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Porsche in the 1990s found itself in economic crisis as global tastes in vehicles began a transition to trucks that goes on to this day. Porsche was in the red and delivered only 23,060 cars during the 1991/92 financial year. With the Boxster, launched in 1996, Porsche began to slowly drive itself away from its crash. However, the legendary 911 and the new mid-engine model alone would not secure its future. Plans for a ‘third Porsche’ began to take shape, albeit initially without a firm decision on the segment.
Ferry Porsche predicted in 1989: “If we build an off-road model according to our standards of quality, and it has a Porsche crest on the front, people will buy it.” He would eventually be right. Since 2002, the Cayenne has been one of the mainstays of the car manufacturer’s global success. Continue reading
Le Mans – Corvette 1-2 on Grid, Porsche 3-4
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Nick Tandy led a 1-2 result for Corvette Racing in the Hyperpole session Thursday night ahead of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Tandy* set a lap of 3:49.985 (132.538 mph) in the No. 64 Mobil 1/SiriusXM Chevrolet Corvette C8.R to give the team its first pole since 2010. (Read AutoInformed.com on: Le Mans Qualifying Practice – Rain, Red Flag and Racing)
That also was the last time Corvette Racing started Le Mans with two cars on the front row. Antonio Garcia sealed the effort in the No. 63 Mobil 1/SiriusXM Corvette C8.R with a time of 3:50.177 (132.414 mph). It continued a solid pre-race program for the mid-engine Corvettes, which are at Le Mans for the second time. Continue reading →