What could Ken Block do if he drove a Porsche? Who? What? If the names of Ken Block and Rauh Welt Begriff (RWB) don’t ring a bell, they should. Ken Block is a professional rally driver who is perhaps best known for his series of Gymkhana videos and car jumping exploits (there’s a video at the end for you to check out) and RWB is a Porsche tuner that combines Japanese and European tuning elements to produce one-of-a-kind Porsches with very distinct styling (see picture below for an example).
Ken Block Coming to A Porsche Autocross Near You…
Well, according to a post by Adam Miller over on 7Tune.com, he recently visited with Akira Nakai (founder of RWB) at the RWB shop in Japan and learned of the new creation designed for Ken over a few slices of pizza.
“I was at RWB a couple of nights ago to visit Nakai san and over some pizza when it came up. News and information on the net is thin on the ground at the moment and I don’t know what ideas he has for the Porsche but rumor has the car being displayed at SEMA under the HOONIGAN banner. When Nakai san and I talked on Saturday, he mentioned he was heading over to the USA right after [his] visit to Thailand and this will give him ample time to prepare the car before SEMA in the first week of November. Whatever the case, you can rest assured it will be a one-of-a kind creation like nothing else on the planet”
Interestingly enough, as I was writing this post I wanted to reference the source on 7Tune.com and found the original post no longer existed (at least I kept getting a 404 error). That got me to thinking that maybe 7Tune found out something they shouldn’t have and discreetly removed it. However, as with most things on the web, once it has been posted, it’s easy to find a copy. Case in point, the original article is cached here on google.
If the Rumor is True
It’s quite possible we’ll be seeing one of the world’s best Rally and Gymkhana drivers doing his thing in our favorite marque. I for one wouldn’t mind seeing him show up at a local autocross in his new RWB Porsche. For now, enjoy Ken’s performance in the video below.
One heck of a scary police concept cruiser from Porsche Tuner Oakley Design. We’ve seen Porsche Cayenne Ambulances and Porsche 911 Police Cars, but this is the first Panamera we’ve ever seen wearing a law enforcement badge instead of a Porsche one.
Oakley Design used an already aggressive Porsche Panamera Turbo and developed a concept cruiser that shaves weight (more than 75 kilos or 165lbs), adds power (at least 80 more ponies) and bright blue lights to create a 580 HP Panamera Pursuit (we just made up the name, but maybe Oakley will like it enough to license it from us). Imagine seeing this in your rear-view mirror. Unless you’re in a Porsche GT2 (and even then) it would probably be best to just give up from the start. See details in the video below.
Big news from Ruf at the Geneva Motor Show. Alois Ruf, founder and head of Ruf Automobile, presented the final production version of the CTR-3, the Cayenne based Dakara and the RUF Greenster (their latest electric 911 based on the eRuf and a Porsche Targa).
The New “Greenster” from Ruf based on the Original Porsche Targa and the eRuf
Ruf Greenster
Presented at Ruf’s first appearance at the Geneva Motor Show the Greenster was inspired by the original Porsche Targa, born in the late 1960s, and the eRuf which was first introduced last year. According to Ruf himself, numerous customers had requested an “open” version of the eRuf. The Greenster, developed in conjunction with Siemens, delivers on those requests. Produced in a record 30 days, the Greenster will be the world’s first electric vehicle fitted with a bi-directional network connection, which – without the otherwise necessary additional recharging electronics – is capable to be recharged in less than an hour at a 400-volt power outlet – and can use the same power outlet to feed energy back into the power network if required. The small series planned on the basis of this concept by RUF Automobile is expected to hit the streets in 2010.
Watch the video below for more details and a closer look at the “Greenster”. While I like the car and love the original Targa look, I’m not so sure about the name…. What do you think?
Alternative powered vehicles are all the rage right now. Earlier this week there was speculation about an electric Cayman by legendary Porsche tuner Ruf. Now, you know about air-cooled Porsches, how about a Porsche powered by air? That’s exactly what was unveiled last week at the Santa Monica Alt Car Expo by GIMM, Inc. The Silicon valley start-up converted a 1999 Porsche Boxster to house air storage tanks and a patent-pending drive system that uses compressed air multiple times for propulsion. This trademarked energy-recovery system, which emits no pollution, involves a simple multi-chambered motor with only six moving parts and no pistons.
The idea of an air-powered car is not new.
A number of other companies, like MDI, have been working on this project for years with small improvements over long periods of time. What’s interesting about the GIMM, Inc. car, also know as the MIIN AER (Minimally Intrusive Intensely Pneumatic – Air Energy Recovery), is Read more
Written on September 29th, 2008 at 12:00am by 993C4S
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.
While we don’t normally post on the weekend, when we saw this alert come across our desks we thought it was too good to pass up. How often do you see a 1955 Porsche Spyder 550 for sale, especially an electric one?
Listed for sale by SpecialtySales.com in Benencia, California, the car is advertised as a Porsche Speedster. Of course, the Speedster in question is actually a 550 Spyder replica; a Beck replica to be exact. Outside of that, not much seems to be known about the car. The description on the web-site simply says:
Powered by an electric motor with a 4-speed manual transmission. Up to 50 miles on one charge. Leather interior, with optional soft-top and side windows.
We called SpecialtySales and spoke with a salesperson for more information but were unable to get additional details other than what is listed on the web-site.
Specific items we were interested in included:
When was the replica built?
What type of electric motor is in it?
Was it a conversion or was it originally built with an electric motor in mind?
What are the performance specifications of the car? Top speed? Acceleration? etc.
According to the salesperson we spoke with the Porsche replica is actually on consignment from a local customer, so there is still a chance they may get back to us with the information we requested. If so, we’ll update the post with those details.
While the pictures on the web-site show the car to be in above average cosmetic condition, we have to wonder about the advertised range of the vehicle; 50 miles? With that kind of range, or lack there of, you would have to plan your trip(s) very carefully. Let’s hope the seller throws in an extra long extension cord to help things along.
I’m a bit of a “Porsche Purist”, what others may call a snob. For the most part, I like my Porsches to be original, true to what the manufacturer intended with little to no modifications. As an example, my 1973 911T was all original (including paint and interior) with no modifications. My current 1997 993 C4S is exactly the same, all original, no modifications (except the options from the factory).
However, that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate anything else. I understand the need and desire for modifications. My 993 would, in some people’s opinion, benefit from a suspension modification (lower it to ROW specs) and get rid of what is routinely referred to as the “SUV” ride-height. Based on cars I’ve seen with this mod, I tend to agree and just might do this to my car. Compared to the subject of this post however, this type of suspension modification is infinitesimally small. Not surprisingly, it takes things a little too far for my taste.
Jeff Dutton’s 1955 Porsche ‘Silver Bullet’ Custom Hot Rod.
Built on a 914-6 chassis with a body based on a 1955 356 Continental, it is fitted with a 3 liter, 279hp RS-spec engine, and a 915 gear box. Momentum created by the racing spec’d engine is temporarily halted with addition of “full-trick” 934 brakes. The polished disc wheels are 17” in diameter and match the other accents/trim on the car.
Putting technical specs aside, which are impressive, I would prefer to focus on the aesthetics of the car. According to an article I read in Keith Martin’s on Collecting Porsche, the idea behind the car was to create an “Outlaw Porsche” (chopped hotrod) that still remained true to the original design theory and production of legendary Porsche designer Erwin Komenda. While I agree that it is still recognizable as a Porsche, I’m not sure I would have spent the money (hundreds of thousands is the claim) to build this car. I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves and you be the judge. Click on anyone of the thumbnails for a larger image and take a look at the Fantasy Junction listing for even more images.
The car is currently offered for sale, on consignment, at Fantasy Junction. According to Chris Christianson, of Fantasy Junction, the current owner placed the car on consignment in early February and has set the asking price at $175,000. I tried to research previous owners; unfortunately, all I found were references to an attempted previous sale in 2001 at RM’s Monterey auction where the car was bid to $55,000 and did not sell.
Builder of the Porsche 356 Outlaw
If you’re curious about the original owner/builder of this car here is a little more info I found while researching for this post.
Jeff Dutton comes from a family filled with impressive automotive accomplishments. In 1911 Jeff’s grandfather, Albert Octavious Dutton, began a coachwork-building business that specialized in the creation of bodies for Rolls Royce, Franchini, Isotta, etc. As Albert’s reputation grew, so did the shop’s capabilities. In 1953 Dutton’s became the first Porsche factory-appointed repair shop in Australia.
Today, Dutton’s has expanded to include a new dealership that stocks both classic and current model Porsche, Ferrari, Maserati and other hi-end luxury brands. In addition, Jeff’s son has branched out with the creation of DuttonDirect (an on-line luxury directory and magazine that covers automotive, marine, aircraft and lifestyle products). Dutton’s success has given him the means to pursue his passion of collecting, creating, driving and racing Porsches.
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Imagine seeing this in your rear-view mirror. Unless you’re in a Porsche GT2 (and even then) it would probably be best to just give up from the start. See details in the video below.
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.
