RUF has unveiled the next generation RGT, the RGT-8.

Based on the current 997 Porsche 911, the RGT-8 “is powered by a completely new RUF designed V8 engine with a 180° crankshaft flatcrank.” It features “four valves arranged spherically together with multipoint fuel injection [which] ensure optimal mixture conditions while the dry-sump system supplies the necessary lubrication.” Boasting a capacity of 4.5-liters, the V8 produces 404 kW (542 hp / 549 PS) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque.

To ensure maximum sportiness, RUF made the RGT-8 as light as possible. It comes with aluminum doors, an aluminum hood, a carbon fiber engine cover, and a carbon fiber rear spoiler. Other performance goodies include ceramic brakes, an integrated roll-cage, and 19-inch forged alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires.

In terms of styling, the RGT-8 remains pretty faithful to the standard 911. However, if you want a more exclusive appearance, RUF offers a Frère package. Inspired by the 550 Coupe, that Paul Frère drove to victory in the 1953 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Frère package consists of redesigned front fenders, a unique front end, and special interior trim.

RUF is planning to launch the RGT-8 in 2011, so look for more information to be released later this year.

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German firm SpeedArt have released their latest tuner job of the Porsche 997 Turbo.  The SpeedArt BTR-II 650 EVO features a horsepower boost of 150 PS (110 kW / 148 hp), and torque increase of 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).

This brings output to 650 PS (478 kW / 641 hp) and up to 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque.  If the overboost function is still available, that could potentially raise torque to a maximum 699Nm.  These power figures were achieved by changing the engine’s computer, and using larger VTG turbochargers.  New headers, catalytic converters and tailpipes are part of the sport exhaust.  A new air filter and bigger intercoolers were also used.

The result is a 0-100 km/h time of 3.2 seconds, and a new top speed of over 330 km/h (205 mph).

Needless to say, these speeds mean the brakes might run a bit hotter when used.  For that, the company designed a front bumper that provides more air to the brakes.  Also attached is a new front spoiler, side skirts, rear diffuser, and adjustable rear wing.

Engineers installed an adjustable sport suspension.  To reduce weight, the company used Light Spoke Competition (LSC) forged twin-spoke wheels.  The wheels measure 8.5×20″ front and 12×20″ rear, and are available in several different colors.

Other available options include a new steering wheel with paddle shifters to control the PDK transmission.  Carbon fiber sport seats are availble in fabric, leather, and Alcatara, with the textiles available for other parts of the interior.  Carbon fiber trim is also used.

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German tuners Prior Design have unveiled their modified version of the 2010 911 GT3.  The Porsche 911 PD3 includes a series of aerodynamic upgrades and a custom built exhaust.

The package really revolves around the car’s new front end, which extends the car both outward and downward.  Love it or hate it, the revision provides more downforce while changing the air flow direction for the better.  This now pushes past the carbon fiber spoiler and through the redesigned air inlets.  New, deeply sculpted sidesills lead to a completely remodeled rear end.  Amongst the changes at back is a new diffuser.  As part ot the mods, the car has an adapted chassis that has been dropped by 30 millimeters.

Engineers did not modify the rear wing on the GT3.

Also available is a hand-built stainless steel exhaust, and a new set of wheels.  Now, the car rides on ultra-light, sectional forged wheels available in several different sizes.

The Porsche 911 PD3 styling kit is now available through the company’s website.  Pricing has not been disclosed.

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Wimmer Racing Technology has unveiled a new €29,800 performance package for the highly regarded Porsche 911 GT2.

The German-based tuner modifies the twin-turbo 3.6-liter boxer engine by adding new engine management software, redesigned cylinder heads, high performance camshafts, and a custom exhaust. Thanks to all these enhancements, the Wimmer 911 GT2 boasts 680 hp and 870 Nm of torque. As you can imagine the car features stellar performance figures including a 0-100 km/h time of 3.4 seconds, a 0-300 km/h (0-186 mph) time of 25.8 seconds, and a top speed of 356 km/h (221 mph).

Wimmer’s 911 GT2 also features a modest body kit which includes a carbon fiber rear lip spoiler, carbon fiber mirror housings, 20-inch Sportec wheels, and a lowered suspension.

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A new season of ‘Ring wars may be brewing. Porsche’s Project Manager for High Performance Cars Andreas Preuninger says the latest 911 GT3 has achieved a time of 7 minutes 40 seconds around the Nurburgring’s Nordschleife.

Porsche test driver Walter Rohrl, who was piloting the car, was apparently slowed down by the presence of other vehicles on the track. Had Rohrl really been going for it “with a knife between his teeth” said Preuninger, his time would have come down by as much as two seconds. Furthermore Rohrl apparently did a 7 minute 45 seconds in a borrowed Ferrari F430 Scuderia. The time was achieved under the same conditions as the GT3.

As for the Nissan GT-R, Preuninger noted that Porsche’s official line is that the 7 minute 54 second time it achieved with a US-spec unit in 2008 stands. Nissan said in May 2008 that the GT-R did a 7 minute 29.03 seconds at the German track in the hands of its chief test driver Tochio Suzuki. The updated 2010 GT-R is claimed to have done an even quicker time of 7 minutes 27.56 seconds.

The third member of this feuding trio is the Corvette ZR1 which has a posted time of 7 minutes 26.4 seconds at the Green Hell. Preuninger’s remarks on the ‘Vette were only to say it’s a cool car but it serves a different purpose than the GT3.

The new updated GT3 was unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. Its normally aspirated 3.8-litre boxer engine produces 435hp (320kW) and peak torque of 317 ft-lbs (430Nm).

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Who knew that the first country in the world to begin importing Porsche models was The Netherlands. Pon Porsche Import began doing so in 1949.

Well, now you know.

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of this occasion, Porsche will be offering a limited edition series of the 911 4S Coupe and Convertible models exclusively for the Dutch market. Only 15 Pon Edition 911 4S will be built.

The Pon Edition 911 4S is the latest, facelifted version of the model and comes with a diamond-black metallic paint and a leather interior (also in black). Each of the 15 models is numbered and the Pon Edition is tagged with the old Porsche badge from 60 years ago on the doors and dashboard. The Pon Edition also gets a sport exhaust and the Porsche name on the engine cover, instead of the model name or number, as was done in the brand’s pre-1973 history.

Porsche will put on display the Pon Edition 911 4S at the Dutch AutoRAI 2009 car show in Amsterdam which runs April 1st to the 11th.

Pricing will be 172,911 euros and 188,261 euros for the Coupe and Cabriolet models, respectively.

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Owners of supercars know what it’s like to scrape a curb or hit the underbelly of a car on a speed hump because of how close to the ground these types of cars sit. Some of these “incidents” can be quite costly to fix. Enter the new Cargraphic “Airlift Suspension System”, a patented automatic level control system that can be installed into the Porsche 996 and 997 series.

The system works by wireless remote control and is operated by the driver. It will raise the car’s front suspension by 55mm (2.2-inches) to help it negotiate curbs or speed humps without causing thousands in damage. Should the driver neglect to cancel it after getting over the obstacle, the Cargraphic Airlift Suspension System will automatically return the car to its normal everyday suspension setting as soon as it hits 50km/h (31mph).

Cargraphic itself takes care of the installation at their HQ in Landau, Germany. It takes about a day to finish the job. BILSTEIN, manufacturers of shock absorbers were involved in the development of this Cargraphic system and so it works with BILSTEIN suspensions as well. It even works with PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management).

Porsche will not be the only ones that benefit though. Cargraphic is working on an Audi version to be employed in an R8 and other high performance models.

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A drag-racing Porsche 911? Why? Well, why not? Although Porsche’s iconic sports car hasn’t traditionally been a drag-strip competitor, the car’s rear-engine, rear-drive layout is actually ideal for drag racing. Porsche specialist 9ff has just unveiled the DraXster, a boosted, 911-based supercar whose focus seems to be quarter-mile domination. It’s a high-horsepower, high-torque lightweight 911 whose lack of aerodynamic aids suggests that it’s not intended for sustained high speeds but rather maximum acceleration.

The DraXster’s 4.0 twin-turbo flat six puts out an estimated 1300 hp (970 kW) and 877 ft-lb (1190 Nm) torque. The car has also been lightened to 1168kg, and 9ff reports a 9.5-second run to 161mph (260 km/h). Yes, the DraXster is faster than a Bugatti Veyron. Thanks to the lack of adornments, the DraXster is low-key, with very few exterior details to distinguish it from any other 911.

Pricing, quarter-mile times and top speed for the DraXster have not been released.

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Those owners of the Porsche 911 Turbo who aren’t entirely satisfied that their car really is the powerhouse Porsche claims it is, can turn to German tuner DKR for a €5,529 power upgrade. DKR Tuning optimises the ECU software and fits a new sports exhaust system to garner a forceful 540 bhp/ 402kW and 775Nm from the car’s twin-turbo 3.6-litre boxer engine.

After having upgraded the engine one might feel a little more adventurous and go kit mad. For that DKR provides 19-inch Cargraphic RS alloy wheels on 235/35 tyres in front and 305/30 at the rear. A functional front lip spoiler and larger rear wing gives that macho appearance that accompanies all this power. It’s a 911 so handling needs no introduction, even at full 540 horses on the throttle.

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Following recent rumours of a fully electric powered Cayman prototype, it has been revealed that the Porsche specialty tuner, Ruf, has in fact developed a fully electric powered 997 prototype. It features a 204hp (150kW) electric motor producing 650 Nm (480 lb-ft) of torque.

Despite carrying 550 kilograms (96 battery cells each weighing 5.6 kg) worth of Axeon lithium-ion batteries, the 911 goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 7 seconds. After some mathematical acrobatics, a theoretical top speed of 224 km/h (139mph) is possible given its 1900 kg weight and 160 amps per cell. The 911 EV has a driving range of 250-300 km (155-180 miles) under normal driving conditions.

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