Car Throttle » Porsche 911

Porsche 911 Speedster May Make Return, Ferrari 599 GTO Pictures

Tony — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 06:20:08 +0000

Throughout the Porsche 911′s history, there has been remarkably little change to the basic formula. And for good reason – the 911 doesn’t need to be revolutionized. We like it the way it is!

That doesn’t mean there can’t be some unique variations of it though. Auto Express says a 911 Speedster is in the works, based off information from a Porsche document the magazine obtained.

It supposedly revealed detailed Porsche product plans until 2012. The 911 Speedster model would pay homage to the classic 356 Speedster, with a limited run of only 100 units at a price of around $300,000 (£200,000) each.

As far as design, there will be a cut-down windshield, wider bodywork and oversize rear humps for what will be a strict two-seater.

When is there really enough photographs of a Ferrari? To us, there isn’t. That is why we’re bringing to you the latest pictures on Ferrari’s fastest, the 599 GTO. In case you didn’t remember its specifications, we’ll give you a little refresher. The GTO is motivated by a 6.0-liter V-12 derived from the engine in the Enzo. It makes 661 horsepower and 457 pound feet of torque.

That is good enough for a dash to to 62 miles per hour in just 3.35 seconds, with a top speed in excess of 208 mph. It can also lap the Fiorano test track in a crazy-fast 1 minute and 24 seconds. That even beats the Enzo!

With a front-engined layout, the 599 pays homage to the classic GTO, and is built in a limited run of 599 units. Check out a few of the new images below.

Porsche Rejects MINI’s Challenge to a Race

Tony — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 22:54:11 +0000

Interesting headline there, eh? Thank MINI’s marketing department for that one. We’ve been hearing a lot about marketing in the automotive industry lately, and there is no denying that MINI’s is one of the smartest out there.

The company challenged Porsche to a race pitting the 911 Carrera S versus the MINI Cooper S. Ridiculous, right? But marketing brilliance. They set the date for June 21 at the Road Atlanta raceway, close to Porsche’s United States headquarters.

For MINI, it was a win-win – just getting Porsche to accept was a huge win for press coverage. If the Porsche won (which is a given) it would be what everyone expected. In the unlikely event the MINI won, it would be a huge upset. If (when?) Porsche rejected, you have the headline you see here. Check the statement below, made by Porsche to MINI about the challenge.

Dear Jim,

Imagine our surprise to discover our former employee, now the head of Mini, has challenged us to a head-to-head race. As you surely know, Porsche has a long history of racing success, with more than 28,000 wins over the last 60 years. In our early days, we pitted ourselves against the giants, so we’ve been in your shoes.

But as you also know, Porsche doesn’t race for fame, stunts or publicity. We race to challenge ourselves; we race to push sports car technology; we race to translate every win on the track to our cars on the road. If you need a reminder of our intent, please take a look at this short video: http://tinyurl.com/37xdjqx

While your challenge seems like a fun and lighthearted campaign, we’ll stick to racing the way we have over the decades. We welcome you at Sebring, Le Mans, Daytona or any other sanctioned race where there is more at stake than T-shirts and valet parking spaces. We also invite you to any of the thousands of tracks around the world where Porsche owners compete each weekend. Good luck with your race at Road Atlanta on June 21; we hope you enjoy the day.

Sincerely,
Detlev Von Platen
President and CEO, Porsche Cars North America

VIDEO: Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid Runs the Nurburgring

Tony — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 04:08:57 +0000

At CarThrottle we love fast cars, and there is going to be a whole lot of them on display at the 24 hours ADAC Nürburgring endurance race (now in its 38th year). It takes place on May 15-16th and Porsche is getting ready for it.

The Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid has a unique powertrain – definitely not a conventional hybrid. There is, of course, the usual Porsche rear engined setup, with a 480-horsepower 4.0-liter flat-six.

This time though, it works in concert with two electric motors that power the front wheels as well, becoming an all-wheel drive system.

What sets the 911 GT3 R Hybrid apart is the way electric power in the car is utilized. With the advantage of being a one-seat race car, the passenger seat area is made to house a flywheel. It is designed to harnesses the large amounts of energy the 911 GT3 R creates during braking.

It can spin at over 40,000 rpm. Once there is a certain amount of electric energy is stored, over 120 kilowatts – about 160 horsepower – is available to the driver in six to eight second boosts.

A button mounted on the steering wheel activates the system. This is our kind of hybrid! The 911 GT3 R is running the ‘Ring getting ready for the race with AT&T Williams Formula 1 pilot Nico Hülkenberg at the helm.

Porsche 911 GT3 R Announced

Tony — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:45:42 +0000

Porsche has been going on a specialization mode recently, offering new models like the Boxster Spyder that cater to a smaller audience. A new model for those interested in GT3-class racing has been announced now, the Porsche 911 GT3 R.

This car follows Porsche’s last entry in this category, the 911 GT3 Cup. Porsche says the focus of the new GT3 R model was “easier” handling and better drivability.

The GT3 R’s naturally-aspirated 4.0 liter (size increased over the standard) makes 480 brake horsepower and is mated to a sequential six-speed “dog” gearbox. The 480 bhp power output is an increase over the 450 bhp on the GT3 Cup.

Look at those headlights! They look like ones used on older 911s. The changes that focused for “better drivability” mainly include an anti-lock braking system, traction control and an “e-gas with throttle blip function” – these are changes Porsche says makes the car more appropriate for an amateur racing driver.

I’m not sure an “amateur racing driver” would be buying one of these, but I digress. The new 911 GT3 R is set to make its debut at the Birmingham Motor Show on January 14th, 2010.

The GT3 R is built by Porsche’s Motorsport Department at the Weissach Development Centre and will be delivered in spring of next year. Base price? Big surprise (not) – but it isn’t cheap: the Porsche 911 GT3 R comes in at 279,000 euros ($415K USD at current exchange rates). The three pictures shown are the only ones released by Porsche for now.

Porsche Evolution 911 Competition

Tony — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:48:42 +0000

In the midst of all the bad news about Porsche, from recent financial news to the ongoing VW takeover saga, I’m sure they are looking to put the focus back on product. And not on the Panamera, for now – the company just launched a new competition called “Evolution 911″.

On the website, you must identify various Porsche exhaust notes with the correct model. The first category is Carrera – you must distinguish among 996, 997 Gen 1 and 964 generations. The other categories include Classic, Race Derived, 911 Turbo and Porsche Motorsport division.

It is a tall order for Porsche enthusiasts even, let alone casual automotive enthusiasts. Think you can do it? Head over to Porsche’s 911 Evolution Competition site to begin. Once you’re done you will be entered in the competition to get an “Evolution 911 driving experience” at Silverstone. Also, the site offers an exclusive wallpaper and each of the exhaust notes as downloads.

Frankfurt 2009: Electric Porsche?

Tony — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 03:44:48 +0000

While (now fellow division mate) Audi decides whether or not to go ahead with an electric-powered R8 Roadster, it appears as if Porsche is considering the possibility. The RUF Greenster Electric 911 has came out, as well as spy shots testing, but does that mean it’s a possible go for production? Apparently so.

Here’s what Porsche’s new (Wiedeking is gone) CEO Michael Macht had to say:

“I am also convinced that one day Porsche will have an electric sports car in its line-up,” said Macht at the Porsche company’s conference today in Frankfurt. He also said the current state of battery technology isn’t “sufficient to meet Porsche’s strict requirements,” but that “our (Porsche’s) engineers are already working hard on this challenge.”

“An electric sports car would therefore only make sense for Porsche if it offers performance and a cruising range similar to that of current sports cars in the market,” he said. “We are therefore taking the first step in this direction with a full hybrid – in the Cayenne, the Panamera and maybe in the not too distant future also in a racing car or a production 911. Why not?

First of all, not “sufficient to meet Porsche’s standards”? What about the Tesla Roadster? Cutting through the PR speak though, it seems like the work is being done on one and that they’re sorting out the numbers (probably financial). If it does work in their favor, you can expect an announcement that proclaims the new, electric 911 as the best thing ever. If there is one thing the Tesla Roadster cemented, it’s that electric cars can be fun. I’m looking forward to hearing more about a new, electric 911.