Tag Archives: Carrera

Motorsport

Porsche Says Its Next Hypercar Needs All-Wheel Drive. Here’s Why

Porsche hypercars have been few and much between. The 918 Spyder got here out in 2013 whereas the Carrera GT launched in 2004. Even additional again, the 959 debuted in 1986. In 2023, Mission X previewed a possible flagship mannequin from Zuffenhausen. Later this yr, a call can be made whether or not to put the concept into production. If green-lighted, there’s going to be a significant {hardware} change.

When the all-electric Mission X debuted in June 2023 to rejoice Porsche’s 75th anniversary, the idea had a rear-wheel-drive structure. However, a subsequent road-legal automotive would swap to an all-wheel-drive setup. Not to unlock additional efficiency, however to enhance effectivity. As bizarre as that may sound when speaking a few hypercar, it is smart. An AWD setup would considerably enhance power restoration to place extra juice again into the battery and assist lengthen the vary.

Porsche Mission X Concept

Speaking with Australian journal Which Car, Mission X undertaking supervisor Michael Behr defined why AWD can be adopted: “It’s an electric car and you need a four-wheel-driven car to recuperate a lot of energy [for the battery] to have a bigger range on the Nordschleife, not just for one lap, maybe for three laps.”

That’s nonetheless an especially low vary contemplating the monitor is just below 13 miles lengthy, so three laps can be 39 miles. However, Behr was speaking about three laps carried out by a driver who is aware of what they’re doing and might extract each drop of efficiency from the Mission X. Driven at an everyday tempo, the electrical hypercar would probably have a considerably increased vary.

That mentioned, it is apparent Porsche would not wish to cram in an enormous battery to increase vary since that might add weight. It can be tough to put in a supersized battery anyway because the idea was solely 177.1 inches lengthy, so there can be packaging constraints. Behr talked about the wheelbase can be altered for a manufacturing model in comparison with the idea, which measured 107.5 inches between the axles.

In the idea, the battery was mounted centrally behind the seats and featured direct oil cooling. Porsche developed the Mission X with a 900-volt system structure to allow charging speeds about twice as shortly because the pre-facelift Taycan Turbo S. The up to date electrical sedan now helps 320-kilowatt charging energy as an alternative of 270 kilowatts, and might replenish the battery from 10 to 80 % in 18 minutes.

Porsche Mission X Concept

During the identical interview, Behr advised the manufacturing model is more likely to be offered strictly with a left-hand-drive structure to cut back complexity. He added it might have extra headroom than the 918 Spyder, enabling drivers to comfortably use a helmet. This can be attainable by becoming doorways that open upwards and ahead in the identical vein as on the 917 Le Mans racer, which additionally had the curved glass extending onto the roof.

Porsche has beforehand mentioned it would approve the Mission X for manufacturing provided that it meets sure standards. It should generate extra downforce than the 911 GT3 RS and have a power-to-weight ratio of 1 to 1. In addition, it should double the charging velocity of a Taycan Turbo S. Most importantly, it should set a file for a street-legal manufacturing automotive across the Nürburgring. The title at present belongs to the Mercedes-AMG One with a lap time of 6 minutes and 35.18 seconds.

Porsche holds the outright file across the Green Hell with the track-only 919 Hybrid Evo and an unbelievable 5:19.55 lap.

Motorsport

The Rock Crawling Porsche 911’s Suspension Was Originally Developed For the 919 Le Mans Car

In December, Le Mans legend Romain Dumas was on the wheel of the extremely modified Porsche 911 Carrera 4S that broke the altitude record for wheeled automobiles. But Dumas isn’t the one connection this record-setting 911 has to the legendary 24-hour enduro. Its trick suspension was initially meant for Le Mans.

While a lot of this Carrera’s drivetrain is unmodified, its suspension has been completely redone, geared up with a system Porsche calls the Warp Connector. Originally created for the Le Mans-winning 919 Hybrid, it was shelved early on in that automobile’s growth and unused till this venture.

It’s not like the suspension system in some other Porsche.

How It Works

Instead of letting every nook function independently, the Warp Connector suspension goes in the wrong way, interconnecting all 4 corners for optimum traction. The entrance axle and rear axle are every related transversely to their very own centrally mounted springs and dampers. For the entrance axle, that spring and damper setup is positioned beneath the hood, simply in entrance of the windshield cowl. For the rear axle, the spring and damper might be discovered on the rear of the cabin, the place you’d usually discover the parcel shelf. 

Porsche 911 Rock Crawler Warp Connector Suspension Diagram

Above, a 3D diagram of the Warp Connector suspension supplied by Porsche.

The “connector” within the Warp Connector is the ultimate piece of the puzzle. It’s a stable bar that connects every axle longitudinally by way of a sequence of pivot factors. The bar creates a form of twist rigidity between the entrance and rear, so if one axle articulates a sure manner, the bar enacts a power onto the opposite axle, coaxing it to articulate in the wrong way. 

This means any upward power going right into a wheel — say, one tire driving over a giant rock — is translated into downwards power to the opposite three wheels. The reverse wheel receives its downward power by way of the centralized spring and damper, whereas the alternative axle receives its downward forces by way of the Warp Connector bar. The system’s interconnected nature means all 4 corners are performing on one another always, pushing one another to remain related to the floor under. The result’s a 911 that may preserve its stability over massive rocks, dips, and undulations. Here’s an indication of the system in motion:

Engineers have been hesitant to assemble a full-size prototype with such a drastically completely different suspension setup. So they constructed a scale mannequin first. 

“[The suspension’s] inventor came with the idea to build an RC model car with exactly the same system,” says Sven Schaarschmidt, chassis engineer for the record-setting automobile. “It looked a bit different than in the real car, but the working principle was exactly the same thing. We were able to play with the car on a desk, moving the wheels and looking at all the connections. It gave us an idea if it could really work in a big car.”

One query stays: If the Warp Connector works so nicely on this 911, why was it dropped from the 919 venture? 

“The problem was that [the 919 engineers] had a number of other issues to solve with the car,” Schaarschmidt informed Motor1. “To make it easier to analyze all the issues, They wanted to simplify the car and remove the system. Then the car was working so well that they saw no reason to bring it back.”

Porsche 911 Altitude Edith record off roader 56105
Porsche 911 Altitude Edith record off roader 56108

Porsche received’t say whether or not it plans to do extra with the Warp Connector idea, although contemplating simply how a lot area it takes up within the record-setting 911, viable manufacturing functions are seemingly few and much between. Still, it’s a formidable little bit of engineering that’s value highlighting. It helped obtain a world document, in spite of everything.

If we needed to guess, the Warp Connector’s reappearance would seemingly are available a motorsport software, seeing as that’s the place it originated, anyway. Race automobiles don’t want to fret about occupying a bit of further cabin or cupboard space, making it an interesting selection for competitors use. But that’s simply hypothesis on our finish.

Motorsport

Watch This Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Reach Its Top Speed Of 193 MPH On The Autobahn

The Porsche 911 Carrera GTS appears typically forgotten on this planet of 911s, the place Turbos and GT3s continually make headlines. But it should not be. With glorious dynamics, beauty, and 473 horsepower from a twin-turbo flat-six, it is probably the greatest efficiency automobiles on sale at present. Judging from this video out of Germany, it seems to be straightforward to achieve almost 200 mph behind the wheel of a GTS.

The people at AutoTopNL managed to get their palms on a brand new 911 Carrera GTS for some testing, going straight to the Autobahn — Germany’s continuously speed-limitless freeway system — to see simply how briskly the mid-range coupe may go.

The driver may be very shortly capable of crest 300 kph (186 mph) earlier than reaching the GTS’s manufacturer-claimed prime pace of 312 kph (193 mph). They do not let off as a result of the automobile has nothing left to provide, however moderately as a result of there’s fast-approaching site visitors forward. We have little question this 911 would’ve been capable of exceed its listed prime pace if it got sufficient room.

This explicit GTS is supplied with Porsche’s non-obligatory Lightweight bundle, which will get light-weight bucket seats, thinner, lighter glass, lowered sound-deadening, rear-steer, and a special aero setup, for a complete weight financial savings of 55 kilos. That’s not a lot, but it surely may’ve been sufficient to coax out the additional thrust seen on display screen.

It’s additionally price noting that within the two occasions we see this 911 GTS crest the 300-kph mark, it is sitting in sixth gear, moderately than eighth. It’s demonstration of how seventh and eighth gears in Porsche’s PDK dual-clutch transmission work as overdrive gears, meant extra for gas financial system than efficiency. This video is simply proof you will by no means want greater than sixth gear on a race observe.

Motorsport

Porsche’s First Steer-By-Wire System Is Designed For Less Feedback, Not More

In early December Porsche took a highly modified 911 Carrera 4S to the Ojos del Salado volcano in Chile to break the world record for highest altitude pushed by a automobile. The automobile, pushed by three-time Le Mans winner Romain Dumas, had a myriad of rock crawling-specific mods to assist it up the mountain. But none had been extra fascinating than its steer-by-wire system, the primary to look in any new Porsche product. 

Built in collaboration with German elements provider Schaeffler, the steer-by-wire system is probably the most vital improve discovered on Edith, the record-setting 911, versus Doris, the unique prototype proven in 2019, which makes use of an unmodified manufacturing steering rack.

Unlike another steer-by-wire programs, Porsche’s “Space Drive” steering system is completely digital, with no bodily connection between the steering wheel and the entrance wheels. According to Porsche, the steering gear itself is motivated by a servomotor, whereas the steering wheel is linked to a power suggestions module to generate suggestions to the driving force. Everything is managed by way of a field of electronics discovered the place the passenger seat can be, and managed by way of a panel that stands out from the precise aspect of the sprint.

Porsche 911 Altitude Edith record off roader 56156
Porsche 911 Altitude Edith record off roader 5671
Porsche 911 Altitude Edith record off roader 5651

While most steering programs are developed to translate as a lot really feel and suggestions as potential to the driving force, Porsche’s Space Drive goes in the other way. It’s designed to take away undesirable forces coming from the entrance finish into the steering wheel in favor of smoothness and stability. As it seems, the very last thing you’d need from a steering wheel is sudden jolts from large rocks whereas scaling the aspect of a mountain. That “kickback” is one thing engineers strived to remove each for efficiency and security causes.

“[Dumas] didn’t want to get these big impacts on the steering wheel,” Sven Schaarschmidt, chassis engineer for the automobile, instructed Motor1. “He wanted to have a good feeling about what the traction was, but he didn’t want that.”

The Space Drive system additionally has a considerable amount of adjustability, says Schaarschmidt.

“You could adjust it if you want to feel more,” he instructed Motor1. “You can adjust everything as you like. You can change the ratio, you can limit or adjust the steering wheel forces, you can do everything.”

Porsche 911 Altitude Edith record off roader 5661

In observe, the steering feels extra simulation than actuality. It was clear that even after a brief take a look at drive via a medium-difficulty off-roading course in Malibu, this technique was developed for a singular goal, and that goal was not conventional steering really feel. It strives to perform one thing totally different, eradicating as many sensations from the steering wheel as potential whereas nonetheless speaking a normal sense of the place the entrance wheels are pointed. Sadly Porsche didn’t allow us to fiddle with the adjustability, so we couldn’t get a way of what modifications could possibly be made to change the sensations going to our fingertips.

With steer-by-wire programs changing into an increasing number of widespread in passenger autos, it’s seemingly we might sooner or later see such a system carried out on a Porsche street automobile. While we’re certain Porsche would engineer a extra really feel into its mass-production steer-by-wire system, the adjustability of all of it is much more intriguing. Even at present’s electrically assisted programs present a comparatively low quantity of adjustability with regards to suggestions and resistance. If there’s any firm that may do steer-by-wire proper, it’s Porsche.

Motorsport

Porsche Carrera GT Owners Still Can’t Drive Their Cars

In April 2023, Porsche issued a recall for practically all Carrera GTs bought in North America. We’re speaking a couple of very uncommon supercar right here, so on this case, practically all equals 489 automobiles. With that recall got here a warning from Porsche to not drive the automobile, lest one thing occur that might trigger a crash. These aren’t precisely every day drivers, so parking the Carrera GT within the storage most likely is not a giant deal for many house owners. But 9 months later, that warning continues to be in place. Yikes.

We covered the recall last year, however the present standing of the Carrera GT was delivered to life by Jalopnik. Reaching out to Porsche, it was revealed {that a} repair nonetheless hasn’t been finalized for the issue. Furthermore, a spokesperson advised the web site that it may very well be a number of months but, coming someday within the third quarter of 2024. That could be July on the earliest – one 12 months and roughly two months after the stop-drive warning was issued.

2003 Porsche Carrera GT

Yes, not with the ability to drive your million-dollar supercar is a first-world drawback. But technically, you can drive it. Porsche strongly recommends towards it, however therein lies one other facet of this saga we hadn’t thought of. It appears a few of these house owners have realized that insurance coverage protection may very well be dropped if one thing occurs to the automobile whereas being pushed, as a result of Porsche advised house owners to not do it. The Jalopnik crew contacted an insurance coverage firm and had been mainly advised the identical factor. Bummer.

As a refresher, this all stems from a possible concern relating to spherical joints connecting the wishbone suspension parts. Porsche discovered some damaged joints throughout a normal car inspection that the car proprietor apparently wasn’t conscious of. A deep dive decided that the fabric used for the joints does not present “sufficient resistance to intergranular stress corrosion when exposed to salt and mechanical stress over service life.”

The repair, then, is new joints. But after 9 months, that hasn’t occurred but. We’ve reached out to Porsche in hopes of gaining some further perception into the restore and what a number of the challenges are, as a result of frankly, we’re curious. We will provide you with an replace if new data turns into out there, however within the meantime, we’ll must maintain driving the Enzo. Darn all of it.

Car review

Porsche 911 Carrera T

The Porsche 911 Carrera T may not have as much horsepower as some of its counterparts, but its 380bhp still provides plenty of manageability. Even in wet conditions, the rear tires with a 305-section offer good traction, thanks to the 911’s rearward weight distribution. The car feels quick even when you can’t fully utilize its power in the lower gears.

Porsche introduced the Wet mode in the current 911. It goes beyond adjusting the electronic traction and stability aids; it also modifies active cooling, active aerodynamics, automatic gearbox, and torque vectoring settings as needed.

However, the effect of Wet mode on the manual, rear-drive Carrera T feels subtle. It does not act like a traction management system that prevents wheelspin in standing water. Nevertheless, Wet mode does seem to optimize standing starts. Our fastest 0-60mph runs of 4.8sec and 4.9sec were recorded with Wet mode active, only slightly off Porsche’s claimed time of 4.3sec in optimal conditions.

The Carrera T’s flat six engine delivers a crisp, progressive, and free-revving power delivery. The engine’s boost takes a moment to build, but then it provides thrust across a wide range of revs and continues to perform well beyond 7000rpm.

Despite producing “only” 332lb ft of torque, the Carrera T accelerates impressively in gear and maintains its power throughout the rev range. In fourth gear, it took just 3.4sec to go from 50-70mph in wet conditions, while the Chevrolet Corvette C8 achieved the same in 3.1sec in dry conditions. The Porsche can reach almost 140mph before shifting to another gear.

Overall, the Carrera T’s powertrain exhibits a deep-founded strength, impressive flexibility, and satisfying performance, considering it is the least powerful engine in the 911 lineup.

The manual gearbox complements the engine well with its carefully chosen ratios and a satisfying shift action. It has a short and solid feel, making it intuitive to use. The seven-gear configuration is easy to manage, with the seventh gear primarily used for relaxed motorway cruising.

Track notes

Even in wet weather, the Carrera T performs well on the Millbrook Hill Route. It maintains grip and stability while navigating bumpy and adverse-cambered corners. The regular P Zeros tires handle standing water efficiently, providing enough traction for spirited driving.

The four-wheel steering system and Wet mode stability controls contribute to the car’s stability during turn-ins and reduce throttle-off oversteer, which is common in 911s. These features are beneficial for high-speed driving. However, when you want to push the car’s limits and deactivate the electronic aids, it may require more aggressive driving to achieve the desired level of engagement. It doesn’t always feel as natural and progressive on the edge as it could be.

Motorsport

Mirage Porsche 911 Carrera to Appear at Rennsport Reunion 7

The Mirage Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8, known for its role as the Autobot in “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” will be showcased at Rennsport Reunion 7. This highly anticipated event will take place from September 28 to October 1 at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Apart from the rare 964 series Carrera RS 3.8, attendees can expect to see a display of legendary cars.

Both fans and car enthusiasts will have the chance to view the latest hero car from the Transformers franchise. They will also be able to admire 15-foot-tall versions of Mirage, Optimus Prime, and Optimus Primal Autobots. As an added treat, attendees will have the opportunity to watch a special screening of the action-packed film, which generated an impressive $439 million in global ticket sales this summer.


Car review

Porsche 718 Spyder RS

Porsche’s V10 monster, the Carrera GT, is known for its impressive sound. However, there is an interesting detail about this car that many people overlook.

While the engine provides an incredible auditory experience for bystanders, the driver inside the car doesn’t get the same intense sound. Ironically, the best experience is actually outside the vehicle.

On the other hand, the 718 Spyder RS is an exceptional car in many ways. It is the last petrol model on Porsche’s mid-engined platform and the only RS car that is not specifically designed for track use. It is also the first time since the Carrera GT that Weissach has created an open-air, purist’s car.

But what truly sets the Spyder RS apart is its animalistic nature. It is arguably the most beast-like car available for purchase, considering it doesn’t cost a fortune and can be driven on a daily basis. When the engine surpasses 8500rpm, the metallic roar emitted from the airboxes on the body’s hips is indescribable.

This car is related to the Cayman GT4 RS, but with some changes that make it more suitable for road driving. Both models share the same 493bhp 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat six engine from the 911 GT3, but the Spyder RS is mated with a short-ratio PDK gearbox. Andreas Preuninger, the head of Porsche’s GT division, emphasized that the Spyder RS is a driver’s car, prioritizing the enjoyment of open-road driving over lap times.

Now, why doesn’t the Spyder RS come with a manual gearbox? According to Preuninger, there are two reasons. First, the six-speed manual gearbox used in the regular 718 Spyder has longer gear ratios that are not suitable for the higher revs of the RS. Second, the six-speed manual gearbox from the 911 GT3 is physically too long to fit in the mid-engined 718, as it is designed to flow forward from the flat six engine in the rear-engined 911.

Motorsport

Porsche 911 Carrera T Reaches 188 MPH with 379 HP and Seven-Speed Manual

The Porsche 911 Carrera T may appear outdated in the era of electric cars, with its manual gearbox and absence of hybrid technology. However, enthusiasts know that it represents a pure sports car experience, despite “only” having 379 horsepower. While it is significantly less powerful than the Turbo S (640 hp), Porsche is reportedly developing a new GT2 RS model with over 700 hp. The 911 lineup offers a wide range of options to suit different preferences.

A recent video filmed on the Autobahn demonstrates that even with its relatively modest power output, the 992 model is still incredibly fast. Equipped with a seven-speed manual transmission instead of the eight-speed PDK, the Carrera T provides a thrilling driving experience as the rear-mounted flat-six engine revs above 7,000 rpm. On an unrestricted section of the German highway, the Carrera T reaches an impressive speed of 188 mph (303 km/h), proving that an abundance of horsepower is not necessary to achieve supercar-level performance.


Featured

Two Porsche Carrera GTs For Sale At Fort Lauderdale Collection South

Only 1,270 Porsche Carrera GTs were ever produced. However, its status as one of the most incredible Porsches ever made is not solely based on its rarity. With a V10 engine and an amazing exhaust note, coupled with a manual transmission operated by a beautiful wood shift knob, the Porsche Carrera GT is a timeless automotive legend. It is considered not only one of the greatest Porsches but also one of the greatest automobiles ever created, making it the ultimate aspiration for car enthusiasts worldwide.

Finding one Porsche Carrera GT is an amazing feat in itself, but discovering two for sale at the same dealership is an exceptional opportunity. Fort Lauderdale Collection South in Fort Lauderdale, Florida currently has two examples of this undeniable masterpiece available for purchase. One is finished in the rare and beautiful Speedster Blue color, paired with a dark grey leather interior. The other is finished in the iconic GT Silver color, also with a dark grey leather interior. Both share the same 5.7-liter V10 engine, which produces an immense 603 horsepower and achieves an impressive 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 205 mph.

Owning a Porsche Carrera GT is a dream come true for any car enthusiast. At Fort Lauderdale Collection South, this dream becomes a reality with not just one, but two of these incredible cars available for purchase. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity and click the links below to view the listings of these extraordinary Porsche Carrera GTs:

2004 Porsche Carrera GT in Speedster Blue

2005 Porsche Carrera GT in GT Silver


Two Porsche Carrera GTs For Sale

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