Porsche CEO Wendelin Weideking was probably the only industry chief at the show who didn’t need to worry about carbon dioxide. Porsches have no chance of meeting the proposed average CO2 regulations and he is confident that a way will be found to accommodate its special situation. In the mean time, Cayenne sales are up – against the European trend for big SUVs – and Porsche has introduced the GTS. With a naturally-aspirated direct injection V8 engine developing 405PS and a manual six-speed box, this model sits between the Cayenne S and Turbo. Porsche also showed a cutaway version of the Cayenne Hybrid, due in 2009, which it has developed as a joint project with Audi and Volkswagen.

GT2 sports a 6-cylinder, 3.6-litre boxer unit re-engineered to churn out a aw dropping 530PS, and a maximum torque of 680Nm. Available exclusively with rear-wheel-drive and manual six-speed gearbox, this Porsche screams to 1000kmph in just 3.7 seconds (thanks to the launch control system) and tops out at 328kmph.

On the new 911 GT2, the initial turbo lag is reduced. While the car is still stationary, the fuel injection is modified to help the engine reach maximum output earlier. The boost pressure is significantly increased and the engine readied for a faster start.