New Carrera revs up Auto Haus Porsche

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This article was published 24/02/2012 (5313 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Porsche’s latest incarnation of the 911 Carrera — rechristened the 991 — is the best version yet, says Gerald Boiteau, Auto Haus Porsche’s general manager.

“It just keeps getting better and better,” Boiteau says of the redesigned 2013 model.

“This is the finest version I have ever seen in 27 years in this business.”

Auto Haus unveiled the new model — on Feb. 16 — in the style of previous Auto Haus Porsche launches — with an evening party attended by about 150 guests and complete with wine, hors d’oeuvres and live music.

Also on hand for the launch were Gary Aguillera, Porsche Canada’s technical support representative for this region, and Jennifer Cooper, who is responsible for Porsche Canada’s marketing and promotions.

In introducing the new model, Boiteau first outlined the 50-year history of the 911 (the most successful model in Porsche’s history, he noted). Since the model’s original introduction in 1963, the 911 has undergone five distinct revisions: the 911 classic, 964 Series, 993 Series, 996 Series, and 997 Series. Throughout, the basic concept has remained little changed.

Auto Haus Porsche sales rep Darren Hinchcliffe notes that the new model is 80 per cent changed from its predecessors. “It’s the best handling Porsche that I have ever driven,” he says. It has a four-inch longer wheelbase and two-inch wider front track, he says.

The 2013 model also has more power, Hinchcliffe points out. It is equipped with a 3.4L direct-injected flat-six engine that delivers a total of 350 h.p. It can reach a top speed of 188 m.p.h. and go from 0-62 m.p.h. in 4.6 seconds — or 4.4 seconds when teamed up with the optional Sport Chrono Package.

The upper end Porsche 911/991 Carrera S version turns out 400 h.p. This, plus the PDK, allows the Carrera S a 0-62 m.p.h. sprint time of 4.3 seconds.

Inside, the centre console has been moved up to the front with the high mounted shift lever or gear selector. These elements are located especially close to the steering wheel as is typical in motorsport. The classic instrument cluster includes a high resolution, multi-function screen, a central rev counter, and an ignition lock to the left of the steering wheel.

Hinchcliffe reports that the base model starts at $95,000 while the S version sells for $110,000.

The evening marked not only the introduction of the 911/991 series but also served as a farewell to Auto Haus Porsche. Boiteau revealed that Auto Haus Porsche, long one of Canada’s top-selling Porsche dealers, will be moving — but not far.

Come the fall, he said, the dealership will begin operations under its new name, Porsche Centre of Winnipeg, in what is currently Auto Haus’ onsite autobody shop.

“Porsche Centre of Winnipeg will be a boutique store,” Boiteau says. “It will be the finest boutique dealership in Western Canada.”

The new store will have a six-car showroom with the finest furnishings and a full service and parts department. One prominent feature, Boiteau says, will be a “fitting lounge” where customers can custom order their Porsches.

He reports that work will begin on the project in April.