Porsche fans the world over look forward every year to the annual L.A. Lit Show. This internationally popular event focusing on the offerings and sales of all things Porsche is presented usually on every first Saturday of the month of March at the Airport Hilton in Los Angeles, California, USA. The Airport Hilton is adjacent to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
The name of the annual L.A. Lit Show is short for both the L.A. Lit and Toy Meet Show, as well as the L.A. Porsche and Vintage VW Literature, Toy & Memorabilia Meet Show.
As these alternate appellations suggest, shoppers can browse among tables and tables and tables laden with Porsche and VW literature, toys, and memorabilia – and so much, much more related mostly to the marque of Porsche and all of its vehicles.
In fact, there are so many goods, wares and trinkets presented yearly that the Show overflows into not only one but two ballrooms at the Airport Hilton. Vendors display all of their goodies from 7 a.m. for Early Bird hunters and gatherers, while the general public is admitted around 9 a.m.
StuttgartDNA Tip:
Get the right insurance for your Porsche
When shopping for insurance on your Porsche, make sure to do your homework on getting the best insurance for it — read our article on the subject by clicking on the following link:
The Show usually winds down around 1 or 2 or so in the afternoon. At that time, shoppers then head out to points mostly south to Orange County, where independent Porsche shops, vendors and re-sellers hold Open Houses for the annual L.A. Lit Show attendees in what is known at the L.A. Lit Weekend festivities. It has since become a longtime tradition.
Black “Big Boxster” Porsche Carrera GT at Callas Rennsport during the 2017 Porsche Lit Week. Credit: StuttgartDNAOne of the very-sad-to-see wrecking yards at Los Angeles Dismantler. Credit: Los Angeles DismantlerCarparc USA facade. Credit: StuttgartDNAThe Steve McQueen Le Mans Trilogy, 2016. By Nicolas Hunziker, Switzerland. Three original paintings, acrylic on canvas, 60 inches by 40 inches each. Commissioned by Chadwick McQueen and the Terry McQueen Testamentary Trust. List Prices: “Between Scenes” Painting No. 1, $75,000; “Just Like Jo” Painting No. 2, $75,000 (reserved); and “No More Waiting” Painting No. 3, $75,000.The 2017 Porsche LA Lit Meet main room, with some excellent Porsche-themed dioramas in f.g. Credit: StuttgartDNA
The annual L.A. Lit Show was conceived and started over three decades ago by PCAers and Porschephiles Prescott Kelley, Wayne Callaway and Jim Perrin. Now, though, it is operated under the auspices of venerable Stoddard NLA, one of the largest players in the global Porsche-specific restoration market. Stoddard NLA took over running of the show in 2017.
If you happen (or plan) to be in the neighborhood of Southern California, USA, during March of any year, you have to check out the annual L.A. Lit Show. I’ll see you there!
Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) recently reported its Porsche first-quarter 2020 USA retail sales. In recent memory, this is an unprecedented reporting move for Porsche AG and for PCNA.
PCNA used to report sales on a monthly basis, but not anymore. Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen (all under the Volkswagen corporate umbrella) have followed suit along with BMW, Fiat Chrysler, Ford, GM, and Mercedes. “All of the above” have since discontinued their monthly reporting.
Now on to PCNA’s first Quarter 1 2020 report:
As is the case with all of us, the COVID-9 Pandemic has taken its toll on Porsche sales, too. As a result, USA retail sales and deliveries suffered a year-on-year decline in the 2020 first quarter.
PCNA’s 192 independently owned and operated USA dealers delivered 11,994 new vehicles from January through March 2020 — a dramatic downturn of -20.2 percent compared to the same period of last year. In marked contrast, 2019 for Porsche was a record-setting year, culminating into a decade sustained growth.
PCNA’s President and CEO Klaus Zellmer had this to say about this troubling Pandemic: “PCNA has three clear priorities in these times: protecting the health of our staff, supporting the mobility needs of our customers, and helping our dealer partners remain vital economic contributors in their communities.”
Mr. Zellmer continued his declaration, “Amid near-term uncertainty, our goal is stability and assistance for all of our stakeholders. This will also prepare us to rebound all the more energetically when the time comes.”
Source: Porsche Cars North America
The disappointing news is that total Porsche car sales were off -16.4 percent for Q1 2020 vs. Q1 2019. Porsche SUV deliveries fell even more dramatically by -22.2 percent from Q1 2020 vs. Q1 2019.
The big news despite all of the doom and gloom is the highly anticipated sales debut of the Taycan Turbo and Taycan Turbo S variants, Porsche’s first all-electric sports-car sedan. Porsche recorded Taycan sales of 221 units in this first quarter of 2020. More exciting news is that the Taycan 4S model will be released in the second quarter of 2020.
There was some growth, however. Porsche Approved Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales showed a modest increase of 1.08 percent year-over-year, with a total of 5,827 vehicles for January through March 2020.
Please refer to the accompanying chart above for details of all Porsche first-quarter 2020 USA retail sales.
Feel free to let us know what you think about the Porsche’s Q1 2020 sales during the Covid-19 Pandemic or about the Taycan and/or this post in general by contributing your comments below. We greatly appreciate your input.
Please share your COMMENTS with everyone by scrolling down to the “LEAVE A REPLY” space below at the very bottom of this page. Your input is highly valued by us and much appreciated!
PCNA recently unveiled its November 2019 Porsche USA sales numbers. They were substantial. This past November proved to be the strongest month in the history of Porsche Cars North America: Boasting units of 6,326 vehicles, USA sales surged by 11.5 percent over last year’s figures.
“Porsche is on track to close 2019 with our tenth year of consecutive growth in deliveries to U.S. customers and the eighth successive record year,” announced Klaus Zellmer, President and CEO of PCNA.
Mr. Zellmer’s confidence is not unfounded. This year’s record just shattered the all-time record set last November. Furthermore, total retail sales jumped 7 percent in the first 11 months in 2019, with deliveries of 56,835.
“Beyond our thrilling cars, Porsche Cars North America and our dealers are dedicated to providing an exciting customer experience that helps drive these results,” continued Mr. Zellmer.
Mr. Zellmer substantiated the assertion with the following: “This is the first year that we’ve won the top spot in three key J.D. Power studies — the Customer Service Index, the Sales Satisfaction Index, and the APEAL Study of automotive performance, execution and layout.”
Source: Porsche Cars North America
When we “look deep under the hood” at the numbers (see chart above), it is clear that, ironically, sales of Porsche SUVs drove these record-setting sales figures.
In fact, SUV deliveries outpaced Porsche sports-car sales by almost 2 to 1 last month. Year over year, SUV sales also surpassed sports-car sales by 37.4 percent.
Specifically, this November’s sales of the new-gen Cayenne grew by 52.4 percent over last November. Furthermore, year-over-year Cayenne retail growth skyrocketed some 87.4 percent.
The Macan demonstrated a much smaller increase, however: +17.6 percent this November over last year, with a year-over-year modest decline of -5.3 percent.
A new startling sales spike looms on the retail horizon. Initial anticipated sales of the new Taycan will more than likely soar in frenzied buying. Deliveries of the first all-electric Porsche land on our national shores later this month.
Sales of Porsche Approved Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles also improved once again. Units totaled 2,257 vehicles in November, an increase of 22.3 percent year-over-year.
Please share your COMMENTS with everyone by scrolling down to the “LEAVE A REPLY” space below at the very bottom of this page. Your input is highly valued by us and much appreciated!
October 2019 USA sales increased 13.1 percent compared to October 2018 sales figures, according to Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA). This amounts to 5,447 automobiles and SUVs, an increase of 630 vehicles — the highest monthly sales achievement witnessed so far this year.
Source: PCNA
Year-to-date retail sales at the end of October rose by 6.5 percent. Compared to last year, this represents retail deliveries of 50,509 units, an increase of 3,066 vehicles.
“I think our customers appreciate the range of model choices we offer, whether they are excited by the latest generation of our iconic 911 or an SUV with the heart of a sports car,” said Klaus Zellmer, President and CEO of PCNA.
Mr. Zellmer may be on to something here. In fact, customer opportunities will increase before the end of the year. He continued, “Adding the all-electric Taycan to our portfolio gives those customers even more options for Porsche thrills once we start deliveries late this year.”
The new eighth-generation 911 (i.e., 992-gen) recently landed in USA dealer showrooms. Thus, Porsche 911 sales in October skyrocketed some 65 percent. The Macan model line showed a healthy 19.2 percent increase, too.
However, other model sales except for the virtually flat Cayenne model line were down considerably (please see accompanying chart above). Yet Porsche still managed to score the aforementioned 13.1 percent rise, thanks in no small measure to those mammoth 911 sales, aided by the increased sales of the refreshed Macan.
Finally, Porsche Approved Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales in the USA rose 24.6 percent year-over-year, with total unit sales of 2,138 vehicles in October.
Please share your COMMENTS with everyone by scrolling down to the “LEAVE A REPLY” space below at the very bottom of this page. Your input is highly valued by us and much appreciated!
Porsche pulled out all the stops in pulling off the highly “energetic” world premiere of the Porsche Taycan. The Taycan is Porsche AG’s very first all-electric sports car. The Porsche Taycan first electric sports car world premiere launched on September 4, 2019.
Unprecedented Taycan Premiere on Three Continents
As an all-time first (and probably last), the unprecedented Porsche Taycan first electric sports car world premiere took place on three continents — simultaneously:
North America
Europe
Asia
Why these locations? The reasons are two-fold: (1) The three international venues epitomize the three biggest potential regional markets for the Taycan electric sports car and (2) all three sites are synonymous with the generation of sustainable energy:
Niagara Falls — on the American and Canadian border, for its awe-inspiring grandeur of hydropower
Neuhardenberg — in Germany, near Berlin, at a solar farm to exemplify solar power, and
Pingtan Island — in China, at a wind farm in Fujian Province, to call wind power to mind
At the Niagra Falls Premiere are Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board, Sales and Marketing; Stefan Weckbach, Vice President Product Line Taycan; and Ivo van Hulten, Director Interior-Design, Style Porsche. (l-r). Credit: Porsche AGAt the Germany Premiere are Manfred Harrer Vice President Chassis Development; Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG; and Michael Mauer, Vice President Style Porsche (l-r). Credit: Porsche AGAt the China Premiere are Peter Varga, Director Exterior Design – Style Porsche; Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board of Porsche AG – Research and Development; and Gernot Döllner, Vice President Product and Concept of Porsche AG (l-r). Credit: Porsche AG
Porsche handpicked these event settings for very good reason: They are ideal backdrops for the introduction of the Stuttgart auto manufacturer’s all-electric-powered four-door sports sedan to the world.
In this way, Porsche touted some of its main objectives for developing and producing the Taycan — sustainability and digitalization. At the time, all three events were livestreamed round the world.
So what is to make of these three synchronized international whoop-de-dos? The objective, of course, was to drive home the historic gravity of the moment — that this is Porsche AG’s maiden voyage into 21st century electric automotive mobility. This to all Porschephiles and non-Porschephiles alike is in no small measure a very big deal.
Introducing the world premiere in Berlin, Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, announced, “The Taycan links our heritage to the future. It carries forward the success story of our brand — a brand that has fascinated and thrilled people the world over for more than 70 years.”
Putting an even finer point on it, Mr. Blume pronounced, “This day marks the start of a new era.”
Despite all the global ballyhoo and fanfare, though, two burning questions still linger:
Does the Taycan handle and perform like a real and proper Porsche? Moreover, will über-purist Porschephiles embrace the Taycan as worthy of even giving it the time of day?
Let’s take a quick look-see at Porsche’s recently released revelations, thoughts, specs and features surrounding the Taycan, shall we?
Taycan Overview
The Fundamental Goal
As just alluded to immediately above, Porsche AG’s fundamental goal in developing the new Taycan model line is to bundle the following three aspects seamlessly in the Taycan:
The performance and driver engagement of Porsche sports cars, past and present
The daily-driver ease found in Porsche sports cars
The creation of the first electric Porsche sports car for the future embodying these two foregoing hallmarks that epitomize The Porsche Principle
Reverse Release Strategy
Porsche typically releases each model’s base variant or base trim line, and then builds on that initial release with its increasingly more powerful, more exotic trim lines from there.
For example, Turbo variants are usually the penultimate or ultimate releases. Au contraire, mon frère, this time around.
During this unprecedented tri-continental rollout of its first electric sports car, Porsche AG introduced its top-of-the-food-chain variants of the Taycan — the Taycan Turbo and the most-powerful Taycan Turbo S.
Incidentally, as of this publishing anyway, Porsche AG has not given any explanation as to why it describes these four-door sports sedans — which are devoid of forced-induction internal-combustion engines — as “Turbos.”
Hence, we can only reckon that PAG is attempting to capitalize on the legendary connotations of the word “Turbo,” which is most commonly associated with ruthless Porsche speed and the highest-caliber paragon of The Porsche Mystic.
Perhaps PAG also hopes to connote that the Taycan Turbo and Turbo S are near or at the top of the food chain in terms of Porsche trim lines. Fair enough.
The Taycan prototype on track to setting its record on the Nordschleife. Credit: Porsche AG
In any case, one of the first tests the Taycan prototype was put through was the setting of the 7:42 record on the Nordschleife.
Porsche E-Performance
Be that as it may, Porsche places these two Turbo and Turbo S variants at the bleeding edge of Porsche E-Performance. This is because both trim lines are among the most powerful production models in Porsche’s product range.
Here are the just-released specs of the Taycan Turbo:
670 horsepower (500 kW) potential
Zero to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds
Top speed of 161 mph
Taycan Turbo S specs:
750 horsepower (560 kW) potential when combined with Launch Control and overboost (which is perhaps the Taycan’s analog to an actual turbo for all Porsche AG’s intents and purposes)
Zero to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds
Top speed of 161 mph
As previously mentioned, Porsche AG is reversing its typical graduated distribution strategy. Contrary to traditional release rollouts, PAG plans to release the Taycan S and any other less powerful variants later this year. Porsche will add the Taycan Cross Turismo to the lineup at the end of 2020.
Now a sharper picture of the Stuttgart automobile manufacturer’s earnest commitment to e-mobility is starting to come into focus. Porsche AG announced at the premiere that, by the year 2022, it will have invested more than 6.6 billion bucks in the Taycan and its production. Clearly, PAG is all in on electric mobility.
The Taycan in graphic skeletal view. Credit: Porsche AG
Taycan System Voltage, Electric Powertrain, Transmission, Chassis, Recuperation, Driving Modes and Styling Cues
The Taycan’s 800-volt power supply. Credit: Porsche AG
“Utterly Shocking” System Voltage
All electric vehicles to date run on an aboriginal system voltage of 400 volts. Enter the Taycan, the first production car running on a state-of-the-art 800-volt system.
If you are an “internal-combustionophile” like me, you may be wondering, “So what’s such a big deal about that”?
Well, Porsche schools us on the matter: “Under ideal conditions, the charging time from five to 80 percent State of Charge (SoC) is just 22.5 minutes, with a maximum charging power (peak) of up to 270 kW. The overall capacity of the 800V high voltage battery is 93.4 kWh.
“Taycan drivers can comfortably charge their cars with up to 9.6 kW of alternating current (AC) at home using a standard SAE J1772 connector.”
Zzzzzz . . .
Huh? Oh sorry. Was I snoring that bad?
Anyway, what’s more important is what makes the Taycan run, right? So here goes . . .
The Taycan drive system. Credit: Porsche AG
Electric Powertrain and Two-Speed Transmission
Porsche has designed what it describes as innovative, exceptionally efficient electric drive motors. One drive motor runs the front axle and the second drive motor spins the rear axle. Hence the Taycan operates as an all-wheel drive automobile.
The Taycan’s 2-speed transmission. Credit: Porsche AG
The Taycan’s transmission, if you can call it that, is a two-speed affair. Another Porsche innovation, the transmission mounts on the rear axle. The transmission’s first gear allows the Taycan to prioritize acceleration from the car’s standing start.
On the other hand, second gear has a very long ratio. Porsche assures us that the design of this long gear ratio ensures optimal efficiency as well as extraordinary power reserves at high cruising speeds.
(Beware! Snorer alert! Insomniacs, rejoice! Here it comes!)
The Taycan Turbo S’s permanently excited synchronous motor. Credit: Porsche AG
The two drive motors are highly efficient, permanently excited (i.e., possessing a permanent magnet) synchronous mechanisms. The benefits derived from this excited synchronicity amount to extended range and continuous power produced by the electric powertrain.
The electric motor and pulse-controlled inverter (and transmission on the rear axle) unite together in respective compact drive modules on the front and rear axles. These modules boast the highest density (kW per cubic foot of package space) compared to all electric powertrains in the marketplace as of this publishing.
But what would Porsche’s electric motors be without their “hairpin” windings of the stator coils (one asks waggishly)? Apparently, this emerging technology sets the stage for integrating more copper in the stator (whatever that is). This is supposed to increase power output and torque while maintaining the same component volume. (Huh?)
(End, snorer alert.)
Unfortunately, the presumably unprecedented EPA data was not available at the time of this publication.
The Taycan’s rolling chassis. Credit: Porsche AG
Centrally Networked Chassis Systems
The Taycan’s chassis employs a centrally networked control system. At the heart of this innovative system is Porsche 4D Chassis Control. The system analyzes and synchronizes all aspects of the chassis components in real time.
The Taycan’s adaptive air suspension with three-chamber technology. Credit: Porsche AG
The major chassis components include, among other mechanisms, the following:
Adaptive air suspension — incorporates three-chamber technology adapted from the Panamera’s cutting-edge suspension engineering
Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) electronic damper control
Optional Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) electromechanical roll stabilization system
Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus)
The Taycan’s Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC). Credit: Porsche AG
Recuperation System and Braking System
The Taycan’s energy recuperation system, on-board power supply and components. Credit: Porsche AG
Another important element of the two-motor, all-wheel-drive set-up is its trailblazing recuperation system. The recuperation system’s maximum potential peaks at 265 kW. Porsche declares that this is substantially higher than Taycan marketplace rivals.
Formula 1 fans will recognize that this system is based on the basic principles employed by KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) units found on F1 racecars.
The Taycan’s charging connections and PCCB brake and humongous yellow caliper. Credit: Porsche AG
Porsche tested the Taycan recuperation system’s braking. Porsche’s engineers found that the electric motors exclusively execute about 90 percent of day-to-day braking. Conversely, the hydraulic brake system remains blissfully idle during these conventional scenarios.
Multiple Driving Modes
Most if not all late-model Porsche vehicles have a choice of four familiar driving modes. The Taycan boasts them too, in addition to a fifth mode (i.e., the last one listed below):
Normal
Sport
Sport Plus
Individual — customizable mode
Range — maximizes operational efficiency
These multiple driving modes enable drivers to tailor their driving experience and pleasure under all road and track conditions. The first-generation Taycan goes one step further with “Range” mode. This new fifth addition allows the driver to maximize vehicle operational efficiency. The goal here, of course, is to extend the Taycan’s traveling range.
External Styling Cues
Porsche points out the following design aspects, asserting they speak volumes about the Taycan’s inherent Porsche DNA:
Wide and flat look from the front, accentuated by sharply contoured wings inherent in most Porsches
Highly sculpted side sections
Sporty roofline that slopes downward into the car’s rear luggage compartment
Typically Porsche shapely baby-got-back hips, formed by the sleek cabin, tight C-pillar and accentuated rear wings
The Porsche Taycan Turbo S’s rear badging, and continuous light bar above it. Credit: Porsche AG
The Taycan’s rear section also possesses its own distinctive glass-look logo, a feature integrated into the continuous rear light bar. All in all, the overall aerodynamically optimized sleek body shape boasts a drag coefficient as low as 0.22.
The Taycan’s aerodynamics. Credit: Porsche AG
A low coefficient is especially all-important for an electric vehicle to enhance and optimize low energy consumption — which lengthens driving range.
The Taycan’s two luggage compartments. Credit: Porsche AG
Another Taycan benefit is the fact that it has two luggage compartments: 2.8 cubic feet in the front storage area, and 12.9 cubic feet in the rear.
The detached, free-standing Taycan instrument cluster. Credit: Porsche AG
Internal Styling Cues
Not unlike that of the Carrera GT supercar, the Taycan interior serves as the genesis of and template for most if not all future Porsche vehicle interiors in this, the 21st century. The interior marks the beginning of an entirely new Porsche interior architecture:
Elevated, detached, free-standing, curved instrument cluster, on the highest plane of the dashboard
Driver-centric cockpit serving as the interior’s focal point
Centralized 10.9-inch infotainment display screen
Optional passenger display screen, which combines with the driver display and integrates into a continuous black-paneled glass ribbon spanning the entire dashboard
The Taycan’s black-paneled dashboard with optional passenger display screen. Credit: Porsche AG
Brand-new to the Taycan interior are intuitive touch operation controls. There is also a vocal-response system. This voice-activation interface can be initially accessed by simply uttering, “Hey, Porsche,” followed by the desired vocal request.
Consequently, the usual suspects of overwhelming three-dimensional buttons, switches and controls chronically denigrated with respect to previous Porsche automobiles survive at a very bare minimum in the Taycan.
Another Porsche first is the option of a completely leather-free interior. Instead, Porsche introduces what it calls “innovative recycled materials” on offer. Along with other elements unique to the Taycan, this is in keeping with the concept of sustainability for Porsche’s first all-electric sports car.
The Taycan Turbo S’s Performance Battery Plus with 93.4 kWh. Credit: Porsche AG
The Taycan has the lowest center of gravity of all Porsches that ever came before it. This is possible only because of the low, low position of the humongous battery. That battery has “foot garages.” These are recesses hollowed out back at the rear foot well for rear-passenger comfort.
This low center of gravity also enables the classically low roofline typical of sports cars in general, and Porsche automobiles in particular.
Performance vs. Sustainability
So did Porsche AG successfully accomplish its objective of blending Porsche performance with sustainability? More specifically, did PAG deftly bundle Porsche driver engagement, Porsche day-to-day driver comfort as well as zero emissions and 21st century sustainability— all seamlessly embodied in the Taycan?
According to Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board of Porsche AG – Research and Development, “We promised a true Porsche for the age of electric mobility — a fascinating sports car that not only excites in terms of its technology and driving dynamics, but also sparks a passion in people all over the world, just like its legendary predecessors have done.”
Mr. Steiner puts an even finer point on it, declaring, “Now we are delivering on this promise.”
Well, it seems compelling to me after digesting all of the above — but the jury is still out, actually. The jury is still out because we have to wait and see what happens when multiple analytical test runs and test drives thoroughly put the Taycan through its paces.
Speaking of which, check out these preliminary shakedowns so far:
Feel free to let us know what you think about the Taycan and/or this post by contributing your comments below. We greatly appreciate your input.
Please share your COMMENTS with everyone by scrolling down to the “LEAVE A REPLY” space below at the very bottom of this page. Your input is highly valued by us and much appreciated!
Porsche Cars North America, Inc., (PCNA) recently announced its September 2019 Porsche USA sales figures. USA Porsche sales for September amounted to 5,213 sports cars and SUVs. This represents a modest uptick of 2.2 percent over September 2018 sales.
Total year-to-date sales for the last three full quarters weighed in at 45,062 unit deliveries, a healthier rise of 5.7 percent over last September’s figures.
According to Klaus Zellmer, President and CEO of PCNA, “September was a snapshot of the Porsche story. The heart of our brand — the next-generation 911 — arrived in U.S. showrooms with a bang while the new Cayenne extended its winning streak as the sports car of SUVs.”
Source: PCNA
The Porsche 911 enjoyed a heady surge of 24.3 percent compared to last September’s unit sales. The newly re-designed and re-engineered Cayenne, the larger of Porsche’s two SUV models, enjoyed an even greater increase of 30.7 percent over last September’s numbers.
Mr. Zellmer continued, “All of this was against the backdrop of the September 4 world premiere of the Taycan, the first all-electric Porsche, which starts reaching U.S. customers late this year.”
Ironically (or maybe not so much), Porsche’s year-to-date sports-car sales nose-dived (-17.8 percent), whereas Porsche’s year-to-date SUV sales skyrocketed (+22.4 percent) compared with 2018 sales.
Finally, Porsche Approved Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) USA sales also grew year-over-year, with 1,827 units purchased, a respectable upward bump of 4.8 percent.
Please share your COMMENTS with everyone by scrolling down to the “LEAVE A REPLY” space below at the very bottom of this page. Your input is highly valued by us and much appreciated!
The 2019 Premier Porsche Dealers list was recently revealed. The list of the “Top Porsche Dealers” across America and Canada was released by Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), USA importer and distributor of Porsche automobiles.
The 2019 Premier Porsche Dealers list consists of those dealers that PCNA deems worthy of being in its Premier Dealer Program.
This prestigious Premier Dealer Program acknowledges and rewards Porsche dealerships that most diligently implement the key principles of the Porsche Business Model and, in so doing, consistently exceed the expectations of their customers.
If you have patronized any of these dealers, simply CLICK or TAP on that dealer’s name to share your comments with all of us.
Once you get to that dealer’s directory listing in our StuttgartDNA Porsche Resources Directory, simply CLICK or TAP on the “REVIEWS” tab. Share your interactions that you experienced with each dealer’s services, its workmanship and its customer service now under the “RATINGS — Post your review” section of the dealer’s “REVIEWS” tab.
Your input is greatly appreciated by both StuttgartDNA and the Premier Porsche Dealers!
Please share your COMMENTS with everyone by scrolling down to the “LEAVE A REPLY” space below at the very bottom of this page. Your input is highly valued by us and much appreciated!
Atlanta-based Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA) recently revealed March sales figures of 4,779 Porsche vehicles. This is a new record high for the month of March.
This latest record for March arrives in the wake of record months for January and February. Accordingly, 15,015 Porsche automobiles sold in Q1 of 2019 reflects an increase of 7.6 percent over sales in the first quarter of 2018.
“It has been a month of celebrations for Porsche,” announced Klaus Zellmer, President and CEO of PCNA. “First, we claimed the No. 1 spot in the 2019 J.D. Power Customer Service Index Study, followed by a record March. This is a testament to our 191 U.S. dealers and their employees, who help ensure our customer experience lives up to the same superb quality as our cars.”
Source: PCNA
Increased demand for the new Cayenne contributed to this record in March (+76.3 percent over March 2018) and in Q1 (+69.1 percent over 2018).
While sales of the 911 were down by 9.1 percent this March compared to last March, Porsche’s iconic 991 produced a 15.3 percent increase with 2,894 units this quarter compared to Q1 of 2018. These impressive 911 results precede the highly anticipated debut of the new 992-gen of the 911 later this year.
Mr. Zellmer sums it all up: “I am grateful customers are already showing this level of Porsche passion at the start of an amazing year that will feature a new 911, a refreshed Macan, and our first purely electric sports car, the Taycan.”
Porsche Approved Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) U.S. sales saw an increase of 12.6 percent year-over-year, with 2,280 units driving off dealer lots.
Please share your COMMENTS with everyone by scrolling down to the “LEAVE A REPLY” space below at the very bottom of this page. Your input is highly valued by us and much appreciated!
Porsche wins 2019 IMSA Sebring 12 Hours fresh on the heels of winning the WEA 1000 Miles of Sebring during SuperSebring weekend. The No. 911 Porsche 911 RSR drove home this final unprecedented weekend triumph last Saturday.
Piloted by Nick Tandy (Great Britain) and his teammates Patrick Pilet and Frédéric Makowiecki from France, the approximately 510-hp No. 911 Weissach racecar crossed the Sebring finish line first at the drop of the GTLM-class checkers.
Porsche Underscores the “Super” in SuperSebring Weekend by Winning the IMSA 12 Hours of Sebring after Dominating Both GTE Classes in the 1000 Miles of Sebring
Tandy, Pilet and Makowiecki’s victory in the 2019 12 Hours of Sebring is the Porsche trio’s back-to-back win after their top-of-the-podium conquest during last year’s grueling American twelve-hour Sebring marathon. Last weekend’s race was round 2 of the 2019 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
This marks Porsche’s extraordinary, unprecedented 96th career win at Sebring.
Porsche’s IMSA GTLM tour de force comes a day after Porsche’s WEC GTE-Pro and GTE-Am tandem triumphs in the 1000 Miles of Sebring race, round 6 of the Sports Car World Endurance Championship (WEC), on Friday.
In the latter brawl, two more Weissach 911 RSR wonders downright shut out both GTE fields: The No. 91 Porsche RSR driven by Gianmaria Bruni (Italy) and Richard Lietz (Austria) in GTE-Pro; and the No. 77 Porsche RSR piloted Porsche Young Professional Matt Campbell (Australia), Porsche Junior Julien Andlauer (France) and Christian Ried (Germany) in GTE-Am.
“I’ve been in motorsport for a long time, but I’ve never experienced anything like this,” attested Fritz Enzinger, Vice President of Porsche Motorsport. “Within 48 hours we won a 1,000-mile race and a twelve-hour race with our factory teams at one venue. That’s phenomenal.”
Porsche’s 12-Hour Tour de Force
Kudos to the No. 911 Porsche RSR Team and Their First-Place Finish in GT Le Mans (GTLM) Class
Meanwhile, back at Saturday’s 12-hour endurance affair, the race classic got off to a miserable start. A deluge of downpours made for a messy, slippery course from the get-go. These dismal conditions drove the No. 911 Porsche RSR — with little to no grip — further and further down the leaderboard.
But the horrible weather began improving near race’s midpoint — as did the No. 911’s progression up through the field. The team’s world-class racing experience, savvy tactics and impeccable teamwork propelled the No. 911 to the head of the pack in P1.
“We had major problems in the rain early on in the race, but we battled our way forward again in an incredible manner,” Frédéric Makowiecki confided. Like last year, it was a perfect team effort. With such successes, it really becomes clear just how important it is for the entire squad to work perfectly.”
Nick Tandy vanquished all attempts of the field to catch up with and pass him. He thus ensured that his RSR was the first GTLM car to hit the checkered flag with a 1.951-second lead.
“It was a totally crazy race that one rarely experiences,” Tandy stating the obvious. “We got the lot: extremely wet at the beginning, a dry track, then predicted rain, which didn’t eventuate. We started from pole, then quickly fell back, only to end up in the lead again.”
Tandy concluded, “You only get such things at a long-distance race. And this is the precisely the kind of discipline that Porsche excels at. Never give up, always push and then pull out all stops at the right moment. That’s how it’s done.”
As an awesome result, the trio of Makowiecki, Pilet and Tandy became the first race team to win the 12 Hours of Sebring two times in a row. Another excellent race result to come from this historic win is the fact that the No. 911 team has shot up to the top of IMSA’s GTLM rankings.
“It somehow feels unreal,” Pilet added. “We started from pole position, and then we were running last, and now we celebrate our second Sebring victory in a row — unbelievable!”
“Perhaps we should rename the event the ‘Porsche Super Sebring’ race weekend,” cheered Pascal Zurlinden, Director of Porsche GT Factory Motorsport. “Three pole positions, three victories — what more could you want. Our team did everything right.”
The sister Porsche 911 RSR No. 912 car unfortunately did not fare as well. But after slip-sliding down the field a whole two laps, the team of Earl Bamber (New Zealand), Laurens Vanthoor (Belgium) and Mathieu Jaminet (France) did manage to muscle its way back up to finish in fifth place.
“Unfortunately we lost too much time in the rainy start phase,” rued Vanthoor. “Otherwise we could have fought for victory. Our car was incredibly good, especially on slicks in the final phase. For me personally, I’m a bit disappointed. But it is outweighed by the joy of an incredibly successful weekend for Porsche.”
Heartbreak in GT Daytona (GTD) Class
For much of the race, the Pfaff Motorsports customer team’s No. 9 Porsche 911 GT3 R seemed invincible in GTD class. Everything was going Pfaff’s way. The No. 9 led early on for most of the first half of the race. Zacharie Robichon (Canada) also appeared unbeatable during his initial stints in the car.
In the midst of their winning run, a sensor in their 500-hp GT3 R suddenly went kaput. While the pit crew went to work installing a new sensor, the No. 9 fell further and further behind. Once the Weissach machine got back underway on track, it finished in tenth place at the end of the 12-hour enduro.
Finishing a little higher in the field was the identical No. 73 GT3 R. Piloted by Porsche factory driver Patrick Long (USA) and his fellow Americans Nicholas Boulle and Patrick Lindsey, the Park Place Motorsports Porsche finished in a respectable but disappointing sixth place on the leaderboard.
Please share your COMMENTS with everyone by scrolling down to the “LEAVE A REPLY” space below at the very bottom of this page. Your input is highly valued by us as well as much appreciated!
Porsche wins 2019 WEC Sebring 1000 Miles during this past 2019 SuperSebring weekend. The No. 91 factory Porsche 911 RSR finished in first place in Florida during the 1000 Miles of Sebring.
This was the sixth round of the World Endurance Championship (WEC). Hence Porsche has increased its drivers’ and manufacturer’s championship leads.
Porsche Motorsport Struts its Stuff during the 1000 Miles of Sebring
Porsche Prevails in GTE-Pro Class
The No. 91 Factory Porsche 911 RSR Emerges Victorious
Piloted by Gianmaria Bruni (Italy) and Richard Lietz (Austria), the No. 91 Porsche 911 RSR ran a good, clean, consistent second place throughout most of the race on the grueling, legendary American 3.74-mile / 6.02-kilometer circuit.
But rain began falling less than a half hour ahead of the checkers. Thus forced to box for a full set of rain rubber, the No. 91 received flawless servicing by the spot-on Manthey Racing factory crew.
That speedy pit stop catapulted the Bruni and Lietz 911 RSR into the lead — the No. 91 Porsche finishing ahead of the GTE-Pro field at the checkers. This awesome first win for them together leapfrogged the boys up to second place in the drivers’ championship rankings.
“At the last pit stop in the rain, our team did an immaculate tire change and, with the better strategy, managed to make up more than five seconds over the previously leading BMW,” observed Pascal Zurlinden, Director of GT Factory Motorsport. “Congratulations to the mechanics — they made this victory possible.”
“For me personally it’s even more special: It’s the first time I’ve won a race for Porsche. That means so much to me,” Gianmaria Bruni emoted.
Richard Lietz seconded that emotion by saying, “Everything ran perfectly for us. I’m totally over the moon with my first win of this season.”
The No. 92 Factory Porsche 911 RSR Wasn’t as Lucky
Teammates Michael Christensen (Denmark) and Kévin Estre (France) in their twin No. 92 Porsche 911 RSR were not as blessed. However, at the end of the day, they did manage to hang on to and extend their championship lead — 25 points ahead of their No. 91 teammates.
Estre did earn a hard-fought pole position initially, though. Despite this, problems ensued from there for the approximately 510-hp No. 92 911 RSR from Weissach. Estre traded major paint with the No. 95 Aston Martin.
Adding insult to injury, Estre incurred a stop-and-go penalty that knocked him further and further down the leaderboard. He was never able to catch up to the front of the field. Then the rain came which only worsened Estre’s plight. He had to settle for fifth place.
Kévin Estre elaborated, “I was locked in a fight with an Aston Martin and had the better line out the corner and wanted to go for it. I touched him slightly and he spun — my mistake. The penalty cost us a possible victory and many points. It’s not the end of the world, but it’s still a shame.”
The inclement downpours that arrived late to the party cut the race short at its eight-hour time limit, instead of at its eponymous 1000-mile distance.
“I’m totally delighted,” enthused Fritz Enzinger, Vice President of Porsche Motorsport. “After clinching pole position in both the WEC and IMSA and now winning the first of two races in Sebring, and in such difficult conditions in the closing stages — you don’t get it better than this.”
Porsche harvested 46 World Endurance GTE Manufacturers Championship Points from their Sebring efforts. This places Porsche in the catbird seat with a substantial 100-point lead out in front of their second-place Ferrari rivals. The SuperSebring WEC round marks Porsche’s fourth victory of the season.
Porsche Motorsport Enjoys an Encore Win in GTE-Am Class
Dempsey-Proton Racing’s No. 77 Porsche 911 RSR Also Scores a First-Place Win
Mr. Enzinger also lauded Porsche’s privateers in the race: “I’m also very proud of our customer teams who did brilliantly in the GTE-Am class.” Here’s why and how.
Historically formidable across many decades of racing since winning its first race with Porsche No. 1 in the late Forties, Porsche Motorsport enjoyed a tandem trip to the winner’s circle with another victory in GTE-Am this past weekend. The No. 77 Dempsey-Proton Racing Porsche 911 RSR clinched its second consecutive triumph of the WEC season since winning the previous Shanghai round.
Executing flawless teamwork in the winning No. 77 racecar were Porsche Young Professional Matt Campbell (Australia), Porsche Junior Julien Andlauer (France) and Christian Ried (Germany).
The trio not only won the race, but also started from pole position. In short, this turned out to be a perfect SuperSebring weekend for the German-based, Patrick Dempsey-owned race team.
“The conditions were really tricky towards the end,” conceded the young but racy Matt Campbell. “But we still managed to bring home the victory. I’m really relieved because things can quickly go wrong in the rain. At the end of the day it’s a perfect result and a banner day for Porsche.”
Other Porsche Customer Teams Finished Strong
The No. 56 Team Project 1 Porsche RSR of Egidio Perfetti (Norway), American Patrick Lindsey and works driver Jörg Bergmeister (Germany) earned a fine result too. The gents in the No. 56 Porsche secured for the Porsche marque another podium spot on the third step.
Speaking of gentlemen, veteran Porsche works driver Mr. Bergmeister put it all in sage perspective: “We’ve cut our losses — very successfully. By scoring third place we’ve defended our lead in the championship and that was our main goal. Our car was strong in the race, although the balance was off due to a collision that wasn’t our fault. We made the best out of these circumstances.”
Not just one, but two spots on the podium ain’t too shabby for the Stuttgart rennsport powerhouse. But wait, there’s more:
Not far behind them in the seventh slot on the leaderboard was the Dempsey-Proton Racing’s No. 88 Porsche RSR, piloted by the all-Italian team of Porsche Young Professional Matteo Cairoli, Giorgio Roda and Gianluca Roda. [Editor’s Note: Sorry, Ferrari!]
Race result
GTE-Pro class
Lietz/Bruni (A/I), Porsche 911 RSR, 226 laps
Tomczyk/Catsburg/Sims (D/NL/GB), BMW M8 GTE, 226 laps
Priaulx/Tincknell/Bomarito (GB/GB/USA), Ford GT, 225 laps
Christensen/Estre (DK/F), Porsche 911 RSR, 225 laps
GTE-Am class
Ried/Andlauer/Campbell (D/F/AUS), Porsche 911 RSR, 221 laps
Flohr/Castellacci/Fisichella (CH/I/I), Ferrari 488 GTE, 221 laps
Bergmeister/Lindsey/Perfetti (D/USA/N), Porsche 911 RSR, 221 laps
Wainwright/Barker/Preining (GB/GB/A), Porsche 911 RSR, 221 laps
Roda/Roda/Cairoli (I/I/I), Porsche 911 RSR, 219 laps
Please share your COMMENTS with everyone by scrolling down to the “LEAVE A REPLY” space below at the very bottom of this page. Your input is highly valued by us as well as much appreciated!
