Porsche introduces new 2014 models

Porsche is introducing six new models at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show later this month. The two headliners are the world intro of the much anticipated all-new Porsche compact SUV called Macan and the North American debut of the Porsche 918 Spyder (shown here), arguably the world’s first plug-in hybrid super sports car.

Plus, there are the world debuts of the all-new 911 Turbo Cabriolet and 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, and the North American debuts of the Porsche Panamera Turbo S and Panamera Turbo S Executive models. I also suspect they’ll be showing off the new Panamera plug-in hybrid, too..

To my knowledge, Porsche has never introduced this many new models at one auto show, including at the at the Frankfurt Auto Show, which is traditionally dominated by German automakers. It speaks to the growing importance of North America, and to California in particular, to Porsche sales, which now account for nearly 20% of the company’s bottom line.

It’s also why Porsche is building a headquarters and fancy new customer center in Southern California, including a test tack for customers to test the horses under the hood. Recently, I had the chance to do just that in a Panemera on the Porsche test track in Leipzig, Germany, where the four-door performance sedan is produced, and had a vroom full of fun.

So what’s special about these new models? Lots.

Porsche 918 Spyder – The 918 Spyder carries the traditional Porsche DNA into a ground-breaking sports car concept. Designed from the start to be a high-performance hybrid, it offers an unprecedented combination of performance by combining the 887-hp power of a super sports car and the virtually silent propulsion of an electric vehicle. The 918 Spyder can accelerate zero to 60 mph in less than 2.8 seconds and offers extraordinary low fuel consumption.

Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet – The open-air 911 Turbo Cabriolet and 911 Turbo S Cabriolet models aren’t too shabby, either. These top-of-the-line, open air 911 sports cars accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.3 and 3.1 seconds respectively, reaching a top track speed of up to 195 mph.

Porsche Panemera – The Porsche Panamera Turbo S and Panamera Turbo S Executive models will also be on display shortly after their world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show the same day. The Turbo S models are the fastest, most powerful and most luxurious models in the Panamera range, offering power output of 570 hp and a top track speed of 192 mph, plus a particularly extensive range of technology and luxury features. For the first time ever, an Executive version of the Panamera Turbo S is available with a wheelbase that is extended by 5.9 inches.

Porsche Experience Center – Scheduled to open at the end of 2014, perhaps in time for next year’s Los Angeles Auto Show, the new Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles will offer a world class test track and handling course, including special surfaces which replicate inclement weather conditions where customers and auto enthusiasts can hone their driving skills and try out the latest Porsche models. The experience center, located in Carson, California, will also be the new home of Porsche Motorsport North America, currently located in Santa Ana, California.Porsche hasn’t announced prices for the new models. Maybe at the LA Auto Show.