It’s been close to 20 years since Porsche last unveiled a “concept car” (the Boxster at the 1993 Detroit Auto Show). Given all that time, it should come as no surprise that their latest concept is unlike anything before it. Using the Geneva Motor Show as a launching pad, Porsche unveiled their third design in a series of uncompromising hybrid drive vehicles that would have both “Doc Brown” and “Marty McFly” a little green with envy. Taking pole position in the grid with the new Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid and GT3 R Hybrid race car is the Porsche 918 Concept.
The Porsche 918 Spyder concept combines high-tech racing features with electric-mobility to offer a fascinating range of qualities. Faster than a Porsche Carrera GT, it offers the performance of a super sports car with acceleration from a standstill to 60 mph in under 3.2 seconds, top speed of 198, and a lap time on the Nordschleife of Nürburgring in less than 7:30 minutes. At the same time, planned emission levels of just 70 grams of CO2 per kilometer on fuel consumption of approximately 78 mpg U.S., is off the charts, and better by far than today’s ultra-compact city cars and hybrids.
Innovative Powertrain Combines Race-Bred V8 Engine with Electric Drive
This open two-seater is powered by a high-revving V8 developing more than 500 horsepower and a maximum engine speed of 9,200 rpm – as well as electric motors on the front and rear axle with overall mechanical output of 218 horsepower (160 kW).
The V8 combustion engine is the next step in the evolution of the highly successful 3.4-liter power unit already featured in the RS Spyder racing car and positioned mid-ship, in front of the rear axle, giving the car excellent balance and the right set-up for supreme performance on the race track.
Power is transmitted to the wheels by a seven-speed Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmission that feeds the power of the electric drive system to the rear axle. The front-wheel electric drive powers the wheels through a fixed transmission ratio.
The energy reservoir is a fluid-cooled lithium-ion battery positioned behind the passenger cell. The big advantage of a plug-in hybrid is that the battery can be charged on the regular electrical network. A further point is that the car’s kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy fed into the battery when applying the brakes, thus providing additional energy for fast and dynamic acceleration.
Four Distinct Driving Modes
A button on the steering wheel allows the driver to choose among four different running modes: The E-Drive mode is for running the car under electric power alone, with a range of up to 25 km or 16 miles. In the Hybrid mode, the 918 Spyder uses both the electric motors and the combustion engine as a function of driving conditions and requirements, offering a range from particularly fuel-efficient all the way to extra-powerful.
The Sport Hybrid mode uses both drive systems, but with the focus on performance. Most of the drive power goes to the rear wheels, with Torque Vectoring serving to additionally improve the car’s driving dynamics.
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In the Race Hybrid mode the drive systems are focused on pure performance with the highest standard of driving dynamics on the track, running at the limit to their power and dynamic output. With the battery sufficiently charged, a push-to-pass button feeds in additional electrical power (E-Boost), when overtaking or for even better performance.
With the hybrid drive system offering this wide range of individual modes and applications, the 918 Spyder is able either to achieve lap times comparable to those of a thoroughbred racing car, or the extremely low emissions and high fuel economy figures of a plug-in hybrid.
Advanced body structure and design offer more than just good looks
Like the drivetrain, the lightweight body structure of the Porsche 918 Spyder also bears out the car’s DNA carried over directly from motorsport: The modular structure with its monocoque bodyshell made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFP) and liberal use of magnesium and aluminum not only reduce weight to below 1,490 kg, or 3,285 lb, but also ensure supreme driving precision thanks to a high level of torsional stiffness.
Reminiscent of highly successful, legendary racing cars such as the Porsche 917 and the current Porsche RS Spyder, the 918 Spyder, with its design concept so typical of Porsche arouses powerful emotions. The combination of racing car dimensions, clearly structured design with perfectly balanced surfaces, and innovative details throughout, creates an ideal synthesis of form and function – following Porsche’s design DNA.
The smooth balance of tradition and progress gives the car a powerful stance on the road. Variable aerodynamics, typical of Porsche, ensures both visionary and traditional highlights especially around the rear spoiler. The striking rear hoods extending out of the headrests, in turn, not only fulfill an aerodynamic function on the 918 Spyder, but also accommodate retractable air intakes with a ram air function.
High-tech Interior Provides Glimpse into the Future
The driver and passenger are not only embedded in contoured sports bucket seats but also form part of the cockpit, which provides a synthesis of efficient functionality and ergonomic high-tech operation. Additionally, the cockpit offers a glimpse at the potential interior architecture of future Porsche super sports cars. The three free-standing circular dials for road speed (left), engine speed (middle) and energy management (right) would appear to come directly from a racing car in the ‘60s, bearing out that unique philosophy of driver orientation so characteristic of Porsche.
The center console rises up towards the front in the 918 Spyder and houses a touch screen for intuitive control of the car’s functions, serving to reduce the number of visible controls and maintain the principle of direct operation.
The control units relevant to the driver are mainly concentrated on the three-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel, while the variable driving modes are supplemented by a switch enabling the driver to call up various drive programs and serving as the push-to-pass button for E-boosting. Instrument illumination, finally, varies from green for the consumption-oriented running modes to red for the performance-oriented driving programs.
The Porsche 918 Spyder concept also comes with further innovative functions such as the Range Manager. After being activated in the Center Display, the Range Manager uses the map in the navigation system to present the remaining range the car is able to cover, naturally allowing the driver to influence that range through the appropriate choice of power and performance. In cities with environmental alert areas the Range Manager also states whether the driver is able to reach a certain destination on electric power alone.
Applying this information and using further info on the availability and location of special energy filling stations, the driver is then able to choose his personal style of driving as well as the right battery charge and filling strategy.
Offering a unique combination of extremely low fuel consumption, supreme performance and long electric range, the Porsche 918 Spyder concept represents an essential milestone in Porsche’s strategy on the way to genuine electric-mobility.
Case in point was a recent visit to our friends at the Road Scholars. Every trip to see Kevin and Cam is a memorable experience due to the many incredible Porsches that pass through their hands for both restoration and sale. What we weren’t expecting to find was a uniquely modified Porsche 914 parked in the rear of their shop. In fact, it was only from a quick glance through a back window that we happened to notice an extended rear-end where we weren’t expecting to see one. A Porsche 914 pick-up truck – really? We had to know more.
Porsche 914 Pick-up Truck is the Love Child of Renowned Metal Fabricators and a Massive Porsche Salvage Yard
Dick Troutman walked into the Aase Brother’s shop in southern California to buy a Porsche 914-6 they had for sale and told co-owner Dave Aase that he was interested in making a pick-up out of it.
For those of you unfamiliar with him, Dick Troutman is one half of a team (his partner is Tom Barnes) known for their success at building sports cars for amateur road racing in the 1950s. While probably best known for their Scarab body creations, Troutman and Barnes were intimately familiar with Porsche as well – having built many other custom creations including Porsche “poopers”, and a four dour 911 among others.
Recognizing a good opportunity when he saw one Dave Aase sold the 914-6 to Troutman and asked if he would mind constructing an additional pick-up for he and his partner/brother (Dennis) out of their 1972 914. Troutman obliged and the result is the Porsche 914 featured in this post.
The Aase Brother’s used the 914 pick-up as a shop truck to transport all sorts of parts for their dismantling business. Dave remembers that a VW magazine did a feature on the pick-up, and had a full page spread with Renee Vaughn (adult entertainer) posing on the car. The pick-up was painted brown at the time and had Aase Brother’s business advertised on the rear quarters.
Road Scholars acquired the car from a Porsche collector who walked into the Aase Brother’s shop in the mid ’80’s and had to have the freshly painted 914 pick-up. As you can see from the many pictures below, the execution of the metal work to construct the pick-up bed is fantastic and a true statement of Troutman’s skill level.
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Road Scholars has no intention of selling their unique Porsche 914 pick-up. In fact, they intend to use the truck as the original owners did, as a shop truck for their restoration business. As Road Scholars co-owner Cam Ingram says, “It’s a fun (dare I say) practical Porsche to drive and brings smiles to every one’s faces while going down the road.”
In our opinion a heavily modified Porsche is either a thing of beauty or something gone so horribly wrong it’s tough to look at. This 914 pick-up is and example of a modification done right. So, what’s the best, or wackiest, Porsche modification you’ve seen?
We’re going to pat ourselves on the back (just in case no one else does) because when you’re right, you’re right. Just yesterday we discussed the possibility of a longer, lighter more fuel efficient Cayenne. This morning we woke up to a press release from Porsche with a sub-heading of “All-new SUV debuts in Geneva with more room, technology, performance, and significantly less weight and fuel consumption.” I wish our crystal ball worked that well for stock picking!! I know John was thinking about getting a Cayenne as our new dog hauler, all I have to say after seeing and reading the info below is that he best be planning on a 2011 (unless they plan to give away the 2010s)…
As we prepared to write a long an information post about everything that is great about the new Porsche Cayenne, we discovered a series of videos that provides an informative and entertaining look on everything from performance to design of the new Cayenne. If, after watching the videos below (there are quite a few of them) you still want even more information and pictures, feel free to watch our slide show and read Porsche’s press release, with technical details included, found at the end of this post.
Performance of the new Porsche Cayenne
Design Consideration of the new Porsche Cayenne
The new Cayenne and the Environment
Safety of the new Porsche Cayenne
Comfort Features of the new Porsche Cayenne
Overview of the 2011 Porsche Cayenne Models
Anyway, back to the topic at hand, the new Cayenne. Wow! Let’s not even talk technology for a second, how about simple and pure aesthetics. Say what you want about the earlier version Cayenne, with this new generation, Porsche designed a beauty inside and out. The completely new Cayenne design leaves no doubt that it is part of the Porsche family. Its sporting character is evident from all angles, and its Porsche shape and design highlights are more distinct than ever before. The new Cayenne is 1.9 inches longer than its predecessor, and an added 1.6 inches in wheelbase ensures extra space and greater versatility. But despite larger exterior dimensions, the new Porsche Cayenne looks far more compact and dynamic.
Inside, the luxurious interior features a high center console that, like the Panamera, rises up at an incline to meet the dashboard center stack with high-quality fittings and a touch-screen infotainment interface. Porsche’s traditional set of five round instruments in the drivers gauge cluster includes a high-resolution circular TFT screen to the right of the tachometer. It can be used to change radio stations, vehicle settings, or access the navigation system or view the map. Rear-seat comfort is much improved, as well. The bench slides fore-and-aft by 6.3 inches, while the backrest can be adjusted to three different angles (the dogs are really going to like this feature).
Not only does the new Porsche Cayenne sheds weight and gain space, it looks more more sleek and compact thanks to a special combination of materials as well as changes in the overall vehicle concept. One such change is a new all-wheel drive system reducing weight significantly on all models. Porsche claims that despite an even higher standard of safety, the Cayenne S is 400 lbs lighter, which not only improves fuel consumption and lowers emissions, but also boosts performance, agility, and handling. Led by a technologically advanced full hybrid model, the all-new, next-generation Porsche Cayenne sport-utility vehicle will debut at the Geneva motor show in early March. In line with the Porsche Intelligent Performance philosophy, the entire range, from the entry level Cayenne with a V6 engine to the 500-horsepower Cayenne Turbo, all deliver improved performance while using less fuel and producing fewer emissions than ever before.
The New Porsche Cayenne will make its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show (press days: March 31 and April 1, public days: April 2-11). The Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo go on sale in July as a 2011 model, and U.S. pricing will be announced soon. Porsche dealerships will offer the Cayenne and Cayenne S Hybrid in the fall.
The performance of a V8 with the fuel efficiency of a V6
The highlight is the new Cayenne S Hybrid featuring a highly sophisticated parallel full hybrid drive system. With a combined power output of 380 horsepower from the supercharged V6 combustion engine and an electric motor, the Cayenne S Hybrid combines the performance of a V8 with the economy of a V6.
Through continuous interaction between the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 and electric motor, the Cayenne S Hybrid focuses on maximum efficiency. Depending on driving conditions, either drive unit can operate independently or together. The 47-horsepower (34 kW) electric motor is the ideal partner for the 333-horsepower engine, which produces high torque at low engine speeds. With peak torque at 427 lb-ft at just 1,000 rpm, the Cayenne S Hybrid’s performance is on par with a V8- powered Cayenne S.
The Cayenne S Hybrid’s two drive units are connected by a decoupling clutch. A hybrid controller constantly coordinates their complex interaction, and intelligent management of the clutch makes the transition among various driving modes seamless. Like many hybrids, the Cayenne S Hybrid can cover short distances on electric power alone, free of emissions and noise up to 60 km/h or almost 40 mph. For aggressive acceleration, the motor provides an extra ‘boost’ to the gasoline engine.
What makes the Cayenne S Hybrid unique is its ability to cruise at high speeds on electric power alone. The gasoline engine can be completely switched off and disengaged from the drivetrain at speeds of up to 97 mph. Christened by the Weissach engineers as ‘sailing’ – or cruising — mode, the drag forces exerted by the combustion engine and their braking effect are eliminated in the interest of lower resistance and fuel consumption.
All new-generation Cayenne SUVs set high standards for efficiency and performance. Compared with the former models, fuel consumption is down by up to 23 percent in the New European Driving Cycle and CO2 emissions are significantly reduced, despite the increased performance. Actual EPA-certified fuel economy figures will be available when the cars go on sale in North America in July.
A new eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission with a wide range of gear ratios and the Automatic Start Stop function (first introduced on the Panamera) contribute to these improvements. So does efficient thermal management of the engine and transmission cooling circuits, on-board electrical network recuperation, variable deceleration fuel cut-off and the Cayenne’s intelligent lightweight construction.
The completely new Cayenne design leaves no doubt that it is part of the Porsche family. Its sporting character is evident from all angles, and its Porsche shape and design highlights are more distinct than ever before.
The Cayenne V6 and V8 engines are more powerful and more fuel efficient The entry-level Cayenne with its 300-horsepwer 3.6-liter V6 engine and mated to the new eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission consumes 20 percent less fuel in the New European Driving Cycle than its predecessor.
Fuel consumption is also down significantly on the high-torque Cayenne S. Its 4.8-liter V8 produces 400 horsepower, 15 more than the previous model. When combined with the overall weight savings, performance is markedly increased, yet fuel consumption is down by 23 percent in the New European Driving Cycle.
The Cayenne Turbo, with its 500-horsepower, 4.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 also consumes 23 percent less fuel than its predecessor despite its improved performance and acceleration.
Together with the Cayenne S Hybrid, three of the new Cayenne models produce less than 200 grams of CO2 per kilometer. At 193 g/km, the Cayenne S Hybrid is not only the cleanest Cayenne model, but also the cleanest vehicle in Porsche’s entire portfolio.
Probably not! While I don’t the know the official numbers, I’d be willing to bet that less than 5% of all road going Cayennes will ever see more than a slightly rough dirt road on the ride to an out of the way soccer field. However, for those few of you who really do want some off-road capability it’s nice to see that the new 2011 Porsche Cayenne has what it takes to deliver the goods. Turn up the volume and enjoy this video of the new Cayenne playing in Dubai.
Love it or hate it (and quite a few purists lean toward the latter sentiment) the Cayenne is far and away Porsche’s best selling model (in year over year production figures). Most Cayenne fans (and I’m one of them) will point to it and suggest that without its development and success that Porsche, as we know it, would not exist. The funds pouring in from the sale of the über quick grocery hauler continue to provide much needed economical aid to the rest of the fleet and more importantly for R&D (let’s not forget it was a Cayenne based engine that won the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona this year).
It appears, that the Cayenne might just be set up to save Porsche once again. Let’s explore. In Tuesday’s post “Is Your Porsche an Endangered Species?” we outlined the proposed changes to the current CAFE regulations that could possible endanger Porsche’s future in the US. What we didn’t do is discuss all the details, let’s look at a few of them now:
The new regulations require 42 mpg for cars and 26 mpg for light trucks for a fleet average of 35.5 MPG.
The MPG requirements pertain to an entire fleet vs. any one particular model under a brand umbrella.
Therefore, a company can design one particular model to meet or exceed the minimum while having others that don’t weight against that average.
Hmmm. Maybe a Baby Boxster or entry level 914ish Porsche isn’t so far out of the realm of possibilities….
Even more interesting is this statement by Germany’s Focus Magazine, “The new law says that size determines the allowable mileage of a car. A car with a bigger footprint has wider parameters than a small car. This rule favors US manufacturers, who are heavy on pick-ups. Porsche is hit hard. A sports car manufacturer has to contend with an unfavorable relationship between size and consumption.”
Has anyone else heard rumors about the soon to be released Cayenne sporting a longer wheel base? Could the statement above be part of that decision making process? The Cayenne isn’t known for it’s lack of thirst, but with the introduction of the Cayenne Hybrid S, the possibility of a Cayenne diesel on US shores and the sheer number of Porsche’s “pepper” being sold, it just might help the average. Couple this with the concept of a “baby boxster” (or some other entry level Porsche) and savvy political maneuvering and I think we’ll still be buying our Porsches in 2016.
Source: [TTAC, Focus Magazine, NHTSA]
Written on February 17th, 2010 at 7:53pm by 993C4S
The Porsche blogosphere is abuzz with rumors of the possibility of an unintentional reveal of the new 2011 Cayenne by Porsche’s marketing department. Truth be told, I’m simply not that excited about it. Don’t get me wrong, I like the Cayenne. In fact, John has been threatening to replace my Toyota 4Runner with a Cayenne for that past year now (and getting serious about it over the last two weeks) and I’m excited by the prospect.
But now, with the news today, I’m concerned it might delay his decision. Personally, I wish he would get it over with and pull the trigger already. I’ll take a black Cayenne S (or turbo) with Cashmere interior please. Then again, if the pictures are real, or even if they are photoshopped and depict the new Cayenne, it is a good looking vehicle (a generational change vs. a face lift). A bit more muscular, possibly longer and a bit more sleek. A Porsche through and through. Looks like it will be worth the wait. Is that a panoramic roof I see?
For those of you unfamiliar with the controversy of this alleged early leak of the new Cayenne, it’s quite simple. A number of web-sites are claiming to have captured screen shots of Porsche’s own car-configurator showing an updated version of the 2011 Porsche Cayenne (see the image above). Some say it’s a mistake, some say it’s a photoshop job, others (me) think it was intentional and a brilliant plan to create buzz. Whatever the truth may be, we’ll find out soon enough at the Geneva auto show. For now, Porsche has changed the image on their site back to a current model Cayenne GTS (see the image below). The speculation and the buzz continues. What say you? Pshopped, mistake or intentional?
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