New Eighth Generation Porsche 911

Porsche presented the 8th generation of the 911 in Petree Hall at the Los Angeles Auto Show. “California is the ideal place to introduce the new 911. California has been like a second home to Porsche for decades,” comments Oliver Blume, CEO of Porsche AG. “The 8th generation of the 911 is even more powerful, even more emotional, and even more efficient than its predecessor – and also offers extensive digital features. And in spite of all the innovations, the 911 is still just what it has always been: a pure sports car and the pulsing heart of Porsche: our icon.”

Unmistakably committed to the Porsche design DNA, with a much more muscular look and an interior featuring a 10.9-inch touchscreen monitor, the new 911 is timeless – and also modern. Intelligent control and chassis elements, as well as innovative assistance systems, combine the masterfully uncompromising dynamism that the classic rear-engine sportscar is famed for, with the demands of the digital world.

Los Angeles Auto Show: Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board, Porsche AG

The next generation of flat-six turbocharged engines has been further developed and is more powerful than ever before, with 331 kW (450 PS) in the S models. The drive efficiency has been increased by way of an improved injection process and a new layout for the turbochargers and charge air cooling system. The power is delivered by a newly developed eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The top speeds are now 308 km/h (Carrera S*) and 306 km/h for the Carrera 4S all-wheel-drive version. Additional highlights include Porsche Wet mode to make driving on wet roads even safer, Night Vision Assist with thermal imaging camera, as well as comprehensive connectivity that uses swarm intelligence. The offering is completed by three exclusive digital services that are a perfect fit for the Californian lifestyle: the Porsche Road Trip app for extraordinary journeys, the Porsche 360+ personal assistant, and the web-based Porsche Impact emissions calculator for neutralising your individual carbon footprint.

Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG, emphasised the importance of the US American market for the sports car manufacturer: “More than 55,000 Porsches were delivered to the USA in 2017, and our American sales company Porsche Cars North America is on track to achieve a new record figure in 2018. Ultimately, no model better symbolises the American love affair with Porsche than the 911. One in three Porsche 911s built in Zuffenhausen goes to the USA.”

- from media release

Marilyn Monroe's Thunderbird fetches huge price

David Ellis

A SHINY black 1956 Ford Thunderbird convertible once owned by Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe, has just sold at auction in Hollywood for an extraordinary US$490,000 (AU$668,000)

It was one of a vast number of the star's personal items, from screen publicity shots to clothing and a 1954 Christmas card to her from pianist Liberace, that sold at the Icons and Idols of Hollywood auction over the recent Friday and Saturday of November 16 and 17.

The Ford Thunderbird is believed to have been given to Monroe by her business partner and photographer, Milton Greene whose wife Amy often talked about the times she and the actress would go riding in the car.

"Marilyn loved to drive," Amy Greene told one newspaper. "We'd take the Thunderbird and with the top down go sailing along the highway – we both liked to feel the wind in our faces and the warmth of the heater on our legs."

Marilyn Monroe owned the Thunderbird for six years, before giving it as an 18th birthday present to the son of her acting tutor, Lee Strasberg a few months before she died of a self-administered barbiturates overdose in 1962.

Thunderbirds were extraordinarily popular in the United States from when the first hit the road in 1954, with some 15,631 of the Marilyn Monroe 1956 model selling in that year alone, and production not ceasing until a near-50 years later in 2005.

And would anyone at Ford in 1956 have ever thought that that car would fetch the near-half-million it sold for on November 17 of this year – considering that when it rolled brand-new out of the showroom, it had cost its first owner all of US$2,944?

FOOTNOTE: That 1954 Christmas card to Marilyn Monroe from Liberace that also sold at the recent Icons and Idols of Hollywood auction, fetched an amazing US$2,187.50 (around AU$2,983.75.)

PHOTO CAPTION:

[] MARILYN MONROE'S sleek Ford Thunderbird convertible that's just gone under the hammer at Julien's Auctions' Icons and Idols of Hollywood sale for US$490,000 (AU$668,000) – somewhat grown on the $2,944 it cost its first owner to drive out of the showroom in 1956.

Would you pay $3 million for a 45 year old Falcon?

Only two weeks after a $2.1M record was set for a Dual Bathurst Winning Commodore, a Ford Falcon GTHO Phase IV is set to give Holden a run for its money with up to $3M expected at auction this weekend.

Current bidding of over $1.5 million on the extremely rare Ford Falcon has already surpassed recent records of $1,030,000 on a GTHO Phase III. Auctioneers and Ford muscle car experts anticipate that this car will fetch around $3 million, as it is one of only three left in the world.

“We are extremely humbled to have the opportunity of handling the transition of this car to its next custodian.” said Brett Mudie, Chief Marketing Officer at Lloyds Auctions.

“We have not seen a Phase IV and are very excited to auction it alongside what is undoubtedly Australia’s best Track Red GTHO Phase III. We have recently sold two Track Red Phase III’s for ‘seven figure amounts’ and this Phase III has been described by many Phase III experts as the best in Australia!” Mr. Mudie continued.

The Phase IV is expected to fetch $3M as it was the car that changed Australian Motor Sport forever. Phase III’s dominated the racetrack prior to the release of the Phase IV and left little opportunity for competitiveness amongst rival race teams. This XA GTHO is one of only four built before the ‘Super Car Scare’ which forced Ford to abandon its plans to continue the legend of GTHO Phase cars that dominated Australian motor racing.

Built in Ford’s Special Vehicles unit known as ‘Lot 6’ these cars were going to be driven by motorsport greats Allan Moffatt and Fred Gibson.

A Knight Frank Wealth Report Update revealing that certain classic cars have shown a higher return on investment than property and other asset classes over a one, five and ten year period proves that strong prices are being paid for the best cars by knowledgeable collectors.

“If you look at the number of records broken over the last six months in particular, you can definitely see a trend in demand for a secure yet enjoyable investment. Cars in original condition, with chrome bumpers, celebrity affiliation or prominent history seem to be the ones that are rising in value first,” said Mr. Mudie.

In March this year an A9X Torana SLR 5000 sold for $365,000 doubling the original record for this type of car. In June Australian cricketer Jeff Thomson’s old GTHO Phase III was the first of its kind to break $1 million in a public sale, then Peter Brock’s dual Bathurst winner more recently sold for $2.1 million. Now all eyes are on this Phase IV in anticipation of yet another record price.

The remarkable Phase IV and some of Australia’s finest Phase III’s will go up for auction at Lloyds Auctions on the Gold Coast at 7pm this Saturday. Bidders will be able to meet legendary drivers Allan Moffat and Fred Gibson at the event or bid online at lloydsauctions.com.au or via phone.

Harleys in the strangest places

In the far north of Canada, you're more likely to find snowmobiles, quads, Polaris ATVs and the occasional weather-beaten off road motorcycle than a classic Harley-Davidson.

Go big in 2019 with Harley-Davidson's new power line-up

It's 'go hard or go home' time for aspiring Harley owners with a new line-up of muscle machinery that sets an unmistakable tone.

FXDR: Blending in is not an option (H-D)

It was the famous Carroll Shelby who was credited with saying: “There ain't no substitute for cubic inches”, and in that spirit, The Motor Company has announced an aggressive front row of performance bikes that is sure to get pulses racing and may just move some fence-sitters into action.

If 114 finely tuned Milwaukee-Eight V-Twin cubes can't fire you into action, then you are ready for the retirement home.

FXDR: Pure muscle (H-D)

Nothing defines the judicious use of such unapologetic energy as the new FXDR 114 Softail. This aggressive 'power cruiser', styled on fighter jets and drag racers, thrills with straight-line performance but also satisfies riders wanting to take the long way home. The FXDR may look like a heavyweight prizefighter, but the clever use of hi-tech weight-saving components keeps it surprisingly lean.
“The FXDR 114 is designed for the rider who wants a more extreme look and stance,” wrote US publication, CycleWorld, “but also wants performance and handling not commonly found in a cruiser.”

The reworked angles and clearances all but do away with the common complaint of scraping pegs in tight corners.

Demo models of the FXDR will be in your Harley Heaven dealerships from mid-October. Book your ride now.


Big, bigger, biggest:

H-D 2019 Touring Family (H-D)

H-D's biggest powerplant, the massive, high-performance Milwaukee-Eight® 117 can be found in three limited-edition Custom Vehicle Operations™ (CVO) motorcycles for 2019.

Each CVO bike boasts stunning paint finishes, the latest in advanced technology as well as exclusive components and superb detail. The big 117 is exclusive to CVO™ models and the new Boom!™ Box GTS infotainment system is standard as well.

2019 CVO Limited

The three super CVOs for 2019 are:

2019 CVO™ Limited
For the rider who expects it all – luxury, performance, features and style. The CVO Limited model offers the ultimate in long-range touring comfort and luxury.

2019 CVO™ Street Glide®
An edgy, custom-bagger with hot-rod performance and a mind-blowing premium audio system.

2019 CVO™ Road Glide®
Distinctive, menacing style combined with long-haul comfort in a performance touring motorcycle ready for long roads and late nights.