Porsche
of Huntsville continues to take it to the next level. A couple of weeks ago the
dealership invited local Porsche enthusiasts to be the first to see the 2017 Porsche
718, German engineering at its best. Porsche of Huntsville routinely have special
“First Look” or “Unveiling” events to show off the latest vehicles, however, this
time it was an event to let customers ride and even drive the newest offering
from Porsche. The guest were also treated to food and drink at this outdoor
event BBQ style, with burgers, hot dogs, pulled pork and all the fixings.
Not
to miss this first time event, on hand to greet the guests was General Manager
George Jones (Century Automotive Group). He welcomed everyone and encouraged
them to get behind the wheels and take a ride to experience the cars first
hand.
The
TAC (Twickingham Auto Club) of Huntsville helped setup a mini auto-cross track
for the participants and drivers to fully experience the power and speed of
these new cars from Porsche. Seeing them in the showroom or reading about them
on the internet will never beat seat time. Most all of the 60 plus guest took
advantage of this special offer to drive the just released 718 from Porsche.
On
everyone’s mind was the change in the engine bay, would the turbocharged 2.5
liter flat-four measure up to its predecessors 3.4 liter naturally aspirated
flat-six? After seeing the smiles on the participant’s faces after each ride,
I’d say the turbocharged replacement did measure up just fine. Then based on
the reactions from enthusiasts who drove the Boxster S, it’s a safe bet that
the little 2.5 did the trick. Turbo lag in the new 718 is overcome by the new
(VTG) variable turbine geometry technology allowing the turbo to run up to 14.5
psi of boost! Several drivers commented on the “lively” feel of the Boxster and
loved the quickness in the turns of the road course.
Randy
Carter (Porsche Huntsville Service Manger) served as the driver for most of the
event for those who only wanted a spirited ride, however, most everyone was
also easy to persuade into driving the Boxster S on hand.
Let’s look at the stats:
2017 718 Boxster S:
Engine –
Turbocharged 2.5 liter (DOHC 16 Valve)
Horsepower - 350
HP
Torque – 309 lb.
ft.
Transmission – 6-speed
Manual or PDK (7-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shifting mode)
Top Speed – 177 mph
Zero to 60 mph – 4.4
sec.
Price – MSRP from
$56,000 on the base 718 Boxster ($68,400 on the 718 Boxster S)
I will be the first to say this event was a
“Massive Success” for Porsche of Huntsville and guest who enjoyed the Ride
& Drive activities and will want to do it again soon…….maybe in a newly
purchased Porsche of their own.
Porsche
of Huntsville always provides Award winning sales experience, optimal customer
service and offer the best showroom experience in the Southeast. Drop by today
and see one of the sales associates and let them show you why Porsche says do
it “For the sport of it”. What’s next? You need to stay tuned for exciting news
on the 718 Cayman!
Most 17 year old kids are
preparing for the high school prom or making plans for ski trips at the river
this summer. However, Noah Wright, a 17 year old junior at Athens Renaissance
School, in Athens AL. has racing on his mind. Noah has only been racing Motocross
for a little over a year and a half. Although he grew up with dirt bikes and four
wheelers he had only competed in four races on a 65cc when he was about 9 years
old. For years Noah begged his parents (Chad and Amy Wright) to let him do more
races, but the time to take it up a notch just wasn't right. Then he began to
strategize and came up with a plan go to the Loretta Lynn's Amateur Nationals.
Basically he was saying he wanted a shot at the Pro Circuit. I’m sure after
many discussions and even some prayer, his parents thought it was time, so on
his 16 birthday Noah got a used Kawasaki 250 dirt bike. His dad told him that
they would run a local series in Arena Cross and if he did well and could win
the series he would buy Noah a new bike. Well he did……did I mention Noah was
determined? Several bikes later, lots of faith, dedication, training, commitment
and yes…….more RACING, Noah is well on the way to Loretta Lynn's!
(Noah being interview by me on ZTV-11 Jamie Cooper Show)
Over this past year Noah and
his family have spent every weekend racing. Noah has been on tracks in AL, TN, NC,
VA, FL, OH, IN, GA, MO, MS and IL. He has qualified in the Southeast, Mid
Central and Northeast Regions and will attend one more area qualifier in a
couple of weeks. He will attend his first Regional Race at Muddy Creek in
Tennessee in May. Chad and Amy as well as his entire family and friends are so
proud of Noah and his accomplishments. In this sport it's a family effort, it
takes a lot of commitment from everyone and Noah's long term goal is to compete
in the Pro Circuit and be successful.
(Noah in the pink racing pants....going for the lead)
Noah’s dedication and
commitment should be an inspiration to others that have big dreams and goals,
but find them unobtainable. Noah has had many road blocks along his journey,
some of those being injuries, but one of the hardest is those who are negative, non-supportive or just bullies. Regardless of the opposition or negativity, Noah
has tunnel vision….he has stayed focused and keeps a strong faith. The Wright family
strongly believes that if God plants the desire He (God) will provide the path…..and
give you the tools to accomplish your dream! Noah’s mom (Amy) says “When you
arrive at your goal…..always give Him the glory!”
(It can be a dirty job.......but Noah has always like the mud!)
You can keep up with Noah
and his journey by following him on Facebook and on Instagram @ noah_wright007
Porsche of Huntsville continues to generate a level of
excitement that rivals a rock concert and once again they out did themselves.
Last week the dealership invited local Porsche enthusiasts to be the first to
see the 2017 911 Carrera, another awesome example of German engineering. The timeless
design of the Porsche 911 has wowed the crowds for the last 54 years and
continues to be the benchmark for all other sports cars to follow. Porsche of Huntsville often have special “First Look” or “Unveiling” events to show off the latest vehicles and this was
another crowd pleaser. The guest were treated to food and drink in this state-of-the-art
facility as they anticipated the next big thing from Porsche of Huntsville.
The showroom was filled with a larger than normal crowd of local
VIP’s, salespersons, service team members and local Porsche Club members who
wanted to see the sophisticated elegance of this new 2017 911 Carrera 4S in red
carpet fashion. Always the gracious hosts and on hand to greet every single
guest was General Manager George Jones (Century Automotive Group) and Tracy
Jones (President-Century Automotive Group). Even though they both have tremendous
responsibilities keeping them busy running the business, it’s always great to
see this dynamic duo mingling with clients, friends and family as they also
share in the excitement of launching a new vehicle.
General Manager George Jones (Century Automotive Group)
It was hard not to succumb to the temptation to peak under
the silk car cover at the new 911, but guest would have to wait till the big
moment arrived. Guests enjoyed chatting about their fondest memories in their own
911 and swapped stories of their favorite Porsche vehicles. As George got
everyone’s attention, he gave a quick overview of the 911’s storied history and
then turned it over to Mark Fry (Porsche Sales) who was more than eager to give
the specific details of the new 2017 911 Carrera 4S Coupe in a spectacular color
(Graphite Blue Metallic). He reminded the crowd that even though the car looked
somewhat similar to the previous 911 model, the trained eye could see many
changes….some were even lurking under the skin of this curvaceous body! The
all-wheel drive 911 Carrera 4S received the new twin turbocharged 3.0 liter F-6
engine with a whopping 420 HP and 368 lb-ft. of torque. What’s significant
about this new engine is an increase of 20 horsepower and 43 lb-ft. of torque
over the naturally aspired 3.8 liter F-6 it replaces. Smaller displacement, yet
more power should have been expected from a group that continues to push the
limits of the performance driving experience! Porsche also boast that the new
twin-turbo engine is 12 percent more fuel efficient than the engine it replaces
on the new European Driving Cycle.
2017 911 Carrera 4S Coupe (Graphite Blue Metallic)
Other significant changes for this refined 911 included
revised headlights, taillights, door handles, rear deck lid and louvers. The
new Sport Chrono package adds a steering wheel mounted switch that allows the
driver to select between Normal/Sport/Sport Plus/and Individual driving modes.
Each one of these selections also adjust the PASM (Porsche Active Suspension
Management) system, PDK transmission, and Sport Exhaust system to give the
driver a choice of driving pleasure. The touch-screen PCM (Porsche
Communication) connectivity and infotainment system is standard and takes your
driving experience to the next level.
Let’s look at the stats of this new 911 Carrera 4S Coupe (as unveiled) and
see what all the buzz is about:
Engine – Twin-Turbocharged
3.0 liter F-6
Horsepower - 420
HP
Torque – 368 lb.
ft.
Transmission – Manual
or PDK (7-speed dual-clutch automatic)
Top Speed – 188 mph
Zero to 60 mph –
3.9 sec. (3.6 sec with PDK and Sport-Chrono Package)
Price – MSRP from
$89,400 on the base 911 Coupe ($110,300 on the 911 4S Coupe)*
*911 Carrera is offered
in 14 different variants including the Coupe, Cabrio, Targa, R, and GT3
As if the crowd was not thrilled enough, Jon Cunha (Porsche
Sales Manager) drove into the showroom a 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabrio
painted in the ever popular GT Silver and as he lowered the top the guest
gathered around to soak in the rich luxurious interior and begin asking
questions about all the high-tech gadgets. To complete the trio of 911’s, another 2017
Carrera S Coupe in the GT Silver color was driven onto the service ramp for
guest to enjoy.
It seems all great things must eventually come to an end,
but it was safe to say the event was another “must see” for Porsche of
Huntsville and guest who enjoyed the festivities could be seen taking one last
peak at the new 911’s as they left the showroom.
(Photo courtesy of Porsche USA)
Porsche of Huntsville continues to provide Award winning
sales experience, optimal customer service and offer the best showroom
experience in the Southeast. Drop by today and see one of the sales associates
and let them show you why a recent ad sums it up best “Every Porsche is designed to be Forever Amazing”.
Okay guys
let’s admit it, we miss playing with Hot Wheels?? You know, those little 1:64 scale die-cast
cars that we played with when we were growing up. How many of you guys began to dream about
having one of your Hot Wheels in full size?
Well I was one of those guys who had a box full of these little cars and
I remember setting them up as if we were having a car show or we were at the
race track. Just think about the hours
we spent racing these things around our room, on mom’s dining room table, or in
the driveway at your house. Sometimes we
would setup a whole town and play all day!
I had a favorite car that I can still remember today, so I looked it up
and turns out it was a black/yellow Mustang made by “Matchbox”, who is another
company that made these little die-cast cars.
(Here
is a photo of one of my favorites……I wish I still had this one)
After
reading up on these toys, I became curious of the history of these die-cast
toys, so I decide to share some of my research.
Mattel
introduced the Hot Wheels line of die-cast toys in 1968 with the release of 16
original vehicles (sometimes called the “Sweet
16” by collectors today). They were
advertised as small scale/free-rolling models that were designed to look like hot
rods and custom muscle cars of the day.
All of the major car makers of the day had authorized Mattel to make
replicas of their most popular cars; Ford, Chrysler, General Motors. The list of car makers grew as the popularity
of the toys blossomed. What made these
cars so cool was the special metallic paint jobs on them called “Spectraflame”, wow even that name sounds
wicked! When we were younger I bet some
of you wished the same thing I did, that they made these die-cast cars in
“Full” size. The truth is there were a
few full size vehicles made that were copies of the Hot-Wheels toys and one of
those vehicles was the “Deora” and it was based upon a custom surf-truck
designed by Harry Bentley Bradley for Dodge.
The Deora was also one of the original 16 made by Mattel and the full
size version of this concept truck sold at the RM Auction in 2009 for $324,500
(as my Dad likes to say “those are BIG
coins”).
(Pictured
above are the “Hot-Wheels” and the 1965 “Real” version of the Deora vehicle)
I’m sure
you are excited just thinking about all the little Hot Wheels you had when you
were young and just maybe you can dig around in the attic or your shed and find
your old collection………….oh wait, now you remember your mom sold all your cars
and trucks at a yard sale just like my mom did!
Don’t tell anybody!
