Porsche’s New Chairman Makes First Appearance at U.S. Auto Show

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Marking a world premiere at the LA Auto Show, Porsche today pulled the wraps off the 2012 Cayman R, a new model that now will join the company’s stable of renowned mid-engine sports cars.

Introducing this model to the crowd of media was Porsche’s Chairman, Matthias Mueller.  “Today we are actually celebrating two premieres: this is the first time since I took over as Chief Executive Officer of Porsche last month that I can address a major media crowd outside of Europe and, at the same time, introduce a brand new sports car,” said Mueller.  “It is fitting that this happens in the United States, still our most important market and, by far, the biggest for Porsche sports cars.”

As the newest member of Porsche’s mid-engine family, the new 2012 Cayman R is now the lightest and most powerful model of any Cayman or Boxster. With weight savings of 161 lbs, the Cayman R offers a highly efficient 3.4-liter six-cylinder Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) boxer engine found in the Cayman S, but dishes out 10 more horsepower. It will go on sale in the U.S. early next year with a MSRP of $66,300, excluding $950 for destination.

During the press conference, Porsche also revealed its newest 911 models—the 2011 Carrera GTS and the 911 Speedster.  Introducing the new cars, Bernhard Maier, Executive VP of Sales and Marketing, Porsche AG, emphasized that Porsche had plenty of excitement to offer in the 911 line-up for 2011 and beyond.

“New momentum to the 911 line-up will come from two new models that make their North American debut today and will be at U.S. dealerships in January,” said Maier.

The new 911 Carrera GTS promises to be one of the brand’s most exhilarating sports cars, dishing out 23 more horsepower than the 911 Carrera S, and thereby narrowing the power gap with its mighty 911 GT3 brethren. Featuring a wealth of standard features, the Carrera GTS also represents one of the best value propositions in the lineup.

Even more remarkable, the new GTS – available as a Coupe and Cabriolet – adds all its power, while remaining just as economical as the Carrera S—more proof that Porsche Intelligent Performance is much more than a slogan. It is EPA rated at up to 19 mpg city / 27 mpg highway.

The MSRP for the 911 Carrera GTS Coupe and Cabriolet will be $103,100 and $112,900, respectively, excluding $950 for destination.

As Maier pointed out during its reveal, the new 911 Speedster “carries an even more prestigious designation,” with just 356 being built in homage to the original 356 Speedster, and less than 100 are destined for showrooms in the U.S.

As you would expect, the newest 2011 Speedster is significantly different from other members of the 911 family. A two-seat roadster, the new 911 Speedster, which characteristically comes with a lower windshield and double-bubble hardcover for the manual soft top, uses the venerable 3.8-liter flat six engine to deliver 408 horsepower (hp), 23 hp more in comparison with the 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, yet is EPA rated the same at 19 mpg city / 27 mpg highway.

The sporty flavor is further enhanced by the special exterior color “Pure Blue” which has been developed exclusively for this Speedster. Upon request, the Speedster is available in Carrara White, at no extra cost.

The MSRP of the 911 Speedster is $204,000, excluding $950 for destination.

Porsche Marks 60 Years of Selling Performance in America

It was one of the most fateful and successful decisions in the annals of automotive history – Porsche’s decision to market cars in the United States.  And at today’s press conference, Porsche recognized its 60th Anniversary in the U.S., reminding everyone of the long historical roots the company has here and how important this market has been to its success over the years.

“It was late fall in 1950, only two years after the Porsche company was founded, when the first three 356 models arrived in New York, imported by Austrian car dealer Maxi Hoffmann,” said Detlev von Platen, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America.

While Hoffman sold a mere 32 the first full year, by 1955, over 50 percent of Porsche’s total sales went to the United States. Today, nearly 500,000 Porsches, very old and very new ones, are being driven on American roads.

During the press conference, von Platen pointed out a Porsche 356 Cabriolet from 1950 on display, which is the oldest known series production Porsche in the U.S. and on loan from its proud owner Richard Brumme of Annapolis who brought it to the Porsche stand in honor of the anniversary.

As a further reminder of its six decades in the U.S., Porsche treated the media in attendance to a “walk down memory lane” showing a special video montage featuring its famous cars through the ages, accompanied by models donned in the fashions of the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s.

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