EmailPorsche 917, Possibly the Best Race Car of All Time
April 6, 2008
Ever since Porsche took the overall win at Sebring a few weeks ago, I’ve been exploring the history of Porsche racing more and more. Out of my research has come a fascination with the Porsche 917. I am in love with both the aesthetics of this car and its impressive track performance capabilities.
So much has been written about these great cars, their development, their race history and the people responsible for them that I could never give them the proper respect they deserve in the format of this web-site. In no way is this meant to be a complete history of the 917. Instead, this is a multi-part story that should provide the casual enthusiast with enough background to pique your curiosity and links to resources where you can learn more.
Part I on the History of the Porsche 917
The 917 is best known as the race-car that put Porsche on the map in endurance racing with their first overall win(s) at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970 and again in 1971. Based on the Porsche 908 and powered by a 4.5, 4.9 or 5.0 liter flat 12, air-cooled engine, the 917 posts performance figures on par with almost any race-car of the modern era.
We can thank the Commission Sportive Internationale (CSI) as the catalyst for the creation of the Porsche 917. Looking to bring manufacturers who were currently building 3 litre motors for Formula One Racing into the endurance racing fold, the CSI opened enrollment to the World Championship of Makes for a 3 litre cars across a four year period from 1968 to 1971.
As there were very few manufacturers who could accept the challenge in the time frame provided, the CSI opened the category up to those 5 litre cars that would be able to meet the homologation requirements of at least 50 cars. This new group, known as Group 4, became part of the Sport category. Shortly thereafter, CSI reduced the minimum production requirements from 50 to 25 (at the request of Ferrari) so the 250LM could compete.
An Open Door for Porsche
This reduction in homologation requirements opened the door for Porsche. Although it would turn out to be extremely difficult and expensive, it was one of the best decisions Porsche made, with regard to racing, ever. The 917 was conceived, designed and manufactured in only 10 months time. This is an amazingly short period for the development of any vehicle, let alone one subject to the homologation rules of the time. The first 25 cars are pictured below:
Despite the 917’s short but storied history, its career as a racer did not start well. I’ll explore the beginning of Porsche’s race history in the 917 more in-depth on my next post in this series. In the interim, please enjoy this great video that showcases just how amazing these cars truly are.
[Source: Porsche AG, Wikipedia, research-racing]
Porsche GT2 Compared to a Corvette Z06
March 30, 2008
What is the purpose of zero to sixty straight line comparisons, especially when the cars are not evenly matched in the first place? I think the answer depends on who is conducting the test. In the instance of this post, it’s Autocar and Chris Harris. Simply put, I think this type of test brings eye-balls to a web-site and helps to spark conversation and controversy amongst loyal readers. What other reason is there to compare a Porsche GT2 to a Corvette Z06 in a straight line speed test? Let me know what you think.
Take a look at the following video and you be the judge.
Let’s look at the following specs from MotorTrends review of the Porsche GT2 (as compared to the Corvette Z06).
0-60 mph
Porsche 911 GT2 3.4 sec (Porsche claims 3.7 seconds)
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 3.5 sec
Quarter mile
Porsche 911 GT2 11.4 sec @ 127.9 mph
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 11.5 sec @ 127.1 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph
Porsche 911 GT2 98 feet
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 104 feet
Weight
Porsche 911 GT2 3175lbs
Cheverolet Corvette Z06 3132 lbs
Horespower
Porsche 911 GT2 530 HP
Cheverolet Corvette Z06 505 HP
I admit, on paper, the cars are fairly close. However, even if you overlook the fact that the GT2 has 25 more HP, is rear-engined (helps traction off the line) and has a proper suspension, you can’t get past the fact that the GT2 is a purpose built track car from the days of “Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday” (the least of all those purposes is drag racing in a straight line).
Don’t get me wrong, the Corvette is a fantastic performing car (especially when you factor in the price differential) and this simply isn’t a fair or proper comparison. To me this is simply another instance of the media helping to perpetuate the legend that is Porsche. As you can tell from the image at the top of this page, comparisons like Porsche vs. Corvette have been going on for a long time and I don’t expect them to stop anytime soon. This is something I don’t have a problem with, for obvious reasons. What do you think?
Favorite Chris Harris quote from the video (in reference to the Corvette):
“The bonnet appears to end in a different time zone. It’s miles away.”
[Source: MotorTrend, Autocar]
Porsche Cayenne GTS. It’s a Porsche Through and Through.
March 17, 2008
A lot of Porschephiles might say they are not fans of the Porsche Cayenne. To some, the truck is an insult to the Porsche racing heritage; others say it is simply not right to have an SUV in the line-up of what is otherwise the most revered sports car company in the world. To all of you, I say hogwash.
The Cayenne GTS’s stats speak for themselves
- 405 HP
- 0-60 in 6.1 seconds
- Top Speed of 157 (with a curb weight of just under 5000 lbs)
- 21” wheels
Those are sports car like specs (well ok, not the weight part) if you ask me.
With Fifth Gear’s most recent review and comparison of the Porsche Cayenne GTS vs. the BMW X5, it is perfectly clear that the boys from Stuttgart have once again created a car (or in this case a truck) worthy of wearing the Porsche Badge.
Watch the video and see for yourself
The key points I took from this review were pretty simple, and I quote:
“The Cayenne looks and feels more expensive.”
“Leaving it in sports mode gives stiff dampers and no body roll for perfect on-track performance with faster throttle response.”
“It loves being chucked from left to right.”
Remember, this is an SUV we’re talking about. So, if I were a soccer mom (or more correctly if I were buying an SUV for my soccer mom wife) it seems quite clear that the Cayenne GTS would be at the top of the list.
Tomorrow we’ll be taking a look at one of my all time favorite cars; the Porsche 993 Turbo S. More specifically, we’ll be exploring the effects of a celebrity provenance (Jerry Seinfeld) on the value of a Porsche at time of resale.
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