Virgin Galactic: Enterprise's First Flight

Monday 22nd March, 2010

The spaceship was unveiled to the public for the first time on December 7th 2009 and named by Governors Schwarzenegger and Richardson. VSS Enterprise remained attached to its unique WhiteKnightTwo carrier aircraft, VMS Eve, for the duration of the 2 hours 54 minutes flight, achieving an altitude of 45,000ft (13716 metres).

Both vehicles are being developed for Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic, by Mojave based Scaled Composites. Founded by Burt Rutan, Scaled developed SpaceShipOne which in 2004 claimed the $10m Ansari X prize as the world’s first privately developed manned spacecraft. Virgin Galactic’s new vehicles share much of the same basic design but are being built to carry six fare paying passengers on sub-orbital space flights, allowing an out-of-the-seat zero gravity experience and offering astounding views of the planet from the black sky of space. Virgin Galactic has already taken around $45m in deposits for spaceflight reservations from over 330 people wanting to experience space for themselves. The first flight of VMS Enterprise is another major milestone in an exhaustive flight testing programme, which started with the inaugural flight of VMS Eve in 2008 and is at the heart of Virgin Galactic’s commitment to safety. Commenting on the historic flight, Burt Rutan said: “This is a momentous day for the Scaled and Virgin Teams. The captive carry flight signifies the start of what we believe will be extremely exciting and successful spaceship flight test program.” Sir Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Galactic added: “Seeing the finished spaceship in December was a major day for us but watching VSS Enterprise fly for the first time really brings home what beautiful, ground-breaking vehicles Burt and his team have developed for us. It comes as no surprise that the flight went so well; the Scaled team is uniquely qualified to bring this important and incredible dream to reality. Today was another major step along that road and a testament to US engineering and innovation.” The VSS Enterprise test flight programme will continue though 2010 and 2011, progressing from captive carry to independent glide and then powered flight, prior to the start of commercial operations.

For further information go to www.virgingalactic.com For downloadable images and graphics go to:www.virgingalactic.com/captivecarry To contact Virgin Galactic, email virgingalactic@virgingalactic.com or telephone Virgin Galactic pres enquiries on +44 207 447 193 Photograph taken by Mark Greenberg

Ferrari 458 Italia

Maranello, 15 February - The positive driving impressions by journalists testing the 458 Italia continue. The latest is Pulitzer Prize winner Dan Neil, who writes about the 458 Italia for the Los Angeles Times, describing the car, its innovations and aesthetic characteristics in the most positive words. The US-journalists especially appreciates the new steering wheels ergonomics with the main commands: “brilliant, completely intuitive and ergonomic and so much better than conventional stalks on the column I'm surprised no one thought of it sooner.”

The adverse weather conditions during the test drive - Dan Neil tested the car in Maranello during some snowfall - enabled him to experience the car’s extraordinary grip and its exceptional steering response.

Dan Neil concludes his article, saying: "I've almost never been as happy as when I returned the perfectly unwrinkled 458 Italia to Ferrari.”

The New Porsche Cayenne

Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is presenting the brand-new generation of the Cayenne Sports Utility at the Geneva Motor Show in early March.

The absolute highlight of this new generation is the world debut of the Cayenne S Hybrid with its technically highly sophisticated parallel full hybrid drive and fuel consumption in the New European Driving Cycle of just 8.2 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 34.4 mpg imp), which means CO2 emissions of just 193 g/km. The Cayenne S Hybrid therefore combines the performance of an eight-cylinder with the economy of a six-cylinder running on much less fuel.

Led by the Cayenne S Hybrid, all models in the new generation are trendsetters in efficiency and performance in their respective segments. Compared with the former models, fuel consumption is down by up to 23 per cent, since the new Cayenne, like every Porsche, has been developed according to the principle of “Porsche Intelligent Performance”: more power on less fuel, greater efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.

These objectives result, not least, from the introduction of the new Tiptronic S eight-speed automatic transmission with Auto Start Stop and a wide spread of gear ratios, thermal management on the engine and transmission cooling circuit, on-board network recuperation, variable engine cut-off and intelligent lightweight construction.

Thanks to its special combination of materials for optimum weight as well as changes in the overall concept of the vehicle such as the Cayenne’s new active and extra-light all-wheel drive, weight is down for example on the Cayenne S by 180 kilos or 400 lb – despite the improvement of product substance and an even higher standard of safety. This clearly has very positive effects not just on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, but also on performance, agility and handling.

Benefiting from these features and new technologies, the new Cayenne offers even more driving pleasure both onroad and offroad, combined with even greater everyday driving qualities, enhanced comfort and supreme elegance. The completely new, sporting and elegant design of the new model integrates the 2010 Cayenne even more closely into the overall range of Porsche cars. The sports car-like character of the Cayenne comes out even more from all angles, just as the highlights in the shape and design of the car so typical of Porsche are also clearer than ever before.

Extra space inside and greater variability is ensured by the wheelbase now 40 mm or almost 1.6” longer. In all, the new Cayenne is 48 mm or 1.9” longer than its predecessor. But despite its larger exterior dimensions, the new generation of the Cayenne is nevertheless far more compact and dynamic. The most significant eye-catcher within the brand-new, high-quality interior is the centre console rising up to the front with its upright selector or gearshift lever, giving the interior the typical character of a cockpit upfront. The rear-seat bench moves fore-and-aft by 160 millimetres or 6.3”, with the backrest angle adjusting to three different settings.

Sales of the Cayenne in Europe are starting on 8 May, with Porsche offering the right model from the start for every customer: The range starts with the 3.6-litre V6 Cayenne. Despite the increase in engine power to 300 bhp, fuel consumption in the NEDC driving cycle in conjunction with optional eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission is down from the former model by no less than 20 per cent to 9.9 ltr/100 km, equal to 28.5 mpg imp.

The Cayenne Diesel with its 240 bhp (176 kW), 550 Newton-metre (405 lb-ft) three-litre V6 likewise reduces fuel consumption by 20 per cent, down from 9.3 to 7.4 ltr/100 km (equal to 30.4 mpg imp now improving to 38.2 mpg imp).

Fuel consumption is also down significantly on the high-torque Cayenne S with its 4.8-litre V8 power unit, in this case by 23 per cent to 10.5 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 26.9 mpg imp). At the same time the new engine delivers 400 bhp maximum output instead of the former 385 bhp, offering significantly better performance, just like all models in the new generation of the Cayenne.

This also applies to the Cayenne Turbo, with its 500 bhp (368 kW) 4.8-litre V8 biturbo consuming just 11.5 ltr/100 km (equal to 27.6 mpg imp) in the New European Driving Cycle, again 23 per cent less than its predecessor (14.9 ltr/100 km or 19.0 mpg imp).

Together with the Cayenne S Hybrid, no less than three of the five versions of the Cayenne thus consume less than ten litres of fuel per 100 km in the New European Driving Cycle, with two models emitting less than 200 grams of CO2 per kilometre. At 193 g/km, the Cayenne S Hybrid is not only the cleanest version of the Cayenne with the lowest level of emissions, but also the cleanest Porsche throughout the Company’s entire portfolio.

In the intelligent interaction of the three-litre supercharged V6 and the electric motor, the Cayenne S Hybrid focuses on maximum efficiency from the overall system. Depending on driving conditions, the vehicle reaches this target with either only one drive unit operating by itself or with both drive units working together. In this context the 34 kW (47 hp) electric motor is of course the ideal partner for the 333 hp compressor engine with its high torque at low speeds. Together, the two drive units deliver maximum system output of 380 bhp and peak torque of 580 Nm/427 lb-ft at just 1,000 rpm, with the same kind of performance as the Cayenne S with its V8 power unit.

The two drive units are connected to one another by a separator clutch masterminded by the Hybrid Manager. Indeed, this separator clutch is essential to run the Cayenne S Hybrid either on its electric motor or combustion engine alone, or with both drive units operating together. Given a reserved, moderate style of motoring, for example in a residential area, this allows the driver to cover short distances on electric power alone and therefore absolutely free of emissions and with hardly any noise, driving at a speed of up to 60 km/h or almost 40 mph.

To ensure fast acceleration when setting off, the electric motor may however serve to provide additional thrust through its boosting effect. Intelligent management of the separator clutch makes the transition among the hybrid-specific driving modes most inconspicuous, comfortable and quick for the driver. At the same time the combustion engine may be completely switched off at speeds of up to 156 km/h or 97 mph, being fully disengaged from the drivetrain when no further power is required. In this so-called sailing mode, cruising along without power, the drag forces exerted by the combustion engine and their braking effect are eliminated in the interest of lower drive resistance and fuel consumption.

The prices of the new Cayenne models in Germany including national specifications and 19 per cent value-added tax (Euro base prices without national specifications and 19 per cent VAT in brackets) are as follows:

Cayenne 55,431 Euro (46,400 Euro)
Cayenne Diesel 59,596 Euro (49,900 Euro)
Cayenne S 72,686 Euro (60,900 Euro)
Cayenne S Hybrid 78,636 Euro (65,900 Euro)
Cayenne Turbo 115,526 Euro (96,900 Euro).


The retail price and market launch date vary by region or country. Please contact the Porsche PR Manager of your country in order to receive country-specific information.

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World Debut in Beijing: Panamera and Panamera 4

Stuttgart. Following the successful start of the Panamera into the market, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is rapidly expanding the range of models available: Starting in May 2010, both the Panamera and the Panamera 4 will be at the dealership as the new entry-level versions leading into Porsche’s Gran Turismo model series.

Both models are powered by a brand-new 3.6-litre V6 featuring Direct Fuel Injection and developing maximum output of 300 bhp (220 kW) plus peak torque of
400 Nm/295 lb-ft. Following Porsche’s nomenclature, the Panamera transmits its power to the road via the rear wheels, while the Panamera 4 comes as standard with active all-wheel drive.

The two new versions of Porsche’s Gran Turismo are convincing examples of the Porsche Intelligent Performance consistent development strategy. Equipped with PDK Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (Porsche Double-Clutch Gearbox) and Auto Start Stop, both models consume far less than 10 litres of fuel on 100 kilometres in the New European Driving Cycle: The Panamera makes do with a mere 9.3 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 30.4 mpg imp), the Panamera 4 averages 9.6 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 29.4 mpg imp. Nineteen-inch all-year tyres with optimised roll resistance available as an option reduce these consumption figures by another 0.2 litres/100 kilometres, giving the Panamera a CO2 rating of just 213 g/km, the Panamera 4 an equally impressive 220 g/km. Both V6 versions of the Panamera fulfil the strict EU5 emission standard in Europe and the LEV standard in the United States.

Superior economy and performance typical of the brand do not rule out each other on these new V6 Gran Turismos. On the contrary – the ideal combination of these qualities is attributable to consistent lightweight construction as one particular highlight, with the axles, doors, engine compartment lid, wings and the rear lid all made either of aluminium or a combination of aluminium and magnesium. At the same time the brand-new V6 power unit built at Porsche’s engine plant in Zuffenhausen and boasting a 90o cylinder angle is approximately 30 kg or 66 lb lighter than the eight-cylinder featured in the Panamera S and 4S, thus contributing to the low overall weight of the Panamera of just 1,730 kg or 3,815 lb.

Like the proven V8 models, both the Panamera and the Panamera 4, as genuine Gran Turismos, combine sporting character with a high standard of comfort and everyday driving qualities. Apart from the regular steel suspension available as an option with variable dampers, adaptive air suspension with additional air volume is also available on request. This provides a very wide range of suspension qualities and features extending from an even higher level of motoring comfort at one end all the way to extremely sporting driving dynamics at the other.

The Panamera and Panamera 4 will be making their world debut at the Beijing Motor Show as of 23 April 2010. Both models will be entering the German market in May 2010 and are scheduled to enter the US market in June.

Prices start at Euro 75,899.- including value-added tax and national specifications for the Panamera (base price in the Euro countries Euro 63,600.-), while the Panamera 4 fitted as standard with PDK Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe retails at Euro 84,110.- including VAT and national specifications (base price Euro 70,500.-).



The retail price and market launch date vary by region or country. Please contact the Porsche PR Manager of your country in order to receive country-specific information.

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Porsche 911 Turbo S: World Debut in Geneva

Porsche 911 Turbo S: Even More Dynamic, Top Equipment all Standard

Stuttgart. The engineers at Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, have developed a new top-of-the-range sports car for the customer who will only settle for the very best in terms of power, performance and driving dynamics: the 911 Turbo S. The heart of this most exclusive high-performance athlete is of course a six-cylinder boxer boosted by two exhaust gas turbochargers with variable turbine geometry, with an increase in power over the 911 Turbo by 30 to 530 bhp (390 kW). Maximum torque is a most impressive 700 Newton-metres (516 lb-ft). At the same time this new top model comes as standard with all high-tech components available only as options on the “regular” 911 Turbo.

Despite its significant increase in power and dynamic performance, the new 911 Turbo S, at 11.4 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 24.8 mpg imp), does not consume any more fuel than the Porsche 911 Turbo, making it by far the most efficient sports car in its performance class.

The 911 Turbo S comes exclusively with seven-speed Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) (Porsche’s Double-Clutch Gearbox) conveying drive power to Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive. Driving safety optimised to an even higher standard is ensured by Dynamic Engine Mounts and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) including a mechanical differential lock on the rear axle. In conjunction with Launch Control on the Sport Chrono Package Turbo likewise featured as standard, 911 Turbo S accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and reaches 200 km/h in 10.8 seconds

Top speed is 315 km/h or 195 mph. Extra-light and fading-resistant Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) provide the same outstanding performance in terms of stopping power and controlled application of the brakes.

The supreme level of standard equipment including Dynamic Bending Lights, 19-inch wheels in RS Spyder design with central locking, a three-spoke sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles, adaptive sports seats, cruise control, a CD/DVD changer and exclusive twin-tone leather upholstery in Black/Crema or Black/Titanium Blue additionally underlines the outstanding class and calibre of this first Turbo S in five years.

The new Porsche 911 Turbo S will be at the dealership as both a Coupé and Cabriolet as of May 2010. The German market price of the Turbo S Coupé is Euro 173,241 including 19 per cent value-added tax and local equipment in the market (the Euro base price is Euro 145,400). The Cabriolet retails in the German market at Euro 184.546, again including 19 per cent VAT and local equipment/specifications (base price Euro 154,900).


The retail price and market launch date vary by region or country. Please contact the Porsche PR Manager of your country in order to receive country-specific information.

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Panamera Chosen as “Best Car”

The Porsche Panamera has been chosen as the best car in its class yet another time. Today Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is receiving the next outstanding award for its new four-door Gran Turismo, with the readers of the renowned motoring journal “auto motor und sport” having chosen the Panamera right from the start in its first year as No 1 in the Luxury Performance Segment.
Following its market launch in September, the Panamera has therefore scored a perfect hat trick in Germany’s largest audience and expert awards, after having won the “Golden Steering Wheel” awarded by “Bild am Sonntag” and “Auto Bild” and the “Auto Trophy“ presented by “Auto Zeitung”.
The “Best Cars” readers’ choice held by “auto motor und sport” since 1977 also considers the results of the magazine’s foreign editions. A further point is that customers likewise confirm the great popularity of the Panamera, with the 10,000th Panamera being built and delivered by Porsche Plant Leipzig as early as in December 2009.
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