2004 Porsche 911 Turbo 'x50' Cabriolet on 2040-cars

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Porsche teams with Delta airlines to woo VIP passengers

The next time you're waiting for a flight at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, see if you can spot a Porsche Cayenne or Panamera zipping between aircraft on the busy tarmac. The high-performance German vehicles aren't there practicing for an upcoming autocross; they are tasked with whisking some of the airline's most important customers between flights so they can keep their busy schedules intact.
Launched nearly two years ago, the program has proven popular with the automaker, airline and passengers as all benefit from the unique arrangement. Atlanta-based Porsche is able to showcase its cars to Delta's frequent-flying Medallion members, the airline is recognized for providing unusual perks to its high-value customers and those fortunate enough to be surprised with a quick lift are able to make connections without a stressful run through the terminal. Based on its success, the airline is rolling our similar programs in New York, Los Angeles and Minneapolis this month.
And don't think Porsche is the only automaker working with an airline to entice its frequent flyers. Mercedes-Benz ran a program over the summer that offered purchasing and leasing incentives to MileagePlus Premier members of United Airlines, and the two are currently shuttling top fliers around Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport in the automaker's S-Class and GL-Class models.

Porsche suspends ties with Maria Sharapova after drug test

Porsche has reportedly suspended ties with Maria Sharapova after the Russian tennis star failed a drug test. The German automaker stopped short of terminating its relationship with the athlete altogether as it awaits the results of a deeper investigation. The issue emerged at the Australian Open, where Sharapova reportedly tested positive for use of a drug called meldonium. Manufactured in Latvia and prescribed in many former Soviet Bloc countries, meldonium is used to treat heart conditions and improve cardiac circulation. It is not approved by the FDA for use in the United States, and the World Anti-Doping Agency added it to its list of prohibited substances at the start of this year. Sharapova admitted that she's been taking the medication for ten years now but that she did not keep up to date on the WADA's list. Since it is considered a prohibited substance, she's been excluded from participating in the Australian Open this year, and suspended from competition as of March 12. She was also scheduled to take part in the Porsche Grand Prix, a tennis event sponsored by the carmaker in Stuttgart next month which she will now apparently have to miss. One of the top-rated female tennis players in the world, Sharapova has served as a brand ambassador for Porsche since 2013. Other sponsors including TAG Heuer and Nike have also reportedly suspended their relationships with the athlete pending further investigation by the International Tennis Federation. Related Video:

Porsche Cayman GT4 storms Switzerland with 385 hp [w/video]

Much as we love the Porsche 911 in all its variants, there's definitely a case to be made for the smaller Cayman as the best-driving sports car in the company's lineup. We adore it in all forms, and most recently fell madly in love with the new Cayman GTS. But here at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, Porsche has unveiled a truly special, range-topping variant of its mid-engine coupe: the GT4. And after seeing it in person, we're pretty much head-over-heels in love. That's because the GT4 is the most hardcore variant of the Cayman yet, using a 385-horsepower version of Porsche's 3.8-liter flat-six, derived from the 911 Carrera S. It sends power to the rear wheels solely via a six-speed manual transmission with dynamic gearbox mounts, and we're told the hot new coupe will sprint to 60 miles per hour in just 4.2 seconds – a full half-second quicker than the 340-hp Cayman GTS. Building upon that, the GT4 uses a host of chassis components from the potent 911 GT3, and offers further upgrades like ceramic brakes and carbon fiber bucket seats. This should make for one seriously track-worthy machine, and Porsche already says that the GT4 will run the Nurburgring in a scant 7:20 – the same time as the 2011 911 GT3. It's all very awesome, this GT4. To say we're stoked would be a gross understatement. Look for it to hit Porsche dealers in July, starting at $84,600. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. A New Member of Porsche's GT Family The benchmark in its class: the Porsche Cayman GT4 Atlanta, Feb. 3, 2015 - Porsche's GT family is proud to announce the addition of an exciting new member: the Cayman GT4. This is the first Porsche GT sports car based on the Cayman and features components of the 911 GT3. Clocking a lap time of 7 minutes and 40 seconds on the North Loop of the Nurburgring, the Cayman GT4 earns the same lap time as the 2011 911 GT3 and positions itself as the new benchmark atop its market segment. The Cayman GT4 clearly demonstrates Porsche's dedication and passion to continue to promote truly industry-leading two-door sports cars in the future – sports cars that are developed at the Motorsport department in Weissach. The engine, chassis, brakes, and aerodynamic design of the Cayman GT4 are configured for maximum driving dynamics while retaining the versatility and everyday utility that are typical of the two-seater Porsche coupe.