Porsche GT3R overcomes rain and fog at the Nurburgring

[VIA PORSCHE] Stuttgart. Right place, right time – for Porsche works driver Joerg Bergmeister (Germany), the timing at the first qualifying session of the 24 hour race was perfect. At the wheel of the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid, he opted for slicks at the right moment before heavier rain set in again. With a lap time of 9:26.421 minutes on the 25.378 kilometre combination of the Grand Prix circuit and the Nordschleife, Bergmeister planted Porsche Team Manthey’s orange and white liveried 911, with its 480 hp combustion engine supplemented by two 60 kilowatt electric motors, on second place. The German teams up with works driver Richard Lietz (Austria), Porsche junior Marco Holzer (Germany), and the former Porsche junior driver Martin Ragginger (Austria).

Because of thick fog, the first qualifying session was halted at 22.20 hours after three of the scheduled four hours. Tomorrow, the second and final two-hour qualifying session takes place at 12.45 hours, before the 38th edition of the Eifel classic takes off on Saturday at 15.00 hours. The Porsche teams were well prepared. Under cold and changeable weather conditions, they completed the first qualifying without any problems and safely covered the minimum amount of laps as required by the regulations.

Third position went to Team Mamerow Racing. Former Porsche junior Chris Mamerow (Germany) achieved the third quickest time of the field in the 911 GT3 R. Mamerow competes alongside Porsche works driver Wolf Henzler and his German compatriot Joerg Hardt.

For the title defenders from Manthey Racing, Porsche works driver Marc Lieb (Germany) claimed the quickest time with sixth. After winning three times in succession, the driver quartet returns this year to compete under team boss Olaf Manthey. Sharing driving duties are works drivers Timo Bernhard (Germany) and Romain Dumas (France) as well as experienced Manthey pilot Marcel Tiemann (Monaco).

The 911 GT3 R run by Haribo Team Manthey secured 16th position in qualifying. At the wheel of the 911 sporting the Haribo gold bear design is a racing pro line-up consisting of Lance David Arnold (Germany), Christian Menzel (Germany), Richard Westbrook (Great Britain) and Alexander Margaritis (Germany).

The New Porsche GT-2RS Promo Video

The view from the driver's seat is likely the last thing that several doctors and investment bankers will ever see. Awesome.

The Porsche Cayman Interseries - Everything New is Old Again

 Credit to Ron Barnaba and Napleton Porsche for developing this extremely interesting series and bringing it to HSR.  A true tribute to the Porsche marque.

Porsche to Completely Switch to HyBrid Power for 2012 Model Year

Stuttgart -In a surprise move designed to allow Porsche to better compete with Tesla, Fisker and the Chevy Volt, the Chairman of Volkswagen AG, Mr. Ferdinand Piech, has announced that Porsche will be switching to Hybrid Power as the standard for their 2012 model line-up. The system will be known as Hybrid Porsche Control Rennsport Central Integration (HyPoCRaCI)

In his press release Mr. Piech states "In order to better suit the evolving needs of Porsche Owners, and to provide benefit to the Environment, Porsche feels that the move to HyPoCraCI is an important first step is making up for all of the oil that our cars have spilled at race tracks around the world." When questioned about the impact that Porsche's New System will have on the environment Mr Piech responded, "...Sure we know that most Porsche owners never take their cars out the garage, so we know that the impact will be minimal, but just think how emissions will be reduced at the Starbucks drive through line." he added, "I see a future where barristas accross america breath fresh clean air."

Happy April Fools Day

Porsche Intelligent Performance - 911 GT3 R Hybrid

(via Edmunds) The GT3 R Hybrid will be used as what the Porsche engineers describe as a "racing laboratory" to gather knowledge about hybrid drive under the pressure of a racing environment. At the same time it will also advance the German carmaker's plans to introduce hybrid technology to selected road cars in its lineup. Indeed, a gasoline-electric hybrid was recently spied testing at the Porsche R&D facility at Weissach, near the company's headquarters in Stuttgart, apparently part of a program dubbed "Porsche Intelligent Performance."

In a departure from conventional battery-based electric systems used for hybrid drive by makers of both street cars and even racing cars, the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid features a flywheel system. It gathers kinetic energy under braking to power two electric motors that are mounted in a single assembly connected to the front wheels. After each charge, the motors provide 6-8-second bursts of power.

The flywheel will spin as fast as 40,000 rpm. In the 911 GT3 R Hybrid, it's mounted where the passenger seat ordinarily would be and connected to the electric assembly in the front by a high-voltage cable. Two electronic management modules oversee the complete hybrid system, and the electric motors are engaged by pressing a button mounted on the steering wheel.

The electric motors provide a burst of 120 kilowatts (161 horsepower) to the front wheels, supplementing the 911 GT3 R Hybrid's 480-hp 4.0-liter flat-6 that powers the rear wheels. The benefit, according to Porsche, is quicker acceleration out of corners and during overtaking, and there are apparently unspecified fuel savings as well.

No official performance claims for the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid have been made prior to its unveiling in Geneva, but Porsche has confirmed the new car will appear at the Nürburgring 24 Hours on May 15. Meanwhile, Porsche's new purpose-built racing car with hybrid technology is expected to be prepared for the 2012 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, when the race's regulations will favor hybrid racing cars.

The new Porsche Turbo S - In Four Acts - Responsibility, Personality, Efficiency and History

Although it sounds a little like a cross between the seven deadly sins and the launch of a new car, we bring you four new spots for the new Porsche Turbo S.  Please enjoy "Responsibility," "Personality," "Efficiency demands Performance," and "History".  A mix of some amazing footage with the narration style of a high-school hygiene film. (via Porsche)

Car Porn Deluxe- "Spirit of Vic Elford Edition"- Porsche Legacy at Daytona

The 48th running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona marks the 42nd anniversary of Vic Elford's victory in the Porsche 907, Porsche's first 24 hour endurance win. To celebrate the occasion, David Donohue pilots a 2010 Porsche GT3 around the Daytona road course while Vic Elford, the Grand Marshal for this year's race, tells the story of his victory for Porsche.

Car Porn Deluxe- Clash Productions - The Man and The Porsche

Continued brilliance from Clash Productions. Enjoy!

Highlights from the 1983 Trans-Am Race at Road America

Those were the days...a field of 50 cars, going at it with hammer and tongs around the beautiful kettle moraine countryside. Plus a grid with David Hobbs, Paul Newman, and who could forget Willy T. Ribbs. Enjoy!

Car Porn Deluxe-" Best in the World"edition - Classic Porsche 911RS 2.7

It doesn't get much better than this! Enjoy!

Car Porn Deluxe - "Fast guy in a Fast car" edition - Mike Skeen in a 996

So we've seen Mike Skeen in Spec e30's, regular e30 325's and Pontiac Solstices giving clinics to other drivers on the fastest way around the track. This time Mike shows us (and the car's owner) what this 996 car do around CMP. Enjoy!

Car Porn Deluxe- "Double Special Edition" Edition - New Porsche Boxster Spyder

Calling this latest Porsche special edition the Boxster Spyder, feels a little like when VW came out with the Cabrio Convertible, but like most things manufactured in Austria and marketed by Stuttgart, I'm sure they'll sell a bunch of them. Dentists need cars too ya know!

Car Porn Deluxe - "Snow-Shoe Edition" - Porsches and White Powder and it's not even Miami

As someone who mounts up the snow tires on his M3 and chugs through the Chicago winters, I truly respect and admire Porsche for shaming those who park their cars in inclement weather. Cars are meant to be driven, and with some decent winter tires and a little talent it can even be fun. Enjoy!

The Duck is Back and Madder than Hell - Porsche Limited Edition 911 Sport Classic.

This may appear to be shameless pandering to wealthy Porsche collectors that haven't been able to find a RS 2.7 for their own personnal collection, and likely it is just that. But I have to say that Porsche appears to have created a thing of beauty by adding the ugly duckling's tail to their current wide-body 911 chasis. Some will call this an attempt by Porsche to help boost flagging sales, which is true no-doubt. But listen to the exhaust note of the race-bred 3.8 from the video and tell me that you don't want one. Even just a little?

(VIA Motorauthority)

A legend is back. Porschetoday unveiled a modern interpretation of its legendary 1973 Carrera RS 2.7, complete with a 'ducktail' spoiler and ‘Fuchs-style’ custom alloy wheels. The new car is called the 911 Sport Classic and it’s set to grace the automaker’s stand at this month’sFrankfurt auto show.

The latest model will be limited to just 250 units worldwide when it goes on sale early next year and both right- and left-hand-drive models will be available.

Other unique elements of the car include its 'double bubble' roof, similar to the design seen on the Carrera GT supercar and some of Porsche’s racing cars, as well as a new front spoiler, bi-xenon headlamps with black surrounds and the Sport Chrono Package Plus.

Although based on the Carrera S, the 911 Sport Classic gets the 44 mm wider body of the Carrera 4S and a 400 horsepower version of the legendary 3.8-liter flat-six engine. The extra power is courtesy of a new intake and engine management system, as well as modified cylinder heads.

There is also the new variable-resonance intake system, featuring six vacuum-controlled flaps that optimize the oscillation of air in the intake manifold for a better cylinder charge. This ensures there is the perfect amount of air in the combustion chamber at all times to optimize torque, which peaks at 310 pound-feet at 4,200 rpm.

The end result is a 0-62 mph time of just 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 187 mph. Other modifications include a 20 mm suspension lowering kit, a limited-slip differential, and carbon-ceramic brakes.

Car Porn Deluxe - "Double Brat" Edition- Guy Cosmos' 2:16 Pole Lap Around Road America

Brilliant Lap! As clean as they come. Enjoy!

Car Porn Deluxe- " Does It get any Better Edition" - New 911 GT3RS

I'm not sure how this car could get any better. Now I need to find a way to come up with $132,800. Details any story after the video. Enjoy

(VIA Motortrend and Porsche)

Based on the previous iteration, the new GT3 RS utilizes the same core flat-six engine as the previous version, but its been bored out from 3.6L to 3.8L - enough to provide an extra 15 horsepower over the standard 911 GT3, bringing output totals to a full 450 naturally-aspirated ponies. A revised, short-throw, close-ratio six-speed gearbox has been thrown in the package to produce a vehicle that revs faster and produces more dynamic acceleration traits - and higher top speed -- than the version that goes before.

But this being Porsche, the powertrain is only half the story. The newest GT3 RS has also been sharpened underneath, resulting in a wider track both front and aft, and corresponding wider bodywork. New wheels measure a full 9-in. wide up front and 12-in. wide at rear, wrapped in 245/35 ZR 19 rubber and 325/30 ZR 19 respectively. Porsche Active Drivetrain Mounts (PADM) are featured as standard, changing in stiffness and damping according to road surface and driving behavior - this resulting in reduced body roll and dive.

Even the details have been fine-tuned, with the new 911 GT3 RS featuring a larger carbon fiber rear wing and lower ride height than previous versions, along with an optional lithium-ion battery that saves weight over the conventionally lead-based version by over 22 lbs. The distinctive dual exhaust tips of the 911 GT3 RS remain a trademark feature of the new car, and as before the entire exhaust system is constructed of lightweight titanium.

The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS is slated to hit U.S. showrooms next year after a Frankfurt debut. Base price will be $132,800 exluding delivery charges.

Car Porn Deluxe - "Meaner and Greener" edition- 2010 Porsche Turbo

The new car is more fuel efficient, more environmentally friendly and faster than the car it replaces. Viva le environment! Plus the fixed the paddle shifters on the PDK to be real paddle shifters. Enjoy!

Car Porn Deluxe - 3.8 liters of Perfection Edition - 2009 Porsche GT3 at the Nurburgring

It's always nice to see a species in its natural environment. This almost makes up for the Panamera. Enjoy!

via GermanCarScene

Car Porn Deluxe - Going Postal Edition - Top Gear Tests the Porsche Panamera

Capt. Slow and the Hamster race a letter with the new Porsche Panamera. Seems a fitting comparison don't you think? Enjoy!



Part 2

Scuderia Back on Track - SEM/PCA at Gingerman July 3,4 & 5

The Scuderia was back on track this past weekend and we had a great time in South Haven, MI at Gingerman Raceway with th Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the PCA. Great cars and really nice folks were everywhere, and the club racing was well matched and exciting.

On the way out to South Bend one the Scuderia had a bit of an issue with his car which required a stop in Michigan City and a flat-bed tow to South Bend, IN where Basney BMW worked dilligently to get his car fixed by Friday afternoon. Big thanks to the folks at Basney for providing great service and helping out in a tough spot.

Special thanks to the SEM/PCA and Scuderia members Aaron and Chad, as well as Friends of the Scuderia, John and Jason, for making it a fun weekend!