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Porsche
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Out
In The Passing Lane
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 The
Cayenne public relations campaign is in full swing. I've received two identical
elaborate sales pieces containing a video tape, financing information,
and a product booklet detailing everything that is known about the new
Porsche. I've watched the video twice, each time amazed at the level of
mechanical sophistication contained within the Cayenne. I was certain from
the start that Porsche would design the Cayenne to be the most advanced
vehicle of its type, and that is clearly what they've accomplished.
I've read reviews by Car & Driver, Autoweek, and Excellence, all of which have nothing but high praise for the new car. The few negatives focus primarily on the exterior styling, which isn't all that exciting. Apparently the new Porsche's off-road capability is very impressive, but I still can't imagine new owners going off-road very often with their new very expensive SUV. The engine and suspension come in for very high praise. The Cayenne can be driven at very high speeds very comfortably, and goes like mad on racetracks (achieving the eighth fastest production vehicle lap time at the Nurburgring in Germany). Porsche Cars North America expects to sell their first year's allotment of 12,000 vehicles without much trouble. Rick Scourtas at Ira Porsche Audi believes he will have no problem selling every one he gets, and already has plenty of orders for the high end $90,000 Turbo model. Whew! Our plans for the first part of the year are already undergoing revisions. We'd intended to spend a few days in Scottsdale, Arizona attending the Barrett Jackson Classic Cars Auction. That changed when region member Mark Greenberg asked us to participate as team members for another 24 Hours of Daytona race effort. We of course jumped at that chance as we'd really enjoyed the two previous race efforts in '98 and '99. Mark's purchased a nearly new 2002 996 GT3 RS for the race, which won't look nearly so attractive after 24 hours of racing. I'll share with you more on this effort in future issues of the newsletter. I've also spent some time learning a bit more about an effort to build a new multipurpose road racing facility in New Hampshire. Apparently a deposit has been made on approximately 250 acres of land just near Tamworth, NH. An organization is in place, the permitting process is proceeding satisfactorily, the town likes the idea, and financing appears feasible (but not a given). Alan Wilson, a well-known course designer, has been retained (he's designing the new China F1 circuit, was involved in the restoration of VIR, and designed the new BeaveRun track). The plan is to construct a 3 plus mile track that can be split into two tracks, much like VIR and BeaveRun. The property involved has significant elevation changes, which should make the track a challenge to drive. The organizers are contemplating a blend of equity and non-equity memberships, along with club rentals to provide operating and construction revenue. We may invite them to make a presentation to the region at a future monthly meeting. There have been several failed efforts in the Zone 1 area over the past few years; hopefully this is a better-organized and financially feasible initiative. In this issue you'll find a promo for the 2003 Tech Tactics to be held once again in Springfield, Ma the first weekend in March. I can't wait to attend, since Alwin Springer President of Porsche Motorsports NA, and Derek Bell - noted Porsche racer and all around great personality, will be the guest speakers. Last year most of you missed out on hearing Phil Hill speak at this event, I can guarantee you that this year's speakers will be highly entertaining and well worth your time and registration fee. What better thing could you do with your time in early March? I've been advised that my new truck is intransit from the factory, and should arrive the dealership around Christmas time. After a little work preparing it to haul a gooseneck trailer, I should be able to pick it up shortly into the new year. I can't wait to see how the newly designed diesel engine and transmission work on the F350. Susana's already frustrated that she's not had the use of a truck for the last five weeks for hauling large messy things. You don't know you need one, till you've had a big truck and then had to live without it! Manufacturers have apparently just discovered the sales potential for garage cabinetry and mounting devices. Garage Tek and Dura have developed very interesting cabinet systems, while Kiwi is focused on flooring materials. A number of manufacturers are selling lifts – hydraulic and electric. Garages have become the focus of many home-remodeling efforts. I wish I’d had the foresight to see the potential of this new consumer market. |
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