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Recharge Wrap-up: Lucky fan to drive Porsche 918 Spyder, Avis Denmark has 861 Nissan EVs

A Tesla Model S customer shares his story of ownership over the course of 120,000 miles. Dante Richardson describes new software updates as being akin to anticipating the prize in a box of Cracker Jacks. Over the many miles he's driven the car, he has only learned to enjoy it more. "I don't know if it's the software updates or some of the other changes that have occurred with the car, but I find myself increasingly enamored and happy with the car as time has passed," Richardson says. His Volvo C70, in the meantime, usually sits idle as he opts to drive the Tesla. Read more at Tesla's website. A Facebook fan from Austria has won the opportunity to drive the Porsche 918 Spyder more than 622 miles. As part of a celebration for Porsche accumulating 10 million likes on the social media platform, Ingo Georges Vandenberghe will drive from London to the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone, via Wales and the Cotswolds, stopping occasionally to have other fans meet up to see and sign the car. It's a rare opportunity for the lucky driver, as every example of the high-performance Porsche hybrid has been sold. Read more at Hybrid Cars, and learn more about the celebration at Porsche's microsite. Avis Denmark now has the largest fleet of Nissan electric vehicles in Europe. The company has ordered 401 new Nissan e-NV200 vans and 60 Nissan Leafs for its leasing scheme. This is in addition to the 400 Leafs the Avis added to its fleet last year. "We had great success already with the Nissan Leaf in Denmark and we leased all of the units we purchased from Nissan very quickly, which has led to us ordering more," says Kasper Gjedsted, managing director of Avis Denmark. "To follow up that success we have decided to add the e-NV200 vehicle to broaden our offering and appeal to new types of customers." Read more in the press release below. AVIS ORDER CREATES EUROPE'S LARGEST FLEET OF NISSAN ELECTRIC VEHICLES - AVIS Denmark orders 401 Nissan e-NV200 vans and 60 Nissan LEAF electric cars - Combined with last year's order of 400 LEAFs, Avis now has largest EV fleet in Europe Copenhagen, 29th April 2015 - Nissan and AVIS Denmark have signed a deal to create the largest fleet of Nissan electric vehicles anywhere in Europe, with a new order of 401 Nissan e-NV200 vans and a further 60 units of the 100 percent electric Nissan LEAF.

Volkswagen names Piech's nieces to supervisory board

Volkswagen was left with two vacancies on its supervisory board after Ferdinand Piech and his wife Ursula were forced out a few days ago, and now it's filled them. Intriguingly, however, both of the new directors are Piech's nieces. The most obvious connection is Julia Kuhn-Piech, a real-estate professional who has sat on the board of VW's Man truck subsidiary since last year. Kuhn-Piech, 34, is the daughter of Ferdinand's younger brother Hans-Michel Piech (and by extension, niece of the ousted chairman). The other seat is being filled by Dr. Louise Kiesling, 57, a designer and daughter of Ferdinand's late older sister Louise Daxer-Piech. Keeping track of the lineage of the Porsche-Piech clan can be confusing, particularly with so many Ferdinands and Louises, but it breaks down essentially as follows: All are descended from Ferdinand Porsche, founder of the eponymous automaker and credited as the designer of the original Volkswagen Beetle. Porsche had a son and a daughter, the latter being Louise Porsche, who married Anton Piech and had four children: Ernst, Louise (mother of incoming board member Louise Kiesling), Ferdinand (the ousted chairman) and Hans Michel, father of the other incoming board member Julia Kuhn-Piech and a board member of both the Volkswagen Group and Porsche SE as well. The Piech and Porsche families control Porsche SE, which holds 50.7 percent of shares in the Volkswagen Group, which in turn owns Porsche the automaker. With all that in mind, appointing other members of the Piech-Porsche clan to the board follows logically enough - particularly since other members of the family helped oust Ferdinand from the chairmanship in the first place. The nominations, incidentally, also help VW increase its proportion of female board members. The two incoming Piechs will join Annika Falkengren of Swedish bank SEB and Babette Frohlich of the same IG Metall union as the board's interim chairman Berthold Huber. Wolfsburg, 30 April 2015 Dr. Louise Kiesling and Ms. Julia Kuhn-Piech appointed new members of the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG Upon application by the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, Dr. Louise Kiesling and Ms. Julia Kuhn-Piech were today appointed members of the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG by Braunschweig Local Court with immediate effect. The appointments were made pursuant to Section 104 of the Aktiengesetz (German Stock Corporation Act) and were occasioned by the recent resignations of Prof. Ferdinand K.

Porsche 944 Turbo jumps in the MotorWeek wayback machine

While there's no shortage of five- or ten-minute time wasters on the Internet, we humbly submit MotorWeek's awesome series of retro reviews as the best way to take up a short break. This time around, we have a classic Porsche from the 1980s, with John Davis reviewing the 944 Turbo. With a whopping 247 horsepower, the 944 Turbo still represents something of a performer even today, with Davis and Company recording a solid 5.7-second sprint to 60. While it might hold its own against today's hot hatchbacks, it's clear that today's vehicles have come a very long way in terms of interior equipment. Among the things MotorWeek highlights that seem weirdly out of place today include the passenger front airbag and, among the variety of old fashioned controls scattered throughout he cabin, the hilarious equalizer controls for the 10-speaker Blaupunkt stereo.

Ex-F1 driver Mark Webber has tough life, shakes down Porsche 911 GT3 RS

It's good work if you can get it, and Mark Webber has got it. The works driver for the Porsche World Endurance Championship Team was apparently asked to moonlight in a video shoot for the company's new 911 GT3 RS at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, and what do you know, he complied. They don't appear to be going too quickly, and a racing driver asked to rein in what will be one of the most blistering cars we'll see this year must be very serious work, because Webber doesn't appear to be smiling at all. We'll guess there's a big smile on the inside, though, and some tales to tell to his Porsche teammates at the next WEC race. Maybe the next time we see the 911 GT3 RS at the 'Ring, it will be doing the timed lap we're all waiting for. Related Video:

Porsche 911 Targa 4S special makes us want to go Dutch

There's a long list of things that make us love the Netherlands, and not all of them involve activities that would be illegal in most of the United States. Like this latest special edition Porsche 911, for example. Unveiled at AutoRAI 2015 – Holland's premier car show that opened last week – the Porsche 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Edition celebrates the 50th anniversary of Zuffenhausen's iconic partial convertible. It's decked out in Gulf blue, but instead of contrasting with bright orange, nearly everything else on this special Elfen is blacked out: The 20-inch Fuchs-style alloys, the throwback quarter-panel racing stripes, the LED headlight frames... everything but the signature Targa roof bar, which keeps its brushed metal finish. The interior is rather more subdued than you'd find on most special editions, with throwback houndstooth fabric seats and silver stitching. Power comes from the 3.8-liter boxer-six driving 400 horses to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Sport Chrono Package Plus, a sports exhaust, adaptive suspension and Bose audio system are all fitted as standard. Options include carbon-ceramic brakes, a seven-speed manual transmission and a 30-horse Powerkit. As the name suggests, though, this is a rather exclusive edition indeed. All fifteen examples will be made available exclusively in the Netherlands, priced from ˆ223,230 with the PDK or ˆ229,500 with the manual. That's more than you'd pay for a 911 Turbo Cabrio in the same country, and works out to more than $240k at today's conversion rates. Related Video: Speciaal voor Nederland: Porsche 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Edition - Zeer exclusief uitgevoerde 911 Targa 4S in Gulfblauw - 15 exemplaren om 50 jaar 911 Targa te vieren - Debuut op de AutoRAI Leusden, 16 april 2015 – Porsche Nederland presenteert op de AutoRAI 2015 de 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Edition. Dit model wordt in een oplage van 15 exemplaren door Porsche Exclusive geproduceerd om '50 jaar Targa' te vieren. Alle modellen zijn uitgevoerd in het herkenbare Gulfblauw met accenten in hoogglans zwart en lichtmetalen wielen in het klassieke 'Fuchs-design'. Elke 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Edition wordt geleverd met een fotoboek van de auto en het productieproces. Aansluitend aan de AutoRAI start de levering. De 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Edition is er vanaf ˆ 223.230. De 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Edition is speciaal voor de Nederlandse markt ontwikkeld ter ere van 50 jaar Targa.

Porsche says turbo'd 911 engines will still be revvy

Porsche fans really, really don't like change. Remember when the 911 moved away from air-cooled engines? Now, as the company prepares to move the vast majority of the 911 line away from naturally aspirated powerplants, one of the brand's highest ranking officials is speaking out to prevent a similar outcry. Dr. Heinz-Jakob Neusser, the head of powertrain development for the Volkswagen Group and a board member of the VW brand, told Car that turbocharging won't take away from the rev-happy nature of Porsche's current engines. "Turbocharging is possible with higher revs – it's not true to say that turbocharged engines must stop at 6000rpm," Neusser told Car at the 2015 New York Auto Show. "That's not true... If you look at McLaren, they already have in production turbo engines with high revs." With turbocharged engines, Nuesser explains, there's no need to go for a super high redline, because engineers are trying to spread the torque over the entire rev range. "It makes no sense to go to 10,000 rpm with a turbocharged engine," Neusser told Car. The other big concern that comes with the switch to turbocharging focuses on the 911's iconic flat-six exhaust note. Maintaining the car's well-known acoustic character shouldn't be an issue, Neusser said. "Noise is not a problem," adding that the Volkswagen Group knows a thing or two about building sweet-sounding turbos. "Look at the 911 Turbo; it has an extremely expressive noise today – that is not a problem. At the other end of the scale, the Golf R has it too," Neusser told Car. "You won't miss character with turbos, I promise." According to Car, the new turbocharged engines will arrive later this year at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, as part of the current 911's facelift. Featured Gallery Porsche 911 Coupe: Spy Shots View 9 Photos News Source: CarImage Credit: CarPix Frankfurt Motor Show Porsche Performance turbocharging volkswagen group

Porsche Boxster Spyder GT4 under consideration

Apparently, the Porsche Boxster Spyder will not be the ultimate example of the breed, after reports have surfaced indicating that Porsche is considering an even hotter roadster after seeing strong demand for the all-new Cayman GT4. The new lightweight Boxster was just unveiled a few weeks back at the 2015 New York Auto Show, showing a 3.8-liter flat-six, just like the Cayman GT4. It's without a number of GT4-specific components, though. According to Autocar, a Boxster Spyder GT4, if it were built, would benefit from the same 911 GT3-inspired adjustable front suspension, a unique rear suspension, GT3-spec brakes and a new aerodynamic kit. "We are looking at it right now," a source within Porsche told Autocar. "Much of the engineering has already been done for the Cayman, so we think this might be a good direction for us." Related Video:

The exotic '80s: Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus and the Porsche 959

There's no secret that we are big fans of the MotorWeek Retro Review series around here. In an automotive world that often focuses on the latest tech and what's coming in the future, it's refreshing to take a look into the past to get a new perspective. That said, the show is really outdoing itself this time by posting a full episode from the '80s to YouTube, complete with the original, jazzy opening. The video is an absolute standout, too, with drives of some of the best supercars that Europe could offer at the time. Among the now classic sportscars that MotorWeek got to drive are the Ferrari 328, Lotus Esprit Turbo, Lamborghini Jalpa and Autokraft AC Mark IV. There's even a preview that sings the praises of the tech in the Porsche 959. The episode is basically a showcase of most of the exotics from young enthusiasts' walls and school folders during the '80s and is not to be missed. News Source: MotorWeek via YouTube Ferrari Lamborghini Lotus Porsche Performance Classics Videos lotus esprit ac

2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder marks the return of something great [w/video]

Welcome back, Porsche Boxster Spyder. We absolutely adored the previous version – a roadster focused solely on driver enjoyment and simplistic perfection. Heck, we didn't even care that it had cloth loops for door handles. And this new model looks to (somehow) offer even more to love. Let's start with that engine: the 3.8-liter flat-six tuned to produce 375 horsepower and mated exclusively to a manual transmission, which powers the Spyder to 60 miles per hour in 4.3 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 180 mph. But power isn't the only thing that makes the Spyder package so great. It uses brakes from the 911 Carrera S, is the lightest Boxster in the range, sits 20 millimeters lower to the ground than the standard car, and still features the manually operated cloth roof from the previous car. And it looks fantastic. Fan-freaking-tastic. Inside, there's a whole lot of nothing, and that's just fine with us. Want a radio? That'll be extra. Air conditioning? Open your wallet for that, too. Seems odd in a car that'll start at $82,100 when it goes on sale later this year. But once again, this Boxster Spyder is a tactile sports car whose only mission is to offer outstanding driving dynamics – comfort options are optional, but not necessary. We can't wait to get our hands on this one. New York International Auto Show 2015: World Premiere of the Boxster Spyder New top model in Boxster family Atlanta. Porsche is highlighting the 2015 convertible season by celebrating the world premiere of the new Boxster Spyder. This pure sports car will make its debut at the New York International Auto Show. The new top model of the Boxster range retains the unique and unmistakable character of the previous Spyder, which has already attained cult status. For example, the classic roadster top is still opened and closed by hand, and the Boxster Spyder is only available with a manual transmission, benefiting both weight savings and driver enjoyment. Staying true to roadster DNA, the Boxster Spyder offers a traditional sports-car driving experience combined with truly exceptional performance. This includes a firm sport suspension with a 20-mm lower ride height, brakes taken from the 911 Carrera S, more direct steering, and a 3.8-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine with an output of 375 hp, culminating in a genuine sports car experience with outstanding driving dynamics. It is the lightest model of the current Boxster line, and the most powerful Boxster to date.

Porsche releases new Panamera Edition models

We can't remember the last time we came across a special edition called "Edition," but that's what Porsche is offering with the Panamera. Available on the base, 310-horsepower models, the Panamera Edition is so subtle you'd need to be in the secret owners club to identify it. High-gloss black trim strips outline the windows, it sits on 19-inch Panamera Turbo wheels with colored center caps, the sills are inscribed with the word "Edition," and body-colored door handles are fitted if you pay extra for Porsche Entry & Drive. The cabin gets Porsche logos in the seat headrests, those front thrones being 14-way in the US, climate controlled seats throughout, and a two-tone treatment in black and Luxor Beige. Oh, and special floor mats. Performance upgrades come in the inclusion of active suspension, and convenience comes with the included Park Assist. Tempted? Head to your Porsche dealer in June to take one home. The Panamera Edition will require $80,000, an eminently reasonable (for Porsche) $1,900 premium over the standard car. The Panamera 4 Edition needs $84,300, an even more reasonable $1,500 premium. Destination adds another $995 to both of those prices. The press release below has a few more details. Related Video: Porsche Panamera Edition: Sports sedan with extensive standard features Atlanta. A new special version of the Porsche Panamera sports sedan stands out through elegant styling combined with a significantly expanded range of standard equipment. Two models with powerful six-cylinder engines will be offered: the Panamera Edition and Panamera 4 Edition both come with an engine that delivers 310 hp. The Panamera 4 Edition features active all-wheel drive with an electronically controlled, map-controlled multi-plate clutch (Porsche Traction Management, PTM). The exterior of the Panamera Edition models is marked by additional subtle design tones, including high-gloss black trim strips on the side windows. The standard 19-inch alloy wheels in Panamera Turbo II design feature wheel center caps with a colored Porsche crest. The door handles are finished in exterior color when Porsche Entry & Drive is optionally selected. The Panamera Edition also boasts a two-tone standard interior in Black / Luxor Beige with the Porsche crest embossed on all head rests, Sport Design steering wheel, door sill plates with "Edition" lettering, and special floor mats.