A Palette of Porsches

An Unforgettable Carhuna & Coffee Morning at JZM Porsche

Carhuna teamed up with JZM Porsche, one of its endorsement partners, to host an exceptional Carhuna & Coffee event this past September. The event was noteworthy, not only for the quality of the cars on display, but also for the atmosphere it carried throughout the day. Held at JZM Porsche’s infamous showroom, the event saw a turnout of around 150 guests—ranging from high-profile enthusiasts to Porsche owners and JZM clients, along with the Carhuna team and founders. The atmosphere was laid-back yet lively, offering a perfect setting for relaxed conversations amongst the who’s who of the UK Porsche scene.

A Rainbow of Paint To Sample Porsches

But let’s get down to the real stars of the show—the cars. This event wasn’t just any regular car meet; it was a one-of-a-kind gathering of Paint To Sample (PTS) Porsches, the likes of which hasn’t been seen in the UK for quite some time.

From the lesser seen Brewster Green shades on a 991 Speedster, 718 GT4, and ex UK press 997 Turbo S, to the ever more popular Oak Green hue gracing a 992 Touring and another 718 GT4, the cars were nothing short of breathtaking. Each vehicle was displayed according to its colour, making for a visually spectacular array.

Paint to Sample Porsches

The Meissen Blue on a 991 Speedster contrasted beautifully with the Dark Sea Blue of a 992 Touring, while a Viola 992 GT3 provided a pop of unexpected intensity, courtesy of JZM owner, Russ. Fans of earthier tones were not left out, with a Bitter Chocolate 2.7 MFI, that was being offered at auction on Carhuna, and an Ocean Blue 992 Sport Classic also making appearances. And let’s not forget the vibrant Riviera Blue 997 4.0 that had heads turning and cameras snapping all day.

Beautiful array of Paint to Sample Porsches

An Event to Remember

JZM played the perfect host by displaying their own line-up of cars and making sure every detail of the event was fine-tuned to suit the expectation of the Porsche community. The reception from the attendees was overwhelmingly positive; guests were thoroughly impressed by the dazzling array of PTS Porsches, with many stating that they were blown away by the sheer variety and rarity of colours on show.

The opportunity to be a part of this unique event, surrounded by an unmatched collection of vehicles and like-minded enthusiasts, was invigorating in its own right.

In closing, the Carhuna Coffee and JZM Porsche event stands as a testament to the power of community in the automotive industry. It was not just about the cars; it was about connecting people through a shared love of exceptional cars and great coffee.

If you missed this one, make sure to keep an eye out for future Carhuna events. If this gathering was any indication, you won’t want to miss what’s next.

Carhuna and coffee Porsche event photos

Date: 23 October 202322 November 2023

Author: Alex Rosenthal

Porsche 718 Spyder RS – the new pinnacle of the mid-engined family

Fastest and most powerful 718 Roadster of all time
Chassis tuned to deliver high agility for maximum driving pleasure
Uncompromising lightweight convertible roof with manual mechanism
1,410 kg thanks to consistently lightweight construction
Unfiltered sound experience – engine air intakes behind the headrests
500 PS (368kW) high-revving engine from the 911 GT3

Thirty years after the presentation of the Boxster concept car, Porsche is launching the most powerful version yet of the popular mid-engined roadster: the new 718 Spyder RS. For the first time, the high-revving naturally aspirated engine from the 911 GT3 is being deployed in an open-topped mid-engined sports car.

Great Britain. Porsche today crowns the 718 mid-engined model line with the new 718 Spyder RS – the open-top counterpart to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. And for the first time, the 500 PS (368 kW) naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer engine from the 911 GT3 is shared with the open-topped mid-engine, two-seat sports car. The same lightweight power unit with its high-revving character also powers the 911 GT3 Cup racing car.

The exceptionally lightweight and pure ethos extends to the manual soft-top roof design of the 718 Spyder RS, which also makes the highly evocative sound of the engine an even more compelling experience. The effect is further heightened by the standard lightweight stainless steel sports exhaust system and the distinctive process air inlets on the sides behind the headrests.

High-revving naturally aspirated engine and resolutely lightweight construction
The powertrain of the new 718 Spyder RS is identical to that of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS coupe. The six-cylinder boxer engine, with its cylinder displacement of 4.0 litres, revs up to 9,000 rpm, generates an output of 500 PS (368 kW) and maximum torque of 450 Newton metres. Combined with a short-ratio seven-speed PDK transmission, the engine propels the roadster from 0-62 mph in 3.4 seconds. The car reaches 124 mph in just 10.9 seconds. Compared to the 718 Spyder without the ‘RS’ designation, the new car not only benefits from an additional 80 PS (59 kW), but also accelerates to 62 mph half a second faster. Where permitted, the top speed is 191 mph. Combined fuel economy (WLTP) is 21.7 mpg, equivalent to 294 g/m CO2 Combined.

Like every modern RS model, the new 718 Spyder RS is available exclusively with the Porsche dual clutch transmission (PDK). This gearbox shifts through its seven gears at lightning speed and delivers seamless, maximum performance. The gearshift paddles allow drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel even when shifting gears manually. Alternatively, the driver can use the ergonomically designed selector lever on the centre console. In addition to the more powerful engine, the new model’s lower weight also contributes to better performance: at 1,410 kg, the Spyder RS weighs 40 kg less than the 718 Spyder with PDK and is actually five kg lighter than the closed 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The Spyder RS represents the latest high-water mark of the model line started in 2016.

Balanced aerodynamics
The front end of the new Porsche 718 Spyder RS is almost identical to that of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The standard front bonnet is made of CFRP and features a wide air outlet above the bumper. The two NACA ducts enhance brake cooling without adversely affecting the aerodynamic Cd value. Sideblades on the outer ends of the bumper increase downforce. The front spoiler lip is slightly shorter than on the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, which in conjunction with its large rear wing produces higher overall downforce on the Cayman and therefore requires a larger spoiler lip to achieve aerodynamic balance. Instead of a wing, the 718 Spyder RS features a striking tear-off edge shaped like a ducktail. All aerodynamic components are intricately coordinated. They maintain the car’s aerodynamic balance and ensure maximum driving stability at high speeds.

Pure soft-top design
The new 718 Spyder RS comes with a manually operated single-layer lightweight soft-top. The design is amazingly compact, consisting of two parts: a sun sail and a weather deflector. Both are completely removable and can be stowed together or singly in the vehicle. The sun sail alone can also be used as a ‘Bimini top’, thereby protecting the driver and front passenger from intense sunlight. In this case, the passenger compartment remains largely open to the side and behind the passengers. Together with the weather deflector, this creates a complete top that provides effective protection against rain when the side windows are raised. The entire roof, including mechanical parts, weighs just 18.3 kg. This is 7.6 kg less than the 718 Spyder, and 16.5 kg less than in the 718 Boxster. Drivers who wish to shave an additional eight kilograms from the weight of the vehicle can leave the top at home entirely, weather permitting.

Sports suspension of the highest precision and agility
The chassis of the 718 Spyder RS uses components from the 718 Cayman GT4 RS and the 718 Spyder and is designed for maximum driving pleasure on winding roads. It comes standard with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with sports tuning and has been lowered by 30 mm. It also features Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical limited-slip differential, ball-jointed suspension bearings and 20-inch diameter forged aluminium wheels. The behaviour of the chassis is characterised by razor-sharp steering precision, as well as agile and extremely neutral handling. The ride height, camber, track and anti-roll bar can all be adjusted individually. Compared to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, spring and damper rates have been reduced to achieve a more relaxed, characteristically convertible-style set-up.

Performance-focused interior
A sporting character defines the inside of the car: the interior is reduced to the functional and ergonomic essentials. The grippy RS sports steering wheel is covered with Race-Tex and features a yellow 12-o’clock marking. The standard full bucket seats are made of lightweight CFRP in a carbon-weave finish and offer particularly impressive lateral support. The seat covers are black leather, while the perforated Race-Tex seat centre features a contrasting colour with a black background. The contrasting colours are Arctic Grey or Carmine Red. A ‘Spyder RS’ logo in the corresponding colour is embroidered on the headrests. The dashboard and trims are leather-covered. Available exterior colours include four solid and three metallic shades, including the new Vanadium Grey Metallic as well as the special colours Arctic Grey, Shark Blue and Ruby Star Neo.

Optional Weissach Package and matching chronograph
A Weissach Package is also available for the Spyder RS as an option. The exceptionally lightweight, optional forged magnesium wheels can be ordered in combination with this particularly performance-focused equipment package. The sports exhaust system tailpipes here are made of titanium. The look is inspired by the limited-edition 935 from 2018. A visual highlight inside the car is the upper part of the dashboard covered with anti-glare Race-Tex.
Exclusively available to buyers of the 718 Spyder RS is a Porsche Design Timepieces handcrafted chronograph – a premium-quality timepiece from the in-house Porsche watchmaking operation in Solothurn, Switzerland. Designed to match the configuration of the car, features include a particularly lightweight titanium case, carbon dial and the strap made of leather of a grade similar to the interior trim. The rotor on the back echoes the respective wheel rim design on the 718 Spyder RS. The price is from approx €9,500 RRP, with further details to be confirmed.

“The 718 Spyder RS raises driving pleasure to a new level for open-top cars,” says Andreas Preuninger, Head of GT Cars. “The combination of our unmistakable GT3 engine, the close-ratio transmission, compact dimensions, low weight, road-optimised racing suspension and maximum openness offers an extremely compelling and unfiltered driving experience.”

The new Porsche 718 Spyder RS is priced from £123,000.00 RRP, and goes on sale today in Porsche Centres in the UK and Ireland.

The car will celebrate its public debut in June at the festivities marking 75 years of Porsche Sports Cars in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. Shortly afterwards, it will make its dynamic premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

author :-Porsche Press Release Deutschland.

To sign up for further information on the latest Porsche news please follow this link. www.press-releases@porsche.de

JZM’s opinion – This new 718 Spyder is simply a twist on the GT4 RS with a removable roof coupled with that perfect balance and great intake noise.

As JZM works closely with The Spyder Club hosting regular breakfast meets we would not be surprised if Craig Varty and some of his members arrive in one at our future Spyder meets.

If you have a 718 Spyder and wish to modify and create more sound or speed we fit car graphic valve controller options, geometry set ups, lightweight fly wheels and JCR exhausts and much much more. For further information please speak to our team at enquiries@jzmporsche.com

Date: 16 May 202327 September 2023

Author: Martin Houlden

New Taycan 4S joins line-up of innovative electric sports cars from Porsche

The new Porsche Taycan 4S that is announced today slots in beneath the Taycan Turbo S and the Taycan Turbo in the series of all-electric sports cars from the Stuttgart manufacturer.

Revealed to the world in September, the four door, four-wheel drive Taycan is the first battery electric Porsche sports car and arrives in UK showrooms next January.

The Taycan 4S generates up to 390 kW (530 PS) overboost power output. Equipped with the optional Performance Battery Plus, it delivers up to 420 kW (571 PS). In both variants, the Taycan 4S accelerates from a standing start to 62 mph in 4.0 seconds. The top speed is 155 mph where permitted. The WLTP range is up to 252 miles with the standard Performance Battery (gross capacity 79.2 kWh) and up to 287 miles with the Performance Battery Plus (gross capacity 93.4 kWh) – the highest value of the current Taycan range. The maximum charging capacity (peak) is 225 kW (Performance Battery) or 270 kW (Performance Battery Plus).

Innovative drive motors and dynamic chassis performance
Breathtaking acceleration, power delivery typical of a sports car and outstanding continuously available performance – the new 4S model shares these strengths with its sister Taycan derivatives. With two permanently excited synchronous electric motors on the front and rear axles, delivering all-wheel drive, and a two-speed transmission on the rear axle, the overall drive architecture of the Taycan 4S also offers the same main technical highlights.

The permanently excited synchronous machine on the rear axle in the Taycan 4S has an active length of 130 mm, and is therefore exactly 80 mm shorter than the corresponding drive component on the Taycan Turbo S and Taycan Turbo. The pulse-controlled inverter used on the front axle in the Taycan 4S operates with up to 300 amps, and the inverter on the rear axle with up to 600 amps.

With an aerodynamic drag cd value from 0.22, the low air resistance of the body design makes a significant contribution to low energy consumption and thus long range.

Pure exterior design with Porsche DNA
With its clean and pure design, the Taycan signals the beginning of a new era. Yet simultaneously it retains the unmistakable Porsche design DNA. From the front, it looks particularly wide and flat, with highly contoured wheel arches either side. The sporting roof line carves a distinctive silhouette as it slopes down to the rear. The highly sculpted body side sections are also characteristic. The sleek cabin, the drawn-in rear C-pillar and the pronounced shoulders of the rear wheel arches create the sporting stance on the road typical of Porsche. Throughout, there are also intriguing innovative styling elements such as the glass-effect Porsche logo, which has been integrated into the light bar at the rear.

Distinguishing features of the Taycan 4S compared with the Turbo and Turbo S include the aerodynamically optimised 19-inch Taycan S Aero wheels and red-painted brake calipers. The new design front apron, side sills and rear diffuser in black ensure further visual differentiation. LED headlights including Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus) are equipped as standard.

Unique interior design with a wide display
The cockpit also signals the start of a new era with its clear structure and completely new architecture. The free-standing, curved instrument cluster forms the highest point on the dashboard. This places a clear focus on the driver’s point of view. A central 10.9-inch infotainment display and an optional passenger display are combined to form an integrated glass band in a black-panel look.

As standard, the Taycan 4S comes with a partial leather interior, and front comfort seats with eight-way electrical adjustment. The launch of the Taycan sees Porsche offer an entirely leather-free interior for the first time. Interiors made from innovative recycled materials underscore the sustainable concept of the electric sports car.

Centrally networked chassis systems
Porsche uses a centrally networked control system for the Taycan chassis. The integrated Porsche 4D Chassis Control analyses and synchronises all chassis systems in real time. As standard, the Taycan 4S features adaptive air suspension with three-chamber technology including electronic damper control PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management).

The Taycan 4S has six-piston fixed-caliper brakes on the front axle with internally vented cast iron brake discs. The brake disc diameter is 360 mm on the front axle and 358 mm on the rear axle. Four-piston brakes are used on the rear axle.

The Porsche Taycan 4 S is priced from £83,367.00 RRP and is available to order from today at Porsche Centres in the UK and Ireland. First customer deliveries are anticipated from January 2020.

Prices exclude any OLEV Plug-in Charging Grant. Eligibility of the Taycan for the Plug-in Car Grant is subject to confirmation.
Additionally included will be 3 years’ access to IONITY and the Porsche Charging Service which will allow roaming access to a network of different charge point operators. Electrical consumption will then be billed via a consolidated invoice to the owner’s My Porsche account.

Customers will also be invited to explore the potential of their new car, and further develop their own skills behind the wheel, by participating in a bespoke driving experience around the unique tracks at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.

Date: 14 October 201929 March 2021

Author: Adam Daniell

The most powerful Porsche Cayenne is a plug-in hybrid

Porsche continues to consistently focus on e-mobility, with the Cayenne range of sporting five door, four-wheel drive cars following the Panamera Gran Turismo in now featuring a plug-in hybrid as its flagship model; the new Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid and the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupé are announced today.

These two new additions to the Cayenne model series draw their system output of 680 PS (500 kW) from the intelligent combination of a four-litre twin turbo V8 engine (550 PS/404 kW) and an electric motor (136 PS/100 kW) integrated into the eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission. The maximum system torque of 900 Nm is available from just above idle speed. Both models accelerate from a standing start to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds and where possible can reach a top speed of 183 mph.

This exceptional performance is matched by a high level of efficiency: the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid and Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupé can drive for up to 19 miles with zero local emissions. The WLTP weighted Combined fuel economy is 52.3 – 58.9 mpg, and CO2 (NEDC) is 85 – 90 g/km.

In addition to the two top models, the hybrid range from Porsche now includes the new Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupé with system power of 462 PS (340 kW), torque of 700 Nm, and electric range of up to 22 miles. The Cayenne E-Hybrid sister model, updated for the new model year and now featuring a gasoline particulate filter, is also available to order once again.

Speeds of up to 83 mph with just electric power
Like all Porsche plug-in hybrids, the new top-of-the-range model in the Cayenne family is also one of the most sporting vehicles in the premium segment – not in spite of its hybrid powertrain, but because of it. In the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid models, the electric motor is located between the V8 engine and the eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission.

The two motors are interconnected via a separating clutch inside the hybrid module, referred to as the Electric Clutch Actuator (ECA). In E-Power driving mode, the electric motor can, on its own, propel the car up to a maximum speed of 83 mph. It can also be used in the other modes for an additional power boost. These modes can be selected via the standard Sport Chrono Package (Hybrid Auto, Sport and Sport Plus). Porsche has taken this boost strategy from the 918 Spyder super sports car.

The lithium-ion battery is installed beneath the load space floor and has a gross capacity of 14.1 kWh. The high-voltage battery can be fully charged within 2.4 hours with the standard 7.2 kW onboard AC charger, when using an appropriate industrial socket connection. The charging process takes six hours from a conventional domestic socket. Charging can also be scheduled via Porsche Communication Management (PCM) or the Porsche Connect app (for smartphones and Apple® Watch).

Roll stabilisation system, air suspension, and ceramic brakes as standard
The Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid and the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupé come with extensive factory-fitted equipment as standard: features include the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) electric roll stabilisation system, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) rear axle limited slip differential, the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) high-performance braking system, 21-inch lightweight alloy wheels in Aero design including wheel arch extensions in body colour and the Sport Chrono Package. The adaptive three-chamber air suspension, including Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), ensures a broad spectrum of characteristically responsive Porsche driving dynamics and a comfortable ride. Lightweight alloy wheels of up to 22-inch diameter and rear-axle steering are also available as optional extras.

Full connectivity and auxiliary air conditioning as standard
All Cayenne models include full connectivity as standard. This enables online navigation with real-time traffic information, smart online voice control, and extensive Porsche Connect services – including searching for public charging stations. Additional features of all Cayenne derivatives include wireless Apple CarPlay® and new USB-C ports. All hybrid models from Porsche also have auxiliary air conditioning as standard. This can be remote-controlled directly via the PCM and via the Porsche Connect app, and enables the vehicle to be heated and cooled even when the ignition is not switched on.

All Cayenne models feature LED headlights, cruise control with speed limiter function, camera-based pedestrian protection and Park Assist at the front and rear – including a rear-view camera system in the Cayenne Coupé models. Optional extras include LED matrix beam headlights, a head-up display, Night Vision with thermal imaging camera, and the Porsche InnoDrive digital co-pilot including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, road sign recognition, active lane guidance, junction assistant and emergency braking.

A double debut: Cayenne Coupé as a V6 and V8 hybrid
With the Cayenne Coupé, Porsche has added a more sporting variant to its successful SUV model line. Highlights of the coupé include sharper styling with a unique roof and rear section, an adaptive rear spoiler, a sports style rear seat bench with two or 2+1 seating options, and two roof design alternatives: a panoramic fixed glass roof as standard or an optional carbon roof.

Like the SUV, the Coupé is now available in two different hybrid versions: in combination with 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 and 3.0-litre V6 turbo engines. The new Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupé has a system output of 462 PS (340 kW) and a system torque of 700 Nm. In conjunction with the standard Sport Chrono Package, it sprints from a standing start to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds (5.0 seconds with the lightweight sports packages) and has a top speed of 157 mph. The WLTP weighted fuel economy is 60.1 – 70.6 mpg, and CO2 (NEDC) is 72 – 75 g/km.

On sale now
All four versions of the Cayenne E-Hybrid are now available to order from Porsche Centres in the UK and Ireland; prices start from £68,358.00 RRP for the Cayenne E-Hybrid and £71,424.00 RRP for the Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupé.

The new Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid models are priced from £123,349.00 RRP for the Turbo S E-Hybrid and £125,946.00 RRP for the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupé.

Date: 13 August 20198 January 2021

Author: Adam Daniell

Nine Porsche 911 GT3 R tackle the world’s most important GT3 race

Porsche and its international customer teams take on the Spa 24-hour race with an impressive fleet of 911 GT3 R. A total of nine GT3 racing cars from Weissach will tackle the event at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) on 27/28 July, six of them in the GTE-Pro class. The tradition-steeped event in the Ardennes counts towards the Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup and is also round three of the Intercontinental GT Challenge. The customer squad ROWE Racing fields three Porsche 911 GT3 R with nine drivers from the factory squad of the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer. KÜS Team75 Bernhard, GPX Racing and Dinamic Motorsport also campaign a 500+hp Porsche 911 each in the top category.

“With six pro vehicles and three contesting the Pro-Am class, we’re very well represented in the 72-strong field. There has never been this many GT3 cars at the 24 Hours of Spa. We’ve ticked everything off our to-do list at the official test. The lap times, vehicle handling over longer distances and the feedback from our customer teams have all been very positive,” says Sebastian Golz, Project Manager Porsche 911 GT3 R. “We’re as well prepared as we can be, and we’re excited to tackle the biggest GT3 race of the year. We’re expecting a strong performance with our experienced partner teams at the classic in Belgium.”

The race
The 24 Hours of Spa enjoys a long tradition. The first marathon event took place in 1924, at that time on a 14.863-kilometre course between the towns of Malmedy, Francorchamps and Stavelot. In 1979, the race was held for the first time on today’s permanent racetrack measuring around seven kilometres. Porsche has celebrated six overall victories in the long and illustrious history of the Belgian endurance race for GT vehicles. More than 70 cars take up this year’s race in four different classes. Professional teams contest the Pro class, predominantly with works drivers sharing the cockpits. In the Am-category, ambitious amateurs share driving duties with professionals, and the Silver Cup is reserved exclusively for gentlemen drivers.

The Porsche teams and drivers
Sharing the wheel of the No. 98 car fielded by ROWE Racing are Germany’s Sven Müller with the two French drivers Romain Dumas and Mathieu Jaminet. The three recently secured third place at round two of the Intercontinental GT Challenge at Laguna Seca (USA) and currently rank fourth in the overall classification. Sharing the cockpit of the No. 99 sister car are the Porsche Young Professionals Dennis Olsen (Norway) and Matt Campbell (Australia) as well as works driver Dirk Werner (Germany). This crew line-up won the season-opening round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge at Bathurst (Australia) and now sits second in the drivers’ classification after round three. “At the official test everything ran smoothly,” says Campbell. “Our chances look good to bring home more vital points towards the IGTC overall classification from the season highlight. This will be my first time contesting the 24 Hours of Spa. I love the track and I very much look forward to a close and exciting race.”

At the wheel of the third Porsche 911 GT3 R (No. 998) run by the German customer team sits the Frenchmen Patrick Pilet and Frédéric Makowiecki with their British factory driver teammate Nick Tandy. “I haven’t contested the Spa event since 2016, so I’m really excited to go back. I won the Pro-Am class there once. Now it’s time to take the overall win,” says Pilet. In the identical No. 117 car fielded by the KÜS Team75 Bernhard, team owner Timo Bernhard (Germany) joins forces with Laurens Vanthoor (Belgium) and Earl Bamber (New Zealand). “The 24-hour race at Spa is the highlight of the year for me and for my entire team. The competition at the top will be incredibly tough again this year. We’re tackling the race with the same driver line-up as the last two years and our pit crew is also virtually unchanged. This consistency combined with the strengths of the new Porsche 911 GT3 R should give us good chances in the race,” says Bernhard. “Spa will be a very special race for me, as well,” declares Vanthoor. “It’s my only home race this year and I definitely want to win there with Porsche.”

In the No. 20 car, GPX Racing relies on the two world endurance champions Kévin Estre (France) and Michael Christensen (Denmark) as well as the Austrian Richard Lietz, who won the FIA WEC title in 2015. “It’s always tricky driving amongst more than 70 GT3 cars on a seven-kilometre racetrack. We have to try to get through the heavy traffic unscathed and without making any mistakes,” says Estre. “I get the chance to drive the Porsche in the Gulf livery for the first time. That makes this weekend extra cool.” Klaus Bachler (Austria), Andrea Rizzoli (Italy) and Zaid Ashkanani (Kuwait) man the No. 54 car campaigned by Dinamic Motorsport. The trio won the season-opening round of the GT Series Endurance Cup in Monza (Italy).

The Modena Motorsports team fields a Porsche 911 GT3 R in the Pro-Am Cup. The Canadian John Shen shares the wheel of the No. 16 car with Mathias Beche (Switzerland), Benny Simonsen (Denmark) and Philippe Descombes (France). In the same category, the German brothers Alfred and Robert Renauer join forces with their compatriot Ralf Bohn and the Swiss driver Daniel Allemann in the No. 91 Porsche 911 GT3 R run by Herberth Motorsport. OpenRoad Racing lines up on the grid with an identical GT3 racer (No. 121) shared by Francis Han Joe Tija (Netherlands), Michael William Soeryadjaya (India), Remo Arnaldo Ruscitti (Italy) and Antares Au (Great Britain).

The Porsche 911 GT3 R
The Porsche 911 GT3 R was newly developed for the 2019 season. Improvements in the areas of aerodynamics, kinematics, efficiency and driveability were systematically implemented from the insights garnered from the many race outings of its predecessor. The six-cylinder engine in the rear of the GT3 customer racer produces over 368 kW (500 hp). The successful predecessor has notched up victories in numerous international racing series, for example in the IMSA SportsCar Championship, the World Challenge, the ADAC GT Masters, at the Nürburgring 24-hour race and the Bathurst 12 Hour.

The schedule
The 24-hour race gets underway on Saturday, 27 July, at 4:30pm. The event can be viewed by live stream on the internet website of the Blancpain GT Series (www.blancpain-gt-series.com) as well as on the homepage of the Intercontinental GT Challenge (www.intercontinentalgtchallenge.com).

This is the Intercontinental GT Challenge
The 2019 Intercontinental GT Challenge is the most important racing series for GT3 vehicles and is made up of five races on five continents. While the teams were only permitted to field 2018-spec GT3 cars at the season-opening round in Bathurst (Australia), the latest spec is sanctioned for the Laguna Seca (USA), Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), Suzuka (Japan) races and the season finale in Kyalami (South Africa). Porsche does not contest the international racing series for GT3 cars with a factory squad, but instead supports various customer teams in their campaign.

The Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup
The Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup, also run by the SRO Motorsports Group, is reserved exclusively for GT3 vehicles. Storied racetracks, cost-effective conditions of participation and equality in terms of technology thanks to the Balance of Performance form the foundations of this customer-oriented championship. The season highlight of the championship, the 24 Hours of Spa, is run alongside the Intercontinental GT Challenge. In the pan-European series, there are overall classifications for teams and drivers.

Date: 25 July 201923 March 2021

Author: Adam Daniell

Race debut for the Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport and the Porsche 935

Two special GT2 models will make their debut on the occasion of the 24 Hours of Spa (25 to 28 July). In the 700 hp Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport and Porsche 935, ambitious private drivers will go head-to-head. The 15-strong international field will contest a 30-minute race on both Friday and Saturday. Several well-known drivers line up on the 7.004-kilometre Ardennes rollercoaster circuit: FIA-WEC drivers Christian Ried (D) and Egidio Perfetti (N) celebrate their GT2 debut along with the American driver James Sofronas, who contests the 2019 Blancpain GT World Challenge America, as well as the two Creventic 24h Series drivers Steffen Görig (D) and Mark Ineichen (CH). The six-time Olympic gold medallist in track cycling, Chris Hoy (GB), will also take the wheel of a GT2 vehicle.

The “Porsche Motorsport GT2 Supersportscar Weekend” is a one-off event. “The Spa 24-hour race is the perfect stage for the race debut of these spectacular GT2 models. Both vehicles can be fielded at Clubsport level and at selected motorsport events. We’re currently involved in fruitful discussions for the coming year,” says Fritz Enzinger, Vice President Porsche Motorsport. At Spa, customer teams will campaign the GT2 vehicles, with the list including Manthey-Racing, Herberth Motorsport, Frikadelli Racing Team, Iron Force Racing and Motopark.

“We’re delighted that fans get to witness great drivers, professional teams and two incredibly spectacular vehicle types on the racetrack. This GT2 event, run exclusively with Porsche models, is the perfect chance for us to showcase just how competitive our clubsport vehicles are,” explains Oliver Köppen, Manager Sales Europe South at Porsche Motorsport and Porsche Project Manager of the Porsche Motorsport GT2 Supersportscar Weekend. Lining up alongside the Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport on the grid are three models of the new limited edition Porsche 935.

Porsche unveiled the new Porsche 935 in autumn 2018 on the occasion of the Rennsport Reunion VI at the Laguna Seca Raceway (USA). The 515 KW (700 hp) racer featuring a body reminiscent of the legendary Porsche 935/78 will be produced in a small run of just 77 units. The spectacular cutting-edge aerodynamics is a completely new development and pays tribute to the Porsche 935/78 Le Mans race car, which fans dubbed “Moby Dick” due to its elongated shape, massive fairings and white base colour. The racing car’s technology is also based on the 911 GT2 RS high performance sports car.

The Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport celebrated its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 28, 2018. The 515 KW (700 hp) racing version of the road-legal 911 GT2 RS* sports car is limited to 200 units. The technology of the most powerful car from Weissach is also based on the high performance 911 GT2 RS sports cars. The racing car shares the same powerplant as its road-going cousin: a state-of-the-art 3.8-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo-charged boxer engine.

Date: 25 July 201915 February 2021

Author: Adam Daniell

Manthey-Racing finishes 2nd and 5th in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring

The 47th staging of the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring saw Manthey-Racing cross the finish line in second place after a thrilling finish on Sunday. The Porsche 911 GT3 R, driven by Earl Bamber (NZ), Michael Christensen (DK), Kévin Estre (F) and Laurens Vanthoor (B), was on course for victory until two and a half hours before the end of the race, but then lost the lead when they were handed a time penalty for speeding under yellow flags. The red and white Porsche with the quartet of drivers led by Otto Klohs took victory in the Pro-Am class and finished fifth overall. The number 1 car failed to finish the race.

The eventful race started in sunny and dry conditions at 15:30 on Saturday. Estre started from third place, and he and his team-mates soon established themselves in the leading group. After a good five hours, Estre took the lead with a spectacular overtaking manoeuvre on the grass verge next to the track. Manthey-Racing held on to the lead until two and a half hours before the end. The 911 was given a time penalty of 5:32 minutes for speeding during a yellow phase and unfortunately rejoined the race in second place. Vanthoor and Estre launched an impressive fightback in the final two stints, consistently reducing the Audi’s lead at the front of the field. In the end, the green and yellow Porsche with the nickname “Grello” crossed the finish line in second place after 156 laps of racing.

The #12 Porsche 911 GT3 R, with Otto Klohs (D), Matteo Cairoli (I), Lars Kern (D) and Dennis Olsen (N) at the wheel, emerged triumphant in the Pro-Am class at the end of the endurance classic. The quartet started from twelfth place, but made consistent progress throughout the race and eventually came home fifth overall.

The drivers who won the 24-hour race in 2018 started from seventh place in the #1 Porsche 911 GT3 R. However, the title defence came to a premature end on lap 61. Richard Lietz (A), Frédéric Makowiecki (F), Patrick Pilet (F) and Nick Tandy (GB) had climbed into a promising third place at the start of the race, but fell back to 37th following an early puncture. The ensuing fightback was brought to an abrupt halt by a crash in the night. Richard Lietz was unhurt in the incident, but the severity of the damage to the car meant it was unable to continue.

The #911 Porsche 911 GT3 R led the race for the most kilometres and set the fastest lap of the race, with Frenchman Kévin Estre (#911) clocking a time of 8:17.745 minutes.

With six overall victories to its name, including four wins in a row (2006 to 2009), Manthey-Racing remains the most successful team at the 24-hour classic, which has been held in the Eifel region of Germany since 1970.

Quotes from the ADAC TOTAL 24h Race:

Nicolas Raeder (Managing Director of Manthey-Racing GmbH): “The performance was very impressive throughout the entire race. We were the fastest in the field and were on course to take victory for a long time. For the moment, I am obviously disappointed, as there was more in it for us. However, in the past two years we have finished first and second each of the two biggest endurance races – Le Mans and the Nürburgring. That is an impressive team effort and something we can be very proud of. Our #12 car with Otto Klohs deserves particular mention. They finished fifth overall and won the Pro-Am class in the process.”

Laurens Vanthoor (Porsche 911 GT3 R #911, 2nd place): “It was a perfect race with just one mistake. I didn’t see a flag, and that cost us the victory. On the whole, however, it was a flawless and perfect performance from the whole team.”

Otto Klohs (Porsche 911 GT3 R #12, 5th place): “As always, it was a very exciting and good 24-hour race for us. The key to our success was a perfectly organised team and a consistent driving style. Our goal was to finish in the top ten, so we are really happy with fifth place overall and victory in the Pro-Am class.”

Richard Lietz (Porsche 911 GT3 R #1, DNF): “It was not an easy race for us, right from the start. After the early puncture, we obviously wanted to reduce the gap to the leaders. Then I was tapped on the rear left of the car during an overtaking manoeuvre, which caused me to collide with the barrier and ultimately forced our retirement. It is obviously a great shame, as we could definitely still have achieved something in such an eventful race.”

Date: 24 June 201923 March 2021

Author: Russ Rosenthal

New Porsche 718 Spyder and 718 Cayman GT4 unveiled

In the tradition of the iconic GT road cars from Porsche Motorsport, the pure character of the new 718 Spyder and the 718 Cayman GT4 is designed to appeal to sports car enthusiasts who delight in an undiluted driving experience, appreciate a high level of dynamic agility and an intimate relationship with the road. The perfectly balanced mid-engine chassis design offers all this.

For the first time, the 718 Spyder and the 718 Cayman GT4 share a technical base. This includes a newly-developed, four-litre six-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, combined with a six-speed manual transmission. The boxer engine generates 420 PS (309 kW) in both models. Whilst the GT4 represents the entry-level GT street car from Porsche with a breadth of ability suited to the track, the Spyder lends itself in the most part to road-based driving thrills. Both models rely on highly efficient aerodynamics, a thoroughbred GT chassis and powerful brakes.

High-revving and highly emotional naturally aspirated engine
At the heart of both models is the new four-litre six-cylinder boxer engine. The naturally aspirated engine is based on the same engine family as the turbo engines in the current 911 Carrera model series. The new high-revving, 420 PS power unit generates an additional 35 PS over the predecessor GT4 model. In the case of the third generation Spyder, this model has 45 PS more. The engine delivers maximum torque of 420 Newton metres between 5,000 and 6,800 rpm. Each car features a six-speed manual transmission, for optimal driver engagement. Where possible, both models offer a top speed of 187 mph and 0-62 mph in 4.4 seconds from a standing start. The correlated fuel consumption of the mid-engine sports cars is 25.7 mpg (11.0 l/100 km according to the new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). NEDC equivalent emissions for both cars are 249 g/km CO2.

The fascinating character of this naturally aspirated engine combines a modern gasoline particulate filter emission control system with the linear power delivery and the immediate response of a GT engine. It has a maximum engine speed of 8,000 rpm. The unparalleled flat-six sound remains untouched. New additions include technical highlights such as adaptive cylinder control; in part-load operation, it temporarily interrupts the injection process in one of the two cylinder banks, thus reducing fuel consumption.

Piezo injectors are used for direct fuel injection for the first time ever in a high-revving engine. They split each injection process into up to five individual injections. This supports a complete – and therefore emissions-friendly – combustion process. A variable intake system with two resonance valves ensures optimum gas exchange in the cylinders.

Aerodynamic efficiency: more downforce, without increasing drag
Among the striking features of the 718 Cayman GT4 is the comprehensively improved aerodynamic design. The car produces up to 50 per cent more downforce, without adversely affecting aerodynamic resistance, or ‘drag’ – proof of outstanding efficiency. The aerodynamics of both models benefit enormously from the newly designed single-chamber arch rear silencer: it creates space in the rear underbody for a functional diffuser, which accounts for 30 per cent of the downforce acting on the rear of the 718 Cayman GT4. The fixed rear wing is also distinguished by its greater efficiency: it produces around 20 per cent more downforce compared with that of its predecessor. This corresponds to an additional downforce of twelve kilograms at 124 mph (200 km/h). The front section, which is further optimised in the GT style, maintains the overall aerodynamic balance of the car courtesy of a large front spoiler lip and so-called air curtains at the side. The latter calm the air flow across the front wheels.

Porsche 718 Spyder: an open-top road sports car with a lightweight convertible top
The new 718 Spyder is a pure machine dedicated to driving pleasure, and is equipped with a lightweight convertible roof that can cope with top speeds. It continues the history of such famous Roadsters as the Porsche 550 Spyder and the 718 RS 60 Spyder. Open or closed, the car presents a captivating silhouette. The roof is suitable for everyday use and can be stowed away under the boot lid in just a few steps. Unlike the GT4, the 718 Spyder has a rear spoiler that is raised automatically at 74 mph. Thanks to the aforementioned functional diffuser, it is the first model in the Boxster family to generate aerodynamic downforce on the rear axle.

High-performance GT chassis: optimised for best dynamics
For the first time ever, the 718 Spyder benefits from the high-performance GT chassis of the 718 Cayman GT4. With its superior cornering dynamics, it provides an intense and engaging driving experience. Refinements to the lightweight spring-strut front and rear axles make use of motor sport-bred technologies, including, for instance, ball jointed suspension links. The Porsche Active Suspension Management damping system sits 30 mm lower, bringing the centre of gravity down and further boosting cornering agility. The chassis is specifically designed for use on the race track and the special features deliver sharper handling characteristics for the 718 Cayman GT4. The 718 Spyder also benefits from this design.

Furthermore, the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) operates with even greater sensitivity and precision, but can optionally also be deactivated in two steps. Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with a mechanical rear limited slip differential lock further enhances the longitudinal and lateral dynamics, cornering performance and driving fun.
The GT4 also comes with the option of a Clubsport package. This includes a rear steel roll cage, a hand-held fire extinguisher and a six-point seatbelt on the driver’s side.

Gripping: powerful brakes, ultra-high-performance tyres
The high-performance braking system in the 718 Spyder and 718 Cayman GT4 features large, aluminium monobloc fixed-calliper brakes that provide consistent stopping power suitable for track driving. The Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) is also available as an option. One new feature is that the 718 Spyder now runs on ultra-high-performance (UHP) tyres specially adapted by Porsche. They are part of the overall package that makes the 718 Cayman GT4 fly on the Nürburgring Nordschleife: its lap time around the 20.6-kilometre legendary race track is more than ten seconds faster than its predecessor.

The new Porsche 718 Spyder and the 718 Cayman GT4 are available to order from today at Porsche Centres in the UK and Ireland. Prices start at £73,405.00 RRP for the 718 Spyder and £75,348.00 RRP for the 718 Cayman GT4.

Date: 18 June 201920 April 2021

Author: Russ Rosenthal

Porsche GT Team displays strong team effort in first qualifying

At the first qualifying for the final round of the FIA World Endurance Championship WEC in Le Mans (France), the Porsche GT Team has left a strong impression. In the GTE-Pro class, all four Porsche 911 RSR claimed a spot in the top six. At the wheel of the ca. 510 hp 911, Nick Tandy achieved the second quickest lap time with 3:49.558 minutes in the two-hour qualifying session on the storied 13.626-kilometre racetrack. The British driver shares the No. 93 car with Patrick Pilet (France) and Earl Bamber (New Zealand).

The sister car driven by Porsche works drivers Gianmaria Bruni (Italy), Richard Lietz (Austria) and Frédéric Makowiecki (France) wrapped up the night session on fourth place. Sven Müller (Germany) and the Porsche Young Professionals Dennis Olsen (Norway) and Mathieu Jaminet (France) clocked the fifth quickest time in their No. 94 911 RSR. The fourth Porsche works vehicle with the starting number 92, which is shared by last year’s winners Kévin Estre (France), Michael Christensen (Denmark) and Laurens Vanthoor (Belgium), ended the first major showdown at the 24 Hours of Le Mans on sixth.

In temperatures of around 13 degrees Celsius, the Porsche customer teams delivered impressive performances. The Italian Matteo Cairoli was the fastest in the GTE-Am class at the wheel of Dempsey Proton Racing’s No. 88 Porsche 911 RSR. Second place was occupied by the crew of the championship leader, Project 1. The No. 77 car fielded by Dempsey Proton Racing rounded off this outstanding achievement with third place.

The schedule
The second and third qualifying sessions will be held on Thursday (13 June) from 7pm to 9pm and from 10pm to midnight. A highlight of the event is the drivers’ parade in the Le Mans city centre on Friday, 14 June, from 5pm. The 24 Hours of Le Mans heads off on Saturday, 15 June, 2019, at 3pm local time.

Comments on the 1st qualifying
Pascal Zurlinden (Director GT Factory Motorsport): “We witnessed a great first qualifying. In the GTE-Pro class, our four cars were amongst the top six. In the GTE-Am class, the three Porsche 911 RSR locked out the first three positions after the first qualifying session. It was a very good first day, but tomorrow the lap times could even fall a bit more if it stays dry.”

Frédéric Makowiecki (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “We used today’s sessions to prepare for the race. There are a couple of details that need tweaking on our car, with the focus on our 911 RSR’s driveability. I hope that tomorrow’s conditions are at least as favourable as today’s. Then, like last year, we’ll do our utmost to clinch pole position.”

Michael Christensen (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “We turned solid laps, which put us amongst the frontrunners. The weather tomorrow should be similar to today. If this is the case, then we should see further improvements in the lap times. I’m very happy with our car’s balance.”

Nick Tandy (Porsche 911 RSR #93): “I was not able to tap the full potential on fresh tyres because I constantly encountered heavy traffic. Still, our result looks very good. I hope the track offers a little more grip tomorrow; the lap times should then continue to drop. We learned a lot today. If we can now utilise those insights, we could make it to the very top.”

Mathieu Jaminet (Porsche 911 RSR #94): “I couldn’t get the best out of the first set of tyres. I simply lack Le Mans experience – especially in the dark. It went much better on the second set. The car feels fantastic. We’ll definitely be able to do better in the two remaining qualifying sessions. That’s a good feeling.”

Matteo Cairoli (Porsche 911 RSR #88): “The cold asphalt gave us very little grip this evening. Still, our car handled beautifully, and we only have to make a few minor changes to the setup. I’m sure we’ll be even faster tomorrow.”

Jörg Bergmeister (Porsche 911 RSR #56): “The qualifying ran well. We went out on the track early, so we didn’t encounter a lot of traffic. It only got really busy on the circuit from the third lap onwards. I drove with soft tyres and an almost empty tank for the first time. My fastest lap wasn’t quite perfect, but I think more will be possible in some of the sectors. That’s why I’m optimistic that we’ll be even faster tomorrow.”

Julien Andlauer (Porsche 911 RSR #77): “We improved significantly over the course of the qualifying. Initially, the balance of the car wasn’t quite right, and we had a few problems with the brakes. We then changed the setup. From that point on things went very well, especially on fresh rubber. We’re feeling optimistic for the decisive sessions tomorrow. Obviously the weather always plays an important role, but we’re prepared for everything.”

Result Qualifying 1
GTE-Pro class
1. Priaulx/Tincknell/Bomarito (GB/GB/USA), Ford GT, 3:49.530 minutes
2. Pilet/Bamber/Tandy (F/NZ/GB), Porsche 911 RSR, + 0.028 seconds
3. Martin/Lynn/Adam (B/GB/GB), Aston Martin Vantage AMR, + 0.507 seconds
4. Lietz/Bruni/Makowiecki (A/I/F), Porsche 911 RSR, + 0.569 seconds
5. Müller/Jaminet/Olsen (D/F/N), Porsche 911 RSR, + 0.748 seconds
6. Christensen/Estre/Vanthoor (DK/F/B), Porsche 911 RSR, + 0.938 seconds

GTE-Am class
1. Hoshino/Roda/Cairoli (J/I/I), Porsche 911 RSR, 3:52.454 minutes
2. Bergmeister/Lindsey/Perfetti (D/USA/N), Porsche 911 RSR, + 0.296 seconds
3. Campbell/Ried/Andlauer (AUS/D/F), Porsche 911 RSR, + 0.954 seconds
7. Prette/Prette/Abril (I/I/F), Porsche 911 RSR, + 1.870 seconds
10. Wainwright/Barker/Preining (GB/GB/A), Porsche 911 RSR, + 2.579 seconds

Date: 13 June 201920 April 2021

Author: Russ Rosenthal

World championship final: Porsche works drivers fight for title at Le Mans

The 24 Hours of Le Mans on 15/16 June marks the final round of the 2018/2019 Super Season of the FIA World Endurance Championship. After the Porsche GT Team clinched the manufacturers’ title in the FIA WEC at the previous six-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), the focus now turns to the duel between the Porsche works pilots for the drivers’ world championship title. At the 24-hour race, the championship drivers’ title will go to either Kévin Estre (France) and Michael Christensen (Denmark) in the No. 92 car, or Gianmaria Bruni (Italy) and the Austrian Richard Lietz (No. 91). As last year’s Le Mans winners, Porsche will campaign four works vehicles in the GTE-Pro class, like in 2018. Three customer squads field another six ca. 510 hp sports cars from Weissach at the Le Mans classic. Thus, a total of ten Porsche 911 RSR racers will tackle the race on the legendary Circuit des 24 Heures in the French Departement Sarthe.

The race
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is considered the most venerable long-distance event in the world. The first running of the race was in 1923 to showcase automotive innovation, durability and performance. The only years the classic was not contested in the city in north-western France was in 1936 (general strike in France) and between 1940 and 1948 (WWII and reconstruction). This year marks the 87th running of the Le Mans 24-hour race. On the afternoon of 15 June, 62 vehicles will head off into the race in four classes – the represents a record starting field on the 13.626-kilometre racetrack. The course is a combination of permanent racetrack (Circuit Bugatti) and public roads that are closed to traffic during the event. The famous Mulsanne straight – also known as Hunaudières – usually serves as the main route between Le Mans and Tours. The fast Porsche curves are famous and notorious. High speeds and narrow run-off zones guarantee extra thrills and spectacular racing.

The Porsche GT Team drivers
The 2018 winners, Michael Christensen (Denmark), Kévin Estre (France) and Laurens Vanthoor (Belgium), join forces again in the No. 92 Porsche 911 RSR. The No. 91 sister car is driven by Gianmaria Bruni (Italy) and Richard Lietz (Austria) as well as Frédéric Makowiecki (France), who supported them at last year’s Le Mans endurance race. The two 911 from the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship will be decked out in the livery of the highly successful North American team, Brumos Racing. Sharing the cockpit of the No. 93 car are Earl Bamber (New Zealand), Nick Tandy (Great Britain) and Patrick Pilet (France). The youngest Porsche crew, Sven Müller (Germany) and the two Porsche Young Professionals Mathieu Jaminet (France) and Dennis Olsen (Norway), share the No. 94 cockpit. The Porsche GT Team from the U.S. endurance series recently won the three races at Sebring, Long Beach and Mid-Ohio.

Customer teams
With support from the American actor Patrick Dempsey, the Porsche customer team Proton Racing faces its largest undertaking by now at the Le Mans 24-hour race. The squad from the Swabian town of Ummendorf fields four Porsche 911 RSR. Sharing the wheel of the No. 77 car is team owner Christian Ried (Germany), Porsche Young Professional Matt Campbell (Australia) and Porsche Junior Julien Andlauer from France. In the No. 88 sister car, Porsche Young Professional Matteo Cairoli (Italy) joins forces with Satoshi Hoshino from Japan and the Italian Giorgio Roda. Porsche works driver Patrick Long (USA) shares the No. 99 cockpit with his compatriot Tracy Krohn and Niclas Jönsson (Sweden). Representing Proton Competition, the Italian father-son duo Louis and Philippe Prette as well Vincent Abril (France) compete in the No. 78 Porsche 911 RSR.

The Project 1 team fights for the title in the GTE-Am class with works driver Jörg Bergmeister (Germany) as well as Patrick Lindsey (USA) and Egidio Perfetti (Norway). In their maiden season in the FIA WEC, the customer squad from Lohne in Germany heads to the final round at Le Mans leading the team and drivers’ classifications. Project 1 lines up on the grid with the No. 56 Porsche 911 RSR painted as an Art Car. The American pop art artist Richard Phillips created the distinctive design that was unveiled at the Le Mans pre-tests on 2 June. Porsche Young Professional Thomas Preining (Austria) shares driving duties in Gulf Racing’s vehicle (No. 86) with the two British drivers Benjamin Barker and Michael Wainwright.

Porsche’s successes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans
Porsche is by far the most successful marque in the almost 100-year history of the long-distance race in France. The sports car manufacturer has notched up 19 overall victories and 107 class wins. Porsche drivers have set many records on the storied racetrack. Hans Herrmann (Germany) and Richard Attwood (Great Britain) achieved the first overall victory for Porsche at Le Mans at the wheel of a 917K. A year later, Helmut Marko (Austria) and Gijs van Lennep (Netherlands) set a distance record (5.335.31 kilometres) in an identical car that remained unbroken for 39 years. Prior to this, Britain’s Jackie Oliver posted a lap time of 3:13.600 minutes in the Porsche 917LH – an achievement that has yet to be matched in an official session. In 2018, Gianmaria Bruni set a new record for GT cars at Le Mans with a qualifying lap time of 3:47.504 minutes.

The Porsche 911 RSR
The latest Porsche 911 RSR celebrated its debut in the WEC Sports Car World Championship at Silverstone in 2017. In the current 2018/2019 Super Season, the racer from Weissach has clinched first and second in the GTE-Pro class at Le Mans as well as the GTE-Am category class win. The water-cooled four-litre boxer engine is based on the seventh generation of the iconic 911 sports car and produces around 510 hp depending on the restrictor. The works vehicles tackle the 2019 Le Man race decked out in special liveries. The two Porsche 911 RSR from the FIA WEC bear the world champion logo on the roof, with gold stripes to symbolise the title victory. The sister cars from North America will race in the same Brumos finish that was used at the first two races of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season on the storied Daytona and Sebring racetracks.

The schedule
The 24 Hours of Le Mans takes off on Saturday, June 15, 2019, at 3pm local time. Just one free practice is held on the previous Wednesday, June 12, at 4pm. The three qualifying sessions take place on Wednesday, June 12, at 10pm as well as Thursday (13 June) at 7pm and 10pm. Another highlight of the event is the drivers’ parade in the Le Mans city centre on June 14 from 5pm.

The race on TV and in the Internet
The sports channel Eurosport broadcasts the free practice, qualifying sessions and the entire race live on its Eurosport 1 channel and as a live stream in Eurosport Player. The pay-TV streaming service Motorsport.TV also offers live footage of all sessions for a fee, as does the FIA WEC app. The German free-to-air station SPORT1 televises extensive highlights on Monday, June 17, from 8.30pm as well as in the Porsche GT Magazine on Wednesday, June 19, from 11pm. The pay-TV channel SPORT1+ will show a roundup of the race action on Monday, June 17, from 7.15pm.

Comments before the race
Fritz Enzinger (Vice President Motorsport): “We’ve already claimed the manufacturers’ title, and now one of our WEC driver teams will bring home the drivers’ championship. The situation in the lead-up to the season finale couldn’t be better. Still, we have big goals. We want to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans again. In the current era of the sports car world championship, no manufacturer has managed to win the GTE-Pro class at the French classic twice in a row. Porsche should be the first to do this. Perhaps the Porsche legend Hurley Haywood, who takes the honorary role of Grand Marshal this year, will bring us an extra portion of luck.”

Pascal Zurlinden (Director GT Factory Motorsport): “We‘ve experienced unprecedented success this season. And our American Porsche GT Team is at an all-time high after three straight wins. All of the drivers, both teams and everyone involved are heading to the biggest race of the year feeling confident and motivated. When facing such a challenge, it doesn’t get much better than this.”

Gianmaria Bruni (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “Last year Porsche celebrated a double victory. This dream will be difficult to repeat at Le Mans. We, in the number 91 Porsche 911 RSR, only have theoretical chances to claim the drivers’ title. Still, we’ll do our utmost, but at the same time we don’t want jeopardise the success of the entire team. We want to enjoy the race and ultimately see where we end up in the drivers’ world championship. One thing is certain: the title will go to Porsche drivers. That’s what counts.”

Richard Lietz (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “The Super Season went brilliantly for Porsche – completely independent of the results at the Le Mans finale. The manufacturers’ title is safe; two Porsche crews will now battle for the drivers’ world championship. Does this mean we have no goals left? On the contrary: The 24 Hours of Le Mans is so incredibly prestigious that you just want to win.”

Frédéric Makowiecki (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “Le Mans is the highlight of every race season. Every driver thinks this, but even more so for me as a Frenchman. Porsche arrives as the world champions, so we have less pressure than usual. Ever since I started racing, I’ve been trying to finally win the Le Mans 24 Hours. I think the conditions are particularly good this year, because everyone is in a great mood and relatively relaxed. This often has a positive effect on the race.”

Kévin Estre (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “I’m feeling a bit torn. On the one hand, Michael and I want to win the drivers’ title. To do this we have to score decent points, but we don’t have to risk everything. On the other hand, Le Mans is a race you definitely want to win. We experienced how wonderful it is to climb to the top of the podium at Le Mans in 2018. You can never get enough of it. So, do we adopt a strategic approach to win the title or do we risk it and go for victory? We’re not yet ready to commit ourselves in this regard.”

Michael Christensen (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “I’m super excited. It’s a very special feeling to return as last year’s winner to this venue. If you’ve conquered this huge challenge and climbed to the top podium step, you want to experience it over and over again. Aside from this, it would also yield us the drivers’ world champion title. That would fulfil another dream.”

Laurens Vanthoor (Porsche 911 RSR #92): “Porsche is making a huge effort, with four works cars contesting Le Mans. The preparation is massive, and the commitment is very intensive in every respect. Such dedication deserves success. Last year, Le Mans was kind to us. I hope it’ll be similar this year. Aside from that, I’d like to help my colleagues in the number 92 car win the drivers’ world championship crown.”

Earl Bamber (Porsche 911 RSR #93): “Le Mans is the biggest race for us. For the past few weeks, Porsche has been on a real high, not least thanks to our victories in the USA. Now, we’re travelling to Le Mans with four cars decked out in awesome designs. Even at the pre-test, the fans were delighted.”

Patrick Pilet (Porsche 911 RSR #93): “I’ve raced at Le Mans a lot and I’m very familiar with the quirks of the track and the entire event. This year I again expect the competition in the GTE-Pro class to be really tough with 17 cars from six different manufacturers. Porsche won Le Mans in 2018, so we know how it goes. We want to repeat this achievement.”

Nick Tandy (Porsche 911 RSR #93): “For us drivers, it doesn’t matter if you’ve contested Le Mans once or many times: the race is always something special. With our Porsche 911 RSR from the IMSA Series we’re actually guest starters, because we can’t earn points in the FIA WEC. That’s why we’re regarding it as a one-off event, which we definitely want to win following on the heels of our successes this year in North America.”

Sven Müller (Porsche 911 RSR #94): “A year of waiting is finally over. We’re now tackling the greatest automobile race in the world – the absolute highlight of every season. I think it’s great that we get the chance to compete as one of the youngest driver line-ups. We’re the youngsters of the works team in the number 94 car. But age is just a number. We all have racing experience and stand a good chance. The works squad from the USA managed to adjust quickly to the special characteristics at Le Mans last year. We’re ready.”

Mathieu Jaminet (Porsche 911 RSR #94): “As a Frenchman it was always my big goal to contest the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Now I’m finally fulfilling this dream. We’re certainly the underdogs of the Porsche GT Teams because we have the least experience. Still, our expectations are high. We’ll have a great car. If we concentrate and work flawlessly and consistently, anything is possible. I simply want to enjoy the whole thing.”

Dennis Olsen (Porsche 911 RSR #94): “I’m coming to Le Mans as a rookie, and I’m one of very few Norwegians to have ever driven there. What’s more, this is the first time I drive the Porsche 911 RSR for the works team. It’s something very special for me to start at this classic race. I’ve prepared for Le Mans in a simulator. In this way, I not only familiarised myself with the extraordinary racetrack, but also learned a lot about driving efficiently and looking after the tyres. That was exciting and very helpful.”

Jörg Bergmeister (Porsche 911 RSR #56): “You can’t plan for success at Le Mans. It’s always a huge achievement just to get the car across the line after 24 hours. Our focus is to finish the race with the stunning Art Car. If we succeed and maintain a decent position then our chances of winning the championship look good. That’s exactly what we want to do.”

Matt Campbell (Porsche 911 RSR #77): “We won the GTE-Am class at Le Mans last year. That was a huge triumph that we’re keen to repeat. But many, many factors play a role over the 24 hours; and you can’t influence some of them. We’ll have a fast car and we’ll try to get the most out of what’s possible again this year.”

Louis Prette (Porsche 911 RSR #78): “We three drivers in the number 78 car are all Le Mans rookies. We will enjoy our first race at this historic venue. At the pre-test, we familiarised ourselves with the Porsche 911 RSR. The car is a force to be reckoned with. Because we lack experience, our expectations for the race are not too high. Still, Le Mans is always good for a surprise. If we make it to the finish unscathed, perhaps we’ll manage one.”

Thomas Preining (Porsche 911 RSR #86): “I can hardly wait to start the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The excitement has increased significantly after my laps at the pre-test. The track is unique and offers everything a driver loves. Tackling the fast passages – particularly the legendary Porsche curves – in our well-balanced car is huge fun. I’m expecting our chances to be good in the race.”

Matteo Cairoli (Porsche 911 RSR #88): “This will be my third start at the Le Mans 24 Hours. There’s simply no other race in the world that is comparable. My racing calendar this year is extremely full; I’m constantly on the go for my job. But if there is one event you don’t want to miss out on, then it’s the Le Mans classic. I can’t imagine anything more wonderful than going full-tilt on this very special track for 24 hours.”

Patrick Long (Porsche 911 RSR #99): “This is my 16th time in a row at Le Mans. No other North American has managed this, and that makes me very proud. Personally, I have a special relationship to Le Mans, because in 1999, early in my racing career, I lived there and learned a great deal about motor racing. This year I share a car with Tracy Krohn and Niclas Jönsson for the first time. I’ve already contested a number of races against these guys. Now we’re finally a team. That’ll be very interesting.”

The Sports Car World Endurance Championship WEC
In the Sports Car World Endurance Championship (WEC), which was first contested in 2012, sports prototypes and GT vehicles compete in four classes: LMP1, LMP2, GTE-Pro and GTE-Am. They all compete together in one race but are classified separately. The Porsche GT Team contests the GTE-Pro class, while the customer teams Dempsey Proton Racing, Project 1 and Gulf Racing fight for honours in the GTE-Am class.

Further information, film and photo material in the Porsche Newsroom: newsroom.porsche.de. The Twitter channel @PorscheRaces provides live updates from Porsche Motorsport with the latest information and photos from racetracks around the world.

Date: 10 June 201920 April 2021

Author: Russ Rosenthal