Join us at Leith Porsche in Cary, North Carolina, on Thursday, March 23, as we launch the arrival of the all-new Porsche Panamera Turbo. From 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to see the Panamera up close. With it just now arriving, you’ll be one of the first to see this beauty. While you’re here, also enjoy food, drinks, music and the chance to win some exciting prizes.

Some standard features of this luxury vehicle include:

• All-new twin-turbo V8 engine
• 550 horsepower
• New 8-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK)
• All wheel drive
• Panoramic sunroof
• High-resolution 12-inch touchscreen
• 20-inch Panamera Turbo wheels

Visit www.leithporsche.com and click on the All-New Panamera Launch Event tab under News-Blog & Events on the home page for more details and RSVP information. We look forward to seeing you there!

The post Leith Porsche Event Showcasing the All-New Porsche Panamera appeared first on Leith Porsche Blog.

What are your plans this weekend? One great way to start off the weekend is making your way to Leith Porsche in Cary for our monthly Cars & Coffee event. We’re having this month’s event tomorrow Saturday, November 12th. It will be 9:30 – 11:30 am, and we hope to see you there. Tomorrow’s event will be about Porsche Hybrid Technology. This is a great time to get together with other Porsche enthusiasts and Leith Porsche customers to learn new and exciting things about this luxury car brand. While you’re here enjoy fresh gourmet coffee. We hope you can join us! Be sure to go ahead and mark your calendar for next month’s Cars & Coffee event. It will be December 10th. Visit www.leithporsche.com for more information. We look forward to seeing you!

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Here’s the thing: there are a million different ways to clean a Porsche. There are more philosophical differences about the materials, methods and approaches to cleaning a Porsche than there are in some political science classes where they spend all day doing that.

That said, this Saturday, cleaning will be the topic of our Cars & Coffee event for March. We are completely moved into our new showroom, in case you missed that, so this would be a great time to make your first visit to the new space.

We have written extensively on this blog about how to clean a Porsche. You can find our articles here, here and here. In addition, we conducted a recent survey on Google results to find out what people are doing elsewhere in the country.

How to Clean A Porsche: 3/14, Leith Porsche, 9:30 a.m.
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Materials recommended by Pelican Parts

Pelican Parts has some interesting thoughts about chamois which we hadn’t considered before, specifically their impact on wax. This article has some good fundamental practices, points out a few products that they’ve found helpful, and even has a recipe for homemade glass cleaner. If you’re looking to try something new on your windows, give this article a shot.

Rennlist ionization discussion

We found this discussion about deionizing your water fascinating and helpful, particularly if you have a black exterior finish. By testing the hardness/softness of your water, you might find your results drastically different if you used deionized water. Many people chimed in, so it’s worth a read. And if you’re wondering, distilled water can be used instead of deionized.

Riesentoter Region

The eastern Pennsylvania region of the Porsche Club of America had some things to say about cleaning. We would be remiss if we didn’t include their thoroughly researched post, though we would be dishonest if we said that we’d actually read it (snoozefest alert).

The best way to clean a Porsche is a highly contested topic.
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So, we’ll see you this Saturday at 9:30 at our showroom. Check the Cars & Coffee page on our site for more updates.

The post How to Clean a Porsche: Our March Event appeared first on Leith Porsche Blog.

The American Cancer Society has estimated that 232,670 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer by the end of 2014. In addition to that startling approximation, doctors will diagnose another 62,570 women with carcinoma in situ (CIS), which is an early-detected, noninvasive form of breast cancer.

295,240 women in the United States, during the year of 2014, will have received the news that they have some form of breast cancer.

By December, 40,000 women will have lost their lives to breast cancer.

At this time, 2.8 million women have survived breast cancer.

Though statistics indicate a drop in diagnoses – and highlight millions of survivors – we can do better. Our nation has the best facilities and staff to find a cure, narrowing all of the numbers down to one category: survivors. It does, however, take time and research, which requires funding. And we at Leith Porsche want to do our part.

Breast Cancer Awareness

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, our team at Leith Porsche has partnered with Audi Cary and Susan G. Komen for another fundraising effort. This will span the entire month of October, from the 1^st to the 31^st, to raise money and awareness for breast cancer research and treatment.

Here is how it works …

• $10 donation per service visit
• $25 per test drive

Simple, right?

Last October, we raised more than $18,000.

If you haven’t previously made a donation, it is an intrinsically rewarding experience. That is why we are proud to renew our partnership with the Susan G. Komen Foundation, which combats breast cancer through a variety of means: scientific research, advocacy, and global education programs. When you come in to either Audi Cary or Leith Porsche for a test drive or service visit, you help work toward a world without breast cancer.

About Susan G. Komen

Susan G. Komen.

While we now associate it with a nonprofit group, it began with one woman’s fight and her unwavering compassion for others – even in her final days. From diagnosis through treatment, Susan G. Komen battled against breast cancer with every fiber of her being, every ounce of positivity from her heart and soul. All the while, she selflessly spent her time in an attempt to better the lives of those around her, disregarding her own situation.

Moved by her sister’s immense capacity for love and kindness, Nancy G. Brinker made the promise that she would commit all of her talent, skills, and power – everything she could muster – to eradicate breast cancer for good.  That promise lives on in the Susan G. Komen for the Cure ®, a global leader of the breast cancer movement.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure ® has invested more than $1.9 billion since its inception in 1982. A vast network of breast cancer survivors remains unrivaled, and they all work indefatigably to save lives, empower people, and invigorate scientific research. It has always been much more than a nonprofit; it is an ideal – a breast cancer-free world.

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“Wait, so they’re both turbos?”

The question came from a sandy-haired man standing under the alcove of the architecture building. The building is that funny-looking place covered in bright natural wood that looks faintly European on the corner of Peace Street and Wilmington. His friend, an energetic fellow who had been ferrying Porsches over the meticulously sculpted lawns to take up display positions around the structure, wasn’t sure about the turbo situation either.

Turbos are hard to situate. Though they sound like rocket fuel, they’ve become the de facto way for modern cars to wrest crags of horsepower out of shot-glass portions of gasoline or diesel. A quick consultation of smart phones—thank you, cellular network—confirmed that both the vehicles in question had turbocharged engines even though one has “turbo” in its name and the other does not. In this case, the vehicles in question were a brand-new model type from Porsche, the first new model since the Cayenne in 2002 and the Panamera in 2009.

The Porsche in question is the new crossover SUV: the Macan. The occasion is its launch party, its official debut to North American markets, one of which is Raleigh, N.C.

The building is the NC Center for Architecture and Design. You might have noticed it for being roughly as wide as a car itself, a rail-thin building on a vegan diet with outcroppings of rock here, a pane of glass there, and lots of contrasting angles that make typical buildings look like they went out of their way to be boring.

Given that it’s supposed to celebrate the principles and ideals of architecture and design, it makes sense that it would be a striking building itself, full of impressive uses of materials, mathematics and physics. Its use of these elements goes beyond what most people would think a building can accomplish.

If most of us were told to sketch a house or building on paper, we would come up with something pretty basic: four walls, a roof, maybe some windows, and a door. Pretty textbook. This building and its artistically manicured grounds stand in stark contrast to the traditional downtown to the south, stately Peace University to the north, and historic Oakwood houses to the east. But this is precisely the theme of the Macan.

The vitriol and ire over Porsche creating an SUV is largely over, thanks to the Cayenne. The Macan is a step closer to the traditional sports car body, and few automakers in the world have as much cachet to call themselves a sports car company as Porsche. Pre-release reviews have been ecstatic over how incredibly similar it drives to the 911, Porsche’s flagship model. Is an SUV impossibly unlike a sports car? Porsche took a lethal first swing at this stereotype with the Cayenne in 2002; the Macan is here to finish the job.

As guests arrive for the unveiling, a light rain begins to fall. Cool air under gray skies create a magazine-ready backdrop. Raindrops bead perfectly on immaculate Porsches outside: a black Cayenne diesel at the intersection, exactly where a car of range and fuel economy should be; a stately blue Panamera as flat as the Archdale building behind it is tall; a bright blue 911 just outside watches over the shrouded Macan within—the Macan might be the one everyone is here to see, but the 911 is the one everybody loves; a white Boxster S and black Cayman flank a second covered Macan, which we can tell is white, as well. This second Macan’s sheer top is soaked by the rain and clings to the body. Through the heavy synthetic canvas—so typical of Porsche to use man-made, incredibly well-engineered fabric instead of something rustic and natural—we can make out the word “turbo” on its rear hatch.

There are two Macan models, the Macan S and the Macan Turbo. The Turbo has more power, of course, and is—according to a salesman whom Porsche flew to Spain for training—almost deified into 911 status for its handling and power. Road & Track says that the Macan shares only 30 percent of its parts with Audi. Both Macan S and Macan Turbo use twin-turbocharged V6 engines, so no boxer-style engines, nor flat-fours.

The parking lot is curated by a team of valets, and the results are what you would expect: Caymans, Boxsters, Cayennes, 911s. No Panameras, but perhaps they’re all out on road trips to Charleston. The crowd inside thickens to the point where it’s difficult to pick out individuals from the throng, but we spot a couple: a couple who has brought their kid; a sharply-suited man who’s all business, and asks when the unveiling will happen; a dad and his teenage son; an easy-going guy in track pants with his girlfriend; a trio of adventurous high school kids who say little and stick together; another father/son pair, this one a bit older; a very serious photographer working hard to get his shots.

These people are happy. It’s a fancy event in an unusual building with catered refreshments. A video from Germany talks about the values behind the new vehicle, and an executive makes a speech to thank everyone for coming out. When the moment finally comes, and the black harbinger of new status is revealed, people crowd about and take turns sitting inside. Pictures are snapped, and there’s a sense of awe when little details are revealed—the quad-point head lamps, rear LEDs, and an ignition note that sounds almost omnipotent in the enclosed space.

A final raffle is held so that a lucky few can leave with some Porsche gear, and a server asks if we would like a refill of wine. Why not? The evening is winding down. Through the clear windows we can see people begin to make their way out to cars and the valet stand. We can hear the crystalline note of engines from Stuttgart catching life from the Raleigh air and rolling toward their owners. The Macan will add a lot more of these notes to the Triangle in the next 12 months.

The post Macan Launch Party Wows Crowd at NC Architecture and Design Center appeared first on Leith Porsche Blog.

Golf can be a lot of things, but the goal of the 2014 Rex Hospital Open is simple: supporting patients of Rex heart & vascular services. Every year the Open focuses on one particular aspect of the hospital. This year that spotlight is one of the body’s most critical systems—the heart—and what better way to do that than a week full of fresh air and exercise?

For more than 25 years, the Rex Hospital Open has brought PGA players, amateurs and even high school and collegiate competitors together. Junior players have the opportunity to walk the fields at Wakefield Plantation just like the pros. On the Pro-Am days, amateur players will test their skills against PGA Tour card holders. Finally the pros themselves will play for the trophy.

It’s a week full of good golf, and as there are events happening every day this week and the weekend, we encourage you to check the schedule. The biggest draw will be the pro tournament held this Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25. Tickets can be bought online or in-person, along with options for preferred parking and included refreshments.

Photo: Rex Hospital Open

Numerous charities and non-profits have arrangements such that ticket sales can go directly to their organizations; email kerry.heckle@rexhealth.com for more information.

If you’re more interested in the game than the crowds, you might be interested in a volunteer position. Your skill and knowledge of golf—even if it’s none at all—can qualify you for a number of roles to help a first-rate golf tournament run smoothly. Additionally, there are a number of secondary benefits that come with volunteering: admittance, polo shirt, ball cap, parking, round of golf, refreshments, party pass, and six tournament guest passes. Email Emily Palacioz at emily@globalgolfmanagement.com.

It’s a great way to support good health and enjoy a beautiful week of North Carolina weather, so we hope to see you there!

Photo: Rex Hospital Open

The post PGA Pros and Amateurs Draw Crowds at 2014 Rex Hospital Open appeared first on Leith Porsche Blog.

Often we are asked, “Are you hiring?” While Leith is always looking for talented, hard-working, creative and good-natured people, we are having a Career Night on April 24 specifically for people who want to be an automotive service technician.

Many people say that the most important aspect of a job—more so than benefits, vacation time, or even compensation—is having a good relationship with your employer. We thought that a career night would be a great way to learn more about us and decide whether a job at a Leith dealership would be a great fit for you.

In particular, we are looking for people who have some experience as a technician. This is because we take the responsibility of auto repair seriously, and want every experience for our customers to be the very best available.

If you are hired by Leith, you will be provided with exceptional facilities, modern tools and equipment, manufacturer-specific training and examination, and the charge to be a subject-matter expert in your field. In short, you will become the most competent, experienced and knowledgeable professional in the area.

This is because Leith understands that in order to provide the best service, we have to provide the best tools and training to our employees. And as you have probably gathered by now, that means we want to hire the best people possible.

But don’t let that scare you off! We also believe in promoting from within, and realize that people are much more than just a resume or string of work experiences. That’s why we want to meet you in person, learn more about your unique background, skills and training and then see if there’s a good spot for you in the Leith Automotive group.

If you are hired, we provide full benefits and retirement plans. And as a thank you for showing up, you’ll be entered in a MAC tools giveaway. So come on out and spend some time with us; you never know what might turn into a great opportunity.

When: Thursday, April 24^th, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Where: Leith Porsche, 750 Auto Park Blvd., Cary, NC 27511

Pre-register now!

The post Do You Like Working On Cars? Come to Our April 24 Career Night appeared first on Leith Porsche Blog.

This Saturday our monthly Cars & Coffee event will have a special focus on detailing your Porsche vehicle. Many people think that detailing is a superfluous or needless activity, something like aftermarket modification which a purist wouldn’t descent to. In fact, it’s a highly specific way of caring for the different materials and surfaces of your Porsche. Proper detailing is what makes every unique surface and material look its best, no matter the age of your vehicle.

Detailing can be as thorough or relaxed a process as you want it to be: some people want to spend no more than an hour cleaning their vehicle whereas others are comfortable spending several hours. Some people are comfortable using a basic car shampoo, and others want to explore all the products you can use. For example: should you use a detergent or degreaser on your tires? Acidic or non-acidic? What’s the difference between a liquid and solid chemical cleaner? Should you use a rotating or oscillating polisher?

Our event will walk you through tips and tricks specific to your Porsche so that you can know how to best restore the black luster of trim pieces, properly care for leather, vinyl or Alcantara, clean glass without streaks and chemically remove deep body stains that a wash can’t penetrate. Pollen is a big concern right now in our area, so that will be addressed as well.

If you bring specific questions about cleaners or products, our service staff will be prepared to answer them. As always we will have gourmet coffee and plenty of time to mingle with other Porsche owners during the 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. time this Saturday morning. Make sure to bring your Porsche, and who knows, you might be asked a question or two about how you keep it looking so fine! We hope to see you there.

The post Cars & Coffee Event To Make Your Porsche Gleam appeared first on Leith Porsche Blog.

Everyone knows that the Porsche 911 is one of the top sports cars in the world, if not the best, flat out (we’ve resolved to be more humble in 2014).

To paraphrase a classic line, however, “Behind every great sports car is a great engine.” The 911’s engine has gone through many iterations, sure, but what exactly are the elements that elevate it above what you’d find in a Yugo? What are the engineering concepts that would never be found in a Mack truck?

This post will detail some of the more significant elements of the 911 engine, all in preparation for our January 18 Cars & Coffee event where we invite you to enjoy a cup of our delicious coffee and learn about the 911 engine in the 2014 model. There’s nothing like articulating the virtues of a machine that’s been refined for 50 years, all to produce one of the effective sports cars ever built, and then hearing that engine thrum to life right in front of you.

So, to the knowledge.

Air cooled, at first

More than 820,000 911’s have been sold since the 50th anniversary in 2013. The engine was air-cooled for the first 35 years of its life, which means that it didn’t use liquid canals throughout the engine block and around the cylinders to absorb and remove heat generated by engine use. Instead, the air-cooled engines use lots of densely packed fins to route air through the engine.

The advantage of an air-cooled system is that it weighs much less than a water-cooled equivalent, and is especially effective with flat-six cylinder engines. A car built to race can always benefit from being as light as possible, so for the first 3 and a half decades, it was an easy call. Air-cooled engines work best with leaded gasoline, so as the fuels have become less rich, leaner and definitely unleaded, the transition to water-cooled systems in 1998 was a necessary to prevent overheating issues.

Flat-six engine configuration

A flat-six engine arranges six cylinders horizontally in two rows of three. Each row pumps away and then toward the center much as a boxer will pound his gloves together before a fight. This synchronized motion means that energy is produced very steadily and consistently, resulting in smooth revs.

It also means the engine will be wider than most engines, and thus is better placed in the middle or rear of the car so as not to interfere with the turning of the front wheels. A final benefit is that the engine is shorter than other engines, which means a lower center of gravity, which is better for handling.

And the future

Today, most of the changes happening in the 911 are to everything except the engine (electric steering instead of hydraulic, more aluminum in the body, PDK transmission, etc.) but you will find slight tweaks that affect the engine itself. The engine now shuts off at red lights to save fuel. Hydraulic engine mounts transfer the inertia of the engine going into turns.

That’s because the 911 is good. It drives fast, weighs less, thinks more, and thrills your brain more than anyone in a Yugo could ever imagine. Stop by Leith Porsche on the 18^th, just for fun, to drive one around and get to know it. We think you’ll be glad you did.

The post What makes a Porsche 911 engine sublime? appeared first on Leith Porsche Blog.

If you or someone you know is an experienced automotive technician, you (or they) should come to Leith’s career night this Thursday in Raleigh—full details below. Leith is looking to hire technicians who have the skills and experience to be successful in their field, and who want to grow their careers at the same time. Leith is a family-owned business that operates more than 30 automotive stores and represents 28 different auto brands. Representatives of several dealerships will be present at this event, so don’t miss your chance to make connections in your field. We’re very excited to meet you, and are proud to advertise the following perks of being a Leith employee:

• Internal promotion
• Manufacturer training available
• State-of-the-art facilities
• Climate-controlled shops
• Full benefits
• 401(k) retirement plan

Pre-register to let our dealerships know more about you and the unique skills you have to offer. We would love to hear from you, and hope to see you this Thursday. Be sure to share this so someone who could benefit from this hears about it: Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus.

Where:

Leith Honda

Service Department

3940 Capital Hills Drive, Raleigh, NC 27616

When:

Thursday, December 5th

From 5:30pm – 8:00pm

Areas of Interest:

• Brakes
• Exhaust
• State Inspection
• Tire
• General Repair Work
• Oil Changes
• ASE
• Electrical
• Transmission

The post December 5 Career Night appeared first on Leith Porsche Blog.