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Braman Porsche News

BRAMAN PORSCHE - ALWAYS ON THE MOVE WITH NEWS

Porsche announces 911 Speedster

Matthias Müller takes wraps off new Porsche Speedster

Porsche AG, Stuttgart, will be unveiling the new Porsche



Due to come to the United States of America the 911 Speedster as well as the 911 Carrera GTS Coupé and Cabriolet models were launched as the Paris Motor Show on Thursday, September 30.  Only the fourth Speedster to have been built in Porsche?s history is a model steeped in purist tradition and reflects the forward-looking nature of the brand, while the new Carrera GTS range with wide body and rear-wheel drive underscores all this.

- Courtesy of Porsche.com

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25k Panamera built - New Options Intro'd

Porsche Builds 25,000th Panamera  
Individualization Program Introduced

When the Porsche Panamera was introduced in 2009, there was a lot of negative talk about its odd shape, and whether there was a market for a four-door Porsche.  These murmurs abruptly stopped once bloggers and the media started taking test-drives and were floored by the car's handling and power. 


Less than a year after first introducing the Panamera, the Leipsiz, Germany factory has just built Panamera number 25,000. 

The 25,000th car is Ruby Red and configured with a 300hp 3.6L V6.   The special car will be delivered to the US market where 5,000 have been built to date. 

There have also been rumors that Porsche is working on a hybrid version of the car, expect to see leaks in the coming months.


Porsche Panamera Gets New Options

Porsche has announced several new improvements to what they are calling their "individualization program" for the new Panamera sedan.

The Powerkit, which ranges around $21,000 for the Panamera Turbo, features two new turbochargers (with titanium / aluminum turbine wheels) and a revised ECU. These modifications enable the 4.8-liter V8 to produce 532 bhp and 553 lb-ft of torque - an increase of 39 bhp and 37 lb-ft of torque. This extra power enables the Panamera to accelerate from from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 190 mph.

Porsche is also offering the Sport Design Package. It adds a revised front bumper, new side skirts, and a body-colored rear apron and diffuser. Customers can also purchase the side skirts independently of the package.

Lastly, the company has unveiled a new set of 20-inch light alloy wheels, which measure 9.5 inches wide in front and 11.5 inches wide in the rear. They are available in 3 colors; body color, GT silver metallic, or black.

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The new 2011 Porsches

2011 Porsche Cayenne: 2010 Top of Form

2011 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid Picture

ATLANTA - Porsche's new Cayenne range for 2011, which will include a hybrid model for the first time, will debut at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show and will be on sale in the U.S. beginning in July, with the hybrid and base models waiting for an autumn on-sale date.

The all-new Cayennes were previewed to select European media several weeks ago and at that time had been expected to go on sale in the U.S. in May.

The 2011 lineup for Porsche's SUV includes four models: the V6-powered Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo and Cayenne S Hybrid. The hybrid version has a supercharged 333-horsepower 3.0-liter V6, teamed with a 47-hp electric motor and, says Porsche, offers "the performance of a V8 with the economy of a V6." The two drive units are connected with a decoupling clutch and coordinated by a hybrid controller, and the Cayenne S Hybrid can also cruise at speeds up to 97 mph on electric power alone - what Porsche engineers call "sailing" mode. The Cayenne S Hybrid's combined 380 hp and 427 pound-feet of torque gives it a similar level of performance to the Cayenne S with its V8.

The entry-level Cayenne gets a 300-hp 3.6-liter V6, while the Cayenne S has a 400-hp 4.8-liter V8 and the Cayenne Turbo gets a 500-hp 4.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8.

Porsche has cut some 400 pounds off the Cayenne's weight and added a new eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission, with the Automatic Start/Stop function first seen on the Panamera, and a new all-wheel-drive system.

The 2011 Cayennes are 1.9 inches longer with a 1.6-inch-longer wheelbase. The interior gets a high center console, a central dashboard stack and a touchscreen interface. A postmodern touch is a high-resolution screen in one of the five round instrument binnacles in the driver's gauge cluster. It's used for access to the navigation system and to change settings and radio stations.

Porsche says fuel consumption on all Cayennes is down as much as 23 percent in European testing, despite better performance in the new models, and CO2 emissions are "significantly reduced" at under 200 g/km for the standard Cayennes and 193 g/km for the Hybrid. U.S. figures and U.S. pricing will be released closer to launch time.

Just the Facts:
?    Porsche's 2011 Cayenne lineup will be on display at the 2010 New York Auto Show.
?    Four variations of the Cayenne will be built for 2011, including a hybrid.
?    The Cayenne hybrid produces 380 horsepower from its supercharged V6 and electric motor.

        - Courtesy of Insideline.com

2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS: Unveiled

Published May 12, 2010

2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Picture

?    Porsche unveils the 2011 911 GT2 RS.
?    The 620-horsepower 911 will officially debut in August at the Moscow auto show.
?    GT2 RS arrives in the U.S. in October, priced at $245,000.

STUTTGART, Germany - Porsche has unwrapped its latest missile, the 2011 911 GT2 RS, which the company media-meisters describe, with only slight hyperbole, as the "fastest and most powerful road-going sports car ever built in the history of Porsche."

The GT2 RS arrives in the U.S. in October, priced at $245,000, after its world debut in late August at the Moscow auto show. Production will be limited to 500 units.

Output on the car's twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-6 engine has jumped to 620 horsepower, with power delivered to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

Thanks to an aggressive diet, weight has been trimmed to 3,020 pounds, providing an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 1 hp/4.9 pounds. The GT2 RS rockets from rest to 60 in a mere 3.4 seconds and laps the Nürburgring's Nordschleife in 7:18. Velocity maxes out at 205 mph.

Equally impressive is a 5 percent reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The GT2 RS gets some additional hardware improvements, including wider light-alloy wheels and new tires (245/35ZR19 in front and 325/30ZR19 in the rear), composite ceramic brakes, adaptive suspension management, specific stabilizer bars and engine mounts, plus a recalibrated stability management system that enables the driver to individually switch off stability- and traction-control functions.

The looks have changed subtly, thanks to the application of matte-black carbon-fiber components, as well as flared front wheel arches and redesigned front and rear spoilers.

The cockpit is black with red accents, and features lightweight two-piece carbon-fiber bucket seats. The gearshift and handbrake lever are trimmed in red Alcantara
.

      - Courtesy of Insideline.com2011 Porsche


Panamera V6 Models Debut

Published Feb 16, 2010

2011 Porsche Panamera Picture

ATLANTA - Look for a price cut of more than $15,000 compared with the original 2010 Porsche Panamera S, when Porsche launches its entry-level versions of the Panamera in the U.S. in June. The 2011 Panamera and the Panamera 4, downsized with a new 300-horsepower 3.6-liter V6, will make their world debut in April at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show.

Porsche said the base Panamera will start at $75,375, including a $975 destination charge. The Panamera 4 will start at $79,875. In comparison, the 400-hp 2010 Porsche Panamera S starts at $90,775, including shipping, and the top-of-the-line 500-hp Panamera Turbo starts at $133,575, including shipping.

Porsche said official U.S. EPA fuel economy figures on the V6 Panamera models will be announced closer to the on-sale date. However, Porsche's home office released European fuel economy numbers on Tuesday, noting that the base Panamera will return the equivalent of about 25 miles per gallon, while the Panamera 4 will return the equivalent of 24 mpg. Porsche U.S. spokesman Gary Fong told Inside Line in a phone conversation on Tuesday morning that "We just don't know [what U.S. fuel economy numbers will be]. It just doesn't translate [interpolating the New European Driving Cycle numbers]. They test in an entirely different manner than the EPA."

The Panamera is a 2WD model, while the Panamera 4 comes standard with all-wheel drive. U.S. models have a standard seven-speed transmission.

Fong said that Porsche is shooting for a similar audience for its new entry-level Panamera models than for the uplevel models. "The demographics are still male, with age ranging from 45 to 55 and a household income of around $200,000," Fong said. "We always do a top-down strategy with our models. The new Panamera models are aimed at folks who ask, 'Do I really need a V8?

        - Courtesy of Insideline.com

Geneva auto show: 2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S set for reveal, arrives in U.S. in May

By GREG MIGLIORE



The refrain of "more power" from Porsche customers got an answer on Monday from the German sports-car maker: A range-topping 2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S packing 530 hp will be revealed in March at the Geneva auto show.

The car arrives in the United States in May in coupe and cabriolet form. The fixed-roof version starts at $159,100, while the open-air version starts at $170,200, not including shipping. It's the first new 911 Turbo S in five years.

The six-cylinder boxer with a pair of turbos boosts output by 30 hp over the 911 Turbo. The Turbo S makes 516 lb-ft of torque. Porsche estimates the car will get 24 mpg on the highway and that it can hit 62 mph in 3.3 seconds.

The car also gets Porsche's seven-speed PDK, sport chrono package and 19-inch spyder-design wheels.

The German sports car maker Porsche  will unveil the most powerful version of the 911 Turbo in March at the Geneva Motor Show. The new Turbo S will be available as both a coupe and convertible, and will go on sale starting in May of 2010 priced at 173,241 euro for the coupe and at 184.546 euro for the convertible in the German market.

The 911 Turbo S comes with an increase of 30 HP , for a total of 530 HP, thanks to a six cylinder boxer boosted by a pair of turbochargers complete with Porsche's variable turbine geometry that reduces lag and increases performance. As a result the Turbo S will sprint from 0 to 60 MPH in just 3.3 seconds and go from 0 to 200 km/h (124 MPH) in only 10.8 seconds and will reach a top speed of 195 MPH.

Standard equipment for the Turbo S includes: Dynamic Bending Lights, 19-inch wheels  in RS Spyder design with central locking nut, a three spoke sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles, adaptive sports seats, cruise control, CD/DVD changer and exclusive two tone leather upholstery in Black/Crema or Black/Titanium Blue that additionally underlines the outstanding class and caliber of this first Turbo S in the last five years.

      - Courtesy of Autoweek.com










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Porsche USA Birthday

Congratulations to Porsche on 60 years in the United States!!


We would like to congratulate Porsche on their 60th anniversary here in the United States. Few automakers have done as much as Porsche in such short an amount of time, which speaks volumes about the automaker's wares. Back in 1950, Ferry Porsche and two Austrians by the names of Max Hoffman and Johnny von Neumann got together to bring the very first Porsche 356 to New York. Ferry Porsche reportedly said he'd be happy to have just five buyers per year... to which Hoffman retorted, "If I can't sell five a week, I'm not interested." And the rest is history?

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Panamera Launch


2010 Panamera unveiled October 15th at Trump

All customers that order a Panamera will be treated to experience the car on the track and a gourmet dinner



The Panamera was unveiled at Trump International on Thursday, October 15th and all orders placed between now and October 24th will receive a complimentary test drive by a Porsche Certified Race Instructor at Palm Beach International Raceway's 2-mile Road Course.

Porsche says that the Panamera is 76 inches in width, making it an especially wide sedan. A Mercedes-Benz S-Class, by comparison, is less than 74 inches wide. The Panamera measures 55.8 inches in height and 195.7 inches in length. This makes for a roomy interior, especially for just four passengers. The cabin is complete with 18-way adjustable front seats, and 8-way adjustable rear seats.

The Panamera S will start at $89,000, while the all-wheel-drive 4S will cost $93,800. The Turbo will ring in at $132,600, which is slightly more than a Cayenne Turbo. U.S. sales are to begin in October.

The rear-wheel drive Panamera S has can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 175 mph. The Panamera 4S can hit 60 in 4.8 seconds and achieves the same top speed. The all-wheel drive Panamera Turbo sets a zero to 60 time of 4 seconds flat and a top test-track speed of 188 mph.

All models are equipped with Porsche's new PDK dual-clutch gearbox. Porsche is also planning a hybrid variant of the Panamera. The turbocharged version will come standard with all-wheel-drive. Rear wheel drive will be standard otherwise with four-wheel propulsion a line-wide option.

Information courtesy of Left Lane News.




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Panamera gets attention in Shanghai


Shanghai 2009: Porsche Panamera gets its public unveiling
Due at Braman for October debut



Underscoring the increasing importance of the Chinese market to automakers around the world, Porsche has unveiled its newest model at the Shanghai Motor Show.

The true four-seat Panamera goes on sale in October with normally aspirated and turbocharged versions of the company's 4.8-liter direct-injected V8 in all markets. Below is Porsche's official press release:




PRESS RELEASE:

Porsche Panamera makes World Debut in Shanghai

Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, presented the Panamera to the world public today at the 13th Auto Shanghai. Joining the 911, the Cayenne, and the Boxster/Cayman, this new four-door Gran Turismo is Porsche's fourth model series, with three variants entering the market in Germany on 12 September 2009. The Panamera is making its debut as an eight-cylinder delivering 400 and, respectively, 500 horsepower and with both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, a six-cylinder gasoline model and a hybrid version following later.

Klaus Berning, Executive Vice-President Sales and Marketing of Porsche AG, expressed a clear view at the world debut of the Panamera: "Introducing the Panamera, we are entering a market segment completely new for our customers and we are once again consistently expanding our model portfolio."



Through its design and looks alone, the Panamera clearly stands out from the competition at very first sight. Like no other car in its class, it offers a truly unique combination of sporting performance and luxurious comfort. Despite its low and sleek silhouette so typical of Porsche, the Panamera, measuring 4.97 metres (195.7") in length but only 1.42 metres (55.9") in height, ensures a generous feeling of space on all four seats.

Wolfgang Dürheimer, Porsche's Executive Vice-President Research and Development, added an equally clear statement: "Our engineers, technicians, and designers have invested all their know-how, years of experience, a wealth of ideas, and their full passion for sports cars in this four-seater Gran Turismo."



The Panamera is introducing no less than five outstanding innovations in technology as world premieres to be admired for the first time in the luxury performance class - among them the first Start-Stop system in conjunction with automatic transmission, air suspension with additional air volume available on demand in each spring, as well as active aerodynamics with an adjustable, multi-dimensional, extendable rear spoiler on the Panamera Turbo.

Porsche's Gran Turismo sets new standards in its market segment in terms of performance, driving dynamics and efficiency, benefiting from Porsche's traditional core competences and years of experience in motorsport, since efficient and powerful engines, lightweight technologies, and optimised aerodynamics are crucial to success also on the race track. All models in the Panamera range come with Porsche Direct Fuel Injection, low-friction drive systems, and weight-optimised lightweight bodies.

Moving on to the suspension, the customer can choose among steel suspension or adaptive air suspension with a fully-controlled damper system. And thanks to its intelligent chassis concept, the Panamera combines the driving comfort of a luxurious grand touring saloon with the driving dynamics of a thoroughbred Porsche sports car. Depending on his individual style of motoring or current traffic conditions, the driver can choose either a particularly comfortable or an especially sporting set-up most conveniently at the touch of a button.

With its centre console extending back from the dashboard all the way to the rear seats, Porsche's new Gran Turismo offers an unprecedented feeling of space and motoring pleasure on all four seats, highlighting the personal ambience and style of each individual passenger. The driver's seat and cockpit offers optimum ergonomics all round, a low seating position providing that direct contact to the road again so typical of Porsche. The passengers, in turn, all enjoy highly comfortable single seats. The luxuriously appointed interior, finally, already offering a supreme standard on the regular series models, may naturally be upgraded on request by a wide range of optional extras and special equipment.


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New 2009 Porsche Turbo S

THE MOST POWERFUL SUV IN THE WORLD  
 
Just launched at Braman Porsche in West Palm Beach
 
When Porsche face-lifted its Cayenne last year, there was a high-profile casualty: The 520-horsepower Turbo S, which was the reigning horsepower champ amongst SUVs.

     Fortunately, it seems that customers have been particularly anxious to get a replacement for the short-lived Turbo S, which was offered for just one year. Well, on the evening of August 14th, the 2009 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S made it's debut at the Braman Porsche Showroom at a 6:30 unveiling (click below for launch party article).
     This time around, 520 hp wouldn't do, given that the face-lifted regular 2008 Cayenne Turbo saw a power boost from 450 hp to 500 hp. It only took a new intake system and a tweaked and remapped engine manage- ment system for the Turbo S to get another 50 hp for a total of 550 out of the new 4.8-liter, direct-injection, twin-turbo V-8. Torque escalates from 516 to an even loftier 553 lb-ft, available between 2250 and 4500 rpm.
     The result is phenomenal performance. Zero to 60 mph takes a claimed 4.7 seconds, down 0.2 second from the regular Turbo. Top speed increases by 3 mph to 174, making the Cayenne Turbo S the fastest SUV available, besting the Mercedes ML63 AMG.
     At 5600 pounds, it*s also one of the heaviest. No wonder average consumption is rated at 16 mpg, which is a figure that requires more self-restraint behind the wheel than the typical Porsche driver is likely to muster.
     We suspect drivers won*t complain much about these drinking habits, given that they already had few qualms paying an extra $21,400 over the cost of the base Cayenne Turbo. We expect the new Turbo S to run about $120,000.
      Your neighbors will know you traded up for the S when they see the 21-inch wheels, extruded fenders, a specific exhaust system similar to the naturally aspirated Cayenne GTS, and front air intake grilles painted in body color.
     There are a few other SUVs on the market with in excess of 400 hp: The 503-hp Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG, the 420-hp Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, the non-US Volkswagen Touareg W12 with 444 hp produced by a smooth 12-cylinder gasoline engine, and the upcoming (also not for the U.S.) Audi Q7 V-12 TDI with around 500 hp and an incredible 738 lb-ft of torque. The resurrected Cayenne Turbo S, launched at the Beijing auto show, sounds well-equipped to fight for its position at the top end of the market.

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Boxster tops among Car & Driver Choices

2009 Porsche Boxster S - The Talk of Automotive Sites Across the Web!



It comes as no surprise to Braman Porsche that Car and Driver have ranked the Porsche Boxster S as number one on the 2009 Comparison Test for the overall best roadster that can be purchased in the $50K range.

You may be asking yourself what exactly makes the Porsche Boxster S the best. Well for one thing, it makes the most of its power with the new PDK seven-speed automatic transmission. Its PDK double-clutch transmission, as mentioned by Road and Track, "swaps through its seven ratios faster than humanly possible and in varying degrees of right now, modulated by the Sport and Sport Plus buttons on the center dash and the whims of your throttle foot. In Launch Control mode, the Boxster S lunges to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds and sizzles to a 12.6 quarter mile."

Another feature that makes the Boxster S top the charts is its responsive handling. Best put by Car and Driver, "the chassis reacts so directly to steering inputs that it makes its competitors seem plodding. Give the wheel a twitch, and the Porsche will move a 10th of an inch closer to the apex."

Car and Driver also states that "the engine is equally responsive, revving freely up to the 7400-rpm redline. With the help of launch control and shorter gearing in the first few ratios (compared with the previous six-speed manual), the Boxster S clobbers 60 mph in 4.3 seconds."

Auto Week accredits the stability offered by the Boxster S to a "superb Porsche MacPherson strut suspension front and rear as well as Porsche Stability Management 8.0 that electronically controls every hint of wheelspin."

Left Lane News breaks down Porsche Stability Management, "which now offers two new functions: Brake Pre-Loading and the Brake Assistant. Whenever the driver lets go of the gas pedal very quickly -- which is typical of an upcoming emergency braking maneuver -- the PSM hydraulic control unit builds up an appropriate level of pressure on the wheel brakes before the driver even presses down the brake pedal, moving the brake pads slightly towards the discs for immediate action. This significantly improves brake response and shortens stopping distances accordingly."

One feature definitely worth mentioning, pointed out by Road and Track, are "the twin trunks which offer a surprising amount of storage space for that weekend blast to wherever."

To see a detailed listing of 2009 Braman Porsche Boxster S currently in stock - Click Here
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Braman Porsche - A Premier Dealer

Porsche names Braman as Premier Dealer

Press Release - Porsche Cars

Program Definition

The Porsche Premier Dealer Program identifies the top 25 Porsche Dealers in North America. It recognizes and rewards those Porsche Dealerships that best embrace the 'Porsche Business Model' - achieving the highest performance among their peers in Brand utilization, product representation and the development of key 'Porsche business drivers'; and in doing so, succeed as independent entrepreneurs who routinely exceed the expectations of their Porsche customers.

Philosophy

Porsche is a prestigious, authentic brand with a unique heritage and a fervent core of enthusiasts. Porsche owners are passionate about their automobiles in a way no other automotive marque can match. Those who purchase a Porsche are buying more than a car - they're buying a legend.

Porsche enthusiasts are driven, successful people who demand the very best. Owning a Porsche is a reflection of their values. Driving a Porsche connects with the very essence of their psyche. This deep-rooted link between car and driver must also be forged between the com- pany and the customer in order to create an ownership experience that is every bit as satisfying as the Porsche driving experience itself.

A commitment to excellence - and performance above industry standards - is expected at Porsche as a baseline for conducting business. The Porsche Premier Dealer program is dedicated to rewarding authorized Porsche dealers who routinely go above and beyond these demands in their devotion to both the Porsche brand and their valued customers. A Premier Dealer is a champion of the brand who 'lives and breathes' Porsche. Premier Dealers set themselves apart by exhibiting an entrepreneurial spirit in their approach to customer service that epitomizes the independent mindset of Ferdinand Porsche himself. Recognition as a Porsche Premier Dealer bestows the pride and prestige of being named one of the most highly regarded Porsche dealerships in North America. The Porsche Premier Dealer marque distinguishes a dealership as one whose personnel excel at putting Porsche ideals into practice.

Since earning Porsche Premier Dealer status requires a total team effort within a dealership, please join us in congratulating the entire Porsche team at Braman Motorcars - a Porsche Premier Dealer.

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Porsche ranked as top luxury brand

OWNERS RANK PORSCHE® AS THE TOP AUTOMOTIVE LUXURY BRAND

 Porsche 911, Cayman and Boxster Tie for Most Ideal Sports Car in America

 

Atlanta, June 30, 2008 – When renowned California-based automotive marketing and product-consulting firm AutoPacific surveyed over 33,500 new car owners, the full line of 2008 Porsche sports cars topped the field in the Premium Sports Car segment, and Porsche ranked as the Ideal Premium Brand for 2008 ahead of brands like Jaguar, Buick, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Land Rover among others.

 “Sweeping the field in the Premium Sports Car segment, owners provided validation that Porsche really knows their target buyer and understands how to build an ideal vehicle. This year they cleaned house in the Premium Sports Car segment. Not only did all of the Premium Sports Cars they produce score in the top three. It was a three-way-tie for first place, with the 911, Cayman and Boxster all sharing in the glory,” according to AutoPacific. Porsche’s fourth product line, the Cayenne, finished an impressive second in the Premium Luxury X-SUV segment.

AutoPacific releases its highly regarded Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVA) results annually to measure owner desire for change across 15 specific areas related to a vehicle’s ride, handling, roominess, technology, comfort, and more. Vehicles with the least amount of desired changes are considered “ideal” vehicles, having met their buyer demands.

 Last year, both the Porsche Boxster and Cayman received coveted IVA accolades as well. In the auto industry these awards are considered the benchmark for clearly measuring how satisfied new-car owners are with their vehicles.

AutoPacific is a future-oriented automotive marketing and product-consulting firm. Every year it publishes a wide variety of syndicated studies on the automotive industry. The firm also conducts extensive proprietary research and consulting for auto manufacturers, distributors, marketers and suppliers worldwide. Its company headquarters and state-of-the-art automotive research facility are in Tustin, California, with an affiliate office in the Detroit area.

 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, GA, and, Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd. in Mississauga, Ontario, are the two separate importers of Porsche sports cars and Cayenne sport utility vehicles for the United States and Canada respectively. They are each wholly owned, indirect subsidiaries of Dr. Ing.h.c. F. Porsche AG.  These two separate subsidiaries combined, employ approximately 250 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 200 U.S. and 12 Canadian dealers. They, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service.

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Rhemrev's first track test of '09 911-G2

Generation Two 911 Carrera proves it's metal


 2009 Porsche 911 at Palm Bch Internat'l Raceway                    Click here for
 being put through it's first performance test.                       Freddy Rhemrev Bio


During the Braman Competition Series track event this past Sunday in October, our in-house racing instructor Freddy Rhemrev got the chance to feel the power of the new 2009 Generation II Porsche 911 Carrera first hand on the race track.


It was Freddy's first chance behind the wheel of the new Porsche as the car was just unveiled at the Braman showroom a couple of days before (click here for article).

So, not to delay getting Freddy's knuckles nice and white, we put him against the best of Braman's amateur competition series customer drivers at the October track event and Grand Prix (click here for article). The results were interesting.

Freddy had not driven the Porsche before he got in for the first time, but pulled a surprising lap time of 1:06.288 and dwindled the time down for the best overall lap of the day to 1:05.517.

"It had amazing throttle response from any throttle position" stated Freddy. "Quick shifts that feel like each shift accelerates or lunges the car forward on full throttle acceleration was what was the predominant feeling" continued Freddy
 
"When I just drove the car in Drive mode with the new Porsche double clutch system (PDK) and with PSM on and it gave me the best time" Freddy said. This concurs with Porsche AG's report of the speed of the 7-speed PDK, actually faster from 0-60mph than you can shift the manual 6-speed version. 

Not fully trusting Porsche's engineers for first hand knowledge, Freddy took it upon himself to experiment. "I did try it once with PSM off, but I had trouble controling myself from pushing or finding the limits of the Porsche.  It got a little sideways on me coming into the last corner but it gathered up easy. I'm sure it lost me 2 to 3 seconds off my time, but maybe next time" concluded Freddy.

Well, I was there and I can tell you that the Porsche was impressive and that little thing about putting the car sideways was a brilliant maneuver on Freddy's part that caused the audience to gasp and clap at Freddy's driving skills.

To ask Freddy questions about the car, email him at Freddy.Rhemrev@bramanmc.com.

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The All New 911 Generation Two

More Power - More Luxury - More Porsche

2009 Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S - First Drive Review


BY CSABA CSERE

Car & Driver Magazine

September 2008


Despite Porsche’s grandiose maneu­vering to take over Volkswagen, ­Europe’s largest car company, the tiny Stuttgart automaker isn’t neglecting its core sports-car business. A perfect example is the 2009 version of the seminal 911 Carrera, known by anyone who matters as the 997.

The most important changes are in the engines: Both the standard 3.6-liter six and the 3.8-liter S version move from port to direct fuel injection. By injecting the fuel directly into the cylinder at a pressure of up to 1740 psi, the intake charge is cooled very effectively when the fuel atomizes. This allows the compression ratio to be increased to 12.5:1 and for a little more air to be sucked into the engine with each intake stroke. More air means more power, and higher compression aids both power and efficiency.

In addition, the construction of the water-cooled flat-six has changed to eliminate four major parts and improve cooling and stiffness. There’s also an improved lubrication system [see Tech Highlight] that lowers the engine 0.4 inch, along with a more compact intake manifold, lighter tappets, and bigger bore and shorter stroke dimensions.

As a result, horsepower in the 3614cc base engine jumps 20, to 345, and torque grows from 273 to 287 pound-feet. The 3800cc S engine goes from 355 to 385 ponies and from 295 to 310 pound-feet. The bigger increases in the S engine come from larger valves, greater valve lift, and a two-stage intake manifold.

Both engines come with the current six-speed manual, but for an extra $4080, a new PDK transmission can be ordered, replacing the previous Tiptronic option. This is a double-clutch gearbox with seven speeds, and it can operate automatically, in a variety of modes, or manually via the shift lever or switches on the steering wheel.

Top gear in the PDK gearbox is much taller than in either the six-speed manual or the old five-speed Tiptronic for lower rpm on the highway. European tests show the PDK to be about 12 percent more fuel efficient than last year’s Tiptronic and even thriftier than the manual.

Porsche says the PDK-equipped car accelerates to 60 mph a full second faster than the Tiptronic when coupled to the optional Sport Chrono package, which comes with launch control.

Other key additions to the ’09 models include a larger touch-screen LCD panel, standard bixenon headlights (with optional cornering function), LED taillights and daytime running lights, bigger front brake rotors and stiffer calipers on the base model, and an optional new PASM sport suspension that lowers the car 0.8 inch.

On back roads near Porsche headquarters in Germany, the new cars proved fantastic. Driven moderately, they’re comfortable and refined. Driven hard, they’re stirring and exhilarating, and make the driver feel as though he has Lewis Hamilton’s reflexes and car control.

Except for exhibiting a tiny hesitation when moving away from a stop, the PDK gearbox is as smooth as a torque-converter automatic, yet it has the tight connection between engine and rear wheels that makes a manual transmission so satisfying. Unfortunately, the PDK doesn’t ever relinquish full control to the driver. Even in the manual mode, the transmission will kick down and upshift at the redline if you mash the accelerator to the floor and hit the kickdown switch.

The shift controls on the steering wheel are also a bit odd, not being quite as conven­ient for upshifts as we’d like. But if the driver selects the “sport plus” mode, the PDK will slam the shifts hard and unfailingly select the correct gear for the circumstances.

Base prices for the new models, which arrive this month, range from $75,600 for a standard Carrera coupe to $96,800 for a Carrera S Cabriolet. Four-wheel-drive versions will follow shortly after. As always with Porsche, the prices are high, but if you can afford the cars, you won’t be disappointed.


See the new 2009 Porsche 911 at one of our launch events


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Clients Win as Braman Motorcars Named Leading Auto Dealer by Industry Expert

Braman Motorcars is now the leading multi-franchise dealership in the entire country.

This is according to Ward's Auto Magazine, whose annual Top 500 report reached those conclusions by calculating Braman's overall performance results for 2009. With over 80 years experience in automotive news, data, and analysis reporting, Ward's is the authoritative industry publication. 




While this is great news for Braman Motorcars, their clients who own Audi, BMW, Bentley, MINI, Porsche and Rolls-Royce automobiles will benefit most from the achievement of the Florida luxury car dealer. 

Why? Because Braman Motorcars has a history of investing to better serve its' clients, even during a recession. The South Florida luxury car dealer recently completed a total renovation of its' facilities to provide a more client-friendly experience and environment
.

Braman's new facilities allow  them to service vehicles with greater efficiency, so clients can receive their cars sooner than ever before. Clients also


"Whatever our future investments may be, they will be made to improve the Braman Motorcars experience for all of our clients."

-Vince Cerone

General Manager, COO
Braman Motorcars

enjoy a more convenient experience because the expanded parking facility offers them a greater variety of cars to drive home. 

The luxury car dealer made other recent investments that underscore Braman's dedication to improving their clients' experience. And, that dedication is exemplified by their newly implemented proprietary training program that educates every employee on how to best assist and advise clients. This guarantees that Braman clients interact with a knowledgeable, accommodating, and professional staff that can serve any need.  

Though the luxury car dealer made these investments at a time when most businesses stopped investing in clients, Wards' report indicates that Braman made the right decision.

"We are very proud of our entire staff for this achievement," Cerone said. "It shows their dedication to providing clients with the best experience possible. Though everyone at Braman works tirelessly for such results, we're never satisfied. We're always trying to improve our client service because we know they can buy from any luxury car dealer. So, we aim to provide them with an outstanding experience overall."

So, how does Braman plan to better serve its' loyal clients?

According to Mr. Cerone, "We will continue to invest in our clients. Being the leading multi-franchise automotive dealer in the country means that we have the resources to do whatever it takes to best serve them. If that means expansion, we'll expand. If that means more or better training, we'll invest in more or better training. Whatever our future investments may be, they will be made to improve the Braman Motorcars experience for all of our clients."



 
Race Legend Derek Bell makes Braman Track Event Appearance


Braman customers that participated in the Bentley Supersport track event got a big surprise when it turned out the legendary race driver Derek Bell was one of the instructors.

The group took all-new Bentley Supersport through the paces and got to feel the extreme performance side of Bentley with the superstar.

Derek Bell took up racing in 1964 with Lotus Seven. He graduated to Formula 3 in the following year in a Lotus 31 and in 1966 switched to a Lotus 41 scoring his first victory at Goodwood. In 1967 he enjoyed seven wins. He entered Formula 2 in a privateer Brabham BT23C fielded by his stepfather's Church Farm Racing team and had several promising performances, which caught Ferrari's eye and made his Grand Prix debut at Monza. In 1969 he raced at Silverstone with Ferrari and also raced the four-wheel-drive McLaren M9A in its only race in the British Grand Prix.

Bell was one of many drivers to take part in the filming of Le Mans (1970) starring Steve McQueen. Bell had a lucky escape during the making of the film. The Ferrari 512 he was driving suddenly caught fire whilst getting into position for a take. He managed to get out of the car just before it was engulfed in flames and suffered minor burns. The car was badly damaged but later rebuilt.

Bell was also a runner in the 1970 European Formula 2 Championship driving a March. In 1972 he got the drive in the Tecno F1 team, along with Nanni Galli. He won two World Sportscar Championship titles (1985-86), in the 24 Hours of Daytona  (1986-87 and 1989) and five victories but also built a strongat Le Mans (in 1975, 1981, 1982, 1986 and 1987),
 






 






 
mostly teamed with Jacky Ickx in one of the Porsche 936 and Porsche 956/Porsche 962 models. Ickx/Bell is nowadays considered as one of the most famous pairings in motorsport history. Bell was awarded the MBE in 1986 for services to motorsport.

Bell was hired to consult for the Bentley team in 2001, helping them to win Le Mans two years later. He now splits his time between the United States and Bognor Regis, and commentates on Formula One races which he has done for and drives in historic events, as well as performing an ambassadorial role for Porsche.






 Have a business? Put it on our popular websites
Braman helps businesses with marketing power of four websites

It's called the Braman Business Network.

To explain it simply, Braman will supply the power of all it's corporate websites and help market small business clients of all franchises; Audi, Bentley, BMW, MINI, Porsche and Rolls Royce. This will be accomplished by placing an icon on all of our websites which will lead to the Business Network Page. There, your business will be placed in a category, such as Attorney, Physician, Bakery, etc. 

When a visitor clicks the category, a listing of your business will come up and will be linked to your website. You don't have a website you say? Well, then we will provide a web presence with your vital contact information for you on our servers. You can even have a picture and description
of your business on the page.

There will even be opportunities for a business to provide a special incentive or offers to Braman customers to visit and procure services from their business.


The cost? ZERO. Any client with a currently licensed automobile purchased from Braman that continues to service at any Braman Motorcars facility is eligible for this complimentary service.

This service is beginning during the month of August, so stay tuned as we gear up our marketing engine to assist you!