Best cars of 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show
Audi, Porsche and Mazda brought out some big guns to this year’s sunny city show.
GTS variant to join Porsche Panamera lineup in 2019
The speedy sedan receives more power, even sportier styling and the addition of a new Sport Turismo trim.
All-new 2019 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid to arrive early next year
The SUV enters its third generation for 2019, which includes another S E-Hybrid model with a higher output gasoline engine and electric motor.
Porsche recently announced early next year, a new partially electrified version of its best-selling SUV will be rolling off the assembly line: the 2019 Cayenne S E-hybrid. And the best part? It’s a whole lot more powerful.
The powertrain is composed of a 3.0-litre V6 gasoline engine and a significantly upgraded electric motor together generating a net 462 horsepower — an additional 43 horses compared to before — and 516 lb-ft of torque. That’s good for a 0 to 100 km/h time in a scant 5 seconds, not bad considering the mid-size crossover weighs 2,295 kilograms. As with the rest of the model range, a Tiptronic S eight-speed transmission has been adopted.
Borrowing technology from the 918 Spyder hypercar, the S E-Hybrid can use virtually all of the now larger 14.1 kilowatt-hour onboard battery’s stored energy to provide extra acceleration boost in Sport and Sport Plus modes. Comprised of eight cell modules mounted beneath the floor of the rear cargo area, the battery is fluid-cooled to optimize performance.
Using the standard 3.6-kilowatt charger and a 230-volt, 10-amp connection, a full charge takes approximately eight hours. A 7.2-kilowatt unit is available for use with a 230-volt, 32-amp power source reducing the top-up time to 2.3 hours. Similar to other products in the segment, the process is remotely manageable through the Porsche Connect smartphone app allowing the use to pre-set climate control, turn the car on or off and find nearby charging stations.
Drivers looking to tow recreational equipment or a trailer, this Cayenne has an add-on trailer connection and is rated for loads up to 3.5 tonnes. Like the 911 range, an “active hang-on” all-wheel drive system is employed whereby power is permanently distributed to the rear wheels while the front is variable depending on load and road conditions.
Also optional are Porsche Active Suspension Management, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control roll stabilization, and a couple of firsts for the brand, a head-up display projected to the front windscreen showing pertinent driving information and lightweight 22-inch alloy wheels.
Sports car showcase at Los Angeles Auto Show 2017
Visitors looking for go-fast vehicles at this year’s LA Auto Show did not leave disappointed. Photos by Benjamin Yong/Porsche Canada.
Taking place in the Golden State where some of the best driving roads anywhere are found, this might be why so many new sports cars make their first appearances at the Los Angeles Auto Show (LAAS). Porsche is one manufacturer in particular that loves to drop a few high horsepower surprises at the event — which just wrapped up the second week of December — as we discuss below.
Porsche 911 Carrera T
Nope, the T doesn’t stand for turbo, as you might think. Try Touring, as in a lightweight 911 perfect for long-distance driving, say, down the Pacific Coast Highway. Porsche has been on a nostalgic kick lately, first with the 718 series and now the 911 T echoing a special model from 1968. It’s based on the standard Carrera but boasts a 20-millimetre-lower ride height, shorter shift lever, rear axle steering system, slightly revised body aero and different colour options.
The weight loss program consists of thinner door and rear window glass, less sound deadening, deleted back seats as well removal of the Porsche Communication Management (the last two may be reinstalled if requested for no extra charge). Altogether, the modifications help the car shed approximately 20 kilograms. Propulsion is provided via a twin-turbo flat six pumping out 370 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo
Called “the most versatile sports car in the Porsche line-up,” or also known as the vehicle with the longest name, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo produces a vast net 680 horses by combining a boosted 4.0-litre V8 engine and a 100-kilowatt electric motor. The sedan has a fuel-free range of approximately 50 kilometres, a top speed of 310 km/h and an average fuel consumption of just 3.0 L/100 km.
BMW i8 Roadster
As if the i8 wasn’t already cool enough, BMW premiered a roof-less version in the Roadster. Only 60 kilograms heavier than the Coupe thanks to smart engineering like a carbon-fibre-reinforced-plastic windshield frame. The soft-top can be raised or lowered while the car is traveling up to 50 km/h and can completely open or close in 15 seconds. Internals have been upgraded so pure electric driving range is upped to 53 kilometres.
OpenRoad selects Remo Ruscitti to compete in the 2017 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada
May 10, 2017 (Richmond, B.C.) – OpenRoad Auto Group is pleased to announce that Remo Ruscitti has been selected to join OpenRoad Racing as their new head driver for the 2017 GT3 Challenge Canada. The 23-year-old race car driver from Burnaby, B.C. was chosen based his outstanding performance during a recent shootout at Area 27 Motorsports Park in Osoyoos, B.C. where he competed against four other young Canadian race car drivers and won.
“We’ve had our eye on Remo for some time now and we think that he’s got a chance to become one of the best professional race car drivers in Canada,” said Christian Chia, President & CEO of OpenRoad Auto Group. “We’re thrilled to bring him on board and look forward to a successful racing season ahead!”
Ruscitti succeeded in becoming OpenRoad’s top pick despite competing in unfavourable weather conditions over the course of two days at Area 27 in Osoyoos, B.C., proving to the OpenRoad team that he’s got what it takes to come out a winner.
“It was a challenging shootout but it worked out in my favour and I’m beyond excited and humbled to have been chosen to race and represent OpenRoad Racing and Porsche Centre Langley in 2017,” said Ruscitti. “I can’t thank Christian and his team enough for this opportunity and I’m eager to hit the track with them again later this month.
The 2017 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada will be OpenRoad Racing’s fourth season competing in the national motorsports competition. In 2014, OpenRoad won the championship with their former race car driver, Scott Hargrove followed by a second place win in 2016.
Ruscitti’s first race will take place at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Ontario on May 18th followed by five consecutive races across Canada, including the Honda Toronto Indy as part of the Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada. OpenRoad Racing’s technical support partners for 2017 will once again be Matt Hardiman and Bestline Auto Tech.
Ruscitti has been racing since he was just eight years old. He has proven his talents on and off track and is an extremely hard working, determined athlete. His accomplishments to date include placing third in the 2016 Six Hours of Watkins Glen; fifth in class at the 2015 Rolex 24Hrs of Daytona PC; 2014 Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Race Winner; 2014 IMSA Prototype Lites Race Winner; 2014 Highest Finishing Rookie in ST Category; 2013 Pirelli World Challenge Rookie of the Year; and placing third overall at the 2013 Pirelli World Challenge Championship. Ruscitti looks forward to returning to Mosport for his first race with OpenRoad. It’s a track he’s had great experience with, and where he’s already claimed three professional wins.
For more information about Remo Ruscitti, visit www.remoruscitti.com
ABOUT OPENROAD RACING
Founded in 2004, the OpenRoad racing team is spearheaded by Christian Chia and his two brothers – all of whom are race car drivers themselves and have competed in races all over the world. Their race history includes winning the championship at the 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Challenge Canada and then winning second place in 2016 with Scott Hargrove; the 2014 Asia GT3 Challenge, the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia (2010-2012); and the Asian Formula Renault Challenge (2004-2008); Macau Grand Prix, Macau GT Cup (2008). For more information, visit the OpenRoad Racing Team website.
ABOUT OPENROAD AUTO GROUP
OpenRoad Auto Group is B.C.’s largest automotive dealership group with over 1,000 associates representing 18 quality automotive brands at 22 full-service car dealerships. Established In 2000, OpenRoad Auto Group offers car buyers and owners an experiential automotive retail service. With sales and service in multiple languages, OpenRoad Auto Group encourages a car buying experience based on openness, participation and expertise. OpenRoad is proud to be one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, a CADA Laureate, and the recipient of multiple Canadian Best Employer Awards. openroadautogroup.com
MEDIA CONTACT
Tanis Sullivan
604-230-8008
tanis@tanissullivan.com
New Flagship Porsche Centre in Richmond, BC To Be Built From OpenRoad and Dilwari Partnership
November 30, 2016 (Vancouver, B.C.) – The Dilawri Group of Companies and OpenRoad Auto Group are proud to announce a new partnership to build and operate a flagship Porsche Centre in the Richmond Auto Mall. Construction of the new state-of-the-art dealership is set to start in 2018, with plans for completion in 2019.
“This is an excellent opportunity to provide our customers with greater access to the extraordinary Porsche line,” said Ajay Dilawri, President of the Dilawri Group of Companies. “We are excited to partner with OpenRoad in this new venture. We share core values and we both believe in providing exceptional customer service.”
While this joint venture is new, it will be the second Porsche dealership for each company. OpenRoad opened Porsche Centre Langley in the Langley Auto Collection in 2015, while Dilawri acquired Porsche Centre Vancouver in 2010 and opened its present day location in 2013.
“Given our success with Porsche Centre Langley and the many brands we already represent in Richmond, we’re confident that there’s tremendous growth potential for Porsche in this new market,” said Christian Chia, President & CEO of OpenRoad Auto Group. “We’re delighted to collaborate with the Dilawri Group to combine our deep commitment to Porsche and our thorough knowledge of the market to bring this exciting project to fruition.”
The multi-million dollar project will be one of Canada’s largest Porsche dealerships and will feature Porsche’s infamous curved building design, in addition to the latest in customer amenities and the most advanced sales and service technology. The building design will also accommodate a full range of new electric vehicles that Porsche plans to roll out over the next several years.
The new dealership will staff approximately 40 employees in the areas of sales, service, management and administration.
ABOUT OPENROAD AUTO GROUP
OpenRoad Auto Group is B.C.’s largest automotive dealership group with over 1000 associates representing 15 quality automotive brands at 18 full-service car dealerships. Established In 2000, OpenRoad Auto Group offers car buyers and owners an experiential automotive retail service. With sales and service in multiple languages, OpenRoad Auto Group encourages a car buying experience based on openness, participation and expertise. OpenRoad is proud to be one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, a CADA Laureate, and the recipient of multiple Canadian Best Employer Awards. www.openroadautogroup.com
ABOUT DILAWRI GROUP OF COMPANIES
Dilawri Group of Companies is Canada’s largest automotive group with 60 franchised dealerships representing 30 automotive brands throughout Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. Privately owned and operated by the Dilawri family since 1985, the company continues to expand its footprint in Canada, building on its history of excellence in the automotive industry. With more than 3,000 employees, Dilawri Group of Companies is proud to offer exceptional products and customer service in every dealership. www.dilawri.ca
MEDIA CONTACT:
Tanis Sullivan
Tanis Sullivan Communications
(604) 230-8008
tanis@tanissullivan.com
Porsche debuts second generation Panamera luxury sports sedan
On June 28, in the German capital city of Berlin, Porsche unveiled to the world its completely redesigned full-size four door.
Porsche modernizes infotainment with new Porsche Connect system
Porsche Connect improves existing vehicle features like navigation and adds remote access of select vehicle functions.
Porsche E-Performance campaign comes to Vancouver
Porsche is currently touring a mobile display, complete with a 919 Hybrid racecar, across Canada to showcase its electric power efforts.