Porsche Improves Power and Fuel Economy

September 30, 2008

The following press release from Porsche couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. With yesterday’s post on an electric Cayman from Porsche tuner Ruf and tomorrow’s post about a Porsche that runs on air, better fuel economy and more power fits right in to this weeks theme of alternatively powered Porsches. While you’re on the site, don’t forget to answer our poll on which Porsche was the most famous of all.

Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is presenting the new models in the 911 range to the public for the first time at the Paris Motor Show. Further important debuts are the new Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2, the Cayman S Sport, and the Cayenne S Transsyberia.

Following the fastest generation change in the history of Porsche, all ten models in the 911 series - ranging from the Carrera Coupé all the way to the Targa 4S - are making their appearance together in Paris from Read more

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Ruf to Introduce an Electric Porsche Cayman

September 29, 2008

An electric Porsche is not a new idea. While in the employ of Jacob Lohner & Co Ferdinand Porsche developed an electric drive system consisting of hub mounted electric motors. The first production car off the line, using Ferdinand’s design, was introduced in 1898 and known as the System Lohner-Porsche. This simple, “carriage-like car” was driven by two electric motors attached directly to the front wheels and powered by batteries.

While decades ahead of its time, the System Lohner-Porsche was limited in range and speed by the exorbitant weight of more than 3600 lbs worth of lead batteries. Originally commissioned as a purpose built racer, the car “showed wonderful speed when it was allowed to sprint” but proved to be too heavy as a hill climber.

The System Lohner-Porsche

Inspired by the possibility of creating a vehicle capable of record breaking speed and competing in hill climbing events Ferdinand combined an internal combustion engine with a generator designed to drive the electric hub motors. For added reliability he included a much smaller and lighter battery pack than what was found in the original System-Lohner Porsche. This new design was introduced in 1901 as the Mixte. Capable of speeds up to 35 mph (56 km/h) Porsche created the first petroleum electric hybrid vehicle on record (and possibly the first 4×4 too.)

The Mixte System Lohner-Porsche

More than a century later electric Porsches are back in vogue. Recently we showcased an electric Porsche 550 Spyder along with a pre-impact bumper electric Porsche 912. These two examples, while impressive in their engineering, are limited both in speed and range. Enter long time Porsche tuner Ruf.

This past week the German car site Auto Motor und Sport reported that Ruf will introduce an electric Porsche based on the mid-engined Cayman. Powered by a suite of lithium-ion batteries, the Ruf is expected to reach top speeds of close to 125 miles per hour, making it an easy competitor to the Tesla roadster already in production. Overall power for the Ruf is expected to come in around 150kW (equivalent to about 201hp) and 650 Nm (that’s more than 490 foot lbs of torque to you and me.) While the horse power numbers are considerably lower than the 245hp available on the standard Cayman, the weight savings achieved by removing the engine, combined with the incredible torque numbers should more than make up for the difference.

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The Most Famous Porsche

September 26, 2008

It’s been a week of fantasy and celebrity here at 993C4S.com We started the week with a quest to fill our dream garage full of Porsches and quicly moved on to those Porsche cars that held starring roles in the movies. To round out the week we want to know what is the most famous Porsche?

Before answering the question, let’s first set some ground rules and define what we mean by famous. We all know there are lots of famous Porsches. There is the Gmund No. 1 that started everything; the 917 Pink Pig (one of my personal favorites); any of the recent winning Spyders at Sebring and other races; the Porsche 959 (possibly the worlds first every day supercar), etc. etc. Read more

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