1977 Porsche 911 on 2040-cars

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Porsche Classic puts modern navigation in older cars [w/video]

People drive classic vehicles for many, many reasons. Maybe it's because they're cool, or they bring back memories, or perhaps they just want to take a trip back in time, before the days of adaptive cruise control, massaging seats and satellite navigation. You know, back to when driving was about, well, driving. Someone did not mention this reasoning to Porsche, because the German company has decided to offer the tiniest, most ridiculous in-dash navigation system we've ever laid eyes on, through its Porsche Classic line. Because, you know, people don't own smartphones nowadays. In fact, most smartphones are significantly bigger than Porsche's new nav setup. The touchscreen is just 3.5 inches in size, although its graphical layout is clean and in line with the company's more modern offerings. It also integrates a new entertainment system, which adds Bluetooth connectivity and a 4x45 watt amp. The system is being offered for a wide array of vintage Porsches, ranging from the most modern, air-cooled 993s, all the way back to the earliest 911. Four-cylinder and V8 models, as well as front and mid-engine cars, can be fitted with the nav system, too. Porsche Classic has priced the new system at the frankly absurd price of 1,184 euros ($1,344 at today's rates), though we're sure a large number will indeed be sold and installed. Dedicated US pricing is still pending. Check out Porsche's rather silly video of the system in action, available alongside the full press release below. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. PORSCHE CLASSIC BRINGS OUT NEW NAVIGATION RADIO FOR CLASSIC SPORTS CARS True-to-style upgrade with state-of-the-art technology Atlanta. Classic on the outside yet ultra-modern on the inside: with its newly developed navigation radio, Porsche is responding to the growing demand for a built-in device for classic sports cars. The purpose-built unit combines the style of yesteryear with the benefits of modern technology. It fits perfectly into the DIN-1 slot that has been used in the sports cars for decades and is operated by means of two knobs, six discreetly integrated buttons and a touch-sensitive 3.5-inch display. Thanks to the appearance of the black surface and the shape of the knobs, which are supplied in two authentically styled versions as standard, the navigation radio blends harmoniously into the dashboard of classic Porsche models.

Preserving automotive history costs big bucks

$1.8 million is spent each year to maintain GM's fleet of 600 production and concept cars.
When at least two of the Detroit Three were on the verge of death a few years back, one of the tough questions that was asked of Ford, General Motors and Chrysler execs - outside of why execs were still taking private planes to meetings - was why each company maintained huge archives of old production and concept vehicles. GM, for example, had an 1,100-vehicle collection when talk of a federal bailout began.

Mercedes-AMG GT vs. Porsche 911 [w/poll]

Mercedes-Benz designed the AMG GT to compete head-on with the Porsche 911. It's a clear, singular purpose, and Benz brings a lot of money, technology and race-bred expertise to the fight.
The AMG GT is Merc's followup to the awesome SLS AMG, the retro-modern, gullwing-doored coupe that took us by storm half a decade ago. But this new GT coupe is a more focused sports car than the SLS, rather than an all out supercar capable of extreme performance. It's got a brand-new V8 engine, and state-of-the-art technology that help it to not only be a proper Mercedes, but to be a serious performer.
Mercedes will sell its new baby in two models. The GT S arrives first, in spring 2015, followed by the standard GT in mid-2016. Of course, there's room to grow from there. And while Porsche may have already expanded its 911 range to include a vast variety of models, here's how Stuttgart's icon stacks up against Affalterbach's bad boy.