My opinion - Pressure on Porsche to perform in GT2

Porsche has launched its latest modified 911 GT3 RSR contender as reported on PLM earlier in the week but it comes amidst an added pressure to perform in the major GT championships during 2008. Porsche has won 8 of the last 9 at Le Mans in GT2 including last years event but it failed to take any championships in the American Le Mans Series, Le Mans Series or the FIA GT Championship last season as Ferrari scooped a fantastic ‘treble’.

This was a big blow to the German giants and the early signs in 2008 are not particularly bright as Tafel Racing became the latest big name team to make the switch to their arch rivals from Marenello and it was not without criticism from Tafel technical director, Tony Dowe. He is reported to have said “After two years of dealing with Porsche we felt that there was not enough effort being put into RSR development” he continued, “The support, both technically and logistically from Ferrari and Michelotto has been unbelievable. It’s what a customer should get. I think the number of teams that have changed to Ferrari are witness to how well they are looking after their teams.” These are damning comments from a well respected member of the ALMS paddock and someone who has had a relationship with Porsche for many years.

Looking ahead to the Championships this year; (ALMS) You would have to say that Risi Competizione and Tafel Racing will be major contenders in the Ferrari F430 but of course you can never discount the Flying Lizard Porsche squad. (LMS) Porsche still has a good number of contenders but again they must beat current Champions, Virgo Motorsport. Could this be their best hope of championship glory in 2008? (FIA GT) As it currently stands on the FIA GT entry list there is just one Porsche entry that will go up against a whole host of prancing horses so it is hard to see the championship leaving Italy? Of course these entry lists are all subject to change but it is easy to see why Porsche are playing catch up for the first time in decades in the GT2 categories across the world.

We hope that the development of the RSR GT3 over the winter will leave us with ‘mouth watering’ battles on both sides of the pond particularly as we will also have the likes of Aston Martin, BMW and others adding to the GT2 flavour this summer.

Porsche does have a prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours crown to defend and they proudly boast that they did indeed win the ‘big one’ last year. It is clear however, that the beautiful Porsche, so synonymous with Le Mans victories for many many years will have to pull out all the stops in 2008 to remain at the top of the pile at La Sarthe in what is arguably the fiercest category of racing in Sportscar and GT circles.

Porsche Cayenne GTS: In the showrooms

Porsche Cayenne GTS: In the showrooms

The latest arrivals at dealerships. Compiled by Paul Hudson

First Cayenne with electronically-controlled damping and steel springs, as previously seen on Porsche’s sports cars. It has 20bhp more than the S (405bhp at 6,500rpm); 0-62mph is 0.5sec faster, at 6.1sec.

Also available with Tiptronic S six-speed auto, air suspension and active anti-roll. New sports seats and a mix of leather and Alcantara grace the interior. Front and rear styling cues echo the Cayenne Turbo; 14mm wheelarch extensions house 21in alloys with 295/35 tyres.

Price: £54,350

Engine:4.8 petrol

Dealer contact: 08457 911911/www.porsche.com/uk

Recent :- Porsche 911 Turbo one of the most capable supercars on the planet upgrade

Porsche 911 Turbo one of the most capable supercars on the planet upgrade

The Porsche 911 Turbo is one of the most capable supercars on the planet, and its design has been honed by the ages to be a super slippery modern interpretation of the Porsche’s essence. All that goes right out the window with Gemballa’s latest upgrade for the 911 Turbo, the Avalanche GTR 800 EVO-R.

Let’s start with the new styling. Gemballa installs a new lower fascia that’s pretty much one giant air intake divided into three parts. Likewise, a vented hood is added that will take some of that incoming oxygen and direct it up and over the car for more downforce and stability. The 911 Turbo also gets GT headlights and a super trick dual-wing rear spoiler. Gemballa gave the 911T new 19-inch alloy wheels out back fitted with Yokohama AVS Sport tires. Their sheer girth required the bodywork be widened, so new rear fenders bulge out to accommodate the steam rollers and incorporate a larger air intake ahead of the wheels. The rear apron has also been modified to allow four exhaust tips to exit on either side of the license plate.

The look is menacing, and Gemballa gives the Avalanche GTR 800 EVO-R the muscle to back up its menace. The engine has been enlarged to 3.8L and fitted with a pair of Garret T035 turbos in place of the stock blowdryers. Along with GT3-R heads, a machined crank and new connecting rods, the car now makes 850 HP and 690 ft-lbs of torque. Handling upgrades also include H&R coilovers with adjustable springs and three-position anti-roll bars.

The Gemballa Avalanche GTR 800 EVO-R does not appear to be for the faint of heart, but Gemballas never are.