Checkered Flag

 

How did Porsche perfect the famous 911?  With decades of practice, practice, practice, of course.

A new video released by Porsche covers the evolution of the Porsche 911 from its early days to the present.  While some things about the 911 have remained true to original form, today's 911 is perfectly updated in all the right ways.  

Take a look at the new Porsche 911 video then visit Checkered Flag Porsche, your Virginia Beach Porsche dealer, for a closer look. 



If you have difficulty viewing the Porsche 911 video on this current page, simply choose the following link and scroll down to this article.  Link:  The Evolution of Porsche 911 video

For more information about the Porsche 911, contact Checkered Flag Porsche at (757)490-1111. 

 

Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 17th if you don't want to miss the last Hampton Roads Cars and Coffee event of 2011!

Over the past couple of years, Hampton Roads Cars and Coffee sponsored by Checkered Flag, has become a local hit with each event getting larger and larger!  Tire kickers and car enthusiasts come from all seven cities and beyond to sip a couple of cups of Joe, sample a few snacks, and share their beloved rides and racers with other local auto enthusiasts-like this guy:

Who ya' gonna call?  Ghostbuster MINI!  By far the most noticed ride of the day!



All Hampton Roads auto and/or java lovers are asked to bring their own hot rods, classics, exotics, and even motorcycles to the gathering, which has been known to draw crowds of hundreds!  In addition, Checkered Flag will be rolling out some of its finest sets of wheels for your perusal.   Don't expect to see your everyday ordinary stuff here people, we're talking the goods! 

Vehicles from Checkered Flag Jaguar, Porsche, Audi, BMW, and MINI customers are all expected to make an appearance. The entire event is free, including the coffee and snacks, so bring out your friends and family and as many vehicles as you please.

Our final Hampton Roads Cars and Coffee event is taking place Saturday, September 17th with a rain date of September 24. 

The address for all Cars and Coffee events is 5070 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.  If you need any additional event information, just click on the following link:  Cars and Coffee Questionaire

We look forward to seeing all of our proud Tidewater drivers and Checkered Flag Winners there bright and early!


Checkered Flag Audi Tent


Pretty Porsches all in a row!

2012 Cayman R in White

Porsche just got a little competition; from well, Porsche.  This week, the 2012 Cayman R landed on our Virginia Beach Porsche lot at Checkered Flag.  The new Cayman R is already turning heads and causing quite a stir here at the store.  Now it's time for you to get out here and see it for yourself!

With power and speed to rival all top-of-the-line sport cars, plus extra room and amenities for the everyday driver, the new 2012 Porsche Cayman R is the perfect pick for any Checkered Flag Porsche enthusiast.
If you are interested in visiting Checkered Flag Porsche to test drive the new Cayman R, or would like more information on any Porsche model, please call (757)490-1111.

  

Review source: [caranddriver]

History-Wrapped Lightness

You notice the new Cayman R's aesthetic distinctions immediately. Porsche plays on the historic racing theme once again through the use of specific lettering and stripes on the R's flanks, as well as a fixed rear wing that references the 1967 911R, of which only 19 were built. The competition often struggles to integrate history into its sporty offerings, but all Porsche needs to do is add another letter and a few stripes to send its loyalists into hysterics.

That, of course, is not all. The Cayman R has gained 10 hp over its Cayman S sibling-for a total of 330 available at a lofty 7400 rpm-thanks to a freer-flowing exhaust system. Even more important, Porsche claims the R sheds a cool 121 pounds, making it one of the lightest sports cars on the market. How was this accomplished? The aluminum doors shave off 33 pounds, 26 pounds come from the use of lighter seat structures, and 11 pounds from new wheels. The rest is in the details, such as the fabric straps that replace conventional door pulls and the nonactuated rear wing. If you can do without air conditioning and a radio, subtract another 26 and seven pounds. The carbon-ceramic brakes-an $8150 option-will shave off another seven pounds, and the available lithium-ion starter battery ($1700) is worth 26. These weight-saving measures are much the same as those employed on this car's open-roofed foil, the Boxster Spyder.



Zen and the Art of Mid-Engine Porsches

Like any Porsche Cayman, the R imparts an instant sensation of man-machine harmony as soon as you get behind the wheel. Looking around, we note the interior is purposeful and clean, if a bit dated.

The precision with which any throttle, brake, and steering input is delivered dynamically is virtually unmatched. It's a sharpness that sets the Cayman R apart from its lesser siblings.

That's not least thanks to a lower center of gravity and a modified chassis with a reduced roll-angle gradient. The aerodynamics are improved as well: Rear-axle lift is reduced 40 percent, front-axle lift has been lowered by 15 percent. The steering is perfectly weighted, neither light nor artificially heavy. The naturally aspirated flat-six is supremely responsive and attentive to the slightest input, a behavior unmatched by any turbocharged engine. At the limits of adhesion, the Cayman R is remarkably communicative and a pleasure to handle. It allows the driver to probe those limits fully, as the stability-control system can be turned off completely.

In standard configuration, the power is transmitted to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission with nicely spaced ratios. Those who prefer not to shift for themselves might appreciate the fact that the optional seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic (which comes with a 55-pound penalty) has a modified and sportier shifting strategy in its normal and sport modes. Sport plus, which Porsche says is strictly for the track but which we appreciate on open roads as well, remains unchanged. It is our favorite setting as it doesn't try to interpret the pilot's driving style and therefore is utterly predictable.
Straight-line performance is impeccable. At an ungoverned 175 mph and with a predicted 0-to-60-mph time of just over four seconds, the Cayman R should leave much more powerful cars in the dust. Acceleration runs are accompanied by an angry blare, although we'd prefer it to be even more assertive. But it still sounds great.

The Cayman R is not a compact equivalent of the radical GT3 RS-you could easily use this car on a long trip-but it is a better, slightly faster Cayman that remains faithful to the established formula. True, it and the Boxster Spyder inch uncomfortably close to the entry-level 911 models. But if any brand can handle a little internal competition, it's Porsche.

Checkered Flag Porsche fans will get a kick out of this!  Check out the new Porsche on the block, the 2012 Porsche Cayman S Black Edition.
 
Article source: [Autoblog.com]

Porsche has just unveiled the newest addition to its stable: the 2012 Porsche Cayman S Black Edition. Along with that sinister paint scheme, the vehicle packs an extra 10 horsepower over the standard Cayman S and rolls on unique 19-inch Boxster Spyder wheels. That bumps the final pony figure up to 330 hp, which helps the vehicle scoot to 60 miles per hour in a scan 4.6 seconds.



Outside, all of the vehicle's chrome accents have been painted black for the ultimate stealth look, and that theme carries on indoors. Black is the only available interior color, though brushed stainless steel and aluminum accents are littered throughout the cabin for a little flair. Even the gauges have been doused dark, and a Sport Design steering wheel is part of the package, too.

The Porsche Cayman S Black Edition toes the same line as the Boxster S and 911 Black Editions by offering the Porsche Convenience package as standard equipment. The 500 buyers lucky enough to sink their teeth into this model will be treated to adaptive bi-xenon headlights and rain-sensing wipers, among other kit, and navigation is standard, as well.  End of article.

We expect this model will be available starting somewhere around $70,000 for Checkered Flag Porsche customers.  If you are interested in reserving the 2012 Porsche Cayman S Black Edition, contact your premier Virginia Beach Porsche dealer, Checkered Flag Porsche, at (757)490-1111.

It's official!  The newest Porsche 911 is ready to roll!

After months of spy photos and info leaks, we finally have a peek at the new 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0.  Checkered Flag Porsche fans will soon have the chance to reserve one of these speed demons, but until then, we'll just have to drool over these newly released photos.



Article and Photo source:  [Autoblog] (photos edited for size)

Enough with the leaks and speculation. Here it is. The 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0. The ultimate naturally aspirated 911 and the 997's motorsports-infused swan-song.

As the name would suggest, this latest limited-edition 911 packs a 4.0-liter flat-six derived from the 911 GT3 RSR racer, complete with forged pistons, titanium connecting rods and a crankshaft pulled directly from its track-bred descendent. The result is the most powerful normally aspirated 911 to date, with 500 horsepower peaking at 8,250 rpm and maximum torque - 339 pound-feet - coming in at 5,750 rpm.

That massive engine partnered with a host of lightweight kit (carbon fiber buckets, front fenders, luggage compartment lid and "weight-optimized" carpets) allows the 2,998-pound (wet, mind) GT3 RS 4.0 to run to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, crack 124 mph in less than 12 seconds and top out at 193 mph.

A six-speed manual is the only gearbox available and the Carrara (their spelling) White paint comes standard, along with central twin exhausts, massive rear wing and the first production application of air deflection vanes on both sides of the front bumper (dubbed "flics") to improve stability and exert an extra 426 pounds of downforce at speed.

And before you ask, the RS 4.0 ran the Nürburgring in 7 minutes and 27 seconds, putting it in contention for one of the fastest production cars ever run around the Nordschleife.

If you've got $185,000 laying around in your hedge fund, get your orders in now. Only 600 will be produced when sales begin later this year. End of article.

Because of the limited availability, if you are serious about getting your hands on one, contact Checkered Flag Porsche, your premier Virginia Beach Porsche dealer, at (757)490-1111 as soon as possible.  Checkered Flag Porsche is located on Virginia Beach Blvd in VA Beach.  2011 Porsche 911 Coupe and Convertible are currently available.

It looks like the Porsche 911 is finally getting a long-awaited makeover for 2012.  Well, that's the rumor anyway.  The possibly most popular Checkered Flag Porsche is expected to see some major updating for the next generation 911, codenamed 991, which should appear on our Virginia Beach Porsche lot sometime in late 2011.


 
The following article and photos courtesy of [Autoblog]

The Porsche 911 is due for an update, and if the rumors kicking around the internet are to be believed, 2012 will bring one of the most significant changes to the sports car in generations. The German automotive magazine Auto Bild is reporting that the next 911 will look a good deal different from the current generation thanks to some serious changes in the vehicle's proportions. The rear-engine coupe is expected to be over 2.2 inches longer and wear a roof line that's nearly half an inch lower than the outgoing design.

In addition, Auto Bild suggests that the engineers at Porsche have cooked up a new 3.4-liter boxer good for 345 horsepower in base configuration. As usual, Carrera S models will wear wider flanks, this time with the flares adding some 2.4 inches. The meaner of the two cars will also pack a 3.8-lilter boxer six that puts out 395 ponies. All told, the base 911 will be able to make the dash to 60 mph in less than 4.8 seconds while the Carrera S should be able to do the same dance in less than 4.5.

End of article.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I am really digging the cut out pin stripe signal light lines on the front.  I can't quite make out from the spy photos if they are styled similarly on the rear, but I think they give the 991 style some futuristic pizzazz. 
Now, keep in mind these are still "spy photos" and the final design could change before the new 911 model is released next year.  Checkered Flag will be sure to keep you up on all of the latest developing news regarding the 2012 Porsche 911 as details are released.  For information on the 2011 Porsche 911 or to schedule a test drive, call Checkered Flag Porsche at (757)490-1111.

 

Checkered Flag Porsche fans will certainly want to check out what I came across earlier today.  The new 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid should be available at Checkered Flag Porsche, your Hampton Roads Porsche dealer, any day now.

The newest member of the Cayenne family is expected to carry a roughly $68,000 price tag.  That's really quite a small price to pay for an eco- and gas pump friendly vehicle that still performs as a top-notch Porsche sport vehicle.    Autoblog.com points out that, "the supercharged, 333-horsepower six-cylinder with battery help does 0-to-60 in 6.1 seconds and 25 miles per gallon is the highway return. Plus, you get a max speed of 37 mph in electric operation and all that instant torque."
 
Sounding as good to you as it does to me?  Well, come in and check out our current Cayenne inventory to get a feel for the ride, then get your name down for one of the first 2011 Cayenne S Hybrids soon to hit Hampton Roads.

For more information call (757)490-1111 or reach us at the following link for online inquiries:  Checkered Flag Porsche Virginia Beach Contact Form

Article Courtesy of Autoblog [Autoblog]

As many Porsche 911s as you think you might see at the golf course, yacht club or shopping mall, that's nothing compared to the legions regularly running around racing circuits worldwide. Aside from the myriad open GT grids dominated by Stuttgart machinery, the iconic German sportscar is the spec racer of choice for various national Porsche Carrera Cup championships and the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup that supports F1 races around the year. Those series use the versatile 911 GT3 Cup. With over 1,400 sold since 1998, Porsche maintains that it's the best-selling racing car of all time, and it has just announced a new model for the 2011 season onward.

Whereas the outgoing Cup racer was based on the street-going 911 GT3, the new model starts life as the harder, faster and sharper GT3 RS. That means a wider body that can accommodate bigger wheels, tires and brakes. It also carries the larger 3.8-liter flat-six with 450 horsepower - 30 more horses than the outgoing model coming from 200cc of added displacement. It also looks more like the RS, with an aggressive aero package and LED lighting for when tracks go dark and dreary.

The 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup will make its track debut at the opening round of next season's Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship.
(end of article)

Now, we don't have one of these new GT3 Cup babies out on the Porsche lot on Virginia Beach Blvd, but..we do have one 911 GT3 R3 coupe available!  Also, Checkered Flag Porsche did just acquire a 911 GT2 RS for one of our more discerning Checkered Flag Winners.  Jealous??  Well, head on in to Checkered Flag Porsche, your Hampton Roads Porsche dealer, and have one of our outstanding specialists help put together your perfect Porsche purchase.  To schedule an appointment with a specialist, or for a test drive, call (757)490-1111.

  

Okay Checkered Flag Porsche fans, here's something that might cause quite a bit of controversy.  I found this tasty nugget over on autoblog.com this morning and thought I might like some feedback from you winners out there.
 
Article courtesy of [autoblog.com]:
The Porsche Cayenne has never really received the kind of warm embrace from Porsche purists that the suits at Stuttgart would prefer. Never mind the fact that the Cayenne sells in droves, thereby allowing the company to continue to build physics-melting sports cars, the SUV is as far from the lightweight, low-slung creations that made the company famous as you can get, and that just rubs some folk the wrong way. Well, stand back Porsche fans. It looks like Merdad is out to right those wrongs.

The tuning company is planning to unveil a lowered, two-door version of the Cayenne at London's MPH show in November. Along with shedding its rear doors, the SUV will pack anywhere between 550 and 750 horsepower, depending on the level of tuning, and should be able to dart to 60 mph in around 4.4 seconds in its most powerful guise.

That all sounds pretty tasty to us, especially since we have a Cayenne-sized soft spot in our hearts for two-door SUVs. Even so, we'll have to wait until we see some real-live photos of the creation to make up our minds as to whether or not this is an improvement on the German SUV's recipe.  End of article.



Okay, now I have one particular issue with this new Cayenne.  Two door SUV?  Wha?  Why?  Have you ever had to wrestle a set of golf clubs out of the back seat of a coupe?  I have, and it's no fun.  What about your heavy computer cases, weekend bags, children??  Don't have any of those problems?  Then why would you want an SUV?  It seems to me that the new design made the switch off just to try and win over the so-called Porsche "purists."  Now, on the other hand, the styling is super hot!  I love the black wheels and the red highlights throughout just scream "Vroooomm."  Give me the doors back, and I'm sold!

Since writing this a few hours ago I have already been reminded that some of my all time favorites were two door SUVs, including the old Bronco, but I think I would have liked those better with four doors too.  And, good news-there is a four door edition, but it will not be shown at the upcoming MPH show.
 
What do you guys think?  Should Checkered Flag Porsche start reserving these by the dozens? 
Now, in the meantime, if you love the current Cayenne (c'mon, who doesn't?), head over to Checkered Flag Porsche on Virginia Beach Blvd and pop in for a test drive.  We've got a few of these beautiful babies starting at $46,700.  For more information, contact Checkered Flag Porsche, your Hampton Roads Porsche dealer directly at (757)490-1111. 

I bet some folks over at Porsche are feeling pretty good right now.  It turns out, despite the nay-saying going on, that the Porsche Panamera is quite the catch!

As of this month, Porsche has delivered over 25,000 Panameras to dealers with over 22,500 sold (Source: Autoblog.com).  With nearly 900 units going to L.A. in California, and another 800 to New York, NY, it looks like this little engine that could is spiking in popularity with some of our countries most stylish buyers (source: autoevolution.com).  I account this type of hoopla to us Americans' ingrained need for speed.  With the Panamera engines available in a 300hp, 400hp, and a Turbo at 500hp with a V8, AND enough room to pack in the whole family or golf buddies (clubs and all), I'm not surprised at all by these fantastic figures.



Panamera would be accepted.  Some bullies even tagged the Panamera as "ugly."  Well those Debbie Downers are eating crow now.  We here at Checkered Flag Porsche, your Hampton Roads Porsche dealer, could not be more proud of the Panamera's popularity.  If you are ready to check this baby out for yourself, and maybe take a test drive around Va Beach for a little while, just give us a call at (757)490-1111 or use the contact form at the following link:  Checkered Flag Porsche Panamera Information/Test Drive Request.