Porsche has publicly unveiled its latest race car based on the 911 model at the Autosport International show at the Birmingham NEC. It's called the 911 GT3 R and replaces the GT3 Cup S. Porsche has tried to make it as accessible as possible by including such equipment as ABS, traction control and an electronic throttle with a ‘blip' function on gearbox down-changes. It makes even the amateur racer feel like a professional.
"Since we announced our intention to launch the 911 GT3 R, demand has been huge," said Uwe Brettel, Head of Motorsport Sales. "The number of GT3 R vehicles we had planned for 2010 is almost sold out."
Power is sourced from a modified boxer engine based on the 3.8-litre version. Cubic capacity has been increased to 4.0-litre and maximum power is 358kW (480bhp) and the vehicle mass is just 1,200 kg (2,646 lbs).
Some body features include LED rear lights, additional wheel arches at the front and rear, a completely covered underbody, a rear diffuser and a more adjustable rear wing.
The suspension system consists of height-adjustable MacPherson struts up front, two-way shock absorbers and double coil springs. At the rear a rigidly mounted sub-frame with a height-adjustable multi-arm axle and more two-way shock absorbers and double coil springs do the job.
A new Racing Driver Development Programme based in Silverstone, UK is geared towards both casual racers and those who are more serious about motorsport. It prepares attendees for everything including skills and knowledge required by the industry.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Porsche 911 GT3 R Makes Debut at Autosport International
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Porsche hybrid to campaign at 24 hours of Nürburgring
If the rumor from Autosport Japan is true, Porsche could be readying a hybrid version of its 911 GT3 for this May's 24 Hours of Nürburgring race.
With a gas-electric Cayenne on the way next year and a Panamera hybrid in development, the rumor of a race-spec hybrid doesn't seem that far-fetched considering Porsche's proclivity for migrating it's racing knowhow from the track to the road (although it's a bit backwards in this application). Regardless, Porsche hasn't confirmed the hybrid's participation in the enduro yet, but rumors have been circulating that the automaker will use the knowledge it gleans from the 'Ring race to campaign a GT3 hybrid in the 2011 ALMS season, with a possible running at the 24 Hours of Le Mans the same year.
Porsche Consider Turbocharged 3 cylinder Engine for Boxster
Porsche is looking for ways to decrease its CO2 footprint and is considering a turbocharged three-cylinder for its next generation Boxster model.
The head of the Boxster model line, Hans-Jurgen Wohler, told Autocar that the next Boxster model may come with a three-cylinder turbo producing somewhere between 180 and 200 hp. That would take the models CO2 emissions down to about 180 g/km.
Wohler said that Porsche is looking for ways to reduce emissions, given VW's acquisition of the luxury sports car maker last year. "We are under a great deal of pressure from the EU law makers to reduce emissions, but we don't know yet how much we'll have to come down by," he added.
It is not known how EU rules for reducing emission will apply to Porsche now that it is part of VW Group. Current rules state that an automaker with a volume less than 300,000 units per year (which Porsche meets) need only reduce its fleet emissions by 25 percent by 2012 over 2006 levels. For larger automakers, stricter rules are in place and those will have to reduces their fleet emissions to 120 g/km by 2012.
But Wohler admitted that a low-emissions Boxster wouldn't be enough to meet requirements on its own. Boxster volumes are about 15,000 units per year - a small seller even for a boutique marque like Porsche.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Gemballa Tornado GTS 750 4-Seater Updates
A new set of photos featuring the Gemballa Tornado 750 GTS 4-seater has been released by the manufacturer. Gemballa engineers have made a few changes to the €400,000 SUV-come-sports car in an effort to keep the vehicle fresh.
At the front, we immediately noticed the new teardrop-shaped CGT headlights being used on the car, similar to those found on the Carrerra GT-based Gemballa Mirage GT. Slight modifications to the lower half of the front bumper appears to now include fog lights. In back, a new rear spoiler design includes three sections of lighting, as opposed to just one. One of the close-ups also shows the center-mounted camera in the grille, possibly part of the SUV's infotainment and night vision system.
Earlier in the year, we reported that engineers had stripped about 250 kilos (551 lbs) from the vehicle's weight. Combined with 750-horsepower turbo V8 engine that produces up to 1,050 Nm, this vehicle hits 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. A top speed of over 300 km/h (186.4mph) is also possible.
Naturally, this required bigger wheels, brakes, and air intakes, all of which can be found here. Gemballa uses a 415/380 mm braking system with six-piston calipers in the front, and four-piston calipers at the back. 12x22" forged GT Sport Wheels are also used on the now 70 mm lower vehicle. The package is rounded out with sport seats in the front and back, video screens all around, leather, Alcantara, and a set of carbon trim inserts.
Monday, December 21, 2009
FAB Design Porsche Panamera
FAB Design of Mellingen Switzerland, has unveiled its tuning programme for the Porsche Panamera.
The tuning on the Panamera is the first non-Daimler vehicle that comes out from FAB Design tuning programme.
At the exterior, the FAB Design Porsche Panamera features wide bodykit that consists of new front fascia with powerful cooler intakes and new front spoiler. Other accessories and front hood meanwhile are made of real carbon.
Other features include new side skirts, new rear carbon fiber wings, new roof spoiler, FAR rear skirt with an integrated diffuser and three trapeziform, centrally placed end pipes.
The FAB Design Porsche Panamera is powered by a modified 4.8-liter turbo engine to produce 700 hp (515 kW) from the stock 500 hp (368 kW).
The suspension system has been upgraded with a lowering module to lower the car by 20 mm. A new sport braking system is installed behind the three-part, 22-inch wheels.
