Porsche offers virtual test drive with new 911 configurator

Edelsteinrot or Arktis-Silber?
Nordichgelb or Mittenachtblau?

For a decade or so, we car junkies of high hopes and meager means have often retreated to the joy of building our future dream cars online.

But despite many advancements in web technology, little has changed when it comes to building our automotive flights of fancy.

We pick our options, then wonder which hypothetical color would look best in our yet-to-be paved driveway and that's about it.

Today, Porsche introduced their new game-changer. Now, once you've picked your color and options, you can embark on a virtual test drive of your future 911 rennwagen.

"Our goal was to go beyond simply picking the colors and options on a new 911; the goal is to make it possible to have an engaging experience with the car that hints at what it's like to get behind the wheel," said David Pryor, Porsche North America's vice president of marketing.

The new online program was developed by Porsche with assistance from ad agency Cramer-Krasselt, who designed the new interface. Buyers and daydreamers alike can now draw out a virtual road to drive their new virtual 911.

"This is followed by a video of the fully rendered, computer-generated 911 driving the course," said Josh Cherfoli, Porsche North America's online and relationship communications manager. "We use videos and computer animations to go beyond simple words to explain and demonstrate a feature. The type and format of the information we provide is what an Internet-savvy user expects from a cutting-edge company like Porsche."

Gentlemen, start your drooling.

Update: In my haste, I'd forgotten to post a link to this new marketing marvel.

First, download the ViewPoint Media Player here:
http://www.viewpoint.com/technologies/viewpoint-media-player.shtml

Then choose "Build Your Porsche from the US homepage.

[Source: Porsche NA via AN]

VIDEO: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera

Porsche's preeminent sports coupe has emerged for 2009 with a new repertoire of technological innovation.

In addition to a raft of subtle aesthetic changes, the big news for 2009 is the introduction of the Porsche Doppel Kupplung , the company's first dual-clutch automated manual transmission. Featuring seven forward speeds and shift times comparable to similar offerings from Ferrari and Lamborghini, Porsche has now entered the realm of world beating sports cars that won't beat up their owners with a heavy clutch pedal.

On the all wheel drive Carrera 4S models, the PDK transmission is paired with an all-new electronically controlled center differential which uses clutches instead of a viscous coupling for greater control over power distribution between the front and rear wheels. Under the aegis of Porsche Traction Management, the new system reduces front wheel power during sharp cornering maneuvers, providing additional cornering grip while the integrated stability control keep the rear wheels firmly planted to the asphalt.

Rounding out the drivetrain revisions, direct fuel injection also makes its debut with the 2009 Carrera range. resulting in more power and improved fuel economy. For the Carrera and Carrera 4, output of the 3.6-liter flat-six rises by 20 horsepower to 345 and when paired with the PDK transmission, EPA combined fuel economy rises from 20 to 23.3 miles per gallon. On the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4S, its 3.8 liter flat-six gains 30 additional horsepower for a total of 385; EPA combined fuel economy also rises from 19 to 22 miles per gallon.

Viewed in total, the new 911 Carrera presents more than just an incremental evolution in exterior design. Instead, Porsche has once again applied new technologies and refined them to embolden the 911's future.

In keeping with tradition, we've included a clip from Porsche's latest promotional video.
Enjoy.