911 & Porsche World Issue 335, June 2022

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will be fairly obvious which companies the chassis, drivetrain, and even offer Now then, let’s get down to the nitty Above The air-cooled Porsche takes time and brands we’re working with. It’s the car with a manual gearbox. It’s a real gritty: the current vehicular love of his out at Callum’s Warwickshire all very exciting, because in a small update. Small things, such as the mirrors, life, his modified 993. Ian owns just the headquarters business like ours, you don’t always are unique, the wheels are new, the one 911, and he waited a long time for know what’s coming from one month to suspension is new, moulded bodywork is it. “I spent eighteen months looking for the next. Moreover, I can’t really stop as new and the interior is completely new. right car. Unfortunately, this period of a designer, and creating cars is a very It’s a big job.” time coincided with the moment the expensive medium.” What made him decide to pursue a cost of classic Porsche ownership went We bring his 993 inside the workshop- career as a car stylist in the first place? through the roof. I thought I might have studio and park it alongside a pair of “The extraordinary look of the 356 had to settle for a less expensive Targa or Astons for the static shots you see on me determined to design cars. I was at a Tiptronic-equipped 911, but I held out these pages. There’s and, eventually, this more here than THIS ROOCK 993 TURNS IN SUPREMELY amazingly redeveloped meets the eye. “It’s ACCURATELY, DEMONSTRATING ITS 993 came up for sale about the finished TAUT CHASSIS WITH PERFECTLY at Saltash-based product,” says Ian. independent Porsche “These two Vanquish sales and restoration VC25s are examples BALANCED HANDLING specialist, Williams of Callum company Crawford.” What projects. Essentially, attracted him to the we’ve taken the Vanquish, which I home in Dumfries and a silver example car? Well, how about the 305bhp 3.8-litre styled twenty-five years ago, and we flew past. It was likely brand-new. I flat-six, pulling 286lb-ft torque?! Consider revamped it, giving the car a new lease immediately asked my grandfather what the fact a 993 Carrera RS delivers ‘only’ of life. Whether we build our target of we were looking at and he told me it 300bhp and uploads 262lb-ft torque. twenty-five VC25s remains to be seen, was a Porsche. Don’t tell the Aston guys, Weights are comparable, too: 1,279kg for but satisfaction lies in the fact I’m able but my two loves in life are Porsche and the RS and 1,281kg for Ian’s kiddie. How to take a car I designed all those years Jaguar. These cars are beautiful, but is this managed? Weight saving includes ago and reimagine it into something also tenable, as in, affordable. Obviously, deleted soundproofing, Porsche- even more valid for today. The work isn’t I adore Aston Martins, but they were monogrammed Recaro Pole Position just about style, though. We’ve got a full far too exotic and expensive to be buckets, a rear seat delete, aluminium engineering team here —we’ve redone something you would see regularly.” front lid, lightweight wheels, RS door 52 June 2022 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8

YOU & YOURS Above Ian is one cards and wind-up windows. And while it the most successful Porsche customer Ian’s Roock ride carries over the weight of the world’s most a pukka 993 RS would cost you north of team of the decade, an achievement of an RS. “This 993 is more than quick celebrated and £250k, Ian’s car was pitched by Williams helped by Roock’s development of a near enough off the line, and for a 911 of its most successful car Crawford with a price tag hovering 600bhp 3.8-litre 993 GT2, entered into age, it’s also very fast,” he adds, before stylists, having spent around £90k. Unsurprisingly, it didn’t take Le Mans in 1998 and standing as the telling me he’s in the market for a 928. many years penning long for a deal to be done. lightest 993 GT2 ever assembled, tipping designs for Ford, scales at a mere 1,060kg. “I remember when the model was Jaguar, Aston Martin His 993’s oversized powerplant was first launched, back in the late 1970s. and, now, his own built by Roock Racing. The pedigree is MOD FATHERS It’s a remarkable piece of design, quite design company first-class. Put it this way, Roock Racing like a spaceship. When I see one today, might not be as widely known as other With all this in mind, it should come I’m always struck by the angles around Below JT wonders German Porsche tuning companies, as no surprise to learn Ian’s 993 was the windows and the back end. They’re whether he can get but the Leverkusen outfit — founded configured by Roock for trackday work. superb. I prefer the early shape, the away with driving by brothers, Fabian and Michael Roock “It has been configured very well by 928 without spoiler, but I understand home and locking the — was hugely successful in sports car Roock’s people. It’s certainly not dialled why aerodynamic efficiency demanded 993 behind a closed racing during the 1990s. The team won in to the point the car is undriveable the update. I wouldn’t be surprised if garage door the 1993 Carrera Cup, the 1994 Porsche on the road. It’s still got quite a bit of the 928 is the next big thing on the Supercup, the ADAC GT Cup two years compliance in it, and I enjoy the fact it classic Porsche scene. More people are on the bounce (1994 and 1995), the GT2 retains creature comforts, such as a discovering just how wonderful these class at the 1996 24 Hours of Le Mans radio and sunroof,” he says. The sunroof cars really are.” and scored many other victories, making alone probably counts for the two kilos We venture out onto what pass 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8 June 2022 53

for backroads in densely packed at 1,500rpm. It’s a firm old ride, and deployment mean I’m almost instantly Above The base Warwickshire, ending up at Stoneleigh it certainly hangs on in there through heading down the road again. There’s a model was a 993 expo grounds. I’m driving the camera the turns, but braking is phenomenal. raw edge here. This is Carrera RS territory Carrera, utterly car, complete with our photographer A few miles of this, and I have an and no mistake. transformed by the harnessed into the back. understanding of the car’s vast resource team at Roock Racing of capabilities. Back at Callum, I hand back the keys. Once we’ve completed a few circuits, My proposal of marriage to Ian’s 993 Ian goes back to his drawing board and Woah! Here come the roundabouts. isn’t rejected out of hand. I suspect if he hands me the keys to his 993. After a This Roock-built 993 turns in supremely did ever sell this Porsche, he could only little fiddle with the immobiliser, the car accurately, demonstrating its taut be seduced by something very similar fairly barks into life. The leather-trimmed chassis with perfectly balanced handling. — another 993, for sure, though it would and perforated Recaro seat is perfectly It certainly sticks to the chosen line have to be endowed with specification of contoured. I juggle it a bit as I’m slightly through corners as I lean on the P-Zeros, the Roock variety. Nothing standard will too far away from the pedals. Being a while throttle response and torque do for the maestro. l right-hooker, they’re offset into the centre of the footwell — it’s vital to remember where they are when I need to brake. The wow factor comes thick and fast. Straightaway, the steering feels finely weighted and beautifully accurate, responding to the slightest input. The gearshift is smoothly compliant, and so much nicer than my Boxster. The throttle is sharp, and the brakes are really firm but progressive, not like my Porsche’s ceramic anchors, which are sudden stop-on-a-sixpence. I’m sitting relatively high because Ian’s padded up the seat bases. In a regular 993, you wouldn’t be perched up like this. I luck into a series of fast sweeping bends and get my foot down. This 911’s Roock powerplant loves to rev, emitting a gorgeous, inimitable flat-six cacophony from 4,000rpm, yet the engine is also impressively torquey, pulling strongly 54 June 2022 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8

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HEUER MONACO MATTER OF TIME Widely associated with Steve McQueen and the golden era of sports car racing, the Heuer Monaco chronograph is a firm favourite among Porsche fans, but exactly how did the King of Cool end up wearing the square-cased self-winder during filming of his classic motorsport flick, Le Mans? The story isn’t as straightforward as you’d think… Words Dan Furr Photography Porsche, TAG Heuer, Dan Furr Facing page The King P orsche and luxury and TAG Heuer deciding to combine Highlighting this link arguably more than of Cool sporting a watchmaker, TAG their expertise and creativity to produce any other classic timepiece is the iconic Monaco in the iconic Heuer, share a rich a timepiece with a bold, sporty look was Monaco, famously worn on the wrist image galvanising the history, an independent something of an inevitability. The first of Steve McQueen during filming of his relationship between and powerful set of TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Chronograph 1971 motorsport movie magnum opus, Heuer watches and brand values and launched in early 2021. More recently, Le Mans. Featuring footage captured Porsche sports cars dedication to design and engineering at the 2022 Watches and Wonders during the actual daylong race at Le excellence. For more than fifty years, expo in Geneva, the TAG Heuer Carrera Mans in 1970 (when Porsche scored Below One of the the paths of both companies have X Porsche Limited Edition made its its first overall victory at Sarthe), the Heuer Monacos worn constantly been meeting on and off world premiere, “emphasising the racing film stars the King of Cool as Michael by Steve McQueen the race track, though it’s true to say side of the sporty Porsche Carrera”. Delaney, an American 917 pilot returning during production of the lasting bond between them is built Restricted to 1,500 units, the distinctively to France in search of glory following his movie, Le Mans on the foundations of motorsport. One styled timepiece represents a cementing disaster during his previous participation of the strongest common features of the strategic partnership Porsche and in the event. Bottom right Filming is the Carrera nameplate, inspired by TAG Heuer are embarking on, creating taking place at Circuit the infamous Carrera Panamericana new products symbolising the special AN OLD HAND de la Sarthe with a road race (a two-thousand-mile enduro connection between the two brands. Gulf-liveried 917 KH across Mexico running five consecutive McQueen was no stranger to Porsche years from 1950 and regarded as the Informally, of course, the Heuer and sports cars — from 356s to his most dangerous race in the world) Porsche names have been linked for personally owned 908/2 (a car he and and adopted by both brands for their decades, with the products of one Peter Revson drove to a second-place respective products. company becoming synonymous finish at the 1970 12 Hours of Sebring with the offerings of the other, largely before it went on to be used as camera Against this backdrop, plus Porsche through the Swiss watchmaker providing car at Le Mans, simultaneously scoring a Design’s already established foot in the sponsorship to motorsport teams and remarkable-but-unclassified eighth-place world of premium wristwatches, Porsche drivers running Porsche sports cars. finish in the hands of factory drivers, 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8 June 2022 57

Jonathan Williams and Herbert Linge) I called up the Rolex office on Fifth ideally one involved with films which Above Steve McQueen and various 911s, including the oft- Avenue and asked for a meeting with had a connection with sports. Within takes race ace, Jo replicated 2.2-litre Slate Grey S starring the Managing Director. I was given an a week, he’d put forward the name of Siffert, for a spin on in the film’s opening scenes, he’d long appointment to visit him a few days Don Nunley. On my next trip to the West a Kawasaki during a been racing, restoring and modifying later. While walking up the stairs to his Coast, I had a meeting with Don and break in filming Stuttgart’s finest. With Le Mans, however, office, I noticed eight large photographs offered to put a selection of Heuer wrist his pairing of Porsche products and of Hollywood stars hanging on the walls, chronographs at his disposal for slipping Below A 1969 Heuer the square-cased Monaco wristwatch every one of them signed and dedicated onto movie sets.” Monaco 1133B in its — introduced in 1969 in honour of the to the President of Rolex America. original packaging Monaco Grand Prix and famous for During the meeting, I complimented Don subsequently succeeded in being the first self-winding chronograph him for the strong ties Rolex clearly — galvanised an association between the had with film world and asked how he’d Heuer and Porsche names stretching all achieved such a thing. He was rather the way to the present day. flattered I’d noticed and told me he had good relations with a property master POINT OF ORIGIN in Hollywood. The guy helped him get a Rolex watch on the wrists of movie stars, With a new Monaco Gulf special edition for a fee, of course.” launched alongside the TAG Heuer Carrera X Porsche Limited Edition, we The Rolex man derived a lot of got to wondering just how the Monaco personal satisfaction from the results of ended up on McQueen’s wrist in the first this arrangement and was very proud of place. Jack Heuer, great-grandson of his good connections with Hollywood. Edouard Heuer, founder of the company “This set me thinking and, a day or carrying the family name, gave us the two later, I called up my good client, lowdown. “In the 1960s, there weren’t Barney Feldmar, owner of the Feldmar many subsidiaries of Swiss watch Watch Company in Los Angeles,” Jack brands in the USA,” he told us. “I knew continues. “Barney regularly supplied our some, but by no means all of them. stopwatches to Hollywood film directors Around 1964, I decided to familiarise who needed an accurate means of myself with more of my colleagues and timing their shoots. I asked him to put competitors in North America. First, me in contact with a property master, 58 June 2022 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8

HEUER MONACO Bottom Porsche getting a Heuer chronograph on the He immediately sprang into action to wear a Monaco wrist chronograph and poster produced to mark McQueen’s wrists of Charlton Heston, Burt Reynolds get the requested equipment ready would also wear the Heuer logo on his second-place finish at the 1970 12 Hours and Jack Lemmon. “During shooting,” and crated for shipping to France, but character’s overalls.” of Sebring, as well as his overall wins at Jack (Heuer) continues, “these actors because the watches and timing devices Holtville and Phoenix the same year would often get used to the watch they had not technically been sold, the export SUPPLY AND DEMAND Bottom right were wearing and would ask Don how papers required (for what would in effect There was, however, a question nobody McQueen at Sarthe with some of the they could get hold of one to call their be classed as a temporary import) would had addressed. “Don asked what he Porsche drivers (David Piper, Gerard own. Don would tell them they simply take too long to arrange. “I instructed should do with the watches and our Larrousse, Derek Bell, Herbert Linge and had to send a dedicated signed photo of our driver, Gerd-Rüdiger Lang, simply other equipment when shooting was Jonathan Williams, among others) who themselves to me and they could keep not to declare them at the border when complete. Delighted with his good news assisted throughout the production the watch. Product placement was so crossing into France,” Jack laughs. “I about McQueen’s adoption of Heuer Special note Huge much simpler in those days. I think I gave him cash for his travelling expenses products and branding, I thought for a thanks to Jack Heuer, whose autobiography, must have been amongst the pioneers. and he set off for Le Mans in his own car moment and had nightmare visions of The Times of My Life, and the short film of Today, a company needs no end of loaded with our equipment. He was, of the customs hassle if we attempted the same name are essential viewing for intermediaries and to bring back watch enthusiasts specialist lawyers, all FILM CONTINUITY DEMANDED the items we’d taking their cut from the smuggled into product placement fee.” THE DRIVER SHOULD REALLY France.” He In 1970, Don pulled BE SPORTING A HEUER told Don to give the watches off a coup by getting Steve McQueen to CHRONOGRAPH ON HIS WRIST away as gifts to wear the Heuer logo deserving film crew on his overalls and to members. sport the recently launched Monaco course, stopped at the French border and This all sounds relatively when filming Le Mans. What Jack hadn’t had to hand over most of his travelling straightforward, but truth be told, the anticipated was the string of requests expenses to pay customs duty and a Heuer Monaco’s star turn in Le Mans Don was to follow up with. “In early June fine, but he arrived on time in Le Mans and its longstanding success as a 1970, he called Geneva and explained and delivered all the props to Don. He consequence of inclusion in the movie, he’d been appointed property master on also got to meet Steve McQueen before was more down to a series of chance Le Mans, but needed much more than a returning to our base in Bienne.” occurrences than a calculated attack of chronograph for McQueen. He asked for A few days later, Jack received product placement. For example, Solar stopwatches, timing boards, large pocket another telephone call from Don. “He Productions had hired professional chronographs and any other timing told me he had even better news,” recalls racing drivers to coach McQueen to paraphernalia I could think of used in the now honorary chairman of TAG drive the unbelievably fast 917. One motor racing. He finished up by telling Heuer. “He explained how McQueen’s of his teachers was Derek Bell, and me he needed all of it within ten days film company, Solar Productions, had the other was Jo Siffert, who was due to the filming of Le Mans starting finished trial shots and was about to under contract with Heuer as a brand two weeks after our chat!” start proper shooting. Don was pleased ambassador. McQueen and Siffert got Jack’s ears went up like flick knives. to report Steve McQueen was going to on like a house on fire, largely because 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8 June 2022 59

they’d both started their lives in humble other two (or both) suffered damage. a tour of the set. Unfortunately, I didn’t Above McQueen circumstances and had gone on to Of course, due to the fact Jo Siffert’s meet Steve McQueen, who had the day takes a break during become superstars in their respective racing overalls were emblazoned with off and was exploring the surrounding filming of Le Mans to professions. The day before shooting a Heuer logo, film continuity demanded French countryside on a motorbike. I read 911 & Porsche of Le Mans was due to start, one of the the driver should really be sporting a did, however, have lunch with the film World... probably film’s production executives, Robert Heuer chronograph on his wrist, though crew and sat next to Elga Andersen, the Rosen, told McQueen (after he’d worn this seems to have been something of an beautiful German actress who co-stars Bottom left 1969 several different racing overalls) he afterthought on set. in the movie.” advertising poster needed to settle on how he wanted announcing the Michael Delaney to look. “McQueen “The film company was delighted A few days after returning from his Monaco as the pointed toward Siffert and said he with the watches and timing equipment visit, Don was back in touch. This time, world’s first self- wanted to look exactly like him!” smiles Heuer had provided and invited me to he was in panic mode — he’d given winding chronograph Jack. “Siffert then ran to his trailer visit the shoot at Le Mans,” Jack recalls. away his stash of Heuer equipment and fetched his white racing overalls, “I flew to Paris Orly, where they’d sent a to key members of the film crew as Below McQueen’s complete with Heuer logo on the chest, twin-engined Beechcraft private aircraft instructed, but after discovering what inscription to and handed them to McQueen. Don to fly me to Sarthe. There, I was given had happened, McQueen flew into a rage, Alltounian, who sold then approached the film star and the watch for more explained he now needed to choose than $2m in 2020 a watch. Initially, he offered him an Omega, but McQueen handed it back, worried the company might use his name for promotional purposes without arrangement. Instead, he chose a Monaco, never having heard of Heuer.” THE MAGIC NUMBER Prior to his death at the age of 81 in February 2021, Don claimed he had to offer the Monaco to McQueen because it was the only Heuer watch of which he had a trio of identical models. He needed three because one would be used in the live racing shots, one would be used in the still photography and one was needed as a spare in case either of the 60 June 2022 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8

HEUER MONACO Above Rear view of saying his reputation was firmly attached Don and our company.” On the plus side, a massive $650,000, then the highest the Monaco Titan case, complete with to these items and was therefore at risk Jo Siffert signed on as a Heuer brand price paid for a Heuer timepiece. sandblasted titanium cutaway displaying of being abused. In essence, he saw the ambassador for a second year and was The second of the two was gifted the watch’s historic Calibre 11 movement items as his to give away, not Heuer’s. generating more publicity for Jack than from McQueen to his mechanic, Haig Top right McQueen’s “Don managed to settle the situation he could have possibly hoped for. He Alltounian, on the final day of Le Mans 908/2, complete with camera bulges by suggesting all recipients had bought was also acting as an independent sales filming. The caseback features a at the front and rear, working its way the watches at a special reduced price,” outpost, buying watches at trade price personalised inscription from McQueen, around the circuit during the 1970 24 Jack grimaces. who Alltounian Hours of Le Mans McQueen needed ALLTOUNIAN CLAIMS MCQUEEN claims told him Below The new convincing. “Don TOLD HIM IT WAS A TOKEN OF it was a token of Monaco Gulf special sent me a fax with APPRECIATION FOR “KEEPING HIM ALIVE” appreciation for edition, powered by the names of all “keeping him alive” the in-house Heuer those to whom he during the long 02 movement (note crown on the right) had given watches, DURING LONG MONTHS OF FILMING months of filming as well as details the movie’s thrilling Bottom right Steve McQueen on set with of each watch. race and crash his Le Mans co-star, Siegfried Rauch He asked us to make out invoices at and selling them at substantial profit scenes. It was Alltounian — a former token prices and to send the paperwork in the paddock to fellow drivers at the Can-Am 917 spanner man — who, in to him immediately. We did exactly as races he was participating in. McQueen, December 2020, offered the watch for he asked and, in the following days, meanwhile, kept the two Monacos he sale through auction house, Phillips, payments for thirty or fifty dollars wore during Le Mans live action and still pitching it as “one of the world’s most trickled in from members of the film photography. They went on to become important Heuer wristwatches”. The crew who had ‘bought’ our watches. record breakers. world listened, with the winning bid Unfortunately, McQueen wasn’t at all The example he wears in photographs rolling in at a staggering $2,208,000. happy about what had happened and promoting the film was sold at a 2012 “Although we weren’t on the best of left the set of Le Mans dissatisfied with auction of Hollywood memorabilia for terms with Steve McQueen following 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8 June 2022 61

his spat with Don Nunley, we did have Despite what the previously referenced made it such an interesting chronograph Above McQueen’s 908/2 was driven excellent relations with representatives big auction sales figures might suggest, to begin with. to an unclassified eighth-place finish from the film company,” Jack explains. the Monaco wasn’t a big seller during As touched on earlier, recent special by Herbert Linge and Jonathan Williams “We agreed we’d editions have included Below Presently ask Heuer agents THE HEUER MONACO HAS GONE versions decorated available ‘vintage’ outside the USA with colours and logos Monaco is a faithful recreation of the to invite their key DOWN IN HISTORY AS ONE OF reflecting classic classic model and features a Calibre clients to local THE MOST STYLISH AND SOULFUL Gulf racing livery. 11 movement with premieres of Le First introduced to crown on the left, indicating no need Mans and to put WRISTWATCHES the range in 2007, for manual winding on a display of these collectible (author’s own Monaco pictured) our products in wristwatches cinema foyers. We also made sure the its original period of production. Indeed, have proved a big hit in the Porsche first showing of the film in Switzerland some consider it a commercial failure — community, evoking the 917 and would be in Heuer’s hometown of Bienne though now a style icon representative of some of the most celebrated racing and, together with the film’s distributors, 1960s free thinking, many saw the look organised a kind of Formula One camp of the waterproof square case as too outside the cinema, with several race radical. In fact, today’s buyers have far cars on display, along with drivers and more affection for the model than when support trucks. We even secured the it was released into the wild in 1969. presence of Jo Siffert and Toulo de Heuer discontinued production in 1975 Graffenried, another Swiss racing legend. after manufacturing two automatic and Naturally, we invited the motoring press.” two manual-wind variants, but as we now know, the Monaco story didn’t end there. MOVING STORY Reintroduced in 1997 (by which time, The première was held late morning. Heuer was twelve years into its rebirth Afterwards, around lunchtime, the entire as TAG Heuer), the inimitable Monaco assembly of racing machines, joined by returned to production in the form of a a collection of classic cars and publicity relaunch model inspired by the original. trucks, made a tour of Bienne, roaring Since that time, the Monaco has been through the city’s main streets to the closely linked to haute horlogerie, delight of thousands of spectators. with various versions featuring new The event is reported to have attracted complications, designs and materials. more onlookers than Bienne’s hugely And, as it has evolved, the Monaco has popular annual carnival. retained the revolutionary spirit which 62 June 2022 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8

HEUER MONACO Above Constructed drivers of the era. The most desirable (all sold immediately after product fine example of 1960s experimentation from titanium, the Monaco of recent times, however, is launch) and presented in a special in design and technology, reborn for Monaco Titan was the Titan special edition, launched to presentation box, the Titan weighs a a new generation of chronograph and launched to mark the commemorate the 2021 Monaco Grand significant twenty-nine grams less than motorsport fans to enjoy in the present. 2021 Monaco GP and Prix. Manufactured from lightweight the standard Monaco. 2021 Formula One With Le Mans, Steve McQueen played was strictly limited to Grade 2 titanium (as opposed to the champion, Max Verstappen owns a Titan, a huge part in solidifying both Heuer five-hundred units standard Monaco’s steel construction) as does his teammate, Sergio Perez and the Monaco’s association with and based on the traditional left-crown (well, TAG Heuer does sponsor Red Bull Porsche sports cars, a relationship now Below New TAG Calibre 11 movement case, the Titan Racing, after all). Albert II, Prince of formalised through the two companies Heuer Carrera X features a vivid and gleaming silver- Monaco, has one. Hollywood heartthrob, joining forces in an exciting strategic Porsche Limited sunburst dial perfectly complementing Tom Holland, has one. 911 & Porsche partnership. It’s one most recently Edition, launched at the titanium’s sandblasted finish. The World editor, Dan Furr, has one. Ahem. celebrated with the arrival of the TAG the 2022 Watches horizontal markers evoke the watch’s Heuer Carrera X Porsche Limited and Wonders expo legendary origins, while the striking red MIXED FORTUNES Edition, but as far as enthusiasts highlights stand out even more than It might not have set the world alight are concerned, the intertwining of Bottom right Current when set against the standard Monaco’s first time around, but the Heuer Monaco both brands has always been — and Monaco presentation evocative blue face. has gone down in history as one of the will always be — symbolised by the box, featuring Steve most stylish and soulful wristwatches, a magnificent Monaco. l McQueen imagery Limited to just five-hundred units 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8 June 2022 63

DISTRIBUTORS FOR 01895 814446 porsche-torque.com Unit C2, Arun Buildings, Arundel Road, Uxbridge. UB8 2RP PORSCHE PARTS www.douglasvalley.co.uk 01257 472866 eBay shop stevestrange007 07801 456066 64 June 2022 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8

Open pitlane • 130dB • DRIVE WITH YOUR OWN CAR OR RENT A TRACK CAR FIND OUT MORE INFO! RSRNURBURG Antoniusweg 1a, 53530 Nürburg, Germany Tel: +49 2691 931 952 [email protected] • www.RSRNURBURG.com 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8 June 2022 65

HIDDEN IDENTITY Porsche is pitching the new Macan T as a higher- definition version of its most popular product, but is it worth spending more on this smartly dressed crossover SUV than the cost of acquiring a standard four-cylinder Macan? We hit the Monte Carlo Rally’s Col de Turini Alpine stage to deliver our verdict… Words Dave Humphreys Photography Porsche 66 June 2022 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8

MACAN T It’s funny to think about how the In the present, a quick visit to sports car. Now, the Macan gets similar first-generation Cayenne was Porsche’s online configurator will treatment, marking the first time a four- received by Porsche purists when present you with a dizzying nineteen door Porsche will carry the T moniker. revealed to the world in 2002. Cayenne model variants, ranging from Some will understandably view this with These days, of course, SUVs a silent-running plug-in hybrid to the a degree of scepticism and see the move form the core product portfolio Nordschleife-conquering Turbo GT. as a dilution of the pure, driver-focused of most major car brands, including In contrast, Porsche’s offering for the ethos meant to be represented by the Porsche. As a case in point, last year, Cayenne’s smaller sibling, the massive- modern Porsche T. the Macan accounted for almost a third selling Macan, is more streamlined, of the company’s global sales — more though the line-up is growing, as The Macan T stands out from the than 80,000 factory fresh examples of demonstrated by the introduction of a rest of the Macan range with Agate the crossover luxury SUV found buyers. fourth variant, the new Macan T. Grey Metallic detailing around the front In fact, since model launch in 2014, end. The same colour is applied to the Porsche has produced in excess of The T designation was resurrected Sport Design side mirrors, door blades 680,000 Macans. These are staggering for the 2019 991 Carrera T after a half- (complete with model-identifying script) numbers when you consider how the century absence from the Porsche and the roof spoiler. The Macan T also fortunes of the Porsche brand have product line. Swiftly, the badge was wears twenty-inch alloy wheels similar shifted over the last two decades, a tidal introduced to the 718 Boxster/Cayman. to those of the Macan S, but painted change to the better beginning with the It signalled a new niche designed to an exclusive Dark Titanium, which ties arrival of the Cayenne. appeal to a subset of owners who love the whole look together nicely. Porsche the pleasure of driving a more ‘distilled’ also applies a darker finish to the four 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8 June 2022 67

tailpipes, again serving as further interior are carried over to the T, with a CarPlay, but Android users miss out Above It might lack distinction from the base model. centre console which now uses on a mirroring option, which in this day the punch of the V6 touch-sensitive surfaces to replace and age seems like a strange omission. Macans currently Of course, body colour choice plays a physical buttons. Also missing from the equipment list available, but in a role in how much the Agate Grey accent are items which, in a premium SUV such world of increasing pops. Sticking with the standard white STAY CONNECTED as this, should be standard, such as fuel costs, the paint makes it more obvious, but we The result is a cleaner look, less fussy, adaptive cruise control and a reversing stunning Macan T also think it works well with Gentian Blue more modern and not entirely a magnet camera, the latter fitted only after you makes a lot of sense Metallic (add £674) and the more costly for fingerprints. A 10.9-inch touchscreen agree to pay £362 for the privilege. Crayon (at £1,676), resulting in a more offers most of the connectivity you’ll head-turning look.  ever need from a modern infotainment Nonetheless, modern T-badged system, with voice control and online Porsches are supposed to represent The interior benefits from neat navigation as standard. There’s Apple a model offering a dynamic driving touches, too. A heated GT Sports experience bolstered by bespoke steering wheel includes the mode switch for the standard Sport Chrono Package, while eight-way electrically adjustable heated seats are draped in black leather and Sport-Tex inserts featuring silver contrast stitching and the Porsche crest embossed on the headrests. If you like the Agate Grey exterior detail, it’s possible to option matching seat belts, though they will come at additional cost. Elsewhere, the T’s interior is as you’d find in the standard Macan. It’s a well- designed cabin, if a little lacking in colour, but don’t worry, you can alter this too, providing you’re willing to delve further into the lengthy list of optional extras. While you’re there, adding the carbon-fibre option to the steering wheel will do little to alter the Porsche’s kerb weight, but it does look better and feels nicer than the plastic your thumbs will rub against on the standard part. Recent revisions to the Macan range’s 68 June 2022 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8

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equipment. With Porsche already a perceptible impact on handling and combination for the Macan. Porsche also Above It shouldn’t be possible to throw an offering S and GTS models with 375bhp helps to reduce overall weight by 95kg. offers the Macan T with the option of air SUV into corners at speed and get away and 434bhp respectively, however, the Compensating for the lack of a punchier suspension, which lowers the ride height with it, but the Macan T exerts excellent Macan T’s enhanced aesthetic doesn’t engine, the chassis boffins at Porsche by a further ten millimetres. body control in bends come with more horsepower — the two- equip the Macan T with stiffer anti-roll The seven-speed PDK dual-clutch litre turbocharged automatic gearbox EA888 four-cylinder WHAT BETTER PLACE TO PUT THE is unaltered, engine carries across MACAN T THROUGH ITS PACES IN ORDER although tweaks from the standard to the all-wheel- Macan and remains TO SEE JUST HOW THAT RE-WORKED drive transmission unchanged, with favour a more maximum outputs of CHASSIS PERFORMS?! rearward bias 262bhp and 295lb-ft. and, it should be There is logic to this noted, the Porsche decision, though. bars on both the front and rear axles. Traction Management (PTM) system The V6 is unquestionably the more The steel-sprung suspension is set up to has a model-specific setup. Meanwhile, exciting and sonorous engine, but the reduce ride height by fifteen millimetres the Sport Chrono Package helps shave four-cylinder represents a weight saving and features Porsche Active Suspension two tenths of a second off the sprint of 58.8kg over the front axle, which has Management (PASM) — a unique to 62mph when compared with the TECH SPEC Model Macan T Price From £53,970, car as tested £55,603 Engine 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four petrol Transmission Seven-speed PDK dual-clutch semi-automatic with Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive Economy 26.4-27.9mpg CO2 emissions 229-242g/km Top speed 144mph  0-62mph 6.2 seconds Power 262bhp at 5,000-6,500rpm Torque 295lb-ft at 1,800-4,500rpm Weight 1,865kg (DIN) 70 June 2022 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8

MACAN T Above T trim looks standard Macan, bringing the time down so with ample levels of refinement along road, which is why we headed in the good from any angle to 6.2 seconds. 100mph arrives a blink the way. One further bonus more relevant direction of one of rallying’s most past sixteen seconds. than ever is that the EA888 engine is famous routes: the Col de Turini. This Below Fabulously likely to use less fuel than its V6 sibling southern Alpine pass is a staple of the entertaining twisties For most of the time, the Macan T is in the process, which, given the rising Monte Carlo Rally and a short jaunt from on the Col de Turini likely to eke out an existence much like costs of motoring, even those who can fashionable Nice. The nineteen-mile many other Macans, dutifully serving the afford to splash out on a new Porsche stage is famous for its narrow, fast- needs of its owners by undertaking daily will welcome. And, for those who don’t flowing sections and technical hairpins. commutes, school runs, the weekly shop want to visit petrol stations quite as What better place to put the Macan T and similar chores. Even so, no matter frequently, as well as those of you who through its paces in order to see just how how mundane your everyday driving plan to embark on long-haul road trips, that re-worked chassis performs?! might be, this Porsche does feel that bit Porsche offers the Macan T with a larger- more special than other equally premium than-standard seventy-five-litre fuel tank. It’s on the more open sections of SUVs. And, it has to be said, as lovely as road — where the line of sight is better the silky V6 is, when you’re engaged in RALLY THE TROOPS — you begin to miss the heavyweight more mundane everyday driving, the four- punches of the V6’s performance. The cylinder engine takes care of business Simply going from A to B will do little to four-banger’s peak torque arrives at without leaving you feeling short- demonstrate the setup differences the 1,800rpm and has generous spread, but changed — the Macan T will happily Macan T has over the base model. For we found ourselves pushing the Sport trundle around town all day long and do this, you need to find a more challenging Response button frequently, especially 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8 June 2022 71

when attempting swift overtakes. What’s With provocation, it’s possible to sense every lump and bump, no matter Above T-badge was missing is a more evocative soundtrack, unsettle the back end on some of climb’s how small. In reality, the standard setup reintroduced to the and even with the Macan T dialled into corners, but any lateral acceleration is is already so good, there’s little reason to Porsche product the Sport Plus mode, there simply isn’t quickly brought back into line by the shell out for air suspension. line-up with the the same fizz and theatre of the larger highly effective yet pleasingly unintrusive narrow-body 991 capacity engine. traction aids. The fact there isn’t any power increase Carrera T before for the Macan T could potentially make it being applied to the That said, the four-cylinder unit does Body control is excellent, making swift more of a niche variant than it deserves 718 Boxster/Cayman put in a solid effort, and it works well changes of direction feel laser sharp. to be. Those slight nips and tucks to the and, now, the Macan with PDK to help maximise performance It’s in these scenarios, rather than the chassis setup all seem to be done in the when asked. Perhaps more rewarding everyday driving situations, where those usual well-judged Porsche way, but we is how precise and sharp the Macan chassis adjustments to the Macan can’t help feeling the two-litre engine T’s front end is when you present it T become apparent. Any shortfall in could do with having a few more horses with a series of challenging bends. The straight line acceleration is soon made released — a boost to give the T that steering is nothing short of sublime and up around bends, where no amount of extra bit of oomph it sometimes feels comfortably sets a benchmark for SUVs enthusiasm at the controls seems to lacking on the open road. If you can live in this segment of the market. faze the Porsche. without, however, there’s absolutely no reason to question the premium price tag THE WHITE STUFF An option some prospective buyers of the Macan T over the base model. l may labour over is whether to stick with In true Monte Carlo Rally style, the the standard steel-sprung suspension or weather begins to close in as we ascend hand over extra dosh and upgrade to air the 1,607-metre pass. Sporadic mounds suspension. We had the opportunity to of snow by the roadside validate the try both, back-to-back, over the sinuous decision to fit winter tyres to our Macan Turini tarmac, and differences between T, and the increasingly damp asphalt the two are more subtle than they are gives the all-wheel-drive transmission apparent. The stock steel option is more of a workout as it fluctuates split firm, but never uncomfortably so, even of drive between the two axles. For the with those twenty-inch wheels. With air, majority of the time, a rearward bias is there’s a slight degree of more comfort maintained, and you can feel as much in normal driving conditions, but as the when the Macan pushes its way out of selectable driving modes are dialled corners. It is, however, superb traction up to the Sport Plus setting, the ride and grip from the front end that imbues becomes noticeably firmer to the point you with the confidence to acknowledge that, on these kinds of roads, overall everything is going where you want it to. comfort is compromised — you can 72 June 2022 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8

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ONE OF A KIND Guided by the principles of the rebooted Sonderwunsch programme, Porsche Classic has created a unique 996 for Porsche Club of America… Words Dan Furr Photography Porsche T here was a time, not subjected to. And, of course, there were shared their overwhelmingly positive so long ago, when the the self-proclaimed Porsche purists, who experience of 996 ownership. Even 996 was considered the argued a ‘proper’ Porsche shouldn’t be as those controversial headlights now have ‘great unloved’ of the big as a 996 and should only be powered a fanbase. The loud noises made by 911 world. Sure, every by an air-cooled engine. As the great Bob frustrated owners of early 996s suffering generation of Porsche’s Dylan once sang, however, the times they intermediate shaft bearing (IMS) failure flagship has its fans, but the 996 seemed are a-changin’. have also been brought into perspective to attract just as many detractors — the number of affected engines is as admirers. The model’s ‘fried egg’ Okay, they’ve been a-changin’ for a a tiny percentage of the total number headlights were a bone of contention, while. Indeed, the din of naysayers has of cars built, and many remaining flat- as were the mechanical maladies some largely been drowned out by a chorus sixes in the firing line will have had owners were unlucky enough to be of enthusiasts, marque specialists and preventative work to ensure a long and automotive hacks who have openly 74 June 2022 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8

PCA 996 fruitful service life. If there’s a positive praise and press coverage has seen a rear of the Carrera RS 2.7, itself enjoying to be drawn out from all this criticism, sharp increase in demand for the 996, a special anniversary, what with 2022 it’s the impact it has had on 996 values leading prices to rise accordingly. That being the classic model’s fiftieth lap on the used car market — to be able to sub-ten grand bargain buy is becoming around the sun. Many of the Classic buy a fully operational, on-the-road 911 increasingly difficult to come by, with the Club Coupe’s exterior and interior details for less than ten grand is nothing short cost of acquiring an early 3.4-litre Carrera are customised with PCA’s signature of extraordinary, but that’s exactly the coupe now starting closer to £15k. Even blue accent, while the door cards and price point base model 996s have been at this price, there’s no doubt you’ll get centre sections of this unique 911’s hovering at, making 911 ownership a very a huge amount of 911 for your money, sports seats are made from an intricate real possibility to those working with a but it does equate to a whopping fifty woven leather reflecting the look of modest budget. Once again, though, the percent increase over what we’re used to Pepita houndstooth. Technically, and to times they are a-changin’. seeing entry-level 996s shift for. Porsche, an extent, visually, this special 996 owes too, has contributed to fresh appraisal of more than a passing nod to the 996 GT3, WORKING PARTY the 996, waving the banner in a variety what with a 3.6-litre ‘Mezger’ flat-six, of ways, not least the recent reveal of a brakes and suspension all being lifted As we’re highlighting across multiple one-of-one 996 labelled the 911 Classic from the second-generation 996 GT3. issues of 911 & Porsche World this Club Coupe, produced for Porsche Club year, 2022 marks the 996’s twenty- of America (PCA), the world’s oldest and The idea for this unique factory fifth anniversary. Nothing encourages largest official Porsche club. car arose during a meeting between enthusiasts and motoring journalists representatives of PCA and Alexander to re-evaluate a model more than a The car’s special features include Fabig, Head of Individualisation and significant birthday and, as we have Sport Grey Metallic paintwork, a double- Classic at Porsche. Grant Larson, head witnessed in the lead up to the Porsche’s dome roof, Fuchs rims and a fixed rear of Style Porsche, was also instrumental quarter-century celebrations, huge spoiler reminiscent of the ducktail at the in the car’s creation. Kept under wraps, 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8 June 2022 75

the project was given the codename any technical issues owners might face. Porsche Classic Partner status, as does Above Inspiration Project Grey, reflecting the choice of Porsche Classic, meanwhile, aims to Porsche Centre Bournemouth, recently came from the 2009 moniker adopted for Project Gold, the preserve and maintain Porsche vehicles added to the list. 997 Sport Classic 993 Turbo Porsche Classic built in 2018. and keep as many of them on the road as The main source of inspiration for the possible, providing specialist training to BACK FOR GOOD Below A master Classic Club Coupe wasn’t an air-cooled technicians all over the world, in addition As part of its ‘Co-Creation’ strategy, saddler was given classic, though. Bucking trends, it was a to continually updating its portfolio of Porsche is reinterpreting its legendary the job of weaving later 911: the oft-aped 997 Sport Classic, parts for Porsche cars reaching classic Sonderwunsch (Special Requests) twin-tone leather into presented in 2009. With Sport Classic status. At the time of writing, there are programme from the late 1970s, a houndstooth-style Grey paintwork, a double-dome roof, 52,000 individual components available enabling the design and production of finish, carrying the ducktail and exclusive interior details, through Porsche Classic from seventy- customised, one-off cars. Depending design over to the this limited-run model quickly gained eight certified Porsche Classic partners on the age of the vehicle in question, car’s luggage set cult status and has gone on to become a worldwide. In the UK, there are five either the technical experts at hugely desirable collector car. such sites: Porsche Centres in Glasgow, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur or the Leeds, Swindon and Hatfield all have specialists at Porsche Classic will “The 996 has long been unjustly overshadowed by other 911s” Fabig says. “This is why we were happy to choose a 996 as the platform for demonstrating all the things we can do at Porsche Classic and through the recently expanded Porsche Sonderwunsch programme. In 2009, the 997 Sport Classic, a limited series of just two hundred and fifty units, generated huge worldwide interest, but it wasn’t offered for sale in the USA. With this one-off 996, we’ve managed to bring a similarly exciting vehicle concept to North America through collaboration with our friends at PCA.” Founded in 1955, PCA boasts more than 145,000 members and is represented in 147 regions across the USA and Canada. PCA organises rallies, autocross events and tourist trips, as well as offering driver training, support for restoration projects and help with 76 June 2022 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8

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take care of implementation. You’ll thin line in Club Blue. The hub covers are The houndstooth-effect leather is quite Above and below need deep pockets, but Sonderwunsch adorned with a coloured Porsche crest. something, and another link back to the projects have always been staggering, The brake calipers are painted gloss 997 Sport Classic, the first factory 911 The Classic Club representing some of the most black and feature a Porsche logo in the to make use of intricately woven leather. Coupe benefits outlandish and technically (and, it must same arresting shade of blue. Both front What’s new here is how the Pepita from a Carrera RS be said, aesthetically) challenging wings carry inlaid monotone ‘Classic look has been woven in a twill, making 2.7-inspired ducktail Porsches ever to find their way onto Series’ badges. use of black and grey leather, with the and a host of 996 Gen the road. Though not quite as daring material running diagonally. Club Blue II GT3 components, as some of the brand’s builds, the 996 EXCLUSIVE CLUB stitching softens the look, with the same including the engine Classic Club Coupe ably highlights the contrasting colour used for embroidered high quality one should expect from a Open a door and you’re greeted by the model nomenclature in the headrests. Sonderwunsch special. Classic Club Coupe script on stainless The effect is jaw dropping. We could steel door sill trims. Black leather drink in the detail all day! Painstakingly painted in light Sport dominates the interior, though works in Grey, twin racing stripes with Club Blue tandem with partially perforated slate The 996’s standard three-spoke edges run across the bonnet, roof and grey Alcantara on the roof lining and steering wheel has been upgraded in rear spoiler. The same can been seen pillars. The fact this 996 is a never-to- the same way, with Club Blue thread and down each side of the car, accompanied be-repeated one-off is underlined by leather used for the decorative stitching by model identifying script. In contrast, a commemorative dashboard badge on the rim and for the stripe included at the 997 Sport Classic’s stripes took the displaying the label, 911 Classic Club the twelve o’clock position. The round form of a foil trim darker than the body Coupe No.001/001. instruments — for the 996, ‘merged’ in the colour. The double-dome roof is also a detail with a motorsport connection — tall racing drivers were known to ‘bulge’ the roof of their cars to make enough headroom for their safety helmet. The Style Porsche 911 Panamericana design study from 1989, the Carrera GT and the 997 Sport Classic all share the same- styled tin top. Moreover, the double-dome roof is a feature of many limited series from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and 911 GT models. The Classic Club Coupe’s rear ducktail- inspired spoiler is made of glass-fibre- reinforced plastic features an integrated brake light, while the eighteen-inch cloverleaf Fuchs forged wheels are painted in High-Gloss Black. Uniquely, the rim base features a Porsche logo and a 78 June 2022 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8

PCA 996 Above Grant Larson binnacle, replacing the air-cooled era’s colour-coded ignition key, its leather case black. Neglected and in poor condition, was called upon to develop the donor five separate dials — are customised to and a tool bag made of woven leather in it was parked up at a dealership in 996 into the Classic Club Coupe for PCA reflect the exterior striping. A Porsche the same fashion as the seat centres. A Columbia, Virginia, where PCA Executive Top right Tired and in Classic Communication Management touring bag is also included. This is all Director, Vu Nguyen, found it. need of restoration, the car was found Plus (Sirius XM-ready) infotainment well and good, but which 996 was treated The start of this special 911’s rebirth at a dealership in Columbia, Virginia system with Apple CarPlay and Android to a new lease of life as the Classic Club began with a flight across the Atlantic. Below The process Auto is also part Fresh from the USA, involved complete strip and restoration of the package. By A TEST MULE WENT THROUGH the car hit mainland of the car after it special request, the Europe and was returned to Germany start screen on the EXTENSIVE TRIAL RUNS, INCLUDING taken to the Porsche seven-inch display TOP-SPEED ENDURANCE TESTS Classic workshop, was changed to located near the show Classic Club AT WEISSACH, NARDÒ AND IDIADA main plant in Coupe designation. Zuffenhausen. There, Selected Porsche technicians accessories from the Porsche Classic Coupe? A pristine example cocooned in completely disassembled the new arrival product range have been modified in the bowels of the Porsche Museum in before rebuilding and strengthening terms of the material or craft methods Stuttgart? Surely, this would have made the body shell using new original GT3 used, making them unique to match the the perfect starting point? Apparently parts, as well as newly developed special status of Project Grey. These not — the 996 you see here was, until two components. For the chassis, as well as include a custom-made car cover, a years ago, a base-model 996 finished in the brakes, engine and the car’s manual 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8 June 2022 79

transmission, Fabig’s team opted for and the Porsche Development Centre in the biggest challenge in the interior Above Unlike the 997 second-generation 996 GT3 parts, which Weissach. The aerodynamics were tuned was to harmonise strengths of new Sport Classic, body are also available in the USA (the original in the famous Weissach wind tunnel. materials with the geometry of surfaces stripes are painted 996 GT3 wasn’t offered to Porsche Finally, the finished Classic Club Coupe in the 996’s cabin. This was where the customers in North America). was approved after an extensive road many years of expertise of a talented Below Unique test carried about by engineers at the saddler clearly proved their worth — the among the design Standing in for the one-off 996, a same facility. result is an absolute triumph and we’re elements Larson test mule went through extensive trial convinced we’ll see the intricately woven presented to PCA runs, including top-speed endurance The design work was undertaken while leather houndstooth-effect seat centres was the inclusion of tests at Porsche tracks located at the mechanical and body restoration replicated in 911s being personalised the Porsche script Weissach in Germany, Nardò in Italy and was ongoing. Larson’s team drew up the world over. After all, there’s only one embossed into the Idiada in Spain. Sadly, the test 996 was proposals and regularly discussed Classic Club Coupe. Fuchs rim base and dismantled, an effort to ensure the final them with representatives from PCA. finished in the club’s Classic Club Coupe can be classed as Naturally, the most intensive adaptation Thankfully, 175,262 996s rolled off signature blue accent truly unique. work took place on the Classic Club Porsche’s production lines between 1997 Coupe’s double-dome roof and striking and 2006, meaning there’s no shortage The car’s technical modifications fixed rear spoiler. This meant the part of of examples for you to go out, enjoy and were evaluated by a team of experts the body between the rear window and personalise. Make sure you grab one from Porsche Individualisation and ducktail had to be handmade. Likewise, before prices rise any further. l Classic, Porsche Cars North America 80 June 2022 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8

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TECH: SPECIALIST WEISSACH UK Deep in the heart of Cheshire lies an experienced independent Porsche specialist focusing its attention on the care, maintenance and modification of the manufacturer's GT and Turbo products… Words Robert Smith Photography Chris Wallbank W alk into the of the high standard of our work and the Weissach UK’s attention to detail and Middlewich professional conduct of my team,” he care for the customer experience is even workshop of says. “Our reputation is also forged on a more impressive when Thomas reveals independent dedication to first-rate customer service. the firm’s hourly rate is lower than any Porsche We welcome owners into the workshop other Porsche specialist in Cheshire. specialist, and like to educate them on all aspects What’s more, he tells us his company is Weissach UK, and you’ll be treated to of the jobs we undertake when in the the only independent Porsche outfit in the same high level of customer care custody of their cars. This extends to the northwest of England operating as and attention all the company’s visitors information relating to the parts we use a member of the Retail Motor Industry receive, irrespective of whether your car and processes we follow.” Federation (RMI), a body representing is in need of a minor service, serious the interests of motor industry operators mechanical overhaul or significant His commitment to full transparency and working with Trading Standards to modification. It’s an aspect of the not only makes Weissach UK clients ensure its members follow a code of business its founder, Thomas Atherton, aware of the value for money they’re conduct informing business practices takes very seriously. “Our Google reviews receiving, but also encourages them to promoting openness and honesty. are overwhelmingly positive, a reflection further familiarise themselves with their chosen Porsche. Win, win. RMI membership gives Weissach UK 82 June 2022 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8

Above Thomas customers confidence it is operating As a case in point, a lady approaching two-seater, which was exactly as founded the company in 2018 following to an extremely high standard, not just her eighty-seventh birthday recently Thomas had described. years spent managing a separate Porsche in terms of the quality of work carried visited Thomas to collect a 986 Boxster Granted, journeying far and wide for specialist and after time served running a out, but every step of the process, from he and his technicians prepared for the right car might not strike you as successful financial services business the provision of unusual — many of detailed up-front THE ONLY INDEPENDENT PORSCHE us have travelled big estimates to the distance to secure way the team treats OUTFIT IN THE NORTHWEST OF ENGLAND ownership of ‘the the equipment it one’. Weissach UK’s appeal to OPERATING AS A MEMBER OF THE RETAILuses and the data it stores, the latter MOTOR INDUSTRY FEDERATION customers all over of paramount the British Isles, importance however, goes a considering the preparation and sale sale. “She agreed to pay the asking price step further, as Thomas explains. “The of Porsche sports cars has become a without seeing the car in the metal and core offering of the business is the core part of the company’s service since then travelled all the way to Middlewich servicing, maintenance, modification it opened its doors in 2018. It’s also from southern Wales for collection,” he and repair of GT and Turbo models why the Weissach UK customer base says. Needless to say, she was thrilled from the 996, 997 and 991 generations stretches far further than Cheshire. with the condition of the mid-engined of 911. Over time, we’ve built a strong 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8 June 2022 83

TECH: SPECIALIST reputation for our level of in-house of the workshop's ramps were occupied, Fabspeed, has appointed the team as its Above Although GT expertise and the consistent high with a further twenty Porsches patiently only approved installer in the northwest. models and Turbos standard of our work when it comes waiting their turn. No wonder Mobil saw Weissach UK is also part of the Porsche from the 996, 997 and to these Porsche products. Word of fit to approve Weissach UK as one of its Partner Network (PPN), signalling factory 991 family are what mouth has spread among owners, many accredited service centres. support at Official Porsche Centre level. Weissach UK focuses who value the recommendations of its energies on, like-minded enthusiasts. Consequently, Similarly, Manthey-Racing — the Personalising Porsches is a pursuit Boxsters, Caymans we’re welcoming GT and Turbo cars to famous Nürburgring-based Porsche close to Thomas’ heart. “I’m the long- and air-cooled 911s Middlewich from all over Britain.” tuning and motorsport concern now term owner of a 1986 Carrera 3.2 now are also welcome in majority owned by Porsche itself — has equipped with a 3.4-litre oversized flat- the workshop CONFIDENCE BOOST approved Weissach UK as one of its six, 964 fast-road camshafts, Carrera fitting centres, while Maryland-located RS lightweight carpets and many other It’s easy to see why owners of premium Porsche tuning equipment manufacturer, modifications,” he reveals. “I’ve driven Porsches are so enthusiastic about what he has to offer. For a start, the Weissach UK workshop is absolutely spotless — always believe what you see, not what you hear when choosing a Porsche specialist to take care of your pride and joy. In other words, regardless of what a business owner might be telling you about the quality of their work, premises amounting to disorganised mess will be showcasing the real story. In this regard, Weissach UK customers have absolutely nothing to worry about. And then there’s exploration of the building itself, revealing four state-of- the-art ramps, a Hunter Engineering four-wheel laser alignment system, a professional laser-pneumatic wheel balancing and tyre fitting machine and, as we observe, no shortage of customer cars. Indeed, during our visit not long before this magazine went to print, all 84 June 2022 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8

Above and below all over Europe in this 911, including even wider audience. “My aim is to customers, though he has let slip the across the Swiss Alps, to Reims, Geneva put together an extremely competitive potential for the Cayman to make Multiple state-of- and many more locations. I even used Cayman capable of winning races at the appearances in competitions hosted by the-art ramps are it as my wedding car!” Other Porsches same time as demonstrating what we the 750 Motor Club. We look forward to joined by a Hunter have ventured in and out of the Atherton can accomplish as a team,” he discloses. seeing the car, whichever series it runs in alignment system stable over the years, but his beloved Clearly, he wishes for his business to and whoever might be behind the wheel. and laser wheel air-cooled classic remains. That said, stand head and shoulders above its balancing equipment Thomas is currently preparing a 3.4-litre rivals in every field. Whether he will be Prior to establishing Weissach UK in the team's spotless 987 Cayman to run in Class 1 of the in the 987's driving seat remains to be four years ago, Thomas was involved in working environment UK’s Porsche Club Championship. A no- seen — his primary intention is to run the running of a separate established expense-spared build, the car will be a the car as a fully supported entry into independent marque specialist in showcase of Weissach UK’s skillset to an the championship for keen Weissach UK the northwest of England, work contributing to his ten years in the 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8 June 2022 85

TECH: SPECIALIST Porsche aftermarket sales and service more disposable income than they’d make sure I spend money on having fun,” Above Race car preparation is one industry. Before then, he was operating a anticipated, a result of not being able he grins, still in awe of an octogenarian of Weissach UK services, sitting successful financial services company, to go on holiday, not having much of exhibiting such youthful spirit. comfortably alongside the sale of which he later sold. The knowledge he a social life and, in some instances, To meet demand for its services, the Porsche sports cars and maintenance of gained in both businesses, combined taking mortgage payment holidays they Weissach UK team is growing — new GT and Turbo models with his Customer Relationship ended up not needing,” Thomas reasons. employees well versed in the workings Management (CRM) technology know- “This afforded them the opportunity of Porsche’s GT and Turbo products how and a passion for Zuffenhausen's to treat their Porsches to upgrades are due to hit the payroll in coming speed machines weeks. As this 911 put him in an HIS CRM TECHNOLOGY KNOW-HOW & Porsche World excellent position article illustrates, the to start his own AND A PASSION FOR ZUFFENHAUSEN’S firm’s public profile is Porsche servicing also enjoying a fresh and maintenance SPEED MACHINES PUT HIM IN AN round of significant enterprise. “At the EXCELLENT POSITION growth, helped by time of establishing ongoing exposure the business, I through a recent was the UK’s youngest Porsche start-up and non-essential maintenance work.” video published on YouTube by Seen founder,” he smiles, proud of what he’s The aforementioned Boxster buyer Through Glass vlogger and serial sports achieved at Weissach UK in such a short from south Wales was an example of car owner, Sam Fane. Outlining the work space of time. No pressure from the another type of customer Weissach Weissach UK carried out on his poorly pandemic, then? UK welcomed through its doors as the 996 40 Jahre (recognised as one of the pandemic progressed — the purchase most overlooked 911s in the modern MOMENT IN TIME of a Porsche was something she’d long Porsche line-up), the video has reached Well, naturally, as it did for all of us, considered, but an urge never acted on. well in excess of 136k viewers. uncertainty brought about by The impact of COVID, however, brought Understandably, with such a fantastic COVID-19 posed many questions for into sharp focus the fact life can be cut examination of Weissach UK’s services Thomas and the Weissach UK team, short at any time. posted online for an ever-increasing but as has been the case for large Throwing caution to the wind, she number of Porsche owners to discover, swathes of the aftermarket automotive decided the time had finally come to buy the office telephone rarely gets any industry, the company saw a sharp spike a Porsche. “She’d been badly affected by rest. Don’t let this put you off calling, in customer activity as the pandemic COVID,” Thomas continues. “Before she though — Thomas is ready and waiting to progressed. “Some of it was down to left Middlewich in the Boxster, she told welcome to you and your Porsche to the Porsche owners who found they had me not to take life too seriously and to Weissach UK workshop. l 86 June 2022 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8

ALL PORSCHE MODELS WELCOME | PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD PORSCHE 5 JUNE 2022 Be part of the action: June 2022 87 beaulieuevents.co.uk 01590 614614 New Forest | Hampshire | SO42 7ZN 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8

TECH: BUYING GUIDE 996 CARRERA 4S Values of used sports cars continue to increase — don't leave it any longer to get behind the wheel of a Porsche. Unsure which model to acquire? How about the best-value 911 money can buy?! Words Dan Furr, Emma Woodcock Photography Dan Sherwood T here’s nothing unusual about an wheel drive machines. Back in 1989, of course, the only visual differentiators from the standard all-wheel drive Porsche. Faced the introduction of the 964 first brought the Carrera. The recent 992 Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S with the modern model range, Carrera 4 moniker to market. Making use of a are equally modest, both using the same body which applies double driveshafts planetary centre differential, this air-cooled 911 shell as the basic Carrera. to every Macan and Cayenne, was a simple-yet-effective first step, which — all- as well as a large proportion of wheel drive aside — differs little from its rear-drive Subtlety suits some buyers. In between these Panameras and 992s, Porsche customers are Carrera 2 sibling. generational extremes, however, Porsche took spoilt for traction-first choice. It’s about time, then, a chance on something different. Sitting just earlier four-wheel drive 911s are appreciated for The subsequent 993 Carrera 4, introduced in above its stablemates, the 996 Carrera 4S was the extras they offer over their equivalent rear- 1994, follows the same approach: tiny details introduced in 2002 and is the most aggressive like brake caliper colour and indicator glazing are early water-cooled 911 this side of a Turbo or GT3. 88 June 2022 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8

SUBSCRIBE TO SERVICE HISTORY AND MILEAGE SFEOERPDAEGTEA1IL2S2 Manufactured between 1997 and 2004 (two further years for the mighty Turbo S, GT2 and GT3 models), the 996 was the first 911 to feature a water-cooled engine. Despite grumblings from Porsche purists, the model proved a hit with the wider motoring public — worldwide sales figures of more than 175,000 units made the 996 one of the company’s most popular products. Lofty sales figures means there are plenty of 996s available for those delving into today's used Porsche market. Despite the 996’s healthy reliability record, however, not all of the available examples are sound buys. Choose a 996 which has been properly maintained and you can look forward to years of enjoyable driving, but pick one neglected by its owners and you can expect sizeable repair bills. A comprehensive pre-purchase inspection will pick up any imminent problems and give you peace of mind, but it’s useful to know what you should be looking for when you head out for a test drive. Retailing for just £2,610 more than the smaller- engined, plain-styled 996 Carrera 4, the 996 Carrera 4S adopted almost all of the 996 Turbo’s styling changes. A full service history demonstrating the Carrera 4S you're looking at has been subject to the correct service regime (and work has been carried out by a reputable Porsche specialist) is a good sign, but be wary about cheap examples maintained at non-expert garages — ask to see the last service invoice, which should feature a list of advisories. If the recommendations have been acted on, the seller should be able to produce invoices for the work. If not, the information will give you an idea of what maintenance costs are likely to be during the first twelve months owning the Porsche you're thinking about buying. As you'll discover across the following pages, the 996 Carrera 4S's four-wheel drive capabilities make it practical enough for everyday use in more or less all driving conditions. And, contrary to popular belief, when it comes to the 3.6-litre flat-six, there is no reason to worry about high mileage, as long as the car has been well maintained. In fact, low mileage examples may require extra checks — these cars like to be used regularly. Keep in mind, a 996 with very low mileage may well have been used primarily for track days. Ensure you are fully aware of how the car has been cared for. Eschewing the standard body of a two- drive surety with the Turbo aesthetic. wheel drive 996, the 'C4S' flexes extra Best of all, this boisterous machine can muscle in its rear quarters and carries currently be yours for less than £20k, Turbo exterior styling, save for the force- though it's best to buy forewarned — both fed model's side intake vents. the 996 C4S and its first-generation 997 successor have the same unfortunate With more power and displacement association with engine issues as any than the 996 Carrera 4, plus a sprint to early water-cooled Porsche. Buy wisely, 60mph in less than five seconds, the C4S however, and you'll be rewarded with the is simply the best all-rounder of the 996 best-value 911 currently available. l range, combining trademark four-wheel 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8 June 2022 89

TECH: BUYING GUIDE ENGINE AND IMS BEARING not uncommon. Although the seal itself is an A misfiring engine (or one sounding rough inexpensive part, labour for the work can be when running) may be a sign of problems with 996 Carrera 4S power comes from a 316bhp costly, primarily because the seal is very difficult the ignition coil packs. Over time, heat from version of the familiar 3.6-litre flat-six, with to access. If you spot an oil leak on the C4S you the engine and exhaust can cause the coils to maximum output developing at 6,800rpm. While plan to buy, ask a Porsche specialist to take a expand and the insulation to crack. The only both this engine and revised headlights (so look. A leak doesn't always mean the RMS needs solution is to replace the parts. Thankfully, it long, fried eggs!) feature on every 996 Carrera to be replaced immediately — the work can often will be relatively inexpensive to have the work built in and after 2002, only the Carrera 4S has be delayed until a bigger job (such as changing completed by an independent Porsche specialist. the hardware and hips to claim a legitimate the clutch) needs to be carried out, but it's The packs are likely to have to be replaced relationship to the Turbo. certainly something to note as likely to need several times during the car’s lifetime. attending to in the future. Cracked cylinder heads were a problem on The coolant radiators in the front bumper (and some early 996s. Reading forum posts may lead One of the most serious issues on the 996 the air-conditioning condensers located directly you to conclude there has been an epidemic flat-six is failure of the factory-fitted IMS bearing, behind them) are susceptible to stone chips and of cracked cylinder heads and liners on M96 which can lead to catastrophic engine problems. corrosion resulting from dirt, salt and leaves engines. In reality, the issue is relatively rare and An IMS is used to transfer power between coming in through the air scoops. In an ideal the prominence of horror stories published online crankshaft and camshafts. At one end of the IMS world, the debris would be regularly cleaned is due to unlucky owners venting after being on sits a plain bearing, while the other end is fitted away, but most 996 owners never attempt it, the receiving end of large repair bills. Unless with a ball bearing. Three different types of ball leaving plenty of time for damage to develop you have access to specialist equipment, the bearing were used during M96/M97 production, between services. Suspect radiators and/or problem is very difficult to spot in its early stages. starting with a dual-row ball bearing in 1996. A condensers will need to be replaced to avoid Given the price of a replacement engine, it's well smaller single-row ball bearing was introduced overheating and the loss of air-conditioning. worth investing in a borescope inspection before three years later. The IMS and its plain bearing buying a C4S, thereby helping you to establish if are submerged in oil during normal operating expensive failure is imminent. conditions and the ball bearing is filled with grease protected from the engine oil by a seal. A claim heard often is that cracked cylinder heads and liners occur between 25,000 and Differences in manufacturing tolerances can 50,000 miles. In truth, the problem can strike on result in seal failure and material mixing with the higher mileage cars, too. A more relevant piece grease, thereby wearing out the bearing, resulting of information is to keep in mind early 3.4-litre in failure. If the bearing lasts for several years, engines have proved much more prone to this however, there’s a good chance it will continue problem than the post-2001 3.6-litre units. operating without fault long into the future. The rear main oil seals (RMS) were a weak point on Porsches of this era and leaks are 90 June 2022 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8

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TECH: BUYING GUIDE TIPTRONIC AND FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE IDENTITY, WHEELS AND BODYWORK A semi-automatic system, the reputation of Porsche's Tiptronic transmission has Visually, only the electronic Carrera spoiler, the full-width been given a beating over the years, chiefly because, as you'd expect, the newer rear light bar (missing from the later early 997 C4S) PDK (second-generation 997 onward) is a slicker unit with more instantaneous and the loss of both rear wheel arch vents differentiate shifting. Both the 996's sequential Tiptronic and the later PDK, however, allow manual this imposing, naturally aspirated machine from a override — leave the gearbox in drive and let the car take care of shifting for regular full-blooded Turbo. Even now, twenty years after its driving, then switch to manual controls and move up and down the cogs as you see introduction, the 996 4S looks like it means business. fit for spirited B-road blasting or track action. To achieve this, you use the steering wheel-mounted buttons to change gear. Some owners have found the flappy paddles Styling isn’t the only similarity between the 996 Turbo introduced for use with PDK more intuitive. If this sounds like something you'd prefer, and C4S. The naturally aspirated car also borrows the rest assured there are many online guides illustrating how to introduce paddles to a eighteen-inch wheel styling of its force-fed cousin. The Tiptronic-kitted 996 or 997. twisty five-spokes measure eight inches wide at the front and eleven at the rear, with Turbo-equalling 225 and As we've just mentioned, you can use the steering wheel controls to change the 295-section tyres respectively. 330mm drilled discs and automatically selected gear. Automatic gear selection will then resume. If you're four-piston monobloc calipers occupy the corners, while adamant you don't want any assistance (track use, for example) you can put the the suspension uses Turbo parts to sit firmer and 10mm gearbox into manual mode, thereby preventing the transmission from intervening. lower than any other 996 Carrera. Most people who knock Tiptronic have no prior experience of the system, which The easiest way to correctly verify the identity of the is hugely powerful and results in a quicker Porsche than the equivalent manual. car you're looking at is to check its VIN. Make sure it Spend time learning how to use the system properly and you'll find it very rewarding. matches what’s printed on the V5. Elsewhere on the Reassuringly, unless the host Porsche is driven flat-out on the redline and down a same document, you’ll see the car’s engine number. steep gradient, it is virtually impossible to over-rev a flat-six mated to Tiptronic. Spend a tenner at mycarcheck.com, where you can The primary four-wheel drive hardware underpinning C4S variants of the 996 and download a history report outlining any insurance claims, early 997 is identical to that used by Carrera 4 machines of the same generations. change of registration number, recorded mileage and The entirely mechanical arrangement acts as an addition to the rear-drive system whether there is any outstanding finance on the C4S used by all 996 and 997 Carreras — two and four-wheel drive variants — and uses you're looking at. You should also enter the car's details a Cardan shaft to bring power forward into a ZF assembly driving the front wheels. into the DVLA’s MOT database (visit bit.ly/dvlamot), The construction contains two major components: an open differential and a viscous a service returning all passes, failures and advisories coupling. It’s the latter of these which gives the fourby versions of the 996 and 997 as far back as records are stored. Additionally, take their ability to vary the percentage of power sent to the front axle. advantage of the Suncoast Parts Porsche VIN decoder (bit.ly/suncoastvin), which will provide you with a Porsche- An entirely automatic process, these changes are brought about by any speed specific build sheet in exchange for just $10. This difference between the front and rear driveshafts, which are connected to a dense document will let you know exactly how the car left the collection of vanes within the viscous coupling, rotating inside a bath of heat-sensitive factory, including model specification and any Individual fluid. As driveshaft speed increases, the liquid begins to warm, becoming increasingly Equipment items optioned. firm and sending energy forward from the faster-spinning rear vanes to the front. The Porsche system always transfers a minimum of five percent power to the front The bodywork on the 996 is of the highest quality wheels, but this slowly rises with speed, reaching thirty percent at 155mph and (Porsche provided a ten-year anti-rust warranty). With the spiking to forty percent when the rear tyres lose traction. exception of the area below the door catches (primarily early 996s), rust is rare and may therefore be evidence The coupling’s front axle location is a change from the centre-mounted all-wheel of a badly repaired smack. Check the body carefully for drive systems used in 964 and 993 Carrera 4s. This alteration allows the 996 and 997 dents and signs of repair. Also check underneath the system to dovetail with both a six-speed manual and five-speed Tiptronic gearbox. car for a misshaped floorpan, another sure sign the car Current values vary little between the two transmission types, showcasing the has been involved in an accident. Ask for details of any adaptability of the Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S platforms. damage and repairs, and make sure you see receipts for the work. Be satisfied with the quality of any repairs The Tiptronic gearbox has demonstrated itself to be very reliable, but the cooling before making an offer for the car. pipes have a tendency to rust after a few years of being exposed to dirt and road salt. Thankfully, replacing these parts is a relatively inexpensive job. 92 June 2022 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8

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TECH: BUYING GUIDE OWNER STORY BRAKES, SUSPENSION AND EXHAUST The 996 Carrera 4S was offered as a coupe in 2002 and 2003. 2004 saw the This incarnation of the 911 is much lighter on its stoppers than arrival of the Carrera 4S Cabriolet. This four-wheel drive drop-top would act as most sports cars of the same vintage, but as with all cars, the swansong for the 4S, as well as the entire 996 range. Stefanie Mahan is the brakes need to be replaced every few years. Make a visual check proud owner of the awe-inspiring example pictured on these pages. of the discs for signs of rust and warping, and also see if the car shakes or pulls one way when braking — these are signs \"The original buyer specified more than £50,000 of extras from Porsche's consumables will need to be replaced in the near future. If the special wishes team in Stuttgart,\" she tells us, highlighting updates resulting in pads and discs have been changed recently, ask to see receipts. a lack of exposed plastic in the cockpit. Custom leather covers everything, from The job should have been undertaken using quality parts. the seat backs to every inch of the dashboard, air vent vanes, speaker grilles, the oh-so-retro car phone and even the steering column stalks! Additionally, the Due to the hard driving Stef and Gareth subject their 996 to dash binnacle, centre console surround, steering wheel, climate fascia, gear at weekends, they've decided to fit bigger brakes to the car for knob and handbrake cover are all made from carbon-fibre, a relatively exotic additional stopping power. This is a sensible move. Thankfully, a material for production cars at the time of this special 996's assembly. high number of high-performance discs, pads, hoses and caliper upgrades are available for the 996 from a variety of aftermarket As a community nurse, Stef spends much of her time on the road. Having manufacturers and retailers. acquired her 911 from MLR in Stoke-on-Trent in 2021, she has since called the Porsche into service as her daily. \"Four-wheel drive makes the 996 feel hugely The 996's suspension was superb for its day and has proved planted in all driving conditions, not just when roads are slippery,\" she says. to be very durable. The only problem you are likely to encounter \"Compared to this, a 986 Boxster feel like a go-kart, which I admit is a lot of fun, is creaking or rattling from the front or rear corners, which is a but the 996 C4S feels like a far more substantial car in every sense. Whether sign the control arms/tuning forks are either worn or have been simply commuting for work or using the steering wheel controls to thrash damaged. Replacing them is a simple and relatively inexpensive around backroads at high speed at weekends, the C4S simply feels like more job, which will probably need to be done every three or four Porsche. Following the recent addition of a Pioneer head unit providing sat-nav years. Parts are cheap and readily available. and smartphone connectivity, if feels like a much younger car, too.\" Corrosion of the exhaust fasteners, bolts and nuts is a Having just returned from a ten-day skiing trip to the French Alps (view the common problem which can lead to exhaust gas leakage. A video at bit.ly/996alps) with her fiancé, Gareth, she confirms the 996 is far more visual check will identify the fault, but you may need access to a practical than many might give it credit for. \"We loaded up with our clothes, lift in order to get a proper view. There is no alternative to having snow socks for the car, safety helmets, backpacks, a tool kit, ski boots, my the parts replaced. handbag and much more. Packaging in the frunk can resemble a game of Tetris, but there's still plenty of room in a 996, and the rear seats fold down to Plenty of 996 owners choose to upgrade the factory-fitted take the form of a shelf offering even more luggage capacity.\" exhaust with a sportier alternative promising additional noise. It’ll sound great on a one-off test drive, but you may not find increased volume quite as pleasing every day, especially if you're buying a Carrera 4S Cabriolet. As with any modification, you should ask for details of the parts fitted and check to make sure the work was carried out by a reputable specialist. l 94 June 2022 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8

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TECH: TOPICS MAKING THE RIGHT NOISES The sound a Porsche makes is arguably as important as any other aspect of the car, creating an emotional connection between driver and vehicle, as well as informing occupants what’s going on beneath the engine lid. With the move toward further electrification of the manufacturer’s product line, there’ll be more focus on sound engineering in Zuffenhausen than ever before… Words Shane O’Donoghue Photography Porsche 96 June 2022 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8

Above Cayenne GTS L aunch of the 718 Cayman makes, so too do the new air intakes are finalised. The outcome varies from sports exhaust has GT4 RS got us thinking replacing the rearmost side glass. This model to model and, unsurprisingly, been acoustically how crucial a sports car’s is no happy coincidence — Porsche has between variants of the same model tuned to provide sound is to the vehicle’s been actively engineering how its cars range. listeners with the appeal as whole. Sound is sound for decades. perfect soundtrack especially important for a A desirable exhaust note isn’t the both inside and Porsche, and though the GT4 RS shares Remarkably, the process begins only parameter the team has to deal outside the cabin its basic 718 structure with the earlier before a single component has been with — legislation has limited the volume GT4 and uses the mighty 911 GT3’s manufactured. Specifically, Porsche’s of cars since the 1920s. In 1978, the Below Turbocharging engine, the mid-engined RS has a sound acoustics specialists digitally analyse the drive-by loudness limit was eighty- presents many signature all of its own. likely effect of various exhaust and intake two decibels, reduced to seventy-two challenges when it system designs on the sound of the decibels in 2016. That year, a plan was comes to optimising Porsche designed the GT4 RS for proposed car. Bizarrely, this means they put in place to gradually reduce the limit the sound of an “maximum driving pleasure” from the can hear how the car should sound, even to sixty-eight decibels by 2026 (indeed, engine and exhaust outset, and while the model’s new before it exists. A selection of exhaust the latest change comes into play in July exhaust system — dictated by altered options is presented to the management this year). At the same time, new test Facing page Firing up orientation of the GT3’s engine — board and, once a preferred choice is procedures were introduced to reduce the 804 F1 car contributes hugely to the sound the car signed off, the system’s specifications the chances of car makers ‘gaming the 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8 June 2022 97

TECH: TOPICS system’, as many were suspected of introduction of a force-fed flat-four for engineering in Porsche vehicles is the Above The 917 short-tail kicked off doing. This made life particularly difficult the 718 range in 2016. In an attempt sports exhaust system developed for the Porsche's first digital engine concert for sports car manufacturers, not least to give the exhaust of this car’s engine Cayenne GTS Coupe, launched in 2020. because several runs past a microphone a unique sound (the 718 line-up’s The cynical among you might suspect at various speeds in each gear are now biggest criticism), Porsche created centrally located exhaust outlets were required before approval is granted. an asymmetric manifold design to used to visually differentiate the upgrade channel hot gases to the turbocharger. from the standard equipment, but the REFINING THE RECIPE Additionally, downstream of the catalytic positioning of the pipes is at the heart The changing nature of engine converter, the exhaust gases are split of the design. They are the brainchild development has meant the need to again, one path leading straight to the of Jörg Winkel, Head of Acoustics at adapt. Turbocharging is a big challenge, standard muffler and the other detouring Porsche, who developed the design primarily because the presence of a to a Helmholtz resonator to tune the four years before the GTS came to turbocharger in the exhaust alters gas sound. The phenomenon of Helmholtz market. Put simply, there are two distinct flow speed and branches of the therefore sound A SELECTION OF MUSEUM CARS, WITH exhaust stretching all pattern, while EQUALLY FAMOUS RACING DRIVERS AND the way from engine introducing to the tailpipes, with a sounds of ENGINEERS FROM PORSCHE’S PAST bypass valve playing its own to a big role in altering the equation. COMING TOGETHER TO REV THE ENGINES the sound, depending Turbocharging on different operating can, in fact, conditions. completely shift the frequency range and, resonance is named for Hermann von Obviously, at high revs and throttle it should be noted, sometimes dampen Helmholtz, who, in the 1850s, discovered openings, a sportier sound is desirable, out desirable noise by introducing air in a vessel resonates at different along with a gratuitous start-up roar, unwanted sound. To help maintain frequencies depending on its geometry. but this needs to be balanced with control of the situation, the twin- His work has influenced car makers comfortable cruising, drive-by noise turbocharged flat-six in the 911 uses in the design of intake and exhaust regulations and country-specific laws. its map-controlled wastegates to help systems in order to alter the sound To assist, before the exhaust gases perfect the exhaust note. emitted — it’s not unique to Porsche. reach the Cayenne’s centrally mounted A big challenge came with the Another recent example of sound rear silencer, they go through a bypass 98 June 2022 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8

Above Markus Sitzler, valve on each branch. When these are few other brands have a long history of The exhaust system is, of course, Porsche's Team open, the exhaust gases pass straight distinctive air-cooled boxer engines, not only one source of noise coming Leader of Periphery to the exit pipes for maximum volume. to mention such a big range of racing from a working Porsche, but it is the SUV Engines When closed, the gases first go through powerplants. And Porsche certainly primary factor affecting how the vehicle a tortuous path within the silencer. milks this heritage for all it is worth sounds from the outside. Nevertheless, Top right Cayenne Regardless of which position the — back in 2011, it held the inaugural regardless of engine configuration or GTS Coupe's centre- valves are in, the passengers of the car Porsche Sound Nacht (Porsche Sound legislation, what the driver hears is of located twin tailpipes experience more of the sound than they Night), which has been sell-out success much greater importance. do in other examples of the Cayenne every year since. In short, the event takes Below Developing because Porsche removed some of the the form of a carefully curated selection ELECTRIC DREAMS noises for the electric SUV's insulating material around the rear of museum cars, with equally famous Taycan has required of the cabin. racing drivers and engineers from Sounds a Porsche’s occupants an entirely new Porsche’s past coming together to rev experience are likely to be enhanced as approach to Porsche Porsche is acutely aware of the the engines and, well, listen to them. The we move further toward electrification sound engineering importance of the sounds its cars make, latest Porsche Sound Nacht took place in of the brand’s product line. The Taycan and though the company’s classics September last year and was broadcast was developed from the start to “sound weren’t subjected to the same sound online to allow many more enthusiasts like a Porsche”, despite its all-electric engineering scrutiny as its newer models, to enjoy the spectacle and sounds of powertrain. Tobias Hillers, the company’s the Stuttgart squad has a rich heritage of Porsche exhaust systems. Head of Active Sound Design, was distinctive noise to draw on. For starters, responsible for this project. “The sound 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8 June 2022 99

TECH: TOPICS has to fit the vehicle and be authentic. composed in such a way that a sound different, designed to give the Taycan Above RSR 3.0 takes We incorporate the components that experience typical of Porsche sports as alluring a voice as any of Porsche’s to the stage and belts sound really good, then we filter out car is created. The driver can activate internal combustion engines. And, while out its greatest hits less attractive sounds. Anything which and deactivate PESS by selecting the much PESS development work was sounds like a dentist’s drill or streetcar Sport Plus driving mode directly in the carried out at the soundproof laboratory Below Tony Hatter has to go!” The result was the Porsche Drive menu of Porsche Communication of the Porsche research centre in (in the car), who Electric Sport Sound (PESS), which can Management (PCM) or via the Weissach, it’s reassuring to hear Hillers worked as designer be switched off by the driver if required. configurable joker keys. say a significant amount of real-world at Porsche for testing was also required. “At one point, three decades, The aim of PESS is to make the LISTEN AND LEARN we spent three weeks hunkered down demonstrated the Taycan’s drive sound more emotionally PESS shouldn’t be confused with the at our Nardò Technical Centre in Italy, sound of one-off 911 charged and richer, both in the cabin Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) creating sounds and trying them out on Turbo 2.7 from 1974 and outside the car. For this purpose, required by legislation in many countries the venue’s test tracks.” No doubt he disturbing noises from the drive to be active at low speeds to ensure approves of the roar delivered by the 718 Bottom left 718 F2 architecture are deliberately minimised, vulnerable road users and pedestrians Cayman GT4 RS’s GT3-derived flat-six. If marked the end of while emotive sounds matching what can hear an EV coming. PESS is very only all cars sounded this good! l 2021's online event the car is doing are amplified. These are 100 June 2022 9a347045-5cfb-4fa3-9144-8a7ff2edadd8