il3ana: Porsche 911

Showing posts with label Porsche 911. Show all posts

Porsche to Return to Le Mans in 2014 with Brand New LMP1 Racer

Porsche, the most successful marque ever in the history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans has announced its return in 2014 to the world’s most famous endurance race. Porsche has won at Le Mans a record 16 times, and aims for the top spot with its works entry in the top LMP1 category. Read more »

Leaked C&D Issue Spills the Beans on Brand New Porsche 911

The wall of secrecy surrounding the brand-new 2012 Porsche 911 has cracked thanks to a forum member of Teamspeed who downloaded and shared Car & Driver’s upcoming August issue in which the magazine has an exclusive first ride of the car. C&D joined the Porsche team during the new 911’s final tests in South Africa nd here’s what they found out.

The new 911 is code-named 991 and will be launched in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Compared to the 997 that it replaces, it is 2.5 inches longer and has a 4.0-inch longer wheelbase so that it can accommodate a hybrid system, presumably from the Panamera.

By taking a kitbashed GM-sourced LS1 V8 engine and slotting it into an AWD Porsche 996, LS1tech forum member “1dirtyZ” has set out to create something truly unique. Sure, it’s unconventional and perhaps a little sacrilegious...but just look at the Porsche donor car.

It’s a wreck, the victim of a catastrophic engine fire. It has a ruined interior and a body that’s been damaged both by fire and rust. It would have spent the rest its days rotting away in a car wreckers yard if 1dirtyZ had not rescued it.

And even though this confabulation of All-American grunt and German precision engineering is not yet finished (it doesn’t have a rear bumper, for one), it certainly runs and can even be driven around a dirt race track. You can check out our gallery of in-progress images below and a handful of videos showing the V8-powered Porsche 911 running.

Porsche triumphed in the 2011 24 hours of Nürburgring, with the 911 GT3 RSR of Marc Lieb, Timo Bernhard, Romain Dumas and Lucas Luhr crossing the line after 156 laps and 3,958.968 km (2,462.044 miles), a new record for the legendary endurance race in the demanding Nordschleife.

The Porsche 911 GT3 RSR first led the race at Saturday evening, at 23:25, and then its drivers held on to it for the following 16 hours and 35 minutes, or 108 laps.

One of the most important racing events of the year in Germany is the 24-hour race of Nürburgring, which will take place this weekend (25/26 June). Porsche will enter the endurance race with eight factory cars, most prominent of which is the updated version of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid that led the event for eight hours last year in its first outing.

For this year, the organizers have changed the rules, restricting the flat six’s output to 448 hp which is directed to the rear wheels. But the hybrid system that features two electric motors driving the front wheels adds another 200 hp.

Tuners are leaving no stones unturned to impress buyers willing to dig deep into their pockets. Even the almighty Porsche 911 GT3 can’t escape from their meddling hands. This here creation is named ‘Snowmobile’ for the choice of colors for the exterior and interior, and is the creative work of German audio-specialist Magnat. Read more »

Porsche Recalls 911s in the US Over Faulty Wheel Hubs

Porsche has announced that it is recalling 1,702 911s equipped with center locking hubs. The affected 911s were sold in the United States and are from the 2010-2011 model years manufactured from May 18, 2009 through to September 17, 2010. Read more »

Porsche Celebrates 10th Anniversary in China with Special Edition 911 Turbo S

BMW isn't the only automaker releasing limited-edition models unique to the Chinese auto market. This week, Porsche took the wraps off the new 911 Turbo S Anniversary Edition to celebrate 10 years in China. Only 10 cars will be built and all of them are destined for the Chinese market. Read more »

New Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS adds All-Wheel Drive to the Mix

Just when everyone believed that the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 was going to be Porsche's last version of its current 997 range, the Stuttgart-based carmaker announced yet another addition. It's called the 911 Carrera 4 GTS and it has been created by pairing the 911 Carrera GTS’s powertrain with an all-wheel drive system. Available as a Coupe and Cabriolet, the new model combines the 3.8-liter engine of the Carrera GTS with the German firm's all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management system. Read more »

The Most Affordable Techart Porsche Ever: New Collector’s Edition GTStreet Scale Model

When it comes to tuning Porsche models, Techart is one of the most renowned aftermarket specialists in Germany. This time, however, the tuning firm has something far smaller but also, far more affordable in store for us. We are talking about Techart’s new Porsche 911 Turbo-based GTStreet collector’s edition die cast model. Available only in 1:43 scale, production of the miniature Porsche is limited to just 300 units with pricing set at €59.90 (including 19% VAT in Germany) or about US$89. Read more »

Porsche Says Goodbye to the 997 Series with 500HP 911 GT3 RS 4.0 [with Video]

The new 911 GT3 RS 4.0 is Porsche's ultimate street-legal track racer and a fitting farewell to the current 911 series, codenamed 997, which will soon be replaced by an all-new model set to be unwrapped at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

There’s a lot to like about the new GT3 RS including the fact that it is fitted with the largest engine ever to be mounted on a factory-approved 911; a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six unit that develops 500 horsepower at 8,250 rpm, 50 horses more than the standard GT3 RS. It is also the most powerful 911 naturally aspirated engine with 125 horsepower per liter. The engine carries the crankshaft from the 911 GT3 RSR racing car, while the forged pistons' connecting rods are made from titanium.

Porsche has unveiled an updated version of its 911 GT3 RSR racecar, which will participate in next year’s GT Championship. The German firm's engineers modified the exhaust system and air intake housing, with the 4.0-liter boxer powerplant delivering 5 more horsepower, for a total of 455 hp at 7,800 rpm. While the power increase isn't much of an improvement, Porsche claims that the six-cylinder unit is better adapted to different fuel grades and its driveability is superior compared to the outgoing model.

The car also comes with a modified bodykit with a new front lip providing higher downforce, while the rear wing’s position has changed. In addition, there are larger front wheels and new LED tail lamps, borrowed from road-legal 911s.

The base price for the 911 GT3 RSR has been set at €410,000 (US $542,430), plus VAT. All the aforementioned modifications are available as a kit for the 2010 season cars.

By Csaba Daradics

Technical description Porsche GT3 RSR (2011 model year)

Engine

Water-cooled six-cylinder boxer engine; 3,996 cc; stroke 80.4 mm; bore 102.7 mm; 455 hp (335 kW) at 7,800 rpm; max. torque 450 Nm; air restrictors 2 x 28.6 mm; max. revs 9,400 rpm; four valve technology; dry sump lubrication; individual throttle butterflies; fuel injection.

Transmission

Porsche six-speed gearbox with sequential jaw-type shift; oil/water heat exchanger, single-mass flywheel; hydraulic disengagement lever; three-plate carbon-fibre clutch; rear wheel drive; limited slip differential 45/65 percent.

Body

Monocoque body (basis GT3 RS) of hot-galvanised steel; aerodynamically optimised front end with front spoiler; aerodynamically optimised front underfloor; adjustable rear wing; 90-litre FT3 safety fuel tank with fast filling function; air jack; welded-in safety cage; race seat (driver’s side only) with flame retardant upholstery; six-point seat belt adapted for use of the HANS Head and Neck Support; electric fire extinguishing system.

Suspension

Front axle: McPherson spring strut axle; Sachs four-way gas pressure dampers; double coil springs (main and auxiliary); front axle arms adjustable for camber; adjustable sword-type anti-roll bar; power steering.

Rear: Multi-arm axle with rigidly mounted axle sub-frame; Sachs four-way gas pressure dampers; double coil springs (main and auxiliary); rear axle tie-bar reinforced and infinitely adjustable; adjustable sword-type anti-roll bar. Complete suspension infinitely adjustable (height, camber, track).

Brake system

Brake system with balance bar control.

Front: Single-piece six-piston aluminium fixed callipers; inner vented, 380 mm diameter; racing brake pads.

Rear: Single-piece four-piston aluminium fixed callipers; inner vented, 355 mm diameter; racing brake pads.

Wheels

Front: Three-piece BBS light-alloy wheels (12J x 18 ET 34); central bolt.

Rear: Three-piece BBS light-alloy wheels (13J x 18 ET 12.5); central bolt.

Electrical system

Motec display with integrated data recording; multi-function display with integrated gearshift indicator; adjustable traction control; battery: 12 volt, 80 Ah, 140 Ah alternator.

Weight

1,220 kg

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New Porsche 911 Shows its Panamera-Style Snout in South Africa

Once again, Carscoop's photographers have caught the all-new generation of Porsche's 911 sports car series testing. However, this time, they snagged a barely camouflaged prototype not in Germany, but in South Africa. And even though our man with the camera wasn't able to capture a crystal clear shot of the front end of the 2012MY 911, it's fairly obvious that the styling is heavily influenced by the Panamera.

From there on, despite some changes here and there such as the exterior mirrors that are mounted on the doors instead of on the window frame, the redesigned tail lamps and a slightly lower roofline, the basic silhouette and proportions remain the same. An extensive aerodynamic package with an active front spoiler and variable air-intakes, is believed to be in development.

We expect more differences inside the cabin with some fresh bits and pieces borrowed directly from the Cayenne and Panamera parts bins.

The new model, codenamed '991', may look eerily similar to today's generation of the 911, but underneath the body there's a revised platform that has grown a few inches in length and width. Furthermore, Porsche's engineering team is also said to have made good use of exotic and lightweight materials to reduce the sports car's overall weight.

The 911's engine lineup will be revised with upgraded six-cylinder boxer units boasting the latest technological advancements including direct injection and start/stop systems for gains in power as well as reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. At launch, Porsche will offer two variants - the Carrera and more powerful Carrera S models, with the Turbo and other versions such as the GT2 and GT3 to follow down the line.

Delivering power to the rear or to all four wheels will be a standard six-speed manual gearbox (depending on the model) joined by an optional seven-speed PDK (Porsche Doppel Kupplung) twin-clutch transmission with shift paddles behind the wheel.

Chances are that Porsche will choose its home show in Frankfurt, Germany, next year to present the world premiere of the new 911.

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A Video Tour of the Porsche Classic Workshop

Porsche Classic is a specialized workshop owned by the German automaker, responsible for repairing, servicing and even restoring classic vehicles, like this 1973 911 T Coupe. Every year, a team of 30 highly trained specialists work on around 250 cars, keeping Porsche's heritage alive. According to the Stuttgart-based company, more than 70 per cent of all Porsches ever built are still on the roads today, which is pretty impressive if you think about it. Video follows after the break.

By Csaba Daradics

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VIDEO: New Porsche 911 GT2 RS "Driven to Extreme"

Gordon Robertson is back. Having previously tamed the GT3, the chief driving consultant of the Porsche Experience Center at Silverstone now takes on another of Stuttgart's iconic 911s: the GT2 RS.

Capable of 620 hp and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque, the 911 GT2 RS is the most powerful road-going Porsche ever built. It accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.5 seconds and hits the 200 km/h (124 mph) mark in a staggering 9.8 seconds. Clearly, you need some impressive skills to drive pace the GT2 RS through a twisty circuit, but for now, you can enjoy Mr. Robertson at work in the video after the break.

By Csaba Daradics

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More Power, Please: Wimmer RS Tunes Porsche GT2 RS to 703HP

With 620-horsepower on tap from the twin-tubo'd boxer engine for a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of just 3.5 seconds and top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph), we'd argue Porsche's 911 GT2 RS is lighting quick. However, German tuning house Wimmer RS has a mind of its own when it comes to performance even if we're talking about a sports car that will be produced in a limited run of just 500 units.

The tuner's upgrades are concentrated on the 911 GT2 RS' 3.6-liter six-cylinder boxer which benefits from a remapped engine controller, optimized turbochargers, a sport air-filter, new air-intake and a valve-controlled sport exhaust system along with sport catalysts.

These modifications bump output from 620 to 703-horsepower, while peak torque rises from 700Nm to an even more impressive 810Nm or 597.5 pound-feet. According to Wimmer RS, the powered-up 911 GT2 RS can now complete the sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 3.3 seconds and pass the 200 km/h mark after just 9.5 seconds (stock model: 9.8 seconds), while continuing up to a top speed of 356 km/h or 221.2 mph.

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