1969 Porsche 911 Targa on 2040-cars

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J.D. Power: Vehicle dependability at all-time high, Lexus and Porsche lead

Each year, J.D. Power and Associates surveys original owners of three-year-old vehicles to find out what kinds of problems they have had experienced over the last 12 months, and then it uses this data to create its annual Vehicle Dependability Study. This means that the models in the 2013 study are 2010 model year vehicles, and J.D. Power rates each make as well as the top individual models based on how many problems were experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100).
Debunking the idea that carryover models are more dependable than new or updated models, the 2013 study found that the average carryover model experienced 133 PP100, while all-new or redesigned vehicles for the 2010 model year had 116 PP100; vehicles that received minor changes fared the best with just 111 PP100. The overall average for all makes was 126 PP100, which is the lowest figure since the findings were first issued in 1989.

Porsche releases special edition 911 GTS Club Coupe

Porsche is never afraid to add one more variant of the 911 to the lineup, but its latest inclusion to the range is being kept extra limited, to keep things super special. The automaker is building just 60 examples of the 911 GTS Club Coupe, and only members of the Porsche Club of America can order them. The organization fittingly celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. Prices for 59 of the cars start at $136,060, plus $995 destination, with deliveries in June, and club members can win the last car (the showcar) as a prize. Mechanically, these vehicles take the 430-horsepower engine, wider body and rest of the updates from the regular 911 GTS, but all of these come in a unique color called Club Blau. The cobalt shade gets set off with black frames around the bi-xenon headlights, tinted taillights and black chrome exhaust outlets. The limited coupes also get a vintage-inspired ducktail rear spoiler and 20-inch Sport Classic wheels in a mix of semi-gloss black and polished metal that evoke the look of the classic Fuchs wheels on older 911s. For added contrast inside, the seat stitching, seat belts and tachometer are offset in red. Plus, the trim for the dashboard, doors and center console features carbon fiber. Capping things off, a plaque reading "GTS Club Coupe 60 Years Porsche Club of America" is near the glovebox. Being a Porsche, there are still options on these special models. The Extended Club Coupe Package goes so far as to include the key painted in Club Blau and adds leather-edged floormats. A custom car cover is also available. Check out the gallery to pick out all of the stylish tweaks for these celebratory 911s. GTS CLUB COUPE REVEALED IN THE NEW PCNA HEADQUARTERS AT ONE PORSCHE DRIVE Porsche celebrates 60th anniversary of Porsche Club of America with limited-edition 911 model Atlanta. Celebrating six decades of the largest Porsche club organization in the world, Porsche Cars North America is commemorating this milestone with a 60 unit limited-production run of the Club Coupe based on the 911 Carrera GTS. Known as the GTS Club Coupe, the 430 hp sports car is painted in a color unique to this model appropriately named "Club Blau," which was created exclusively for this anniversary edition by the Porsche Club of America.

Former Porsche CEO Wiedeking indicted over VW takeover bid

Do you recall the failed efforts by Porsche to take over Volkswagen? According to a Bloomberg report, former Porsche CEO Wendelin Wiedeking (above) and ex-CFO Holger Haerter have finally been charged with market manipulation over the exercising of options as part of the German sportscar manufacturer's ill-fated attempt to take over the much larger VW. That failed bid eventually resulted in the reverse coming true - VW swallowing Porsche.
The charges leveled by Stuttgart prosecutors come after a three-year investigation centered around allegations that Porsche execs made a concerted effort to increase the company's share in VW to 75 percent in preparation for a hostile takeover. Porsche had previously told its investors on at least five occasions that it had no intention to buy VW.
Portions of the investigation have subsided, according to prosecutors, citing an inability to prove certain improprieties with a "necessary degree of certainty." The number of charges is down to 5 from a previous 14 counts regarding "information-based market manipulation."