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Porsche recalling Macan S and Turbo for fuel leak

Porsche is recalling 58,881 examples of the Macan S and Turbo worldwide because of a possible leak in the low-pressure fuel line in the engine compartment. Of these, there are 21,835 affected in the US and 3,490 in Canada. According to the German automaker, this campaign is "a purely precautionary measure" because there're no reports of any accidents or injuries from the flaw. As a fix, dealers will replace the fuel line, which will take around an hour. Porsche will contact owners directly to arrange for the service. The company discovered the issue "after a precise examination of complaints," according to its statement, and corrected the problem for units in production. Porsche Examines Macan S and Macan Turbo Vehicles October 30, 2015 Possible leak in low-pressure line – affected customers will be contacted directly Atlanta, Georgia. Voluntary safety recall: Porsche is conducting an examination of 58,881 Macan S and Macan Turbo vehicles around the world, of which 21,835 are in the United States and 3,490 are in Canada. The reason for this move is a possible leak in the low-pressure fuel line inside the engine compartment. The line will be replaced in the workshop. This is a purely precautionary measure, as there have been no reports of accidents or injuries as a result of this concern. The problem was identified after a precise examination of complaints and then immediately rectified in ongoing production. Owners of the vehicles will be contacted directly and workshop appointments will be arranged as quickly as possible. The work will take approximately one hour and will be carried out free of charge.

Autoblog Minute: VW Q3 financial woes, 2015 Tokyo Motor Show

Consumer Reports pulls its Tesla recommendation, the U.S. Copyright Office offers a ruling affecting car owners, VW gets hit hard with third-quarter losses, and lots of exciting news from Tokyo. Autoblog senior editor Greg Migliore reports on this edition of Autoblog Minute Weekly Recap. Show full video transcript text [00:00:00] Consumer Reports pulls its Tesla recommendation, the U.S. copyright office offers a ruling that affects car owners and gear heads, VW gets hit hard with third-quarter losses, and lots of exciting news from Tokyo. I'm senior editor Greg Migliore and this is your Autoblog Minute Weekly Recap. After a week away testing vehicles for Autoblog's Tech of the Year award, we're back in the office to recap the week in automotive news. [00:00:30] One of the things you might have missed was Consumer Reports pulling its recommendation of Tesla's Model S sedan. The blemish for Tesla comes after a tally of reviews from customer surveys. The most common problem areas for the Model S as cited by survey takers included: the drivetrain, power equipment, charging equipment, body and sunroof squeaks, rattles, and leaks. So lots of stuff. Though they could not ignore a score of "worse-than-average", Consumer Reports still [00:01:00] highlighted the fact that the Model S was "the best performing car" they've ever tested. Telsa CEO Elon Musk took to social media to defend his sedans saying: "Consumer Reports reliability survey includes a lot of early production cars. Already addressed in new cars." And, "Tesla gets top rating of any company in service. Most important, CR says 97% of owners expect their next car to be a Tesla (the acid test)." In Financial news, Volkswagen took a hit and reported an operating loss of [00:01:30] $3.84 billion. This is the first such loss for VW in 15 years. Toyota reclaimed the crown as the world's largest automaker as well. It's important that it's not all doom and gloom for VW though in Q3. Sales revenues were up and the company's automotive division boasts $30 billion dollars in liquid assets. It's a sizable war chest that will no doubt come in handy, as the company has yet to feel the full brunt of the diesel emissions scandal. Good news for gear heads. The US copyright office [00:02:00] ruled in favor of mechanics and car owners by granting an exception to existing copyright law. The law was originally meant to prevent software pirating and bootlegging of Hollywood movies.

Porsche 911 R, GT3 variant with manual trans, spotted

The Porsche 911 GT3 is still a strong enthusiast choice in the 911 range, and the GT3 RS has gone more hardcore. But both versions are PDK-only. The upcoming Porsche 911 R, spied undergoing testing in Germany, is tipped to adopt the naturally aspirated engine from the aforementioned GT3, producing somewhere in the neighborhood of 475-500 horsepower. Only instead of an automated dual-clutch transmission, it'll feature a proper manual. Other changes are expected in the form of skinnier tires to provide less grip but a more approachable limit of adhesion. It may or may not feature a small ducktail spoiler at the back. We wouldn't be surprised to see it ditch the four-wheel steering system, either. Weissach may also give it some retro cues as well, but the question all those purists will be asking is how many Porsche will make. The last 911 R yielded only 22 examples way back in 1967. This time they'll have to make far more, but we wouldn't expect this particular version to be exactly what you might call "ubiquitous." No matter how rare, it'll definitely be the purist's choice. Related Video:

2017 Porsche Panamera spotted barely disguised

Porsche is hard at work bringing the next generation of its Panamera to market. Its arrival will succeed a model that's been for sale now for over six years now (since 2009), having undergone a mid-cycle facelift as recently as 2013. What we have here in front of us could be our best look yet at the upcoming replacement model. Spied while testing in its native Germany, this barely disguised prototype looks just about ready to reach showrooms. Only a few select parts – namely around the lights (front and rear) and the rear side windows – appear to still be wearing any camouflage at all. So save for those few details, some additional brightwork here and there, and a proper polishing to give it that Porsche shine, expect the 2017 Panamera to look pretty much like the one you see here. It still looks very much like a Porsche, and very much like a Panamera, but thankfully softens the curve of the current model's controversial roofline. Like the outgoing model, the upcoming iteration of Zuffenhausen's four-door coupe/sedan is expected to carry a wide array of powertrain options, including gasoline engines, diesels, turbos, and hybrids. Just which one this particular example is carrying we don't know. But one way or another, buyers can expect improvements in both performance and efficiency once this new model comes around sometime early next year. We won't be surprised, then, to see it find its way onto the stage at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show next March, so watch this space. Related Video:

Bisimoto's 911 and Honda Odyssey each pack 1,000 hp

There aren't a lot of vehicles on the road that pack a thousand horsepower. The Bugatti Veyron and McLaren P1 are in rare company, but there have been a handful of aftermarket tuners that have managed to extract that much power out of lesser vehicles. Bisimoto is responsible for more than its fair share, so Matt Farah and the team at Drive stopped by the workshop in Southern California to check out the craftsmanship for the latest episode of Tuned. What they found is two vehicles with that astronomical four-figure output that otherwise couldn't be more different from each other. First up is the vintage, stripped-out 911 that company founder Bisi Ezerioha built for himself. It's based on a 1976 Porsche 911 Carrera with a widebody kit and a pair of turbochargers hanging off the back. The result is that thousand-horsepower output and, as Farah found out, one of the scariest, hairiest, and squirliest automobiles ever devised. As if that weren't enough, there's a thousand-horsepower minivan on the docket, too. This one is based on a Honda Odyssey, rebuilt on an air suspension and a six-speed manual gearbox conversion out of an Acura TL. And of course the engine's been tuned to deliver that headline output figure. Honda and Bisimoto showcased the vehicle at the SEMA show a couple of years ago, where Farah says he didn't think it could possibly hold together. But as he discovered in the video above, it actually does, and accelerates with tenacity... and plenty of room for the kids.

Porsche rolls out new Macan GTS with 360 horsepower [w/video]

Porsche is expanding both its Macan line and its range of GTS models with the launch of the new Macan GTS. The new performance model slots in between the Macan S and Macan Turbo, packing a mightier punch, upgraded equipment, and sportier styling. The enhancements naturally start under the hood, where the Macan GTS packs a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 good for 360 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. That's 20 more horses than the Macan S but 40 less than the Turbo, driving all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The result is a 0-60 time quoted at 5.0 seconds (or 4.8 with the optional Sport Chrono pack) and a top speed of 159 miles per hour. You know, just to stick it to the other German cars that limit themselves to "only" 155. Of course, Porsche didn't just tinker with the engine and leave it at that. Compared to the Macan S, the GTS features a retuned air suspension, recalibrated electronics, ride height lowered by 10 millimeters, and 20-inch wheels with a matte black finish. The interior also benefits from specific sport seats with Alcantara trim, and the new Porsche Communication Management system. There's a new exhaust system and upgraded brakes, as well. The Macan GTS is just the latest such model to join the range, alongside GTS versions of the Boxster, Cayman, 911, Panamera, and Cayenne. While sales of the new Macan GTS start today in its home market, US customers will have to wait until March to place their orders. MSRP is listed at $67,200 (plus destination), pretty evenly splitting the difference between the existing S and Turbo models. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Porsche Macan GTS – Improved Power and Performance Enhanced driving dynamics, enhanced driving fun Atlanta, Georgia. Porsche announces the new Macan GTS. With more power, a reengineered suspension, unique GTS-specific exterior and interior appointments, and new connectivity options, the new Macan GTS provides an enthusiastic driving experience that enhances the current Macan range. Based on the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine in the Macan S, the Macan GTS incorporates hardware changes and a unique engine calibration to allow the engine to develop 360 hp at 6000 rpm and 369 lb.-ft. of torque between a broad 1650-4000 rpm.

Ferrari IPO may turn out to be good news for enthusiasts

Sergio Marchionne's strategy to spin off Ferrari from FCA and make the Italian automaker a publicly traded company has been met with ire from a vocal contingent of enthusiasts ever since rumors about the plan began to surface a few years ago. Some of these particularly pessimistic automotive pundits have voiced fears that with stockholders in the mix, it would not only spell the demise of the exclusive Italian supercar maker as we know it, but would in fact "ruin" the company. Call me dense, but I fail to see what the issue is. That isn't to say that I don't understand what's causing the fear. When profitability becomes a higher priority for a brand that's historically relied on exclusivity to keep its products in the highest echelons of desirability, there's a high potential for internal philosophical conflict. And then there are concerns about the sorts of products that Ferrari might develop that aren't the high-performance sports cars that the brand is known for. But individuals with those apprehensions seem to forget that Ferrari has already lent its name to a multitude of things that are not LaFerraris, 488 GTBs, or F12 Berlinettas, including clothing, headphones, and even laptops. But let's assume for a moment that the core anxiety is about future vehicles – including the unspeakable notion that Ferrari might develop an SUV. Why wouldn't Ferrari build an SUV, especially after seeing how incredibly successful that endeavor has been for Porsche? I think it's likely that Ferrari will put engineers to task creating some sort of crossover or high-rolling cruiser with room for the whole family at some point in the near future. And why wouldn't it, after seeing how incredibly successful that endeavor has been for Porsche? After all, the Cayenne accounted for more US sales in 2013 than the Boxster, Cayman, 911, and 918 combined, and it only gave up about a thousand units of sales last year to make room for the Macan crossover, the latter of which Porsche sold nearly as many of as it did Boxsters and Caymans. People want these vehicles, and they're willing to pay quite a bit of money for them. If we use Porsche's recent trajectory as a foreshadowing metric for what's in store for Ferrari, the future actually looks pretty good. After all, those SUV sales keep plenty of cash in Porsche's coffers for the low-volume projects that we enthusiasts love, like the 918 Spyder and the 911 GT3 RS.

Petrolicious finds a Porsche 356 that thrives on dirt roads

Matt Hummel is absolutely not the typical vintage Porsche owner. Instead, his mantra is simple: "Get it running!" In the latest video from Petrolicious, hop behind the wheel of a well-loved 1956 Porsche 356 for a blast over some rutted dirt and gravel roads with a fascinating owner. When he found it, Hummel's 356 had been sitting in a barn since the late '70s, and it looked extremely rough. Despite the beat condition, he eventually decided not to just let the coupe sit anymore and used some parts that he had to get it running again. Now, the Porsche with its flaking paint and ripped interior is Hummel's favorite companion for getting lost on rural roads. While Hummel's story is fascinating, Petrolicious does a superb job on the cinematography, too. This 356 lives in some picturesque surroundings, and the video captures that scenery beautifully.

Chris Harris pits Aston GT12 vs 911 GT3 RS vs McLaren 650S

The Geneva Motor Show is never lacking in exciting performance machinery. And this year was no exception. Our eyes, like those of Chris Harris, were drawn by two hardcore, track-focused versions of existing sports cars. Both wore the name GT3, and now Harris has brought them together for a supercar shootout. And he's thrown one more in for good measure. Those natural rivals are the Aston Martin Vantage GT12 and Porsche 911 GT3 RS, the latter manufacturer having pressed the former to drop the GT3 name to which it claims exclusive domain. There's a great deal that separates them, of course: one's got a V12 up front, the other a flat-six way in the back. But what binds them together is a common approach of taking an existing model, stripping it down, and tightening everything up to make it more of a weapon than a grand tourer. What that means in the Aston's case is a rather high price tag, much higher than that of the Porsche. But scarce demand and speculation on the open market have left British customers, at least, paying as much for the GT3 RS as for the limited-edition Aston. And that takes both into proper supercar territory. So to show what else that kind of money can get you, Monkey has brought along a McLaren. Not the similarly track-focused 675LT, but the standard 650S... Spider, no less, and with worn hard rubber. So which one performs best on the road? Which clocks the fastest lap time on the track? And which gets Harris' vote? You'll have to watch the video for yourself to find out, but it's well worth the 25 minutes of your lunch break. News Source: Chris Harris on Cars via YouTube Aston Martin McLaren Porsche Videos porsche 911 gt3 chris harris mclaren 650s

Chevy Corvette Z06, Ford F-150 Raptor join Lego Speed Champs

Get ready to park some performance machines on your desk: Lego's 2016 line of Speed Champions kits will add seven new vehicles for next year, according to an update to the database Brickset. These include some serious muscle like a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and Ford Mustang GT. There's also a listing called "Chevrolet Camaro Drag Race" and a very cool combo titled "Ford F-150 Raptor Ford/Model A Hot Rod". Fans of European performance don't need to be jealous, though. The database shows a kit called "Porsche 919 Hybrid and 917K Pit-Lane." Plus for fans of the Four Rings, the Audi R18 E-Tron Quattro and R8 LMS Ultra are also getting their own Lego models. Fourtitude appears to have some leaked shots, if you want to see what these kits will look like. Lego has partnered with Porsche, McLaren, and Ferrari and offers Speed Champions kits for vehicles like the Porsche 918 Spyder, McLaren P1, Ferrari 458 Italia GT2, and LaFerrari. The models in the series aren't as heavily detailed as the massive Mini Cooper or Volkswagen Bus sets, but they make up for that in value. The individual cars retail for a fairly affordable $14.99. The Formula One playset tops the current range at $99.99, but it comes with a truck, racecar and team figures.