Import Modified » Sportscars

Porsche Greenlights the 918 Spyder Supercar

admin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:05:17 +0000

Well that was quick. It was only a few months ago that Porsche debuted their 918 Spyder Concept at the Geneva Motor Show, and they’ve already confirmed the car for production. The Porsche 918 Spyder is a plug-in electric supercar that Porsche says will be getting a V8 engine good for around 500 horsepower, along with three electric motors, increasing output by about 215 hp. The part that’s hard to believe: a claimed 78+ MPG.

Given, it’s a plug-in hybrid, meaning the gasoline engines don’t have the burden of charging the batteries, but the MPG numbers here are misleading. They’re calculated on a course designed for standard gasoline engines, and don’t take a different powertrain into consideration. I’m sure we’ll get more details on that closer to production.

Regardless, the 918 Spyder is Porsche’s next Carrera GT – an over-the-top supercar meant for a wealthy few. We should hear more about the car in the next few months.

Porsche 918 Spyder Concept – A 78 mpg Supercar
No Hybrid Sportscars From Porsche
Boxster Spyder Making World Debut in Los Angeles

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No Hybrid Sportscars From Porsche

admin — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 13:13:27 +0000

Looks like someone is trying to be different. With seemingly every car manufacturer out there making some sort of hybrid, or announcing plans to offer one in the near future, Porsche is bucking the trend. Ferrari has a hybrid version of their 599 coming out at Geneva this March, but Porsche has said no way to making any sort of hybrid sportscar.

Who says Porsche won’t be doing hybrids? Porsche CEO Michael Macht, that’s who. Or at least Porsche will not build hybrid versions of the 911 and Boxster. Yes, Porsche will make a hybrid Cayenne, most likely using the hybrid drivetrain form corporate siblings VW and Audis hybrid SUVs (that would be the Touareg and Q7) but they have no interest in altering their sportscar lineup.

“It’s technically possible but it’s not part of the plan. It also adds weight. We want brake regeneration and stop-start for our sports cars, but not hybrid. They’re not driven in the city, where you get most of the advantages [of a hybrid],” Porsche CEO Michael Macht related.

Macht went on to say that “There are some efforts to make a pure electric supercar, but if Porsche is going to do that it must have the same performance and the same range as now. We want to make cars you can drive every day.” Macht also added that Porsche doesn’t think the performance and safety of lithium ion batteries is yet good enough to use in an electric car or a hybrid. Which makes no sense. Apart from range, electrics are great performers. And what safety issues with lithium ion batteries?

Sources say that counter to all that Porsche is considering a fully-electric version of the 911, but that sounds counterintuitive to me. If they are this dead set against it, then it probably won’t happen.

Also, look at this from a pragmatic standpoint.

Porsche just got taken over by Volkswagen, and it has been clear for a while that Porsche doesn’t really have the cash to throw around at development projects like making an EV or hybrid sportscar. Further, Audi has already staked out that ground with their upcoming eTron.

So no, Porsche probably won’t be making anything like a performance EV or hybrid any time soon, and if they will, it will most likely be at the behest of corporate parent VW saying they should make a Porsche version of the eTron.

And boy, wouldn’t THAT stick in their craw.

Source: Gas 2.0

20th Anniversary Edition Mazda MX-5 to Premiere in Geneva

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:08:37 +0000

Mazda will be rolling out a special 20th anniversary edition of the beloved MX-5 (nee Miata) at this March’s Geneva Motor Show. Sadly, this will be a European only version, but it’s still worth looking over. The most notable thing about the 20th Anniversary Edition Mazda MX-5 is that the colors harkens back to the first three ever produced.

When Mazda rolled out the Miata to world wide acclaim lo these many years ago, they were available in three colors only: Red, blue and white (silver cam in six months into the first year). Of course, they had fancier names than that: Classic red, Mariner blue (and I want to say) Crystal white (the silver was called Silverstone Metallic).

This time around, we’re treated to True Red, Crystal White Pearl and, for this edition only, the new Aurora Blue. On the inside there is also matching body-color painted decorative elements, a nice touch.

As I mentioned, this will be a European only edition, sadly, and just as sad, Mazda will only be producing 2000 of the little guys for sale in continental dealerships.

The MX-5 20th Anniversary Edition (yeah, that’s its real name) is based on the 1.8-liter model limited edition MX-5. And in addition to the three special colors, you also get a special exterior styling package that includes chrome grille, door handles and headlight fascia. There are also silver-look fog lamp surrounds, unique 17-inch alloy wheels and 20th Anniversary logos (natch). There is also a front suspension bracing bar and a scuff plate in stainless steel with the unique serial number for any given car (from 1 to 2000) to complete the upgrades the rather nice, but cosmetic upgrades.

Still, the MX-5/Miata is one of the best damn sportscars you can get.

So any of our readers in Europe should look into getting one of these. I would. If I lived in Europe.

Source: CarScoop