Porsche Releases Details to All-Electric Boxster E RWD and AWD Prototypes

Back in February, Porsche announced the development of three pure-electric prototypes based on the Boxster roadster, but aside from a single photo and the fact that the electric motors could produce up to 180kW/241HP, the Stuttgart-based automaker did not release any other details on the cars.

After the demonstration of the Boxster E at last week’s Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Berlin, the company decided to share more information on the test cars that are being used as part of the government-funded “Model Region Electro-Mobility Stuttgart” large-scale trial to study the everyday practicality of all-electric vehicles. Of the three Boxster E prototypes, two are rear-wheel drive and one is all-wheel drive.

Propulsion for the four-wheel drive model is provided by two independent electric motors that act on the front and rear axles, producing a combined output of 180 kW / 241HP and a maximum total torque of 540 Nm / 398 lb-ft at approximately 12,000 rpm.

The rear drive unit includes the motor and transmission, together with the power electronics and is located where the manual gearbox and exhaust system are accommodated in the conventional Boxster, while the front electric motor takes up the space freed up by the gasoline model’s 64-liter fuel tank. An electric unit synchronizes the two electric motors and controls the drive torque distribution to the front and rear axle.

Porsche says the AWD Boxster E can complete the 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in 5.5 seconds and reach a limited top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph)

The two rear-wheel drive models of Porsche’s prototype simply discard the electric motor located on the front axle and make do with the rear unit that delivers 90 kW / 121HP and 270 Nm / 199 lb-ft of torque. The RWD Boxster E can dash from a standing start to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.8 seconds, and has a top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph).

All Boxster E prototypes are equipped with a 29 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate based battery, which takes up the space of the combustion engine and offers a driving range of around 107 kilometers / 107 miles. The battery weighs in at 341kg / 752 pounds with the Boxster E tipping the scales at 1,600 kg / 3,527 pounds. The battery can be fully recharged through a conventional socket in approximately 9 hours; however, the charging time can be reduced with a rapid charging function.

According to Porsche, despite the electronic components, there’s enough space left for a luggage in the front storage compartment while the rear luggage area of the Boxster E remains unchanged.

In addition, both the rear- and four-wheel drive Boxster Es are equipped with an Active Sound Design system to provide drivers with acoustic feedback as well as to alert pedestrians and other road users of the car.

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2013 Porsche 911 / 991

The 911 is the most successful model in Porsche’s history. It started its long history back in 1963 and since then Porsche has offered five distinct generations: 911 classic, 964 Series, 993 Series, 996 Series, and 997 Series. Moreover, the sixth one is already under intense testings and will make its official debut in 2011 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

It may be a little unorthodox for Porsche to be bringing out a new generation 911 despite the fact they just revealed a facelift version, but the requests keep changing and Porsche must answer the call of duty. Their latest target is improving both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The sixth generation 911, or the 998, will be a completely new vehicle, even though everyone will recognize it as a 911 model. Shortly after the launch of the 998 911, Porsche will also be releasing the Turbo, GT2, and GT3 in 2012.

Recent spy shots have revealed that the next generation 911 might also be offered as a hybrid. The prototype caught testing featured extra devices attached to the brakes, most likely placed there in order to measure regenerative effects. The rear hood was enlarged and vented, and the side vent was just a stick-on decal.

 Autoblog reports that all the models in the next generation Porsche 911 line-up will be offered with the Kinetic Energy Recovery System. Until now, this system has been used in the Formula 1 vehicles and, most recently, added to Ferrari models.

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New Porsche Cayman S Black Edition

Porsche is once again making use of its “Black Edition” nameplate for one of its models, this time for the Cayman S, which benefits from a power boost and additional standard equipment. Limited to 500 units worldwide, the Cayman S Black Edition features an upgraded version of the 3.4-liter six-cylinder boxer engine, with output increased by 10 horsepower to 330HP at 7,400 rpm (200 rpm higher). Maximum torque remains unchanged, however, at 370 Nm (273 lb-ft) at 4,750 rpm.

The added ponies allow the Cayman S Black Edition to complete the standard sprint to 100km/h (62mph) 0.1 seconds faster at 5.1 seconds when the car is fitted with a six-speed manual transmision. With the optional Porsche PDK double-clutch box, the car performs even better achieving the sprint in 5 seconds flat.

For those still unimpressed, the limited edition Cayman can shave a further 0.2 seconds off the 0-100 km/h time with the optional Sport Chrono package and Launch Control activated. Top speed is also 2 km/h higher than on the standard Cayman S, with the Black Edition reaching 279 km/h (173 mph) with the manual transmission, and 277 km/h (172 mph) with the PDK gearbox.

As you've probably noticed by taking a peek at the photos, the Black Edition name comes from the extensive use of black on the car's body and the interior. The bodywork and the 19-inch wheels are painted black, while the headlights are smoked as well. Inside, the car sports a black dashboard, gear lever and instrument dials and the “Black Edition” inscription on the stainless steel sills. The lid of the glove compartment bears the badge of the limited edition with the production number below.

The Cayman S Black Edition's standard equipment includes Bi-Xenon headlights with dynamic cornering function and LED daytime running lights, anti-dazzle interior and exterior mirrors with integrated rain sensor, black seats with partial leather upholstery, automatic climate control, Sport Design steering wheel and cruise control. In addition, the Porsche Comfort, Infotainment and Design packages are also included. The starting price in Germany for the Cayman S Black Edition is €67,807 ($98,500), including VAT, while U.S. prices are even much lower starting from $67,500 (€45,600).

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New Porsche Panamera Diesel

European Porsche shoppers will soon have the option of ordering a diesel-powered version of the Panamera sports saloon. The most fuel-efficient model of the Panamera range is equipped with a Porsche-tuned version of the VW Group’s widely used 3.0-liter V6 TDI employing common rail direct injection technology and electrically controlled variable geometry turbochargers (VGTs).

The six-cylinder unit produces a maximum output of 250HP (184 kW) between 3,800 rpm and 4,400 rpm and a peak torque of 550Nm (405.7 lb-ft) available from 1,750 rpm to 2,750 rpm. The V6 is hooked up to an eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission while a start/stop system comes as standard. The Panamera Diesel is offered exclusively with rear-wheel drive.

With the standard tires, the diesel-powered Panamera returns a combined fuel consumption of 6.5 lt/100 km (equal to 36.2mpg US or 43.5mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 172 g/km CO2. Opt for the low rolling resistance tires, and the aforementioned numbers drop to 6.3 lt/100 km (equal to 37.3mpg US or 44.8mpg UK) and 167 g/km CO2 respectively. The 80-liter tank allows a theoretical range in excess of 1,200 kilometers (746 miles).

In comparison, the Panamera Hybrid that makes use of a 333HP 3.0-liter V6 TSI gasoline engine and a 47HP electric motor returns 6.8 lt/100 km (34.6 mpg US.) with CO2 emissions of 159 g/km when equipped with low rolling resistance tires.

Porsche says the Panamera Diesel can accelerate from a standing start to 100 km/h (62mph) in 6.8 seconds en route to a top speed of 242km/h (150 mph).

Sales of the Panamera Diesel will start in Europe this August with prices starting from €80,183 (US$119,200) in Germany and from £62,134 (US$92,300) in the UK.

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Porsche 911 GT3 500HP

The new 911 GT3 RS 4.0 is Porsche's ultimate street-legal track racer and a fitting farewell to the current 911 series, codenamed 997, which will soon be replaced by an all-new model set to be unwrapped at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
There’s a lot to like about the new GT3 RS including the fact that it is fitted with the largest engine ever to be mounted on a factory-approved 911; a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six unit that develops 500 horsepower at 8,250 rpm, 50 horses more than the standard GT3 RS. It is also the most powerful 911 naturally aspirated engine with 125 horsepower per liter. The engine carries the crankshaft from the 911 GT3 RSR racing car, while the forged pistons' connecting rods are made from titanium.
The impressive output and peak torque of 460 Nm (339 lb-ft) at 5,750 rpm help the sports car achieve stunning performance, such as the Nürburgring-Nordschleife lap time of 7 minutes 27 seconds, 1.7 seconds faster than the Carrera GT and 6 seconds faster than the GT3 RS. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a six-speed sports transmission with gearing designed for the circuit. Porsche says the car sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and to 200 km/h (124 mph) in under 12 seconds.
The 911 GT3 RS 4.0 uses motor racing suspension components and weight-saving materials such as carbon fiber for the bonnet and front wings, plastic for the rear windows, light bucket seats and even weight-optimized carpets. As a result, the car tips the scales at just 1,360 kilograms (2,998 lbs) with a full tank of fuel. The power-to-weight ratio is an amazing 2.72 kg/hp, as very few production cars drop under the threshold of 3 kilograms per horsepower.
On the outside, the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 is finished in white as standard and comes with optional “RS 4.0” decals. It is also distinguished by the wide track and low stance, a large rear wing with adapted side plates and central twin tailpipes. The front bumper sports lateral air deflection vanes, which make their appearance for the first time on a production Porsche. They increase downforce on the front axle and in combination with the rear wing push the car onto the road with an additional 190 kg (426 lbs) of aerodynamic force at top speed.
The car will launch in Germany in July 2011 with a starting price of €178,596, taxes included. In the U.S., the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 will cost $185,000 (excluding destination charges) and will go on sale in late 2011. Production will be limited to just 600 units worldwide.

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Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid Supercar Price

We may be more than two years ahead of the production launch of Porsche’s new 918 Spyder, but that isn’t stopping the Stuttgart automaker from putting up a price tag and at the same time, begin accepting orders on its upcoming plug-in hybrid supercar.

The 918 Spyder will be Porsche’s most expensive model ever with prices in the USA, excluding destination and handling chargeς, starting at $845,000 (€598,000), and in Europe from €645,000 ($911,400) subject to VAT and country-specific charges.

As an extra treat, those who place an order for the 918 Spyder will also be eligible to buy a new special edition version of the 911 Turbo S series, more of which we’ll tell you about in our next post.

Production of the 918 Spyder will take place at Porsche’s Zuffenhausen plant in Germany starting from September 18, 2013, with delivery of the first vehicles to commence in November 2013. Porsche plans to limit production of the two-seater model to no more than 918 units worldwide. According to Porsche, “the earlier a customer orders his vehicle, the earlier it will be delivered, as production is initialized in the same sequence in which orders are received”.

The 918 Spyder is closely modeled after the concept study seen at last year’s Geneva Motor Show. However, the production version of the two-seater ditches the full open-top treatment for a manual roof system with removable roof panels that can be stowed in the front luggage compartment. Other changes visible from the official sketches include the addition of exterior mirrors and the elimination of the side exhaust tail pipes.

The flagship Porsche supercar is built around a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic monocoque and features a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that comprises of a V8 gasoline engine with a displacement exceeding four liters and output of more than 500HP plus two electric motors – one each on the front and rear axle – with a joint output of at least 218HP.

The V8 engine transfers its power to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.

The electric motors are fed via a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery that can be charged from a conventional domestic power socket, delivering a range in excess of 25 km (16 miles) in the NEDC on purely electric power. Porsche said the charging time depends on the country-specific mains network, being approximately three hours in Germany. The automaker added that a quick charging option is planned to reduce charging time yet further.

According to Porsche, the 918 Spyder’s combined total fuel consumption in the European driving cycle is estimated at 3.0 lt/100 km (94 mpg UK / 78.4 mpg US.), equating to CO2 emissions of 70 g/km (112 g/mile). Porsche said official EPA fuel economy figures for the US model will be announced just before the first customer cars begin arriving near the end of 2013.

The 918 Spyder can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.2 seconds and reach a top speed of more than 320 km/h (199 mph). Porsche said the Spyder will be able to manage a lap of the Nürburgring in “less than seven minutes and 30 seconds”, compared to the Carrera GT which needs seven minutes and 32 seconds. The top speed on purely electric power is 150 km/h (94 mph).

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Porsche 911 Turbo S

If you can afford the $845,000 price tag for an 918 Spyder, chances are you won’t blink an eye at the $160,000 Porsche is asking for its 911 Turbo S “Edition 918 Spyder”, which is being offered exclusively to those that place an order for its upcoming plug-in hybrid supercar. As you would expect, production of the special edition 911s is limited to 918 units worldwide.
The limited edition 911 Turbo S series is cosmetically inspired by the 918 Spyder and will be available in both coupe and convertible body styles.
While keeping the standard model’s 530HP-strong flat-six turbo intact, the special edition gets distinctive acid green features such as the brake calipers, specific and part-embroidered model logos and seams, the instrument cluster needles, the bespoke PCM screen and illuminated door entry guards.
In the special edition, the 911 Turbo S’ standard equipment is complemented by an enhanced leather interior, a special instrumentation version and additional carbon elements both inside and out.
In addition, there’s a limited edition badge on the glove compartment lid that bears the same number as the 918 Spyder the customer has ordered, while the two cars can be finished in the same exact color.
The U.S. base manufacturer's suggested retail prices for the 911 Turbo S “Edition 918 Spyder” Coupe and Cabriolet versions are the same as the standard Turbo S models, at $160,700 and $172,100 respectively, excluding destination. In Germany, the special edition costs €173,24i in Coupe form and €184,546 as a Convertible.
First deliveries of the 911 Turbo S “Edition 918 Spyder” will commence in June 2011

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