Autoblog UK

Porsche have always operated on the basic principle of supplying thoroughbred driving machines to motoring purists. This is particularly true of the legendary RS models. In its latest incarnation as the 911 GT3 RS, a member of the revamped 997 series, Porsche have once again demonstrated a sense for what is essential, giving customers the option of a lithium-ion battery which, by comparison with the conventional lead battery, offers a weight saving of over ten kilos. However, it seems that they are unable to resist making compromises: electric windows, automatic climate control and radio come as standard. You can specifically 'unorder' the radio and climate control to get closer to the ideal of the unadulterated racer. But why on earth would anyone want electrically operated windows, electrically adjustable mirrors, electric unlocking on bonnet and boot, and central locking? Away with this clutter! Dear Porsche, your new RS is great, but spare us all the gimmicks with this definitive 911. The softies at the luxury end of the market can always buy themselves a Bentley.

In extending their R8 series, Audi have launched a full frontal attack on Volkswagen AG sister company Porsche. First it was the eight-cylinder R8 taking on the 911, and then it was the more powerful V10 version tackling the Porsche Turbo. With the arrival of the Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro, even the open-top 911s must now fear for their market share. The confrontation could be described as a clash of the modern with the traditional. Even in terms of everyday practicality, the R8 can compete with the 911. However, Porsche may be poised for a counter-strike, because there has been much talk recently of Porsche branching out into smaller and more affordable entry models. So the fight goes on into the next round and there is plenty more excitement to come, though at the end of the day, it seems unlikely that either of them will land a knockout punch.

As retro mania continues to spread, Porsche are now also getting in on the act. The 911 Sport Classic is a deliberate throwback to earlier models and borrows many of their styling cues. In addition, though, it features every conceivable modern luxury, and can be customized even further. As we know, Porsche can meet almost any request. But that's what sets this 911 apart from classic Porsches, which were pure driving machines. The Sport Classic's powerful engine (408bhp) still ensures excellent road performance, but the car's unladen weight of 1,425 kilograms, despite doors made of aluminium, speaks for itself. This 911 should go on a diet. Now that would be really retro, because sometimes less is more.

Until now, Porsche has built the hottest SUVs in the shape of the Cayenne. But now, BMW is going head-to-head with Porsche by introducing the X5 M and, most notably, the X6 M. BMW wants the top-spot by offering more performance, even if it's just by a small margin, 555bhp as against the 550bhp of the hottest Cayenne, the Turbo S. And not just on paper: the BMW X6 series SUV already had an excellent chassis, but in the M version, it has been sharpened up and made even sportier. Porsche won't like it one bit. On a winding stretch of road, the X6 M can show the Cayenne Turbo S a clean pair of heels.

Real Porsche fans won't want to miss it. The 911 is set for launch in Frankfurt as a limited edition and will be known as the 'Sport Classic'. Porsche will display the limited-run sports car based on the Carrera S at the IAA, from the 17th to the 27th September. The car takes retro cues from the seventies. Market launch will begin in January 2010 at a price of 201,682 euros. Fans will have to hurry with their order, as only 250 examples of the Porsche 911 Sport Classic will be produced.

There are three changes to the latest edition of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show: it is now a more powerful, wider-bodied and faster machine. The successor to the most copious racing car of all times (1,400 of them were built) is based first and foremost on the 911 GT3 RS. The weight of this racer has been significantly reduced by comparison with the lightweight construction of the road version. For the first time in a GT3 Cup, the rear now conforms to the 44mm wider bodywork designed to accommodate bigger wheels. The broader arches at the front likewise indicate new wheels. Engine capacity has also received a boost relative to the previous model, the extra 0.2 litres delivering an additional 30 horsepower. Vital statistics: 3.8-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine, output 450bhp, sequential six-speed manual transmission, weight 1,200 kilos. The new 911 GT3 Cup is instantly recognisable from its front aspect and it adopts the characteristic daytime running light from the current nine-eleven generation.

The Boxster is gradually building up a fan club. Despite the not inconsiderable entry price, it continues to be regarded as a poor man's Porsche, OK for a purchaser who can't afford the real thing, i.e. a nine-eleven. The fact that the Boxster compares favourably to the 911 on price and that the S version in particular can match the Porsche for performance has certainly not counted against it. In terms of vehicle dynamics, it is likewise the equal of its legendary rival. So where's the catch? What are things coming to when we can have all the pleasure of driving a Porsche at such a bargain price? The only area in which it lags behind is pure image. In this respect, the 911 is merciless, just like the price that image-conscious buyers are prepared to shell out. So is this what makes the nine-eleven the better Porsche?

The sports car manufacturer Porsche is finally to become part of the Volkswagen group. Volkswagen AG and Porsche Automobil Holding have now reached a basic agreement for the creation of an integrated automotive concern that includes Porsche and comes under the overall management of Volkswagen.

Up to the end of 2009, Volkswagen will have an initial 42% shareholding in Porsche AG; furthermore, the distribution side of the business, Porsche Holding Salzburg, will be acquired by VW; and in the year 2011, Porsche SE will merge with Volkswagen. Despite these changes, Porsche will remain a separate operation with HQ in Zuffenhausen. The new group supremo is to be VW Chairman Martin Winterkorn, who also becomes boss of Porsche Holding. Precise details of how the plan is to be implemented will be worked out over the next few weeks and months.

Firstly, compact SUVs are still selling well. Secondly, VW supremo Ferdinand Piëch likes to see a healthy dose of in-house competition. From these two premises flows a third: alongside the Audi Q5 and VW Tiguan, Skoda have now weighed in with the Yeti, one more compact SUV on the Volkswagen AG books. And we won't have to wait too long till an Audi Q3 version is served up as well. Despite trying times, the positive figures posted by the group have vindicated its strategy. However, cannibalisation effects within the individual brands have been detectable – for example, the Q5 has been nibbling away at Q7 sales – even if they aren't admitting it. Maybe the various badges will start to devour each other some time in the near future?