What makes Porsche such a loveable and classic automobile brand? It never fails to surprise us, and constantly updates classic car models in a modern fashion to keep its loyal enthusiasts cruising happily all over the streets of their hometown. It has to be said, however, that 2017 was an especially memorable year for Porsche. Representing a year of major milestones for Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE, the past year saw the kick-off of an unprecedented product offensive, with the announcement of several new Porsche sports cars, resulting in an ever-growing choice for customers across the region.
2017 was indeed a legendary year for Porsche, welcoming in the arrival of the new generation Panamera, including the fastest model in the series, the new Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. The brand’s iconic 911 range saw new additions in the form of the 911 GTS range, 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series and 911 GT3. This goes without saying, that Porsche fans from around the world were giddy with these new additions to the mainstay’s repertoire, but none could be more excited about 2017’s developments other than Deesch Papke, Chief Executive Officer at Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE.
“2017 has been a true showcase of Porsche’s evolution, resulting in the most diverse selection of sports cars in our history. Each new model, we have either introduced or will be launching in the next few months, produces impressive performance and exhibits the iconic Porsche design DNA that makes them all attractive offerings in their respective segments. Our aim has never been to purely chase sales volumes, but rather, to continuously evolve our sports cars by ensuring that they fulfill our customer’s needs and desires. This approach has resulted in the noticeable positive reaction from enthusiasts in our region to the second-generation Panamera and the continued growth in popularity of the Macan.”
Deesch Papke, Chief Executive Officer at Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE
“2017 has been a true showcase of Porsche’s evolution, resulting in the most diverse selection of sports cars in our history. Each new model, we have either introduced or will be launching in the next few months, produces impressive performance and exhibits the iconic Porsche design DNA that makes them all attractive offerings in their respective segments. Our aim has never been to purely chase sales volumes, but rather, to continuously evolve our sports cars by ensuring that they fulfill our customer’s needs and desires. This approach has resulted in the noticeable positive reaction from enthusiasts in our region to the second-generation Panamera and the continued growth in popularity of the Macan.”
Also in 2017, the conclusion of a successful era in Porsche’s motorsport history came in the form of the 919 Hybrid’s final competitive outing at the Bahrain round of the World Endurance Championship. As a catalyst for development and testing, a range of key technology advancements have been transferred from the 919 Hybrid into road-going cars, including the four-cylinder turbo engine for the Porsche 718 Boxster. Achieving a list of accolades that includes; six world championships, three consecutive Le Mans wins, 19 pole positions and 12 fastest laps across 33 races, the contribution of this iconic Porsche race car will play an ongoing role in the evolution of the brand’s future sports cars.
Last year’s excitement, however, does not indicate a stagnant future. Dealer organizations across the Middle East, Africa, and India spent 2017 opening up order books for several other new models set to arrive early 2018, including the highly anticipated third-generation Cayenne, the record-breaking 911 GT2 RS, an all-new Panamera Sport Turismo, 718 GTS range as well as the refined 911 Carrera T. It’s only fitting that a year of monumental model releases is scheduled in 2018, because, as Deesch Papke explains, the literal drive to take legendary to the next level comes from a place of sentiment for Porsche. “June 2018 will mark the 70th anniversary of when the first Porsche sports car was approved for road use and we are looking forward to celebrating such an important milestone in our history. We are proud to offer a model range that truly reflects the founding principles of the company ever since that day.”
The new Cayenne range to come in 2018
One of the first models on the list of new arrivals in showrooms across the Middle East will be the new Cayenne range, a continuation of Porsche’s most prevalent success stories to-date. With more than 770,000 units of previous generations sold worldwide, the arrival of the models presents a new chapter in the brand’s history.
Available for order in three versions, the new Cayenne features powertrains that produce between 340 hp (250 kW) and 550 hp (404 kW) of output and introduce a new eight-speed Tiptronic S gearbox. Top of the SUV line and premiered at this year’s Dubai International Motor Show is the Cayenne Turbo, which delivers a maximum torque output of 770 Nm and accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds, when equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package.
Combining typical Porsche performance, design and versatility, the latest Cayenne range features up to 65 kilograms of weight savings, along with innovative chassis systems, wider rear tyres and rear-axle steering. Going off-road is now even easier, as the driver can choose between five pre-programmed drive and chassis modes, depending on the terrain. A completely new interior showcases the Porsche Advanced Cockpit concept, which creates an even closer link between driver and vehicle. Virtually all the vehicle functions in this fully networked SUV can be viewed and operated using the high-resolution display and touchscreen.
Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo
Also arriving across the region in 2018 will be the all-new Panamera Sport Turismo models. Initially presented as a concept at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, and officially unveiled at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, the all-new Panamera Sport Turismo, signaled an expansion of Porsche’s successful sedan range. A versatile and practical sports car in the luxury segment, the Panamera Sport Turismo can accommodate five passengers and up to 520 liters of luggage, as well as featuring a completely redesigned rear exterior. With its 8-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) and all-wheel drive as standard, the new model will be available in five derivatives, including the 680 hp (500 kw) strong Turbo S E-Hybrid version.
In keeping with Porsche’s tradition of developing and refining its most iconic sports car, the 2018 arrival of the fastest and most powerful road-legal 911 is sure to generate high levels of interest. Debuted at the Festival of Speed in Goodwood, the 911 GT2 RS features a 700 hp (515 kW), flat-six bi-turbo engine and weighs in at 1,470 kg with a full fuel tank. The lightweight rear-wheel-drive two-seater coupé accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and achieves a top speed of 340 km/h with its motorsport-derived drive technology. Reinforcing the benefits of implementing key learnings from motorsport into its road cars, the 911 GT2 RS has set the fastest lap time for a sports car on the famous 20.6-kilometre Nürburgring Nordschleife, achieving a time of 6 minutes, 47.3 seconds.
Please visit Porsche Centre Kuwait, Behbehani Motors Company for more information, call 1870 870 or visit www.porschekuwait.com. For the latest updates on social media, follow Porsche Centre Kuwait on Instagram @PorscheCentreKuwait and Facebook: PorscheCentreKuwait
