The Official Magazine of Porsche Centre Melbourne
The new Porsche Boxster
Winter 2012
The classic Boxster takes a new route into 2012 We recently serviced a 1997 Boxster in the PCM Workshop. The car still has a distinctive timeless style which caused a sensation back in the mid 90’s. It serves as a reminder that the Boxster was introduced 16 years ago. When I think of cars that are 16 years old then one can appreciate that one of the great things about Porsche is their timeless design. Perhaps this philosophy emanated from F.A. (Butzi) Porsche. Reading his chronology certainly emphasises the impact he has had on our company. It is indelible that this philosophy is reflected on all our cars.
literally at our back door, another interesting Porsche owner profile and an introduction to the Porsche Club which we think will be of great interest to many of you. Of course there’s our usual features and tech specials to keep you up to date with PCM this winter. Enjoy.
The new Boxster will be no exception. Perhaps in 16 years (2028!) We will reflect on how the timeless design of this new Boxster (2012) is. Let us hope we age as well as the cars do! Also in this issue of Torque you’ll learn more about the new Cayenne GTS, some amazing street art that’s
Porsche Centre Melbourne 109-111 Victoria Parade, Collingwood VIC 3066 Telephone Sales 03 9473 0917 Service 03 9473 0971 Parts 03 9473 0998
Thomas Heberling
thomas.heberling@porschemelbourne.com.au
Official Porsche Factory Approved Body Repair Centre Used and recommended by Porsche Centre Melbourne
622–624 South Road Moorabbin Victoria 3189 T 03 9555 4540 F 03 9555 3251 E rjpsmash@bigpond.net.au
What’s inside Cover story 5 New Generation Boxster Almost Here
Ferdinand Alexander established a design culture at Porsche that shaped the extraordinary sports car tradition.
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Features 7 Boxster Launch Dean & Piero Dream Junket 10 F.A Porsche Man Behind the Design 12 Torque to Torquay Jim’s Journey 14 Street Art Laneway Porsche Art 16 Porsche Club Victoria Joining Social Drives 18 New 911 7th Generation Unveiled 19 Cracking Cayenne Performance Even More Spicy 20 Better Back Seat Comfort
Regulars 2 Editor’s Letter 22 Calendar of Events
Design by Struck & Spink www.struckandspink.com.au This magazine has been printed on Monza Recycled. It contains 55% recycled fibre (25% post consumer and 30% pre consumer) and FSC Certified pulp, which ensures that all virgin pulp is derived from well-managed forests and controlled sources. It is manufactured by an ISO 14001 certified mill. Monza Recycled is an FSC Mixed Sources Certified paper.
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New generation Boxster In our showroom on July 7
Lighter, even more agile, more distinctive and fuel efficient. Never before in the history of the Porsche Boxster has a change been so comprehensive.
The new generation Boxster has been working out. It now seems more muscular and distinctive in its appearance. Its chassis has been completely revamped to complement the new lightweight body. Now both toned and terrific the new Boxster’s performance is superior with both fuel efficiency improvements (up to 15%) and driver dynamics upgraded. Available in six speed manual transmission or with the optional seven-speed PDK the new Boxster accelerates Torque Winter Edition
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from zero to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds (with PDK option), whilst the Boxster S achieves the sprint in 5.0 seconds. Both fuel efficiency and acceleration performance are optimised with PDK available. The Porsche Boxster now offers 7.7 L/100kms with PDK, whilst the Boxster S provides 8.0 L/100kms with the PDK option. Power outputs are increased to 195 kW and 232 kW respectively. Continuing the make-over theme, the new interior design layout is now influenced by the centre console originating from the Carrera GT.
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With more interior space supported by significant external changes, the new generation Boxster makes a much bigger statement. It has a distinctive presence matched by stunning performance dynamics including Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical rear axle differential locking.
a very distinctive silhouette. Occupants are now completely enclosed by the completely redesigned, fully electric roof which now dispenses with a convertible top compartment lid. From every angle the new Boxster is a pleasure to behold. An aesthetic triumph which is sure to add to its popularity.
Other new features for the Boxster include electrical system recuperation, thermal management and start/stop function. Externally the new body design features shorter overhangs, a more forward windscreen and
Launch date is July 7 this year, and have a look at our special article featuring our own Piero Pellegrini and Dean Williams who were fortunate enough to attend the launch in the Canary Islands earlier this year. They share their thoughts on their own driving experience with our readers in the next article.
Boxster Launch in the Canary Islands Torque Magazine caught up with Dean Williams and Piero Pellegrini to discuss their experience at the recent Porsche Boxster launch in the Canary Islands.
Was this the first time you have been on a dealer launch? Dean: Yes for me, but Piero has been to a few. What was your first impression? Dean: Absolutely amazing! To see Porsche release a new model on that scale was overwhelming. They don’t do things in halves, whether it’s build a car, design a brochure, or do a dealer launch. It’s their show for the dealers and they only get one shot at it, so they make sure it’s memorable and that the people who
go have plenty to talk about when they get back and pass the message on to perspective buyers. Amazing! Piero, you have been to a few, but how does this compare? Piero: Look, you always think that the launch you have just been to is the best, and they just keep getting better and better. They do things properly and when you stand back at the end of the event and you look at what has been done in order to make the event as successful as it has been, you know they have put a lot of work into it.
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You do come back and you are somehow excited by where you have been and what you have experienced and it helps because you communicate that to your customers. It does end a lot of positive messages and customers do sense it. What did you think about the event? Dean: I think it’s outside the square. The brand is built on emotion – you go away, you go to an exotic location and drive these cars – It’s a once in a lifetime experience really! Piero: Every little thing, the attention to detail was just perfect! The portable toilets at the track were even tiled and had TV screens with promotion footage. It was very impressive! Dean: It was just all “wow” factor, you would just sit there in awe. And the location…? Piero: All of that in conjunction with the raw beauty of the Canary Islands. You got there on the first night and you say where the hell are we, because you don’t interpret that as being a beautiful place, but then you spend a couple of nights there and leave an say – it is a pretty place to be. The Canary Islands, is quite scenic, and in some instances its like you are driving into the Grand Canyon – It’s very dry and lots of mountain. A beautiful spot. Dean: And around the outskirts of the mountain, its just the volcanic rubble really.
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Piero: Yes, and you get taken by the amazing dry beauty and the cracks in the mountains. With the car itself, it is the biggest transformation since 1996. It is basically new from the ground up, what were your impressions of the car? Dean: Whenever there is a new model release, it’s a generation change – It’s often the aesthetic changes rather than a drastic improvement. With the new Boxster, it was a significant change. The body had significantly changed, they had given it more aggression in its design, there were engine improvements, increase in power and reductions in fuel intake. And the driving experience, how it is different and better? Piero: At first glance you can not help but notice how muscular it is. It’s a tougher looking car and has a lot of presence. This car is not a Boxster, when you drive it, it’s a 911. We didn’t get the opportunity to drive the manual car, but we did get the opportunity to compare the previous Boxster (which is our current car, which is still a fantastic car), with
the new Boxster. And you cannot help but notice the wonderful synergy you have between the beautiful PDK gearbox and the engine – together with this beautiful chassis that it now has – It’s just a perfect package for driving, in all conditions. The Boxster has always been perceived as the softer car, perhaps like the ‘ladies car’, but I have to tell you, it is far from it. But it doesn’t have to be driven at high speed or on the track to enjoy experience. It’s just as good at 60km/h. The Boxster has always been a leader in its handling capabilities, and now you not only have a lot more torque
To see Porsche release a new model on that scale was overwhelming. They don’t do things in halves... and a lot more power – but you also do have a lot more handling capabilities. Dean: They have stretched it at both ends though, because Porsche have also made the car a lot friendlier for everyday use. On the track we put it into Sports Plus mode and we could not believe the change. We were surprised at how pushing a button could change a car’s driving dynamics and personality so much. Piero: The steering is just fantastic, which makes the car very usable for an everyday car, but it is also a very competent and competitive car if you would like to have a bit of fun in it. Even though the new Boxster is quiet, you do always get the feeling that you are in a sports car. And the interior. That has also changed quite significantly. Dean: Porsche have incorporated a high console which has a PCM navigation in the centre additionally with the colour screen dials in the instrument cluster. Piero: Even though it has everything you would expect a car to have at that level, everything is simple – functional – making it easy
to understand and operate. You’ve touched on the styling. What stands out more than anything else? Dean: It doesn’t matter what colour the car is, the car looks gorgeous. Piero: It’s all about buying the Porsche package – It gives you comfort, it gives you performance and also gives you wonderful braking, wonderful cornering speed. Sometimes you think we get taken aback by the fact that we work here, and we get to drive these things everyday, but the new Boxster really is just brilliant. And the driving highlights at the launch? Dean: The track day, definitely. That was a real highlight for all of us. The car just performed brilliantly. Piero: (smiling broadly) And don’t forget the drive back to the hotel the time we ‘lost’ our driving guide. Let’s just say that was an interesting experience involving a few of our Porsche colleagues. A lot of fun, but I can’t say any more… Dean: Yes. That was a lot of fun wasn’t it. Torque Winter Edition
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F.A. Porsche 1935-2012
Legendary designer of the iconic 911 Ferdinand Alexander (F.A.) Porsche established a design culture at Porsche that shaped the extraordinary sports car tradition that continues today. We probably can’t add to the wealth of tributes already paid to him, but here is a simple history of his life achievements.
11 December 1935
Born in Stuttgart, the oldest son of Dorothea and Ferry Porsche.
1943
Moved to Austria, schooled at Zell am See.
1950 Returns to Stuttgart, attended the private Waldorf school, after leaving school enrols in the prestigious Ulm School of Design.
1958 Joins engineering department at Porsche. Soon after he famously sculpted the first model of a successor to the 356 model line (in plasticine). 10
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A coherently designed product requires no adornment, it should be enhanced by its form alone. Good design should be honest. 1962 Assumes the role of head of the Porsche design studio.
1963 Radically designed Porsche 911 developed and becomes a sports car icon.
1963> Involved in designing sports cars including Type 804 Formula One racing car and Porsche 904 Carrera GTS – now considered one of the most beautiful racing cars ever.
1968 Honoured by the “Comité Internationale de Promotion et de Prestige” for the outstanding aesthetic design of the Porsche 911.
1972> Founded the “Porsche Design Studio” in Stuttgart (relocated to Zell am See in Austria in 1974) responsible for the design of numerous gentlemen’s accessories including watches, spectacles and writing implements – achieving global recognition, and expanded the design studio to include industrial products.
1990-93 Served as President of the company’s Supervisory Board and played a major role in the economic turnaround of Porsche.
1992 Voted “Prizewinner of the year” by the Industrial Forum Design Hanover.
1999 Bestowed the title “Professor” by the President of Austria.
2005 Stood down from his Supervisory Board role in favour of his son, Oliver and assumed the mantle of Honorary President of the Supervisory Board.
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Torque to Torquay
Jim’s Journey to Porsche Jim Tsiantas runs a fish ‘n chip takeaway in Torquay that opens every day of the year except Christmas Day. He’s also a Porsche fanatic who fulfilled a childhood dream in 2011 when he purchased his first Porsche, a fastidiously maintained, gleaming black 997 model Carrera S.
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Torque met Jim and his wife Amy at a recent Advanced Driver Training Day (Amy purchased a 3 day experience for Jim as a surprise anniversary gift), and drove down to Torquay to talk about his journey to Porsche ownership. Jim works seven days a week for around 13 hours a day, so Torque was keen to discover when he had a chance to drive his prized Porsche. I took off those days where we went to Phillip Island, which was fantastic. Occasionally, I get the odd chance to catch up with my mate Billy who has a 996 and we sometimes take a short
drive along the coast. He lives locally and also works seven days a week. He’s the one that said to me, “Go on Jim, buy yourself a Porsche”. He allowed me to drive his car, a manual (which I love… real driving) and I was hooked. It’s a real drivers car. And your best driving day? The driving days at Phillip Island. That really showed me the potential of the car. Especially when the instructor got in the drivers seat of my car and showed me what the limits were. And he said, “This is what you should be capable of driving around this
I went to all the motor shows just to see the Porsche display. It was always just Porsche, Porsche, Porsche!
track.” I just said, “Wow, I’ve got a lot of driving to do.” Doing all three days was fantastic, it gave me much more confidence in my abilities once I could see the Porsche’s capabilities. Amy commented that my driving was different (in a good way) after the Advanced Driving Day, so it was really valuable. My whole outlook to driving is different, it (the experience) was so beneficial, crucial even. Tell us about the fire that affected your business. The fire shut down my business for eight months and I lost motivation,
having seen something taken away from me. But Amy saw me wasting time at home and she gave me a ‘kick up the backside’, so I got my motivation back. And that changed my attitude as I made the business successful again. After the fire I also had my previous new car (which was parked on the side of the road outside my Grandma’s house) wrecked by a driver who lost control. It was then that I realised that I didn’t want to wait to fulfil my dreams, and Amy was all for me purchasing my first Porsche. She said, “Why don’t you just buy the car you want?”
When did you first develop an interest in Porsche? The 1987 911 Turbo was my inspiration. I was 17 and when I saw this black Turbo with big rear wing, wide tyres, big wide body I knew it was something I wanted one day. I’d kept my dream to myself but I was quietly determined. It was always there, in the back of my mind. And it was always Porsche. I went to all the motor shows just to see the Porsche display. It was always just Porsche, Porsche, Porsche! And tell us a bit about your Porsche. It’s a 997 Carrera S, black of course. As soon as I saw it I just had to have it. It was originally sold and serviced by PCM and they went over the car for me and gave me a report, which was great. They told me everything I needed to know – just fantastic, so I bought the car with confidence. And your next Porsche? Maybe a GT3 a few years down the track. Black of course!
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Carrera Street Art
Even street artists like Porsche it seems. In the little laneway behind Porsche Centre Melbourne some street artists got to complete a special job. You might have called it “graffiti” a few years ago, but when you see the detail and hard work that went into painting the back wall you start to appreciate the “Art” in “Street Art”. Andrew Bourke, of Komplex Graphix, joined forces with four fellow graphic artists earlier this year to complete the wall. Befitting a tribute to the 911 2.7RS, artists from Melbourne (Sirum, Hooker), New York (Wane) and France (Monster) painted an extraordinary homage to the 911. We think it’s pretty impressive, so why not pop around for a quick look next time you’re visiting?
Where? The laneway behind Porsche Centre Melbourne, admission is free. Open 7days 24hrs all year.
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Porsche Club Victoria
Neil Drew has owned a Porsche since 1974, been a member of the Porsche Club Victoria since 2006, and is now a Social Club Committee member on the club. We had a chat to him about what the Porsche Club Victoria offers and how to get involved… What is your role in the committee? The Club has many activities; Competition, Social and Registers, with a broad range of events to appeal to everyone of its 1350 members. Members can explore the limits of their cars on the track or explore Porsche friendly roads with a like minded group. The social committee is represented by 8 people and a chairman. It is extremely active and you can be sure to do something with the Porsche Club Victoria every couple of weeks. How is the Porsche club divided? It’s divided into vehicle registers, according to year and model. There are 9 registers of the various models right back to the earliest models. 16
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All of those groups organise social weekends and social days out, but the beauty of it is if you are in another register you can also join in other registers events. So it makes for a great social interaction! How do you become a member of the Porsche Club Victoria? To be a member of the Porsche Club Victoria, you need to have owned a Porsche. I think there are some people who have not got a Porsche now, but are still members because they have had one. Registration forms are available at the PCM reception. What events do PCV offer? The PCV events are very social – where a great group of people get together, the cars just happen to
usual sumptuous catering. And I must say the ladies cater rather well! They don’t cater for reducing waist belts. What has happened so far in 2012? We have just had a club run down to Warrnambool, where there were 17 cars on that one. It involved 5 days down at Warrnambool and Port Fairy! be a medium of going somewhere and a common interest. They run regular drive days and club night dinners. There are also family day events that come up during the year including the Children’s Picnic.
There was also a club run (club runs are more highly attended) and we came down here to Geelong – A winery on the Bellarine Peninsula. We took various routes – went via Bacchus March and
New PCV members get a free safety check before they register for the social club drive day. Contact PCM Service for details on 03 9473 0917 some back roads with some hills and twists in them, which Porsche cars like. Had morning tea at Anakie, at the CFA there, and then took some more devious roads to get through to Geelong and across the Bellarine Peninsula.
On the drive days what can members expect?
We like to put a mixture of roads in for our members!
The usual format is that we meet at a location usually around Melbourne or an outer suburb, at about 9 in the morning. A run briefing is held and notes are distributed with the instructions and directions to the chosen morning tea break.
What has been your favourite drive experience with the Porsche Club?
The club has a policy of finding a suitable CFA brigade station for the run. The club makes a donation for the generous effort given us by their
Well the runs in the hills are probably the best runs – down at the Gippsland, the Strzelecki ranges and down at the Otways and of course, time permitting drives into the Central Highlands.
Visit the Porsche Club Victoria website www.pcv.com.au for more information and to view the 2012 events calendar.
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New Porsche 911 unveiled
A large crowd attended our premium PCM launch of the latest Porsche 911 in March. Amidst great anticipation, General Manager of PCM, Thomas Heberling launched the new Porsche 911 on March 5 in front of a discerning and enthusiastic audience at our Victoria Parade showroom. Though still retaining the iconic, streamlined sports shape of previous models, the new 911 marks many significant changes from the previous 997 model. Thomas expounded the virtues of the sleeker, quicker, more agile and more comfortable 911 before revealing two gleaming new Carrera S vehicles simultaneously on turntables before a room full of Porsche enthusiasts. It was a well attended, red carpet affair and the new Carrera S looked absolutely stunning in Guards Red. We enjoyed sharing this event with our many PCM friends and look forward to seeing some of you in the new Porsche Carrera.
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Cracking Cayenne Performance Looks like an SUV. Drives like a sports car. Cayenne GTS. Sporty performance and new generation SUVs are now synonymous, and the new Cayenne GTS continues to raise the bar by concentrating sporty performance with a more powerful 309kW engine matched to a tauter chassis. The result: magnificent performance and unique character that sets the new Cayenne GTS apart. The Cayenne GTS stands apart from its Porsche siblings with a bolder external design, lower ride height, specially tuned chassis providing thrilling driving dynamics and unique styling features. And did we mention a zero to 100 km/h sprint in 5.7 seconds, on its way to 160 km/h
in a brisk 13.3 seconds. Top speed of 261 km/h is linked to NEDC fuel consumption of 10.7 litres per 100 kilometres. All this from an upgraded V8 engine pumping out 309 kW (420 hp) with power transfer via an eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission with auto start/stop function. Both engine and transmission have been specifically calibrated to provide extra bursts of speed. The front styling now echoes the Cayenne Turbo, whilst door frames and trims in high-gloss black, combined with prominent side skirts and wider wheel arches plus a distinctive twin deck roof spoiler
all announce themselves in the sportier, more aggressive stance of the GTS version of the top selling Cayenne model range. The sporting theme continues through the stylishly updated interior with front sports seats in leather and Alcantara. The more tautly tuned Cayenne GTS is equipped with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and lowers the body by 24mm relative to the Cayenne S, resulting in extra levels of composure and agility. Scheduled for its Australian release in September, and priced from $164,900 the exciting new Cayenne GTS is available now for order at PCM. Torque Winter Edition
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Better back seat comfort RESIDENT EXPERT MICHAEL BARKER
Added comfort for your ‘back seat drivers’ Do you have many passengers? What if you could make them more comfortable? Located on the left and right hand sides of the Cayenne back seats is a lever with which your passenger can adjust the seat to make it more comfortable. Lift the lever and gently recline backwards and the seat will lock into
place. If you have a cover in the boot, it will automatically adjust so there is no need to move it. For further advice or assistance on syncing your smart phone please phone to make a time. Michael Barker 03 9473 0948.
TRACK DAYS 2012
Phillip Island and Advanced Driver Training and Open Track Days GREAT GIFT IDEA!
As we head into the cold Winter months, give yourself something to smile about and book your next Advanced Driver Training Day. Blow the cobwebs away with PCM this October at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. The Advanced Driver Training courses have been designed exclusively for members of the Porsche community, offering an opportunity to work intensively with Official Porsche Sport Driving School Instructors to learn more about the potential of your car. For those who have completed Level 1 & 2, PCM offers an additional opportunity tailored for those who crave the thrill of driving their Porsche on the open track. There is no formal tuition on Open Track days – simply a whole day of driving pleasure. Level 1 Advanced Driver Training Tuesday 9th October 2012 Level 2 Advanced Driver Training Wednesday 10th October 2012 Level 3 Open Track Day Thursday 11th October 2012 For information or bookings please contact PCM Marketing on 03 9473 0904.
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WINTER TEQUIPMENT SPECIAL
Cayenne Specials
1. ROOF RACK CROSS BARS PN-95804400010 $545 For use with roof rails, these roof bars are approved for maximum roof load of 100 kg, easy to fit and feature anti theft protection.
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2. SKI/SNOWBOARD CARRIER $225 Make your journey up the mountain hassle free this year with purpose built Roof Racks and W Carrier for your snow gear. PN-95504400023
3. BOOT LINERS a. LOW SIDE BOOT LINER PN-95804400017 $230 b. HIGH SIDE BOOT LINER PN-95804400016 $295 These non-slip and waterproof boot liners are tailored to protect your Cayenne interior. High Sided and Low Sided options are available. 4. SET OF 4 RUBBER FLOOR MATS PN-95804480052 $260 These Rubber Floor Mats are specifically designed for your Cayenne and are non-slip, water bearing, 2. impermeable and include clip fasteners.
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TEQUIPMENT SPECIAL
4.
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Limited Edition Espresso Cup Set
GREAT GIFT IDEA!
WAP 050 045 0C $77.95 (inc GST) This unique set of two Espresso cups and matching saucers is a perfect gift or new edition to your kitchen this winter. Limited to 2,011 sets worldwide, these exclusive Espresso cups feature pictures of historical racing posters: Laguna Seca 1972, Porsche Cup 1972 and are individually numbered and dishwasher-safe. Available now from Porsche Centre Melbourne. Call the Parts Department on 03 9473 0998 or email pcm.parts@porschemelbourne.com.au
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Calendar of Events June
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Porsche Club Victoria – 996/997 & Turbo Run
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Porsche Club Victoria – Boxster & Cayman Run
For more event information contact: PCM on (03) 9473 0917
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Porsche Club Victoria – Club Night
Porsche Club Victoria – Competition Winton
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23-24 Porsche Club Victoria – Mid 911 Overnight Run
Porsche Club Victoria – Competition DECA
July
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Carrera Cup Round 5: Sucrogen Townsville 400 Townsville
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Porsche Club Victoria – Mid Year Dinner Dance
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Porsche Club Victoria – Winter Run
The new Boxster S Launch
August
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Porsche Club Victoria – Competition Haunted Hills
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Porsche Club Victoria – Mid 911 Run
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Porsche Club Victoria – Club Night
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Targa Adelaide Rally
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Porsche Club Victoria – 993 Run
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28-29 Porsche Club Victoria – 996/997 & Turbo Overnight Run
New Competitive Insurance Premiums. All Cayenne models now have new lower competitive premiums. Please call Fay Williams on 9473 0934 for a quote.
Porsche Centre Melbourne Contact your Business Manager Fay Williams P: 03 9473 0934 E: fay.williams@porschemelbourne.com.au
Charlie Battisti &CO
Factory approved Porsche repairer
Melbourne’s finest smash repair facility Charlie Battisti & Co 2-4 Moncrief Road, Nunawading 3131 Telephone 03 9894 4622 / 03 9894 4980 Facsimile 03 9894 4706 After hours 0418 372 079 / 0409 884 468 / 0409 884 469 Email cbattisti@bigpond.com