2025 - Storyboards - page 108

With an official lap time of 6:57.685, the Ford Mustang GTD is the 10th fastest production car at the Nürburgring

A sub-seven-minute time at the infamous 13-mile Nordschleife in Germany is considered a benchmark by performance car makers

Ford entrusted the task of this record-breaking run, to Nürburgring veteran, Dirk Müller who knows the place like the back of his hand

Despite the less-than-ideal conditions and predicted rain, the Ford team had been preparing for this run for months and decided to go ahead with it

The record was attempted back in summer on August 7th, 2024

Simulators were used to map out every corner, to ensure that everything went according to plan

Here's an onboard shot of Dirk Müller and the telemetry from the record-breaking run

The wait for the lap time was agonizing, to say the least as the Ford team waited with anticipation

Finally, the official time came in and to everyone's relief on the team, the Mustang GTD was now in the history books with a time of 6:57.685

This is a big deal for Ford because the Mustang GTD is the first American car to set a sub-seven-minute time at the 'Ring

So how exactly was Ford able to pull it off? Well, the Mustang GTD or Grand Touring Daytona has IMSA roots and is essentially a street-legal race car

It features advanced motor-sport-derived suspension comprising adaptive dampers, developed by Canadian firm Multimatic. This system allows for instant response based on track conditions

The Mustang GTD utilizes a "Drag Reduction System" to optimize its aerodynamics, featuring an active rear wing and special flaps under the car to maximize speed on straights and generate downforce for cornering

The GTD's engine is a supercharged 5.2-liter V8, with Ford's first-ever dry-sump oil system in a roadgoing Mustang. This ensures lubrication during intense cornering, allowing for higher engine speeds and improved performance under heavy G-forces

With 800 horsepower on tap, the Mustang GTD produces a lot more power compared to the Porsche 911 GT3 RS's 518

But power alone isn't everything and when you compare the weight figures, the GT3 RS is 600 pounds lighter than the Ford, coming in at just 3,268 pounds

Limited to just 1,000 examples, the Mustang GTD also costs $325,000 which is significantly more than a 911 GT3 RS

So does Ford's new record increase its appeal over a 911 GT3 RS?

The configurator for the 992.2 GT3 Touring is now live and here are three options that push the MSRP above $300,000

Porsche's Paint to Sample Plus program lets you choose endless color variations, but it will set you back $38,660

The Lichtbau or Lightweight Package starts at $36,010, but you have to tick more boxes to complete it

The bucket seats, for instance, are a part of this Lightweight Package and can cost up to $6,220 more, bringing the price up to $42,230

If you choose the manual, the Lightweight Package also gets you a short shift knob

Porsche says that this package shaves 48 pounds from the 992.2 GT3 Touring's weight, which equates to $879.79 per 1 pound of weight saved

Porsche Carbon Composite Brakes PCCB are the third-most expensive option

The distinctive yellow calipers are an easy giveaway for Porsche's ceramic brakes

For an $900 extra, the calipers can be painted High Gloss Black, bringing the price to $10,680

With a few more options and a hefty dealer markup, a 992.2 GT3 Touring can easily reach $400,000

Adding almost $95,000 worth of options on the 2025 GT3 Touring is super-easy

It takes just takes a handful options to take the GT3 Touring from $222,500 to over $300,000

If you want to learn more about the most expensive options and why the 992.2 GT3 Touring will sell regardless, swipe up.

With Porsche realigning its highly ambitious EV strategy, owing to a slowdown in demand, here's a mix of 8 gas, hybrid, and electric models that we can expect by the end of the decade

1. 2025 718 EV: Set to pack 200+ hp over its gas counterparts and will offer between 250-300 miles and is expected to cost from $80,000

2. 2026 992.2 Carrera S: The popular 911 Carrera S has yet to be launched for the 992.2 generation. It'll slot in between the manual-only Carrera T and the hybridized GTS, and cost around $150,000 upon launch

3. 2026 992.2 Turbo: Expect 3 Turbo flavors in the form of the Turbo, Turbo S with hybrid tech with between 650 to 700 hp, and a new Turbo Touring model with a manual. A rear-wheel drive Turbo could also be on the cards

4. 2026 Porsche Panamera EV: It will be positioned above the Taycan as a luxury EV offering. Packing between 350-400 mile range, the Panamera EV will continue to sell alongside gas and hybrid models

5. 2026 Cayenne Electric: A Porsche best-seller, the Cayenne EV will sell alongside the gas and hybrid models and could back a quad-motor setup with 300-350 miles. Expected priced is $80,000

6. 2026 K9 EV: Porsche is also developing a full-size three-row 7-seater EV, code-named K9. It will sit above the Caynne and start above $100,000. Expect a 2026 or late 2027 launch. Details are scarce, but it should offer 350-400 mile range

7. 2027 911 GT3 RS (992.2): While the 992.2 GT3 is already here, the RS is still some time away. It should pack round about the same power at 525 hp, but expect significant aero upgrades with more downforce

8. 2030 911 EV: Porsche's core sportscar will be the last to get electrified. No technical details yet, and we'll have to wait and see how the EV sports car market evolves

While we have a healthy mix of gas, hybrid and EV models coming over the next five years, here are some more future Porsche models that are also worth touching upon

Porsche's design boss has expressed that he'd like to see a smaller, more nimbler version of the 911. Maybe a 2.0-liter four-pot like the old 912, or an efficient EV powerplant could be ideal for a compact 911

While a 918 successor was showcased in the form of the all-electric Mission X concept, Porsche is yet to join the new-age holy trinity. With the EV market cooling off, should Porsche consider reviving the Hybird 919 Street?

Porsche unveiled the highly anticipated 992.2 GT3 back in October and the online configurator has just gone live

Given that this latest GT3 carries a $60k premium over the 992.1 GT3 at $222,500; we wanted to see how many options it takes to cross 300k

Selecting the three most expensive options available in the configurator, all it took was three options to get to $312,385

Option 1: Paint to Sample Plus which will set you back $38,660

You will need to reach out to your local Porsche Center to check for feasibility and will also have to provide a paint sample

Option 2: The Weissach Package at $19,330, which is now available for the first time on the GT3

It includes a host of weight-saving add-ons that Porsche claims shave off 48 pounds from the 3,278 pound curb-weight

When you select the Weissach Package, you also need to select two mandatory options

Either those new Folding Lightweight Bucket Seats for $6,860 or the 18-way Adaptive Sport Seats Plus for $2,640

Along with, either a Leather/Race-Tex Interior in either Black with GT Silver Stitching for $4,740 or a Leather/Race-Tex Interior With either Guards Red or Shark Blue Stitching costing $6,220

We chose the most expensive options available for this configuration, taking the price from $19,330 to $30,920

Option 3: 20-inch front and 21-inch rear 911 GT3 Forged Magnesium Lightweight Wheels at $16,820

Finished in California Gold, these lightweight wheels can only be selected if you opt for the Weissach Package, and they weigh 19 pounds lighter than the standard wheels

With all three options selected amounting to $87,890, we end up with a total MSRP of $312,385

To configure your 992.2 GT3 and an exclusive look at the car from the recent 'Icons Of Porsche' event in Dubai, swipe up.

The Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid and the BMW X6 M60i are both excellent performance-oriented Coupe SUVs

The Cayenne S E-Hybrid sits above the standard E-Hybrid model, and it starts from $110,400

As for the BMW X6 M60i, it's $16,100 cheaper, starting at $94,300

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid features Matrix LED headlights, 20-inch wheels, soft close doors, and more on the outside as standard

On the other hand, the BMW X6 M60i boasts LED headlights, 20-inch alloys, and a panoramic sunroof as standard

On the inside, The Cayenne features an all-leather upholstery, along with a curved 12.6-inch instrument console and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display

The X6 M60i offers leatherette upholstery as standard, with a giant curved panel on the dash, featuring a 12.3-inch driver's display and a 14.9-inch infotainment display

When it comes to drivability, the Cayenne S E-Hybrid should feel softer, thanks to the adaptive air suspension

Side-by-side, the BMW X6 M60i should feel more dynamic, courtesy to its adaptive dampers, rear limited slip-diff, and standard rear axle steering

In terms of performance, the Cayenne S E-Hybrid features a 3.0-liter turbo V6 and an e-motor, which produces a combined 512 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque

The BMW X6 M60i sports a good ol' 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with a mild hybrid system, making 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque

Both the Porsche and the BMW drive all four wheels via an 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox

Does the Porsche justify the premium over the BMW?

Swipe up to find out.

Swiss Restomodder, Erbacher goes about reimagining the air-cooled 911 like Singer Vehicle Design

Based on the 964 generation, Erbacher accomplishes this transformation with its own unique twist

The optional ducktail spoiler hides a 4.3-liter, air-cooled flat-6, by EGMO

The engine is based on the original 964 Carrera 3.6-liter unit, but almost nothing of the stock factory mill remains

The numbers? 430 horsepower, 339 pound-feet of torque

But, the numbers only tell half the story. This engine packs some pretty interesting upgrades like sequential fuel injection and Emtron custom ECU to name a few

With a carbon-fiber construction, the Erbacher 911 Carrera weighs just 2,160 pounds.

For context, the lightest 992 S/T weights 3,056 pounds

Even the smallest detail has been touched upon. For example, the windshield wiper operation is a modified version of the 993 system

Like the exterior, the cabin is classically correct and highly-executed with Italian hand-crafted leather, carbon fiber, and optionally, Alcantara

The six-speed manual features a tall shifter, bringing it closer to the steering wheel, for quicker reach

Costing $530,000, there are plenty of bespoke options available to help justify the steep price

Swipe up to learn more about what Erbacher does with the Porsche 964

EV demand has dropped, with hybrids taking a bigger portion of the market

Taycan sales have suffered the most, as they've dropped 50 percent, compared to last year

Porsche's plan is to convert EV models to hybrid/ ICE propulsion, but it may spell trouble for some models

Taycan is the only Porsche, designed to be purely electric, so converting it may not be too cost-effective

This may lead to the Taycan suffering the same fate as the 928 many years ago, which was discontinued due to poor sales

Back in 2015, Porsche introduced a scaled-down Panamera, called the Pajun

We could see a model like this replacing the Taycan, and sitting below the Panamera

Meanwhile, the Panamera is getting an EV variant that would be sold alongside the current lineup

The ICE-powered Macan receives extended service as the brand's best-selling model

Like other Porsche models, the EV Macan will be on offer alongside the ICE variants

Given that the upcoming all-electric K9 SUV under development, and will be positioned above the Cayenne, could potentially be converted to feature a hybrid or a gas-power

Porsche is still going through with the 718 EV

The ICE-powered Porsche 718 is planned to be discontinued in 2025

But there is a possibility that the ICE 718 could stay and even go hybrid

At any rate, Porsche's lineup will not change drastically, but there is a possibility that we could lose 1 or 2 of the current models

Swipe up to learn more about how Porsche's new EV strategy can benefit car enthusiasts

For those unaware, Manthey Racing is a German tuner based at the Nürburgring and has been racing Porsches for 25 years

Besides their racing efforts, they also develop performance kits for Porsche road cars, which are available through Porsche Tequipment

Porsche owns a 51% majority stake in Manthey-Racing, and in 2021 they became a full motorsport partner for the German brand

Mathey recently unveiled their highly-anticipated kit long-awaited kit for the 992 GT3 RS

Developed over two years, this new kit for the GT3 RS focuses on four key areas: aerodynamics, weight savings, suspension and brakes

Comprising 17 components, the Manthey Kit brings some significant upgrades when compared to the standard 911 GT3 RS

If you'll stick around, we'll show you how it differs from the standard GT3 RS; along with some exclusive shots of the global debut from the Icons Of Porsche event, recently held in Dubai

In order to improve downforce, the kit features a significantly enlarged spoiler lip up front, redesigned wheel arch Gurney flaps, and two dive planes on each side of the front bumper compared to the standard GT3 RS

Here's a closer look at the differences between the two cars upfront

Aerodynamics play a crucial role in any track-bred model and the GT3 RS is no exception. The standard variant has two roof strakes, along the edges

The function of the additional strakes is to take heat coming from the front radiator, and prevent it from entering the rear engine air intake

On the GT3 RS MR, you get six additional roof strakes, for a total of 8. They act as Vortex generators. Along with a Carbon-fiber sharkfin, it helps direct the air toward the massive wing for improved straight-line stability

This is complemented by a swan-neck mounted split-carbon fiber DRS wing, resulting in increased downforce and reduced drag

Manthey's kit also features aerodynamic hubs for the lightweight magnesium rear wheels. They work together with the rear diffuser and wing to enhance downforce

At the rear, a wider diffuser and elongated carbon fiber fins enhance downforce without increasing drag. This was a significant challenge for Manthey Racing

A closer look at the rear diffuser reveals that it is much more substantial, compared to the standard GT3 RS and has double radi

Manthey notes that a long diffuser on the standard GT3 RS extending to the underbody breaks the air flow. To address this, Manthey includes not one, but two kinks to maintain a steady air-flow

With the aerodynamic upgrades, downforce has increased by 20% over the standard GT3 RS. 2,204 lbs compared to 1,895 pounds at 177 mph

The standard GT3 RS already packs extensive CRPF (Carbon-fiber reinforced plastic) components. This top-down shot gives is a great view of the CRPF hood, roof, doors, and wing

The rear window has been replaced by a carbon fiber panel that is 25% lighter than the standard GT3 RS. The extensive use of carbon fiber means the weight savings should be substantial

Semi-active coil-over suspension along with four sensors for the wheels and three body acceleration sensors allow automatic damper tuning

This combined with spring rates increased by 30% on the front axle and 15% on the rear axle has helped improve the handling

Steel-sheathed brake lines have been added for improved pedal feel and response

The kit also includes racing brake pads specially optimized for track days

As for visual upgrades, the kit comes with a plethora of logos and decals, including door illuminated door sills

As for power upgrades, Manthey hasn't carried out any engine or transmission upgrades

Overall, the additional hardware and tweaks helps reduce dive, pitch, and roll during cornering, providing a more stable platform at high speeds

While official lap times are pending, based on extensive testing on racetracks, significant improvements are expected compared to the standard model

The 2024 Porsche 911 GT3 RS will set you back $244,995 before you start adding options

Add a few options and the Manthey kit and you are looking at a car that costs quite a bit more

We got an up-close look at the 992.1 Porsche 911 GT3 RS with Manthey Kit, which made its global debut at the 'Icons Of Porsche' event in Dubai

Here's a closer look at the eight vortex generators along with the carbon-fiber sharkfin and rear carbon fiber panel, instead of the rear windshield

The rear fin was in fact inspired by the 963 Hybrid racecar, also present at the event

Larger end plates enhance aerodynamics by preventing air from spilling off the wing tips

The carbon-fiber aero discs for the light-weight magnesium wheels, aid in improving rear-end downforce

Swipe up to learn more about the Manthey 992.1 GT3 RS and what it gets you in more detail.

What do you think about the 2025 911 GT3 RS MR? Please let us know in the comments below.

Global Taycan sales have dropped by almost 50 percent, in 2024

The Porsche Taycan was the brand's first EV and until recently, the fastest-selling performance EV

Chinese EV incentives have played havoc on European EV sales

At the same time, the Panamera lineup will follow in the footsteps of the Cayenne

This means that, alongside the ICE/ hybrid-powered variants, an EV will be introduced

The Panamera is positioned above the Taycan as a larger, more luxurious proposition

At the same time, Porsche continues pouring new tech in the Panamera, meaning it's here to stay

The Taycan could have the same fate as the Porsche 928 30 years before

The 930 Turbo may be why the Porsche 928 came around in the first place

The V-8 Porsche coupe experienced declining sales in the mid-1980s, eventually resulting in the 928's discontinuation

With a new, enriched lineup, the spotlight could, once again, shine on the Panamera

What do you think? Will the Taycan suffer a similar fate to the 928?

Swipe up to learn what future changes Porsche's lineup would see

The 992.2 Carrera GTS is the first hybrid 911 and it caused many concerns

The 992.2 features an additional catalytic converter, making for a quieter engine sound

That said, the 992.2 GTS features active exhaust, which "opens up" in sport mode

The big single turbo of the 3.6-liter engine also "introduces" itself when you open up the throttle

The T-Hybrid adds just 110 pounds to the weight while exponentially boosting performance, compared to the 992.1 GTS

One complaint is the "synthetic" sound, which is reportedly pumped up through the speakers

Nevertheless, some 911 fan boys on Reddit seem to prefer the 992.2's deeper growl

Others have commented on how the the soundtrack lacks "character"

In the 992.1, the engine note changes as the RPMs cliimb, especially the last 500 RPM before the redline

Still, the 992.2 GTS is measurably superior and even rivals the 992.1 Turbo in terms of acceleraiton

The single turbo in the 992.2 GTS is conservatively tuned

The 3.6-liter flat-6 is said to be impossible to tune... but we know it's only a matter of time before tuners crack the code

Is the clever engineering enough to make up for a controversial soundtrack?

Swipe on more about the Porsche 992.2 Carrera GTS T-Hybrid

For under 90k, should you choose the all-electric Macan 4S or the gas-powered Macan GTS?

Porsche debuted the Macan EV at the beginning of 2024, without discontinuing the gas-powered Macan

The Macan has been around since 2014 and has received several updates since then

Porsche plans to sell the Macan ICE alongside the Macan EV until 2026. After that, the gas Macan will be phased out

By taking a look at the new Macan Electric will give you jacked-up Taycan vibes, thanks to the similarly shaped LED headlights

The Macan GTS is the sportiest gas-powered Macan you can buy. It's larger 21-inch wheels and quad exhaust tips add to its appeal

The Macan 4S Electric features an adaptive air suspension, 14.7-inch brake rotors at the front and 13.8-inch rotors at the rear

The Macan GTS also packs an adaptive air suspension. But it features larger 15.3-inch brake rotors at the front and 14-inch rotors at the rear

On the inside, the Macan 4S Electric gets Porsche's latest cabin tech, including a 12.6-inch driver information display, and a 10.9-inch infotainment display

In case of the Macan GTS, it has an old-school touch, thanks to an analog-digital instrument cluster, and a 10.9-inch touchscreen display running Porsche's older operating system

Performance-wise, the Macan 4S Electric sports dual e-motors, pumping out a total of 509 hp and 604 lb-ft of torque

The electric motors are powered by a 100 kWh battery pack which also offers about 288 miles on a single charge

The Macan GTS sports a trusty 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6, cranking 434 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque

Its 7-speed PDK automatic drives all four wheels

Porsche claims that the Macan 4S Electric can zoom to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 149 mph

The Macan GTS is expected to clock 60 mph from a standstill in 4.3 seconds, but is rated at a higher 169 mph top speed

The 911 GTS along with the base Carrera were the first models to debut the 992.2 generation

History and evolution of the GTS (Gran Turismo Sport) nameplate and the 911 GTS

Just like the 911, GTS nameplate goes back to 1963 and the mid-engined Porsche 904

Porsche introduced the GTS variant to compete in the FIA-GT class at various racing events like the Targa Florio in Italy

The GTS has since become an integral part of several models

Including trans-axle models like the 924 and 928: Rally-legend Walter Rohrl with 924 Carrera GTS rally

Today, the GTS trim is available across several Porsche models including on the all-electric Taycan

The Millionth 911 to roll-off the production-line was a 911 GTS coupe

As for the 911, the GTS badge first appeared in 2010, for the 997.2 updated

But Who is the GTS for and where exactly does it fit into the 911 lineup

The GTS is the highest performing Carrera trim, and is more potent than base Carreras but not as extreme as a GT3

Black exterior accents, Adaptive suspension, 19-inch center-lock RS Spyder wheels painted black

Alcantara upholstery on sports seats, steering wheel rim, gear lever, and handbrake lever

The 997.2 was also available as a cabriolet

Given the success of the 911 GTS, Porsche expanded the number of body styles for the GTS with the 991.1

Just like its predecessor, the 991.1 GTS was also available with RWD or AWD as Carrera GTS 4 models

Retained black accents, wider body, standard Bi-xenon headlights, and turbo-inspired center-lock wheels

Sport Chrono package standard, exclusive aerodynamic setup for reduced lift

992.1: Improved sound: specially developed sports exhaust, and high-performance brakes from the Turbo model, lightweight package available, reducing vehicle weight by 56 pounds

Enhanced interior insulation for a quieter cabin experience

All 911 GTS generations saw incremental increase in power and were available in RWD or AWD; manual or automatic transmission until 992.2

The 992.2 big deal for Porsche, as it debuts the first-ever production hybrid 911

The 997 911GT3 R from 2010 was the 911's first stint with hybridization

Porsche's new T-Hybrid system was introduced on the 992.2 911 is fundamentally different from plug-in E-Hybrid system seen on the Cayenne and Panamera

The T-Hybrid system prioritizes performance, drawing power from a 1.9 kWh battery to power the electric motor in the PDK and an e-Turbo that reduces turbo lag

You can read more about how the T-Hybird system differs from the E-Hybrid system in more detail in the article

The GTS' (20-30% more than base Carrera) popularity could be why Porsche chose the high-performing Carrera to debut the T-Hybird tech on the 911

It could also serve as a precursor and warm the market up to the upcoming hybrid 992.2 Turbo

Some key differences between the 992.1 and 992.2 GTS

The 992.1 is still available with analog guages

992.2 features an all-digital dash and you the omission of the twist-style starter

992.2 is not available with a manual transmission, as the T-Hybrid system is only compatible with the PDK

Looking at the 991 generation, GTS models hold their value compared to base Carreras but don't cost as much as GT3s