Car magazines around the world have been sending their best spies out to the Porsche headquarters hoping to spy the new 2017 Porsche Panamera as it stretches its legs for the first time, and they’ve been pretty successful.

Although the 2017 Porsche Panamera hasn’t officially been released, we already have real-world photos. We thought it would be best to use those photos to show the differences between the 2016 Porsche Panamera, and the upcoming model. Out with the old, and in with the new.

Just out of curiosity, which one do you think is the 2017? We’ll give you a hint, it’s got four wheels, four doors, two headlights, and blue paint.

The 2017 Porsche Panamera’s design is only slightly different, but those small changes give the car a much sleeker look. The car’s A-line (the line running over the car, from headlight to tail light) has been smoothed out, to produce a continuous curve across the top of the car. The tail lights now extend further around the rear, and the side walls have also been improved with an updated side-vent, and a crease that guides the eyes across the side of the vehicle.

The 2017 Porsche Panamera has already been paired with a powerful twin-turbocharged V-8 engine, that will produce approximately 542 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque. Not only is this engine more powerful than its V-8 predecessor, it’s also more efficient. The engine will be compatible with hybrid technology (V-8 hybrids?!) and will also use cylinder deactivation to reduce the number of cylinders used during normal driving.

Rumor has it that the 2017 Porsche Panamera will debut at the Paris Auto Show this September. If you can’t wait until then to see more of the Porsche Panamera, check out all the spy-videos on YouTube. If you like the Porsche Panamera, but see yourself in something a little sportier, take a look at our inventory. We love our Porsches as much as you do.

The post The 2017 Porsche Panamera is the Sexiest Sedan on Earth appeared first on Leith Porsche Blog.

Photo credit: oppositelock.kinja.com

We’re on the transmission-impossible: Getting Americans to switch to manual. We know, we know: Traffic. But if traffic is your only reason for not driving a manual, we think you’re seriously missing out. Here’s why:

1. Better gas mileage

While this is no longer an absolute truth for all manual vehicles, it is still the norm. Most automatic transmissions can’t keep up with manuals in terms of efficiency. And as an added bonus, most manual versions of cars cost less than the automatics. Investing in a manual means you’re saving money upfront and as you drive.

2. Less distracted driving

It may seem counter-intuitive, but giving someone a harder task to focus on might help the problem of distracted driving. Driving stick shift requires the use of all four limbs simultaneously, and a fairly consistent level of road awareness. That extra focus might lead to safer roads.

Photo credit: http://nstsa.ca

Take this into consideration: In 2014, only 25% of vehicles sold in the United Kingdom were automatics, compared to 94.5% for the United States. In 2013, the United Kingdom reported 5 fatal car accidents for every 100,000 cars on the road, compared to America’s 13 fatal car accidents for every 100,000 cars on the road. Of course, these two statistics could be completely unrelated. It’s just an interesting thought.

3. Manuals are more fun

Regular driving can be pretty boring. Manuals, on the other hand, can be great fun. Manual transmissions give you more control over the car and engage you in the driving process. There’s no rush like shifting through the gearbox as you test your car’s 0-60mph time.

4. You can drive anything

Just being able to drive a manual is a skill everyone should have. There are plenty of worst-case scenarios we could dream up where knowing how to drive a manual might come in handy (meteor strikes the earth and you only have a manual car to escape the blast), but here’s a likely one: your friend had too much to drink at the bar and needs you to drive them (and their manual car) home.

Photo credit: www.automobilesreview.com

5. It’s a new skill

Who doesn’t like to learn!? You don’t? Oh. Well what if we told you learning a new skill is the best way to keep your brain in sharp? That’s right – if you want to keep your brain in tip-top shape, you’ve got to use it. Learning to drive stick shift requires new motor skills, and it’ll change the way you react to certain driving situations. Putting that kind of stress on the brain requires it to grow and adapt, which is good.

So what are you waiting for?

Go find a friend who drives stick, and get them to teach you! If you like it, make sure your next vehicle comes with a clutch. Even in stop-and-go traffic, you won’t regret it.

The post Going Clutch: Top 5 Reasons to Stop Driving Automatic appeared first on Leith Porsche Blog.

Online shopping has become a massive industry in the last decade. In 2014, Adweek reported that the world of e-commerce generates just over $1.2 million dollars every 30 seconds – and that stat is almost two years old.

The changing times

It wasn’t too long ago that people wouldn’t have dared to purchase cellphones, t-shirts, or shoes online. Now, those items make up the bulk of all e-commerce. As a car dealership, we have to wonder if one day this trend will extend to our products.

Luckily, Car and Driver released a study that may provide some insight to that question.

Let’s look at the numbers

Car and Driver reports that 68% of their respondents would not buy or lease a vehicle without visiting a dealership, and 84% would not buy or lease without taking a test drive. Personally, we’d never buy a car before test driving it either, so that’s not too surprising.

But when the study turned to the question of online shopping, we see some interesting results. 54% of car enthusiasts would consider buying a car online, while only 34% of non-enthusiasts would.

This seems slightly backwards to us. We would assume that a car-enthusiast would be more concerned about coming into a dealership, sitting in the car they were thinking of buying, and taking it for a spin on the open road.

Which, we think you should do

Because the dealership experience is like no other. We combine great prices on our vehicles, state-of-the-art service centers, and most importantly, knowledgeable people who you can rely on. Which is something buying a car online can never give you – a personal, face-to-face interaction, and the opportunity to build a relationship.

Here at Leith Porsche, our goal is to satisfy 100% of our customers 100% of the time, and we don’t think that’s unrealistic. We look out for you, and do everything in our power to ensure your car-buying experience is memorable and enjoyable.

But just out of curiosity, would you ever consider buying a car solely online? Leave us a comment on Facebook and let us know!

The post Are You Part of the 32% Who Would Buy a Car Online? appeared first on Leith Porsche Blog.

Classic cars are great – they’re great to look at, better to drive, and reminiscent of simpler times. Classics transport us back to the year they were built and are charged with an ambiance you won’t find inside a brand new vehicle.

We find it incredibly interesting which cars become classics, and which disappear with time – Which got us thinking: What makes a car a classic, and how can we pick out a car today that will be a classic down the road?

Let’s look to the past

The past is always your ally when predicting the future. Cars that are now classics were some of the best in their time; these are cars that everyone wanted to have. They were usually known for some distinct quality, whether it be their off-beat style, their speed on the track, or their unbeatable reliability.

So we’re looking for cars that really make a statement for their time – they don’t have to be expensive (although it can help), they just have to be exceptional at what they were built for.

Looking to the future

Now we have to contrast that information with what we think is coming. While we can’t be completely certain, there are some changes we can clearly see heading our way.

Driverless cars are on their way, and with them will come a few changes to how we view driving. Before long, we’ll have a generation of people who have never put their hands on a steering wheel. Those poor saps will never be exposed to the rush you get when accelerating through the gearbox. Those who do remember that rush, though, will be itching to relive their glory years behind the wheel of an automotive beast.

So what kind of cars will be classics?

Performance vehicles that exude style, such as a Porsche 911. In the future, classic cars will be for those who remember what it’s like to grip a steering wheel, feather a clutch, and get pulled over for speeding.

So first and foremost: look for cars that are creating a buzz for their performance ability. If that car is also distinctly styled, incredibly reliable, or the first car to have a coffee maker inside (mostly kidding), you may have a classic on your hands. Any vehicle that is standing out amongst the crowd today is likely to do the same a few years down the road.

Need help finding your way into one of Leith Porsche’s future-classics? Give us a call or come by the dealership!

The post Which Cars Will Be Classic Cars in the Future? appeared first on Leith Porsche Blog.

Top Gear is the best car enthusiast show of our time. Watching Richard Hammond, James May, and Jeremy Clarkson tear across the globe in everything from a Bugatti Veyron to a Reliant Robin (which flips more than a gymnast) is television at its finest. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Top Gear, or someone wondering what Top Gear is, (Where have you been?! Antarctica?) these five episodes are great examples of what makes this show special.

1. Season 14 Episode 6

Season 14 episode 6 is a roller coaster of sheer cliffs, volcanic mountains, and dense rain forests. There’s suspense, victory, near death experiences, and the elation you can only experience after having survived one. The team, using just £1500 apiece, must buy a car in Bolivia and drive it over 1000 miles of the harshest terrain.

As always, this band of merry-men keeps the outlook on their grim situation bright with witty banter and obnoxious practical jokes. Watch as Clarkson takes a joke too far, and finds himself at the end of a machete!

2. Season 19 Episode 6 & 7

This two-part adventure begins in the heart of Uganda, where the team must buy an estate car (translation: a wagon) for £1500, and take it across the continent of Africa. Their mission: Find the source of the Nile River. On their quest, they’ll brave crocodile infested rivers, inhospitable hotel rooms, and massive mountain ranges.

But along the journey, their obstacles give way to an expansive culture, the exotic African wildlife, and some of the most breath-taking sunsets imaginable. Join the crew as they make their way into the guild of explorers by tackling the ferocious beauty of Africa.

3. Season 10 Episode 4

The Botswana special, is hot. Not only because it was filmed in southern Africa, but also because every car bought has a broken A/C. On this challenge, the teams once again receive £1500 quid and are told to buy cars that are neither 4-wheel drive, nor built to go off-road.

With these cars, James, Jeremy, and Richard take on the vast salt flats of Botswana – terrain that definitely calls for 4-wheel drive vehicles. Tune in to see who got the best deal, and who gets left in the dust.

4. Top Gear Polar Special

The polar special was a standalone Top Gear episode that takes place across the ice sheets of Northern Canada. Clarkson and May team up to race a specially-modified Toyota Hilux truck against Hammond on a Dogsled.

But before they embark, the team learns how to survive in the harsh polar environment. Luckily, they have a pixely-faced man (as pictured above) to gently guide them through their training.

5. Season 15 Episode 1

It’s with great regret that we suggest this episode of Top Gear. The team decides to make a journey through the great state of Alabama, and what they find does not speak well for the state – or the country for that matter.

We won’t spoil all the fun, but we will reveal that the episode involves rock-throwing and a redneck-pursuit. It’s as hilarious as it is terrifying. Alabama was not ready for the Top Gear crew.

How to watch the episodes

Parts of the episodes listed above are posted on Top Gear’s YouTube page, which means you can start watching them right now! If you want the full episodes, a quick Google search will reveal where to find them. Netflix is currently streaming all of the previous seasons, and mid-way through 2016 the trio will be returning on their new Amazon Prime Video show.

The post Five Epic Episodes of Top Gear You Must Watch Before You Die appeared first on Leith Porsche Blog.

A tagline is a few words that express what a brand stands for. It can be a full sentence, like Porsche’s “There is no substitute,” or something less than that, like Mazda’s “Zoom-Zoom.” So far as we know, no automaker has committed to a one-word tagline because what would that magical word even be? Lol? Yolo? #?

First you have to know what you’re talking about

Do you ever sit down to write without knowing what you want to say? Many taglines feel like they were created in that spirit: “Feel the adventure.” “Wrestle with life.” “Resist gravity.”

These examples feel wrong because they’re overly broad. They sound like someone trying to write what they think a tagline is, instead of going through the labor of thinking about the brand and riffing on those themes.

Do yourself a favor and start with a firm grasp on what the brand stands for.

Winnow thy words like wheat on a stone floor

Once you have a nice pile of verbal spaghetti, you can get into the really messy part of writing: editing. You cut, and cut, and cut until eventually you’re left with a handful of candidates. Perhaps you can stitch them together Frankenstein-style.

A word of caution, however. Many taglines have visible seams, e.g. “Love. Power. Romance. Brand.” That is not a tagline. It’s three ideas and the brand’s name. It means the writers distilled their ideas, but failed to connect them with, you know, English.

Find a poet, a songwriter, or a musician

Beyond the rational analysis you just performed to find your brand’s core, a tagline also needs emotional verve. You know why you remember Chevrolet’s “Like a Rock”? It’s because the song behind made you feel like you were single-handedly building America while raising barns, playing with horses, and wearing dusty leather gloves.

Hire one of the artistic people above to take your ideas and imbue them with emotional appeal. It’s what they do, and it’s what your customers will respond to. And if you don’t like what you get back, just hire someone else. It’s better to get it right than to change it three months later.

What do you think is the best tagline ever created by an automaker? What makes it resonate for you? If you had to write a tagline for your company, what would it be? Let us know on our Facebook page.

The post Taglines: How Carmakers Long for Nike’s “Just Do It” appeared first on Leith Porsche Blog.

Lately, you may have noticed a white sticker on gas pumps reading “Contains 10% Ethanol,” and wondered “what might that be doing to my engine?” Or, you haven’t noticed the sticker at all, and now you’ll see it every time you stop for gas. Either way, we want to share the facts, and dispel the rumors about what ethanol is doing to your engine, so you can make the right choice when you pull up to the pump.

What is Ethanol?

Ethanol is a shortened name for ethyl alcohol, which is a renewable (as long as we can grow crops) fuel source made from plant material. Ethanol is a clear, colorless liquid that in the United States we make almost exclusively from corn. It’s estimated by 2030, ethanol could replace up to 30% of U.S. gasoline demand.

Why are We Using Ethanol?

So, why are we putting corn whiskey into our engines? Well, there are a couple of reasons. Initially, ethanol was added to cars back in 1979 to help reduce carbon monoxide emissions and comply with the government’s air-quality regulations. That’s great news, right? Who doesn’t love saving the planet?

We certainly do, but at this point ethanol may be doing more harm than good. For one, the United States produced 14 billion gallons of ethanol in 2014, which is up 4 billion gallons since 2009. Which, wouldn’t be much of an issue, if not for the fact that our modern engines no longer require the use of ethanol to reach the government’s air-quality regulations.

So, a large part of why we’re now using ethanol is to lower the cost of gas, and subsidize farmers. Corn has become a major stream of revenue for farmers, who would probably rather be growing food, but can’t seem to make ends meet by doing so. Therefore, we have an abundance of ethanol, and it has got to go somewhere.

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Well, Is It Bad for My Engine?

That all depends on your engine. If you’re driving a new(er) car, the answer is no, ethanol is not bad for your engine. This is because our modern engines are designed to run on the gasoline/ethanol combination, and have been fitted with alcohol-resistant seals and hoses.

But on the flip side, if you’re driving an older vehicle, the ethanol may be causing problems. Alcohol is a highly corrosive substance that’s hard on plastic, rubber, and even some metals, and over time it will eat away at your vehicle’s most vulnerable components. Additionally, alcohol in an old engine can start to dislodge the build-up of carbon deposits from inside the engine. That may sound like a good thing, but that buildup can actually move into places where it chokes the engine’s fuel supply.

And finally, when an ethanol/gasoline mixture sits stagnant in a gas tank for a long time, it can separate due to a process called phase separation. Phase separation, in short, happens when water finds its way into your gas tank and mixes with the ethanol. Ethanol will absorb and hold water until it reaches a saturation point, at which time the water and ethanol separate. This leaves a layer of alcohol and water at the bottom of your gas tank, which blocks the actual gasoline from entering the engine. Your engine won’t run without gasoline in this mixture.

The Ethanol Verdict

Ethanol is not for every engine, but for some engines it’s a perfectly fine. Older vehicles are more susceptible to the problems caused by the ethanol/gas mixture (water in the gas tank, stagnant gas, rubber hoses, etc), so if you’re driving a classic, we recommend checking out this website for a complete list of gas stations with ethanol-free gasoline. But if you’re driving a vehicle built in the last 10 years, we say you’re good to go. Fill up with your recommended fuel octane, and don’t sweat it from there.

If you’re experiencing any problems with your older vehicles, feel free to bring them in and let us take a look. Our trained mechanics have an eye for the issues ethanol can present in an old engine.

The post Does Ethanol Really Cause Damage to Your Engine? appeared first on Leith Porsche Blog.

Photo credit: www.motortrend.com

Who doesn’t love a great classic car? Probably the same people who dislike dogs and queso dip. If that’s you, sorry, but French bull dogs, classic cars, and chile con queso are the bomb. Just keep those cheesy paws away from my antique interior.

We’ve picked out 10 classic cars that we feel have made a special impact on the world, and compiled a sweet list of them below. Enjoy, and make sure to leave us a comment on which one is your favorite – even if it’s not on the list!

1. 1978-1981 BMW M1

Photo credit: www.alcacity.xyz

Talk about a show-stopper. This BMW was definitely an outlier for the brand, but we’re so glad they strayed from the pack. This sports car was originally commissioned to be built by both Lamborghini and BMW, but problems arose that made BMW produce it on their own. Only 453 BMW M1’s were built between 1978 and 1981, making it one of the rarest BMW sports cars you can find.

2. 1972-1979 Honda Civic Hatchback (First Generation)

Photo credit: en.wikipedia.org

Usually we’re skeptical when it comes to first generation vehicles, but this Honda Civic was way ahead of the game for 1972. It featured front power disc brakes, reclining bucket seats, wooden trim on the dashboard, air conditioning, and even an AM/FM radio. The Civic’s small but efficient inline four cylinder engine averaged 40 mpg on the highway, which made it extremely popular during the 1973 oil crisis. We wish we could get our hands on one today.

3. 1987-1991 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

Photo credit: blog.autoparkchryslerjeep.com

Although the Grand Wagoneer was in production from 1962 – 1991, most consider their last generation to be the model’s pinnacle. While it did take a while to get it right, the result was absolutely fantastic. If you feel a twinge of nostalgia when you see it, we have good news. This champion is said to be coming back!

4. 1984 Toyota Celica Supra

Photo credit: onlytruecars.com

A drift course favorite, the 1984 Toyota Celica Supra is old school performance at its best. During its time, the Celica Supra was known as an incredibly reliable and entertaining car to own. People had few complaints, and tons of fun. It definitely has the DeLorean appearance, which makes us want to go back in time to snag one brand new.

5. 1979-1993 Fox Body 5.0 Ford Mustang

Photo credit: shnack.com

The Ford Mustang has been in production for a very long time – and it was hard to pick our favorite model from all the generations. Alas, we decided on the fox body 5.0 Ford Mustang. Why? Well, we like liters, and this thing has got nearly five of them. The Cobra edition of the 5.0 came with a 4.9L V8 that sounds incredible, and flies down the road.

We know five cars is a pretty short list, but we wanted to hear which cars you think should’ve been included. Go ahead and leave us a comment on Facebook or Twitter with your five favorite classics. And as always, if you have any questions for us, don’t hesitate to reach out!

The post I Bet You’ve Always Wanted One of These 5 Classic Cars appeared first on Leith Porsche Blog.

Noisy Brakes?

Brakes can be noisy for lots of reasons, and some are more serious than others. We’re going to break these noises down into three Categories: the squeak, squeal, and grind – Sounds like a Broadway play where a family of struggling sewer mice open their own coffee shop. “These are aRATica beans people!” We’ll write that down.

The Squeak

Usually, the squeak in your brakes isn’t something to fret over. The squeak is an inconsistent, and pretty unthreatening sound. If you step on your brakes and there is a small noise that doesn’t always happen, there’s probably nothing to be worried about. This can be caused by a number of factors. A squeak in your brakes might just mean they’re dusty, sandy, or wet. Cold weather can also cause brakes to squeak,  so if you hear some intermittent noise when you brake, don’t sweat it.

The Squeal

If you step on your brakes and they wail until you come to a complete stop, you’ve got a squeal. The squeal comes about when your brake pads are almost completely worn down. This is built in by manufacturers to alert drivers that they need to replace their brakes. Your brakes can function fine for some time with the squeal, but we don’t recommend putting this off. If not taken care of, it leads to the grind.

The Grind

The last and most important brake noise to be aware of is the sound of grinding metal. You won’t only hear it, you’ll feel it. When the brakes are grinding, it means your brake pads have completely worn away and you are grinding the calipers onto your brake disc. This can be very damaging to the braking components and could cost you much more than just replacing the brake pads. Do not ignore this!

Think you’re hearing any of these noises? Come by the Leith Porsche service department and let our mechanics have a look. If you take care of your car, it will take care of you.

The post Noisy Brakes? Find Out if it’s just a Squeak, or Something More Serious appeared first on Leith Porsche Blog.

The Porsche 930 (also known as the “original” Porsche 911 Turbo) is the kind of car people will keep in their collection long after we start traveling via hovercraft. It’s a legendary vehicle, with an iconic style and performance that people can’t help but gravitate towards.

The Porsche 930 was commissioned in order to comply with changing racing regulations at the time. To enter the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile’s (International Automobile Federation) Group 5 division, the 911 had to look like a production vehicle and be available for normal sale – meaning it had to be street legal. Thus, the 930 was born.

The 3.0-litre flat-six engine from the Porsche Carrera RS was fitted with a turbocharger, and packed into the 911. It produced a total output of 256-horsepower and was equipped with a 4-speed manual.

The 930 is well known for its turbo lag – which is no surprise considering it’s a 4-speed – and its tendency to oversteer. This comes from a weight imbalance in the rear of the vehicle. Since the car is RWD and equipped with a rear engine, all the power and weight is concentrated near the rear of the vehicle. The harder the 930 accelerates, the more it saps traction from the front wheels.

But just one look at the 930 is enough to forgive all its short-comings. The flared out front and rear tires flow into the headlights and rear hatch fascia beautifully, leaving simple lines down the side that meet up with a functional rear-spoiler to complete the look. Not many cars can compete with the side profile of a Porsche 930.

But enough explaining. You need to see this thing in action for yourself. Luckily, Petrolicious released a video of the Porsche 930 roaring through some winding mountain roads. It’s great.

If you’re ever interested in seeing a 930 for yourself, keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter for upcoming events. A few of our owners have some of these classics, and they love to show them off at Leith Porsche.

The post After 40 Years, This Porsche 930 (or 911 Turbo) is Still Turning Heads appeared first on Leith Porsche Blog.