Monday, May 31, 2010
We have just got our hands on some of the Transformers 3 Movie plot but we can't really reveal too much information about the story-line but all we can tell you is that there will be a new autobot introduced in the form a beautiful Ferrari 458 Italia pictured below we cant wait and nor can you!! roll on 2011 the release of Transformers 3 :)
The beauty that is Megan fox will no longer be in Transformers 3 which is dude to hit our screens in July 2011 we cant wait but were totally gutted that she is not in it as she is a total fox. Fear not though fellow Transformers fans her replacement is pictured below her name is Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and we have to admit shes a total Fox too we cant wait even more now :) 
Last year Aston Martin V12 Vantage has been released, but was banned for sale in the United States. Aston follow the American concept of time be respected. Retrieve bodyshell your most compact, honkin 'machines. This is called the musclecar. Of course, the interpretation of the theme musclecar Aston somewhat more polite, sophisticated and aristocratic than, say, a '70 Chevy Chevelle SS454.
Initially created for the entire world, the front end of a very solid car with the engine that there is no room for the structures necessary to meet U.S. crash regulations. In a barrier impact speed is needed, note the doll's chest deceleration rate limits.
The engineers had to think hard to meet customer needs. Analysis and computer models show a location where some additional aluminum longitudinal member can be installed to change the path and soften the burden of slowing. It tested well, and this car is the result. Extra weight is not significant. And the performance, handling and styling mods are not affected by the accident.
The V12 engine is a 5.9-liter, 510 horsepower kick, enough to zero time-to-60mph is claimed at 4.1 seconds. M / T has not tested for zero-to-60 on our paradigm. Transmission is rear-mounted six-speed manual, although an optional full AMT and automatically appear in other Astons. The Vantage V12 keep things relatively simple: none of the adaptive dampers from DBS, there is no choice of transmission, not a lot of menu-driven.
Unsaddled by Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, the front-drive RDX is more fuel efficient, faster, and less expensive. It's not decontented, mind you: Standard goodies new for 2010 include a rearview camera, electronic compass, auto-headlights, ambient footwell lighting, USB-connectivity, and Bluetooth with audio capabilities.
RDX was no slouch even with the added drivetrain mass, likened it to the Evo of crossovers when we said goodbye. Acura's SH-AWD is impressive; through planetary gearsets and electromagnetic clutch packs, it's capable of overdriving the outside rear wheel to create yaw, which reduces understeer. The downside is the roughly 200 pounds it adds to the curb weight. Without it, the RDX's fuel economy rises 2 mpg, up to 19/24 mpg city/highway. It's livelier on its MacPherson front and multilink rear suspension too.
Performance
- Turbo compressor
- 2,300 cc 2.3 liters in-line 4 front engine with 86.0 mm bore, 99.0 mm stroke, 8.8 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder
- Premium unleaded fuel 91 and petrol
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- 18.0 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank 15.0
- Power: 179 kW , 240 HP SAE @ 6,000 rpm; 260 ft lb , 353 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
- ABS
- 4.533:1 axle ratio
- Brake assist system
- Four disc brakes including two ventilated discs
- Electronic brake distribution
- Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management
- Immobilizer
- Spacesaver steel rim spare wheel
- Stability control
- Strut front suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs, multi-link rear suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs
- Driver and passenger 3rd row windows
- Painted front and rear bumpers
- Day time running lights
- Driver power heated painted door mirrors indicator lights, passenger power heated painted door mirrors with automatic indicator lights
- External dimensions: overall length (inches): 182.5, overall width (inches): 73.6, overall height (inches): 65.2, ground clearance (inches): 6.3, wheelbase (inches): 104.3, front track (inches): 61.9, rear track (inches): 62.6 and curb to curb turning circle (feet): 39.2
- Front fog lights
- Projector beam lens Xenon bulb headlights
- Luxury trim leather on gearknob, leather on doors and alloy look on dashboard
- Pearl paint
- Driver side and passenger side rear side windows
- Fixed rear window with defogger and intermittent
- Roof spoiler
- Glass electric front sunroof
- Underbody protection for fuel tank
- Weights: gross vehicle weight rating (lbs) 4,894, curb weight (lbs) 3,752, gross trailer weight braked (lbs) 1,500 and max payload (lbs) 1,142
- Windshield wipers with automatic intermittent wipe
- 12v power outlet: front
- Air conditioning with fully automated climate control 2 and auto
- Anti-theft protection
- Manufacturer's own RDS audio system with satellite, Disc Autochanger and six-disc remote changer CD player reads MP3
- Cargo area cover/rear parcel shelf
- Cargo capacity: rear seat down (cu ft): 60.6 and all seats in place (cu ft): 27.8
- Cellular phone
- Clock
- Coming home device
- Compass
- Computer with average speed, average fuel consumption, instantaneous fuel consumption and range for remaining fuel
- Delayed/fade courtesy lights
- Cruise control
- Front seats and rear seats cup holders
- External temperature
- Floor covering: carpet in passenger compartment and carpet in load area
- Floor mats
- Driver front airbag with multi-stage deployment, passenger front airbag with occupant sensors and multi-stage deployment
- Bucket heated electrically adjustable driver seat with height adjustment, lumbar adjustment, five adjustments and tilt adjustment memory, electric and memory, bucket heated electrically adjustable passenger seat with two adjustments
- Height adjustable 3-point reel front seat belts on driver seat and passenger seat with pre-tensioners
- Front seat center armrest
- Garage door opener
- Two height adjustable active head restraints on front seats, three height adjustable head restraints on rear seats
- Headlight control with dusk sensor
- Internal dimensions: front headroom (inches): 38.7, rear headroom (inches): 38.3, front hip room (inches): 54.4, rear hip room (inches): 53.0, front leg room (inches): 41.8, rear leg room (inches): 37.7, front shoulder room (inches): 58.2 and rear shoulder room (inches): 56.3
- Low tire pressure indicator
- Memorized adjustment with two settings on door mirror position with four driver's seat positions
- Navigational systems : information type: 3D and voice DVD and color
- Parking distance sensors rear and camera
- Remote power locks includes trunk/hatch
- Power steering
- Front power windows with two one-touch, rear power windows
- Front reading lights
- 3-point reel rear seat belts on driver side, passenger side and center side
- Rear seat center armrest
- Three asymmetrical split bench front facing rear seats with zero adjustments fold flat to floor
- Automatic operation rear view mirror
- Steering wheel mounted remote audio controls
- Front and rear side curtain airbag
- Leather seat upholstery with additional leather
- Seating: five seats
- Service interval indicator
- Front side airbag
- Smart card / smart key manual, includes central locking and includes memory seat adjustments
- Ten speaker(s) manufacturer's own
- Leather covered steering wheel with tilt adjustment and telescopic adjustment
- Tachomete
- Telematics
- Illuminated driver and passenger vanity mirror
- Ventilation system with micro filter
- Voice activating system includes radio settings, includes phone, includes navigation system and includes air conditioning
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based global satellite navigation system that provides reliable location and time information in all weather and at any time and anywhere on or near the earth where there is unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites. It is maintained by the United States government and freely accessible by anyone with a GPS receiver. The system was created and realized by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).
The GPS consists of three parts: the space segment, the control segment, and the user segment. The U.S. Air Force develops, maintains, and operates the space and control segments. GPS satellites broadcast signals from space, which each GPS receiver uses to calculate its three-dimensional location (latitude, longitude, and altitude) plus the current time.GPS has become a widely used aid to navigation worldwide, and a useful tool for map-making, land surveying, commerce, scientific uses, tracking and surveillance, and hobbies such as geocaching and waymarking. The precise time reference provided by GPS is used in many applications including the scientific study of earthquakes and as a time synchronization source for cellular network protocols.
The design of GPS is based partly on similar ground-based radio navigation systems, such as LORAN and the Decca Navigator developed in the early 1940s, and used during World War II. In 1956 Friedwardt Winterberg proposed a test of general relativity using accurate atomic clocks placed in orbit in artificial satellites. To achieve accuracy requirements, GPS uses principles of general relativity to correct the satellites' atomic clocks. Additional inspiration for the GPS came when the Soviet Union launched the first man-made satellite, Sputnik in 1957. A team of U.S. scientists led by Dr. Richard B. Kershner were monitoring Sputnik's radio transmissions. They discovered that, because of the Doppler effect, the frequency of the signal being transmitted by Sputnik was higher as the satellite approached, and lower as it continued away from them. They realized that since they knew their exact location on the globe, they could pinpoint where the satellite was along its orbit by measuring the Doppler distortion.Modernization
- In 1972, the U.S. Air Force Central Inertial Guidance Test Facility (Holloman AFB), conducted developmental flight tests of two prototype GPS receivers over White Sands Missile Range, using ground-based pseudo-satellites.
- In 1978, the first experimental Block-I GPS satellite was launched.
- In 1983, after Soviet interceptor aircraft shot down the civilian airliner KAL 007 that strayed into prohibited airspace due to navigational errors, killing all 269 people on board, U.S. President Ronald Reagan announced that the GPS would be made available for civilian uses once it was completed.
- By 1985, ten more experimental Block-I satellites had been launched to validate the concept.
- On February 14, 1989, the first modern Block-II satellite was launched.
- In 1992, the 2nd Space Wing, which originally managed the system, was de-activated and replaced by the 50th Space Wing.
- By December 1993, the GPS achieved initial operational capability.
- By January 17, 1994 a complete constellation of 24 satellites was in orbit.
- Full Operational Capability was declared by NAVSTAR in April 1995.
- In 1996, recognizing the importance of GPS to civilian users as well as military users, U.S. President Bill Clinton issued a policy directive declaring GPS to be a dual-use system and establishing an Interagency GPS Executive Board to manage it as a national asset.
- In 1998, U.S. Vice President Al Gore announced plans to upgrade GPS with two new civilian signals for enhanced user accuracy and reliability, particularly with respect to aviation safety and in 2000 the U.S. Congress authorized the effort, referring to it as GPS III.
- In 1998, GPS technology was inducted into the Space Foundation Space Technology Hall of Fame.
- On May 2, 2000 "Selective Availability" was discontinued as a result of the 1996 executive order, allowing users to receive a non-degraded signal globally.
- In 2004, the United States Government signed an agreement with the European Community establishing cooperation related to GPS and Europe's planned Galileo system.
- In 2004, U.S. President George W. Bush updated the national policy and replaced the executive board with the National Executive Committee for Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing.
- November 2004, QUALCOMM announced successful tests of assisted GPS for mobile phones.
- In 2005, the first modernized GPS satellite was launched and began transmitting a second civilian signal (L2C) for enhanced user performance.
- On September 14, 2007, the aging mainframe-based Ground Segment Control System was transitioned to the new Architecture Evolution Plan.
- The most recent launch was on May 28, 2010.[19] The oldest GPS satellite still in operation was launched on November 26, 1990, and became operational on December 10, 1990.
- On May 19, 2009, the U. S. Government Accountability Office issued a report warning that some GPS satellites could fail as soon as 2010.
- On May 21, 2009, the Air Force Space Command allayed fears of GPS failure saying "There's only a small risk we will not continue to exceed our performance standard.
Thansk to this short on set video we may check the behind the scenes of Transformers 3, currently filming in Los Angeles , California:
Is this silver car an autobot? No need to speculate, new details about Transformers should be revealed soon now that production is in full swing.
:)
British performance sports car manufacturer Lotus has officially unveiled their 2010 Lotus Exige S240. While Lotus fans will recognize this as a very subtle update, the grille and rear wing facelift is a step forward for the mark. The exciting new 2010 Lotus Exige S240 enters the United States and Canadian markets in the fall of 2009 with new front styling, a new rear wing and the same rare combination of exceptional performance and high efficiency.
2010 New Lotus Sports Cars Exige S240
The Lotus Exige S240 features a roof integrated air intake scoop feeds air through the air-to-air intercooled and supercharged 1.8 liter Lotus-tuned and Toyota-sourced 2ZZ-GE engine with Intelligent Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i) to provide 240hp at 8,000 rpm and 170 ft.-lbs. of torque at 5,500.
The 2010 Lotus Exige S240 sprints to 60 mph in a blistering 4.1 seconds and the 100 mph barrier sails by in approximately 10 seconds with top speed is 150 mph. The Lotus Exige S240 is equipped with a 6-speed transaxle synchromesh transmission, traction control and launch control. New for 2010, the optional Track Package will include adjustable Ohlins dampers with threaded spring perches and remote oil reservoirs front and rear.
The Lotus Exige is a renowned high performance coupe that has a well earned reputation as the choice for drivers who demand uncompromised performance, both on the road and on the track. The 2010 Exige S240 introduces a few key enhancements to update the appearance and improve aerodynamic performance. A restyled front end and new larger, low drag rear wing, not only reduces drag, but also gives a more muscular stance enhancing the lightweight shrink-wrapped look of the whole car.
Passing along lessons learned on the track with the Exige GT3 racing program, Lotus Sport Cars has contributed another important technology – variable launch control combined with variable traction control. The launch control allows the driver to determine the number of revs they wish to use during a standing start. Having programmed that limit, the driver then holds their foot down fully on the throttle pedal and sidesteps the clutch pedal for a very quick departure from the line. The clutch damper cushions the severity of the clutch to transmission engagement to minimize the stresses to the drivetrain. The launch control also keeps wheel-spin at bay until 6 mph, after which the traction control assumes its duties.
Like all Lotus cars, the functional components of the car are also beautifully designed as Russell Carr, Chief of Lotus Design, explains, "For 2010 we have taken the already visually extreme Exige and given it even more visual drama. The changes we have integrated to the front and rear of the Exige signal an even clearer and purposeful intent. The functional rear wing is race-inspired, the new angular air intakes and full width splitter give a more hard-edged and aggressive look. Overall, the Exige appears more planted and gives the illusion that both the front and rear of the car are wider than they really are, yet without losing its agile and sleek character."
The new 2010 Lotus Exige S240 is scheduled to launch in the US and Canada in the Fall of 2009. This new 2010 Lotus Exige S240 goes on sale this fall with a starting price of $65,690 and will be available in an upgraded track package with added performance benefits. The 2010 Lotus Exige S240 will hit U.S. and Canadian markets this Autumn.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Megan Fox may have left the Transformers movie franchise, but there's no time to be sad, because Director Michael bay already hired Rosie Huntington-Whiteley the diva:
Transformers 3 will be Rosie Huntington-Whiteley 's debut as actress, she was model for Victoria Secret, that's how she met Michael Bay who directed one of their commercials.
By the way, did you spot the nugget in the clip above?
The first official title treatment of Transformers 3!:)
American tuners SpeedFactory have increased the output of the Dodge Challenger SRT8 from 425 hp to 600 hp (447 kW / 608 PS) without the use of a supercharger.
2010 SpeedFactory Sports Cars SF600R Dodge Challenger
Starting with the standard 6.1-liter HEMI engine engineers increased the displacement to a full 7.0-liters (426 cu in). In addition to a higher volume air intake system matched with a stainless steel Corsa exhaust , SpeedFactory also used "a custom Comp hydraulic cam along with an 85mm throttle body with a CNC machined stock manifold that is port matched with a blended plenum to produce a dyno-proven 595-605 HP on premium-grade 91 octane pump fuel," the company states in a press release.
Equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, SpeedFactory also adds a Getrag IRS and Centerforce clutch, as well as a few other goodies. The engine is not the only thing to get an upgrade on the car. The vehicle's handling is buffed up with performance-grade springs, added struts, and new sway bars. 20-inch BBS wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires.
Leather seats, leather door inserts, custom floormats and various badging round out the package. The 2010 SF600R Challenger is now available, and costs $73,900.
Press Release:
SpeedFactory Introduces the 2010 SF600R Challenger
Atlanta, April 20, 2010 – SpeedFactory, the leader in modern Mopar supercars, today announced the industry’s first 6spd manual, 600 HP ‘SF600R’ Challenger, as part of their complete line of 2010 Mopar supercars.
The ‘R’ designation in the SF600R Challenger denotes a SpeedFactory hi-performance, normally-aspirated, bored, stroked and balanced 6.1L Hemi block, increasing the displacement to 426 cu. in. (7 liters).
This modern 426 powerplant has an all-forged rotating assembly and features CNC ported aluminum heads with new valves, guides, seals, Bee Hive springs and titanium retainers. A custom Comp hydraulic cam along with an 85mm throttle body works with a CNC machined stock manifold that is port matched with a blended plenum to produce a dyno-proven 595-605 HP on premium-grade 91 octane pump fuel.
Additional SpeedFactory performance modifications include a CARB- certified high volume air intake and Corsa stainless steel cat back exhaust system for better breathing. The increased power is managed with a Centerforce clutch and a Getrag IRS with 1000 HP half-shafts. Handling is improved with performance springs and sway bars as well as additional front and rear strut tower braces. The SF600R Challenger rides on premium Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires mounted on staggered 20? BBS Black Edition CH-R flow-formed wheels.
The SpeedFactory Signature package is also included on the SF600R and features a serial numbered plaque along with SpeedFactory exterior badging and graphics. Inside the SF600R features premium leather seats and door panels embossed with SpeedFactory branding as well as custom floor mats.
On the addition of the SF600R Challenger to the SpeedFactory line-up, Mike Brillanti, President, SpeedFactory Sports Cars stated “This car offers supercharged power in a normally-aspirated, 6spd manual package. It’s a true enthusiast’s sports ar and it enables us to widen the appeal of SpeedFactory products to now include a 600HP vehicle for those enthusiasts who prefer a ‘normally-aspirated’ powerplant. We offer the SF600R with either a 5spd automatic or the 6spd manual transmission. ”
Saturday, May 29, 2010
LONDON — MG Motor has begun work on an all-new front-engine, rear-drive open-top sports cars to replace its aging midengine TF roadster, now 15 years old. MG insiders tell Inside Line that the company might consider selling the sports cars in the U.S., given the marque's history in North America, but currently have no solid plans for a return.
2014 New MG Sports Cars TF Roadster
MG and SAIC have to provide the Mazda Miata with a little competition which could mean trouble for Mazda. Right now, it seems that Mazda is doing some damage with the Miata and its faithful followers, but one look at this rendering and people might decide to jump ship and cruise with the MG.
Development is at a very early stage and has significantly lower priority than the company's plans to introduce both the new MG6 hatchback, already on sale in China, and a new supermini to its U.K. factory. MG's Chinese owner Shanghai Auto hopes to re-establish mainstream car production in Britain and relaunch the MG brand across Europe.
But the company believes that a new sports cars is essential to the long-term credibility of MG as a sporting brand. Though far from concrete, the aim is to introduce the model during 2014. It would be built at MG's Birmingham, England plant.
That means the sports car manufacturer will not actually be manufacturing any sports cars for at least three years, rather preferring to focus its attention on the new MG6 and a small city car to be built in the UK. MG plans to build the new sports cars in Birmingham, England, as the brand’s Chinese owner, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC), attempts to reintroduce MG throughout Europe. One source close to the project says that MG wants to create a direct rival to the Mazda Miata, which is why a front-engine, rear-drive layout is preferred.
The first rumored model to be offered will be the 2014 MG TF Roadster with a front engine or rear drive layout and a soft-top design. A retactable hadrtop will not be offered due to cost and complexity. Under the hood there will be a GM sourced turbodiesel, a gasoline V6 engine, and a hybrid powertrain based on the system in SIAC Rowe 750. Although production is 3 years off, sources close to the project tell us that the early designs for the 2014 MG TF resemble these renderings. Note that the TF will again employ a soft top design.
Sources tell us a midengine layout, as used on today's TF, has been rejected because of the styling and packaging limitations it forces on the car, while front-wheel drive has been eliminated for not being sporty enough. MG does not expect the TF to live much beyond the end of 2010, leaving the brand without a sports cars for at least three years while a new model is developed. The company has not ruled out trying to find a partner with which to share a platform.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Looking good this is some footage from the making of Transformers 3 its a car being used in a stunt, watching this makes you realize just how much time and work goes inro the movbie making business we wit there and take it for granted.
Wish we were there :)
IS this really going to happen it looks like it is out next year july 2011 we cant wait for hit to hit the cinemas the last 2 have been excellent this one promises to be even better we will bring you more information as and when it happes so please keep posted.
Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is adding yet another new model to the second generation of the 911 model series: the new GT3 even more powerful, faster, and refined than its predecessor. In developing the most sporting and dynamic road-going 911 with a normal-aspiration power unit, Porsche has applied a wide range of know-how gained in motorsport. Indeed, this is precisely why the 2010 new Porsche 911 GT3 is truly impressive not only on the road, but also on the race track.
2010 Porsche Sports Cars 911 GT3
The 2010 new Porsche 911 GT3 is the latest evolution of an iconic sports car. Embodying the essence of more than 23,000 Porsche racing victories, the 911 GT3 is the ultimate integration of driver and car and arrives in the UK this autumn. The new 911 GT3 is making its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 3 March, with Europe-wide sales starting in May.
The Porsche 911 GT3 offers an even higher standard above all in two key areas: performance and driving dynamics. The proven six-cylinder naturally aspirated power unit now develops a maximum output of 435 hp (320 kW), up 20 hp over its predecessor. This results first and foremost from an increase in engine capacity by 200 cc to 3.8-litres and from improved cylinder head gas flow: now not only the intake, but for the first time also the exhaust camshafts, are adjusted by VarioCam.
A further important point is that, through its upgraded power and performance, the flat six 'boxer' engine also offers a significant increase in torque at medium engine speeds, a benefit of particular significance in everyday motoring. Clearly, this also means a further improvement in performance; the new Porsche 911 GT3 accelerates from a standstill to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.1 seconds and reaches 99 mph (160 km/h) in 8.2 seconds. Top speed is 194 mph.
The second emphasis in developing the Porsche 911 GT3 to an even higher standard was to further improve the car's driving dynamics. For the first time, the Porsche 911 GT3 comes with a particularly sporting variant of Porsche Stability Management (PSM), offering the facility to deactivate both Stability Control (SC) and Traction Control (TC) in separate steps. And to give the driver unrestricted, individual control over the driving dynamics of his car, these functions are not reactivated automatically even under the most extreme driving conditions, but only at the touch of a button.
The Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) fitted to the 911 GT3 has enabled Porsche engineers to make the springs and anti-roll bars stiffer yet again, thus ensuring even more precise handling in the PASM 'sports' mode. However, the PASM ensures appropriate ride comfort suitable for everyday use when in the 'normal' PASM mode. The Porsche 911 GT3 rides on new, lighter wheels in a racing-inspired design - with a centre locking nut - fitted with ultra-high performance (UHP) tyres. Tyre pressure monitoring is fitted as standard.
Making the car even more suitable for the race track, the new Porsche 911 GT3 will be available with the option of new and highly innovative Porsche Active Drivetrain Mount (PADM) engine mountings. These special engine mounts recognise a particularly sporting, race-like style of driving, making the normally 'elastic' engine mounts harder and particularly resistant. This retains all the motoring comfort of the GT3 in everyday traffic, while on the race track the effect of the mass forces coming from the engine is much reduced, particularly in fast bends and on winding tracks. Yet a further advantage is improved traction when accelerating from a standstill.
Another new feature is the optional lift system for the front axle which is able to increase the ground clearance of the car, at the touch of a button, for driving on bumpy surfaces or steep gradients - for example into an underground garage - by 30 millimetres (approx 1.2 inches).
The Euro base price of the new GT3 is Euro 98,100, in Germany the retail price including value-added tax and specific national features is Euro 116,947. In the USA the GT3 will be at the dealership in October at a price of USD 112,200 (MSRP without taxes).
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Known as the 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid, the model hints at new hybrid technology that Porsche Sports Cars will use in its motorsport ventures. According to Porsche, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid will be used as a study to gather information about how hybrid drive will behave under a racing environment and will also help the German automaker study how it can be applied to its road cars.
2010 Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid
During Porsche's press conference here at the Geneva Motor Show, most of our attention was understandably on the 918 Spyder Concept, but the German automaker had several other significant debuts. One was the 911 GT3 R Hybrid, Porsche's first race car to feature electric power sourced from a duo of motors that send power to a generator attached the flywheel. Like many hybrid production cars, the motors are charged whenever the brakes are applied, and the driver can use the extra power for 6-8 seconds for overtaking.
Exactly 110 years after Ferdinand Porsche developed the world's first car with hybrid drive, the Lohner Porsche Semper Vivus, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is once again taking up this visionary drive concept in production-based GT racing: During the Geneva Motor Show, a Porsche Sports Cars 911 GT3 R with innovative hybrid drive is making its debut, opening up a new chapter in the history of Porsche with more than 20,000 wins in 45 years scored by the extremely successful Porsche 911 in racing trim.
Unlike a conventional battery-electric hybrid system the Porsche 911 GT3 R uses a flywheel system, which gathers kinetic energy under braking to power two electric-motors that are mounted in a single assembly and are connected to the front wheel. After each boost of charge, the two motors provide 6 to 8 second jolts of power. The extra power is engaged by pressing a button on the steering wheel, providing up to 161-hp to the front wheels, assisting the 911 GT3 R Hybrid’s 480-hp 4.0L inline-6 that powers the two rear-wheels.
The innovative hybrid technology featured in the car has been developed especially for racing, standing out significantly in its configuration and components from conventional hybrid systems. In this case, electrical front axle drive with two electric motors developing 60 kW each supplements the 480-bhp four-litre flat-six at the rear of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid. A further significant point is that instead of the usual batteries in a hybrid road car, an electrical flywheel power generator fitted in the interior next to the driver delivers energy to the electric motors.
The flywheel generator itself is an electric motor with its rotor spinning at speeds of up to 40,000 rpm, storing energy mechanically as rotation energy. The flywheel generator is charged whenever the driver applies the brakes, with the two electric motors reversing their function on the front axle and acting themselves as generators. Then, whenever necessary, that is when accelerating out of a bend or when overtaking, the driver is able to call up extra energy from the charged flywheel generator, the flywheel being slowed down electromagnetically in the generator mode and thus supplying up to 120 kW to the two electric motors at the front from its kinetic energy.
This additional power is available to the driver after each charge process for approximately 6 - 8 seconds. Energy formerly converted - and thus wasted - into heat upon every application of the brakes, is now highly efficiently converted into additional drive power.
Depending on racing conditions, hybrid drive is used in this case not only for extra power, but also to save fuel. This again increases the efficiency and, accordingly, the performance of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid, for example by reducing the weight of the tank or making pitstops less frequent.
After its debut in Geneva the 911 GT3 R Hybrid will be tested in long-distance races on the Nürburgring. The highlight of this test programme will be the 24 Hours on the Nordschleife of Nürburgring on May 15th and 16th. The focus is not on the 911 GT3 R Hybrid winning the race, but rather serving as a spearhead in technology and a 'racing laboratory' providing know-how on the subsequent use of hybrid technology in road-going sports cars.
The 911 GT3 R Hybrid is a perfect example of the Porsche Intelligent Performance philosophy, a principle to be found in every Porsche: More power on less fuel, more efficiency and lower CO2 emissions - on the track and on the road.
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