Porsche Cars, Products and LifeStyle » Tuned Porsches

What will Ken Block do with a Rauh-Welt Begriff Porsche?

Pepper Girl — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:29:41 +0000

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.

If you want more information on Rauh Welt you can check out a fantastic series of articles on 7Tune.com complete with eye-catching imagery or directly on the RWB web-site.

[Source: 7Tune.com]
[Picture Source: Eurotuner.com]

What Kind of Cop Car Are You Not Getting Away From?

993C4S — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 14:34:15 +0000

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.

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RUF Greenster Revealed at Geneva

993C4S — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:39:05 +0000

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?

[Source: ruf-automobile.de]

Air Powered Engine gets Compressed into Porsche Boxster

993C4S — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 04:10:01 +0000

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 that it doesn’t use any type of hybrid system, just compressed air.

GIMM CEO Glenn Bell said “We’ve developed a way to add energy to the system from the ambient environment.” The proof-of-concept Porsche car, he said, has a top speed of 65 mph. It can travel approximately 50 miles, depending on load and speed, on a full tank of air compressed by about 25 kilowatt hours of electricity. It takes Bell less than 10 minutes to fill the tank with air. These specifications, based on early development, will continue to improve.

click on any of thumbnails above to view larger images

The MIIN AER Porsche in Action

Take a look at the videos on GIMMs site to see the Porsche MIIN-AER car in action and for the full press release. Looking at those videos we can only hope that the numbers above improve and do so drastically. Bell’s accomplishments are nothing to make a joke of. However, it’s our opinion, after viewing the videos, that he would have been better off waiting to debut the car until he could showcase better performance and range. As of today we’ve seen and driven golf carts with better acceleration.

[MIIN AER Photos: AutoBlog Green]

Ruf to Introduce an Electric Porsche Cayman

993C4S — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0000

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.

1955 Electric Porsche Spyder for Sale

993C4S — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 21:25:56 +0000

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.

[Source: AutaBuy, SpecialtySales.com]

1955 Porsche 356 A `Silver Bullet` Custom Hot Rod

993C4S — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 04:10:51 +0000

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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[Source: Fantasy Junction, Keith Martin on Collecting Porsche]

An Electric 1967 Porsche 912

993C4S — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 04:10:14 +0000

When most of us think of “electric” cars or a vehicle that is purpose built to be environmentally friendly, the Porsche brand is probably not top of mind. It’s not that Porsche makes cars that pollute any more than others (despite all the recent news in London) it is simply a matter of being better known as makers of the ultimate, everyday supercar; the Porsche 911.

Today’s Porsche 911s (997 variants) have their roots in all Porsche models that came before them. One such model is the Porsche 912. Imagine my surprise when surfing around the other day I came across a 1967 Porsche 912 that has been converted to an environmentally friendly, electric Porsche.

Converting a Porsche 912 to an Electric Motor

Based on an article from the German Magazine Der Spiegel, it would seem that Jens Broedersdorff and Uwe Koenzen have successfully completed a two-year long conversion of a 1967 Porsche 912 to an all electric version. This ultra quiet, electric version of a classic Porsche has a very limited range of only 90 kilometers (about 55 miles). However, with a top speed of 160 km/h (just under 100 mph) and electric quick acceleration it is certainly a novelty worth mentioning. Jens and Uwe estimate the operational costs to be somewhere around $2.45 per 55 miles making it very cost effective, just not practical as a long distance commuter. Let’s hope they can get some more range out of the car and who knows where they can go from there.

I searched long and hard to try and find more technical specifications on this project. If anyone has additional information or other resources, I would love to hear from you.

[Source: Der Spiegel]