Coupé-like arch to the roof to be achieved when the top is closed. This arch, which also offers advantages in terms of aerodynamics, is not possible using conventional construction techniques. As with predecessor models, the roof opens and closes in around 13 seconds, at speeds of up to 50 km/h (34 mph).

Premium materials inside

The interior of the new Cabriolet models follows that of the 911 Turbo Coupé. The S-model boasts a particularly extensive range of furnishings, with features including an exclusive interior in Black/Carrera Red and adaptive Sport Seat Plus seats with 18-way adjustment and memory. In addition, the seat backrests are leather-trimmed with double cap seams, and various elements sport a carbon look. As with the predecessor models, the Bose sound system is fitted as standard – and, for the first time, a Burmester system is also available on request. What's more, the radar-controlled adaptive Cruise Control system, camera-based road sign and speed limit recognition function and reversing camera are also available as options.

Fitted to every 911 is a Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), a sophisticated vehicle security package approved to Thatcham Category 5 standard, and customers are also able to explore the potential of their new car by participating in a complimentary course at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.

FRANKFURT - Porsche

• Commemorative 50 Years Edition of the Porsche 911 coupé celebrates launch of the car in 1963
• Based on the 911 Carrera S, with rear-mounted, 400 hp flat-six engine
• Features exclusive wider body combined with two-wheel drive chassis
• Limited to 1,963 examples priced from £92,257, arriving in Porsche Centres September 2013

Porsche is celebrating a special anniversary of the 911 sports car at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt today with a commemorative 50 Years Edition – half a century since the iconic coupé made its debut in the German city. Appropriately, the special model will be limited to 1,963 cars.

In 1963, Porsche presented the original model to the public. Since this first announcement – initially as the type 901 – the 911 has excited automotive fans across the globe. Porsche will unveil the limited edition model to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the 911 at the IAA in Frankfurt, which opens its doors to the public on 12 September, 2013.

Like the first coupé, the 911 50 Years Edition combines a distinctive silhouette with a rear-mounted, flat-six engine and rear wheel drive. Yet its efficient performance, active sports suspension and exclusive body styling add contemporary appeal. Over seven successive generations, the Porsche 911 continues to resolve apparent contradictions – such as between tradition and innovation and performance and efficiency – andhas become renowned as the quintessential benchmark sports car.

This special anniversary 911 is based on the 911 Carrera S, but is clothed in the wider body – 44 mm broader across the rear wheel arches – that is typically reserved for the all-wheel drive Carrera 4 models. The unique exterior styling is combined with features that have contributed to the 50-year success story of the car. For example, the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), with special tuning to complement the increased track width, adds to the exceptional cornering dynamics. The car also features a sports exhaust system for increased emotional character.

Powered by a 400 hp 3.8-litre flat-six engine, the 911 50 Years Edition sprints from 0-62 mph in 4.5 seconds (4.3 secs with PDK) and can reach a top speed of 186 mph (185 mph with PDK). The NEDC Combined fuel consumption is 29.7 mpg (32.5 mpg with PDK), which equates to CO2 emissions of 224 g/km (205 g/km with PDK).

Giving a clear indication to the rear-mounted location of the flat-six power plant are bespoke chrome strips on the fins of the engine compartment grille. These are complemented with special trims on the front air inlets, and in a strip across the car between the rear lights. A further contemporary interpretation of 911 leitmotifs are the unique five-spoke cast alloy wheels whose style has been inspired by the so-called ‘Fuchs’ wheels, a legendary rim that was in fact a Porsche design and first fitted to the 911 in 1966. The new 20-inch diameter wheels are finished in matt black paint with machine-polished centres.

Two unique colours are available for this anniversary 911; a darker Graphite Grey and a lighter Geyser Grey metallic. Black is also available. Each of the cars has a ‘911 50’ badge finished in two-tone 3D-style on the rear lid, which is repeated in three-colour embroidery on the head restraints and as a two-colour logo on the rev counter and the aluminium door sill plates. It is also displayed on the passenger side fascia strip together with the limited edition number of the individual vehicle.

Other exterior characteristics of the special model are high-gloss window frames and SportDesign exterior mirrors. A technical highlight is the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), which adds a dynamic cornering function to the already standard-fit Bi-Xenon headlights.

Inside, there are further styling touches reminiscent of the original 911 such as green labelling on the instruments with white pointer needles and silver caps on the instrument pivot pins. Another special feature are the centre panels of the leather seats, which are designed with a fabric pattern that evokes the ‘Pepita’ tartan design from the 1960s. The leather interior can be specified in Agate Grey or Black with decorative stitching. Sports seats with 14-way adjustment are standard, with 18-way Sport Seats Plus available as an option. The gear shift or selector lever – which, like the decorative panels on the dashboard, doors and centre console, is trimmed in brushed aluminium – comes from the Porsche Exclusive custom tailoring programme.

The 911 50 Years Edition is available to order now from Porsche Centres in the UK and Ireland, priced from £92,257. First right-hand drive deliveries will arrive in September.

In addition to the bespoke equipment of the anniversary model, standard equipment on the 911 Carrera S includes Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with rear limited slip differential, 4.6-inch colour touch-screen Porsche Communication Management with satellite navigation, automatic climate control, Bi-Xenon headlights, a universal audio interface offering MP3 connectivity and a three year warranty.

Fitted to every 911 is a Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), a sophisticated vehicle security package approved to Thatcham Category 5 standard, and customers are also able to explore the potential of their new car by participating in a complimentary course at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.