RUF Developing Electric Test Vehicles Based on the Porsche 911 Carrera

Porsche tuner RUF Automobile is developing ten electric vehicles with three different powertrains based on the 911 Carrera (997), which will be put to the test in ?real life situations?. The prototypes are being manufactured in cooperation with German electronics giant Siemens AG and are going to be presented in the first half of 2011. The three eRUF variants feature a single motor concept, twin motor concept with 2-speed gearbox and twin motor concept with torque vectoring.

The first powertrain comprises a 180 kW (241HP) electric motor, 29 kWh lithium-ion battery and standard Porsche gearbox used for speed reduction. The setup offers an estimated driving range of 150 km (93 miles) and decent performance: 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7 seconds and a top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph).

The prototypes using the twin motor concept are even faster, reaching 100 km/h (62 mph) in about 5 seconds, while also maxing out at 220 km/h or 137 mph. Two synchronous electric motors deliver 250 kW (335HP) and are coupled to a 2-speed automatic transmission. The more potent battery pack (36,6 kWh) extends the driving range to 200 km (124 mph).

Last but not least, the third variant uses the same twin motor setup, while adding torque vectoring into the mix as well. Engineers mounted two separate gearboxes into the car, each powering a rear wheel. Acceleration and driving range are the same, however estimated top speed decreases to about 180 km/h (112 mph).

The field test are expected to provide important data on the different battery and powertrain setups, which will be handed over to the German Federal Ministry of the Environment, also involved in the project.

eRUF variants [Press Release]

1. Single Motor Concept
- Base vehicle, Porsche 997 Carrera
- Electric motor (180 kW) and inverter from Siemens AG
- Porsche production gearbox used for speed reduction
- Lithium-ion batteries with an energy capacity of 29 kWh
- Integrated charger, DCDC-converter, plug, socket and charging cable
- interior heating
- Data recording unit for analysis and documentation of the charging/ discharging, journey and component data
- Driving range approximately 150 km, maximum speed about 220 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in about 7 seconds
2. Twin Motor Concept with 2-speed Gearbox
- Base vehicle, Porsche 997 Carrera
- Two transversely mounted Siemens synchronous electric motors (250 kW) with double inverters
- Automatic 2 speed gearbox, limited slip differential
- Liquid cooled and heated lithium ion battery with an energy capacity of 36,6 kWh
- Integrated charger, DCDC-converter, plug, socket and charging cable
- interior heating
- Data recording unit for ananlysis and documentation of the charging/ discharging, journey and component data
- Driving range approximately 200 km, maximum speed about 220 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in about 5 seconds
3. Twin Motor concept with Torque Vectoring
- Base vehicle, Porsche 997 Carrera
- Two transversely mounted Siemens synchronous electric motors (250 kW) with double inverters
- Two seperate angular bevel gearboxes for independent rear wheel drive
- Liquid cooled and heated lithium ion battery with an energy capacity of 36,6 kWh
- Charging via inverter, DCDC-converter, plug, socket and charging cable
- interior heating
- Data recording unit for analysis and documentation of the charging/discharging, journey and component data
- Driving range approximately 200 km, maximum speed about 180 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in about 5 seconds

Porsche Quietly Rolls Out Pure-Electric Boxster E Prototypes

In a German-language only press release and without much fanfare, Porsche announced the introduction of a trio of electric-powered Boxster E prototypes. Over the next few months, these pure-electric test vehicles will be trialed in and around the city of Stuttgart to provide feedback on the feasibility and usability of the concept in everyday use.

Porsche is keeping mum on most of the details surrounding the three prototype Boxster roadsters simply stating that the cars are equipped with two-electric motors that deliver up to 180kW or 241-horsepower, and are fed through a 29-kWh battery package.

Porsche Four-Door Sedans of the Past or How to Make the Panamera Look Good

The famous automaker from Stuttgart is no stranger to controversy. And like the Cayenne SUV, Porsche"s first ever production four door sedan, the all-new Panamera sports saloon received some decidedly mixed reviews in concern of its styling. But compared with some past attempts to create a four-door Porsche, the Panamera looks like a piece of art -okay, okay, maybe we"re exaggerating a bit here just to make a point.

The first Porsche saloon you see pictured on your right hand was based on the late 1960"s 911. It was a one-off custom creation built by California coach builder Troutman-Barnes with the blessings of Porsche.

It is claimed that the eerie-looking sports saloon with the rear suicide doors and the four-seat layout was crafted by conjoining two crashed 1967 911s.

In the mid-1980s, Porsche and AMG (then, an independent company) developed a fully working prototype of a four-door 928 S4 that could be viewed today as the Mazda RX-8"s forefather. It featured an extended wheelbase, half-sized suicide rear doors and looks that kill - literally...

The bizarre-looking 1986 928 S4 saloon was delivered to the founder and CEO of American Sunroof Corporation (ASC), Heinz Prechter. In August 2002, the car was changed hands at the RM Monterey Auctions for $44,000, or $1,000 less than the low estimate.

And last but perhaps not least as there may be another custom built or concept Porsche sedan that we are not aware of, is the 989 prototype that was created under the watchful eye of Dr. Ulrich Bez, now in charge of Aston Martin.

Quite possibly the closest relative to the Panamera, the V8-powered 989 sedan project kicked off in the late 1980s but was terminated in the early 1990s as falling sales of the 928 made Porsche rethink the idea twice. Even though the Stuttgart-based automaker initially said that the concept model had been destroyed, later on, officials claimed that the 989 remains in storage hidden away from prying eyes.

Via: Insideline , Photo Sources: Tamerlane"s Thoughts & Conceptcarz

Porsche 918 RSR Coupe Concept: Live Photos from Detroit

Porsche decided to keep the production version of the 918 Spyder under wraps for now showing off instead the motorsport-inspired 918 RSR Coupe Concept at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. Combining hybrid racing technology with a dramatic looking coupe body style, the RSR is every bit as impressive as the design study showcased last year at Geneva. For its motivation, the 918 RSR relies on a V8 gasoline engine delivering 563HP and a pair of electric motors producing a combined output of 204HP. Check out our gallery with live pictures from the Detroit show after the break or click here for more details on Porsche"s conceptual racer.

By Csaba Daradics

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World Premiere for Porsche 918 RSR Coupe Concept at Detroit Show

Porsche"s return to the Detroit Show after a four year-absence is marked with the introduction of a new racing concept based on the company"s 918 Spyder from last year"s Geneva Salon. The 918 RSR is a two-seat mid-engined coupe, and according to Porsche, it demonstrates what happens when the technology fitted in the 911 GT3 R Hybrid race car and the design of the 918 Spyder concept are combined together.

The motorsports version of the 918 Spyder concept car gets a V8 engine based on the RS Spyder race car"s 3.4-liter unit tuned to deliver 563HP at 10,300 rpm, and is linked to a six-speed racing transmission with shift paddles that feeds the rear wheels.

A pair of electrics motors mounted on the two front wheels each contribute 75 kW (102 hp), or a total of 204HP, lifting the combined output to 767HP. The German maker notes that the extra power from the electric motors is available for around eight seconds when the system is fully charged.

As with the 911 GT3 R hybrid racing car, the additional power from the electric motors, which is generated during braking, is stored in an optimized flywheel accumulator.

In the 918 RSR study, the two electric motors also offer a torque vectoring function with variable torque distribution to the front axle, which increases agility and improves steering response.

Aside from the coupe configuration with the fixed roof and the characteristic doors which open at an angle upwards, the 918 RSR also features an added air intake in the roof between the wing doors, a special aero package that includes air splitters beneath the front lip and a huge rear wing, plus slick tires on 19-inch wheels with single centre locking nut.

The interior of the road-spec 918 Spyder has also been modified and comes with a single figure-hugging bucket seat, while the passenger seat has been replaced by flywheel accumulator.

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Porsche"s Detroit Motor Show Car will be a Concept

The ongoing saga of Porsche"s North American International Auto Show world premiere continues today with a short statement from the event organizers and the Stuttgart-based sports carmaker announcing that the model in question will be a concept and not a production vehicle. Scroll down for the announcement.

"First Press Conference at Detroit Auto Show Is World Premiere of New Porsche Concept

German Car Company Returns to Motor City with Highly Anticipated Concept Vehicle

In a world premiere, Porsche will take the wraps off a new car that promises to be one of the most intriguing and talked-about debuts at the show. This marks the automaker"s first appearance at the Detroit Auto Show in four years."

We"ll remind you that earlier this week, Bloomberg news said that Porsche"s surprise will be a racing coupe version of the 918 Spyder hybrid concept, citing inside company sources.

*Photo: Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid

Porsche"s Detroit Motor Show World Premiere Rumored to be 918 Coupe Racer

We already know that Porsche plans to debut a new model at the rapidly approaching North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit next week, but the problem is that the German sports car maker is keeping its cards close to its chest about the type of vehicle it will unveil.

Adding to the many rumors already circulating on the internet, Bloomberg today reported that the model in question will be a racing coupe version of the 918 Spyder hybrid concept that was first shown at last year"s Geneva Show.

Citing two people with knowledge of the matter, the news agency said that the car will be a two-seater concept coupe featuring a 600-horsepower V8. We"ll remind you that the 918 Spyder, which was recently approved for a limited production run, gets a 500HP 3.4 liter V8 electro-enhanced by way of motors that add another 160 kW (218 hp).

We"ll monitor the story and post an update if anything new arises, but for now, check out some renderings of a competition 918 made by a member of the Teamspeed forums in the video below.

Source: Bloomberg , Video / Rendering: Teamspeed

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Porsche to Return to Detroit Show with a Bang, will Premiere a "Spectacular Model". What will it be?

It"s been a good four years since the last time we saw Porsche at the Detroit Motor Show, otherwise known as the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), but the famous Stuttgart automaker is getting ready to make a big comeback at the 2011 edition of the event. Not only will Porsche make it to the 2011 NAIAS, but the company revealed through one of its spokesman that it is planning to premiere a "spectacular" model.

"We’ll have something spectacular to show there," said Hans- Gerd Bode, a spokesman for Porsche, in an interview on Friday. "You’ll have to wait and be surprised." As you may have guessed, the Porsche official did not reveal any other details leaving us with nothing but speculation at this point.

Aside from the already confirmed for production 918 Spyder Hybrid supercar, other new Porsche models planned for the not so far away future are the next generations of the 911 series, Boxster and Cayman, plus a smaller three-door SUV, the Cajun. We should mention here that a couple of days ago, Porsche released a press announcement stating that the firm"s supervisory board gave the green light for the production of the Cajun.

Here"s the statement:

"During its meeting today, the Supervisory Board of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, laid the foundations for continuous and successful growth of the company. The Supervisory Board instructed the Board of Management to drive forward the development of a further model series up to series production. Under the working name "Cajun", this efficient and sporty model will further expand the world’s most successful Porsche segment in the SUV sector.

In addition to the new Cayenne, which has clearly consolidated its market position as the most successful sporty SUV in the premium segment, the "Cajun" will also have a very positive impact with its typical Porsche features such as light weight, ease of handling and agility. As an attractive entry model in the Porsche world, the "Cajun" will attract new and even younger customers to the premium brand along with the Boxster, the market leader in the segment of two-seater, mid-size sports cars."

Of course, Porsche may show a completely different model including a concept vehicle of some sort. Feel free to speculate in the comments section below.

Via: Bloomberg