Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[eBay Find of the day: battery powered Porsche 356 Speedster replica]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/ebay-find-of-the-day-battery-powered-porsche-356-speedster-repl/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/ebay-find-of-the-day-battery-powered-porsche-356-speedster-repl/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/ebay-find-of-the-day-battery-powered-porsche-356-speedster-repl/#commentsFiled under: ,

Porsche 356 Speedster EV - click above for high-res image gallery

Over the last several years, we've seen numerous conversions of Porsches to battery electric vehicles, but this may well be the prettiest. Most of the previous Porsche EVs have been based on either the 911 or 914, but this seller of this eBay find of the day used a 356 Speedster replica is a foundation. The Beck 356 speedster used for this car has a fiberglass body on a steel tube frame, making it lighter than the original.

The electric propulsion system uses a 193 hp DC motor and 23 kWh of lithium iron phosphate storage. The power electronics are custom built and the energy storage system consists of 72 Thundersky cells arranged in the front and back of the car. The cells are rated for 2,000 charge cycles if only 80 percent of their capacity is used. That gives the car a nominal range of 85 miles although the seller says he once drove 107 miles and still had juice left. The auction currently sits at just over $25,000.

Gallery: Porsche 356 Speedster EV conversion


[Source: eBay]

eBay Find of the day: battery powered Porsche 356 Speedster replica originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beck speedsterBeckSpeedstereBayebay Find of the DayEbayFindOfTheDayev conversionEV ConversionsEvConversionEvConversionsPorscheporsche 356porsche 356 speedsterporsche speedsterporsche speedster ev conversionPorsche356Porsche356SpeedsterPorscheSpeedsterPorscheSpeedsterEvConversionMon, 19 Oct 2009 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Acura and Porsche take inaugural ALMS Green Challenge championship]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/acura-and-porsche-take-inaugural-alms-green-challenge-championsh/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/acura-and-porsche-take-inaugural-alms-green-challenge-championsh/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/acura-and-porsche-take-inaugural-alms-green-challenge-championsh/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fernandez Acura ARX-01b at Laguna Seca - click above for high-res image gallery

Season 1 of the American Le Mans Series' Michelin GreenX Challenge is now in the books with Acura and Porsche taking the inaugural season championship. The 2009 season wrapped up at Laguna Seca this weekend with Gil de Ferran taking overall victory in the Acura ARX-02a and the No. 45 Flying Lizard Porsche 911.

However, it was the LMP2 class Acura ARX-01b of Fernandez racing that took Green honors among the prototypes after finishing second overall to de Ferran. The Fernandez car has been running strong all season The second of the two Flying Lizard Porsches, driven by Johannes van Overbeek and Seth Neiman, had the best combination of performance, efficiency and emissions among the production-derived GT cars both at Laguna and over the whole season.

Following the race, Michelin announced that it would continue its title sponsorship of the Green Challenge for the 2010 season which kicks off Sebring in March.


[Source: American Le Mans Series]

Acura and Porsche take inaugural ALMS Green Challenge championship originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraalmsalms green challengeAlmsGreenChallengeamerican le mansamerican le mans seriesamerican le mans series green challengeamerican lemans seriesAmericanLeMansAmericanLeMansSeriesAmericanLeMansSeriesGreenChallengemichelin green x challengemichelin greenx challengeMichelinGreenxChallengePorscheMon, 12 Oct 2009 08:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche goes green with an all-new paintshop]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/porsche-goes-green-with-an-all-new-paintshop/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/porsche-goes-green-with-an-all-new-paintshop/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/porsche-goes-green-with-an-all-new-paintshop/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Porsche headquarters in Stuttgart will soon have a new paint-shop that, according to the company, is going to be one of the most environment-friendly in the world. The facility will be opened in 2011 and will be in charge of up to 170 Boxter and 911 models per day. How does a paint-shop become environmentally friendly? First of all, dust protection: the painting process is fully encapsulated, which reduces the room where painting takes place. The painting hall also features an electrostatic precipitator for paint dust, which reduces the emissions of solvents and particles. As a consequence, the facility can use a simple 10-meter smokestack for the air purifier. The paintshop also features all kind of energy saving devices and water treatment technologies.

[Source: Porsche]

Porsche goes green with an all-new paintshop originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car paintCarPaintgreen car paint systemsgreen paintinggreen paintshopGreenCarPaintSystemsGreenPaintingGreenPaintshoppaintshopporsche factoryPorscheFactorystuttgartFri, 09 Oct 2009 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay find of the day: Electric Porsche 356 Speedster replica]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/ebay-find-of-the-day-electric-porsche-356-speedster-replica/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/ebay-find-of-the-day-electric-porsche-356-speedster-replica/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/ebay-find-of-the-day-electric-porsche-356-speedster-replica/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Electric Porsche 356 Speedster replica - click above for high res gallery

If you've been wanting to get yourself a low-carbon car and really dig the classic lines of the Porsche 356 Speedster, the unblemished beauty above could be your convenient response to "An Inconvenient Truth." EV-TV, the team currently converting a new MINI Clubman to run on electricity, has put their original Porsche project up for sale on eBay. This replica features a 3-inch tubular steel chassis underneath a sleek fiberglass body and is a great marriage of the technology available today and vintage styling from the '50s. It gets about 193 horsepower from a DC motor that will take it on up to 95 mph and boasts a 24 kWh lithium ion battery pack that easily fulfills its recommended 85-mile range. The suspension and brakes have been beefed up as well and the car is said to accelerate, handle and stop better than the original.

The interior has the clean look of a 1957 356 but closer inspection reveals a couple updates. The instrument cluster retains its speedometer and tach but the center circle now contains an EVision display that can feed all kinds of different battery pack information to the driver. Entertainment and navigation is also 21st century with a DVD/GPS rig that also displays a rear view camera feed on its slide-out screen when reverse is selected. If you want to know more about this proof-of-concept conversion or about what it takes to make one yourself, go ahead and check out the informative video after the jump in which this car is featured. We don't know whether this slice of sweetness will reach its reserve in the two days left in the auction, but if it doesn't we suspect the seller won't be too upset having to see this beauty in the driveway a little while longer.

Gallery: Electric Porsche 356 Speedster replica


[Source: eBay]



Continue reading eBay find of the day: Electric Porsche 356 Speedster replica

eBay find of the day: Electric Porsche 356 Speedster replica originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1957 Porsche 356 Speedster1957Porsche356SpeedstereBay find of the dayEbayFindOfTheDayelectric Porsche 356 Speedster replicaElectricPorsche356SpeedsterReplicaEV-TVMon, 28 Sep 2009 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi and Porsche win Michelin GreenX Challenge at Petit Le Mans]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/audi-and-porsche-win-michelin-greenx-challenge-at-petit-le-mans/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/audi-and-porsche-win-michelin-greenx-challenge-at-petit-le-mans/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/audi-and-porsche-win-michelin-greenx-challenge-at-petit-le-mans/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Audi R15 TDI leading Petit Le Mans - click above for high res gallery

The American Le Mans Series ran half of its annual flagship race this past weekend at a rain-saturated Road Atlanta track in Georgia. The race marked the first anniversary of the inauguration of the ALMS Green Challenge and in spite of the truncated race length, organizers announced winners in both the prototype and GT categories and the winners all came from the Volkswagen Group.

Among the prototypes, the number 1 Audi R15 TDI led for more than four hours until shortly before the race was red flagged. However, the combination of the diesel's fuel efficiency and performance gave the Audi sufficient points to be declared the Michelin GreenX Challenge winner. Among the GT cars, several problems hurt the performance of the cellulosic E85-fueled Corvettes. Thus, the Flying Lizard team's Porsche 911s had the best combination of carbon footprint and performance. With only one race remaining at Laguna Seca, the Porsches are strong contenders to win the season's green challenge championship.

Gallery: Audi R15 TDI at Petit Le Mans 2009


Gallery: Flying Lizard Porsche at Petit Le Mans 2009

Continue reading Audi and Porsche win Michelin GreenX Challenge at Petit Le Mans

Audi and Porsche win Michelin GreenX Challenge at Petit Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsalms green challengeAlmsGreenChallengeamerican le mans seriesamerican le mans series green challengeAmericanLeMansSeriesAmericanLeMansSeriesGreenChallengeaudiaudi r15 tdiAudiR15Tdiflying lizardFlyingLizardmichelin greenx challengeMichelinGreenxChallengepetit le mansPetitLeMansporsche 911 gt3Porsche911Gt3Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt 2009: Porsche confirms development of electric sportscar]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-porsche-confirms-development-of-electric-sportsc/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-porsche-confirms-development-of-electric-sportsc/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-porsche-confirms-development-of-electric-sportsc/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ruf Greenster concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Quick trivia question: what automaker was the first to build a hybrid automobile? Did you guess Honda or Toyota? Interestingly, a full 109 years ago, Professor Ferdinand Porsche built a fully functional hybrid automobile, though it was certainly a much different animal than the Prius and Insight hatchbacks of 2010. In any case, Porsche is looking to enter the hybrid and electric automobile market in a big way just as soon as battery technology will allow it.

Porsche's opening salvo in the eco-wars will be the full hybrid Cayenne and Panamera models, probably in late 2010 as 2011 models, but there's more to come. Speaking at a press conference at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Michael Macht, Porsche's recently-appointed president and CEO, says:
I am also convinced that one day Porsche will have an electric sports car in its line-up... We are therefore taking the first step in this direction with a full hybrid - in the Cayenne, the Panamera and maybe in the not too distant future also in a racing car or a production 911. Why not?
Recent spy photos indicate that Porsche may already be well into the development phase of its electric 911 program, so this news doesn't exactly come as a shock. Still, while Porsche is just talking about eco-friendly sportscars in press releases at Frankfurt, rivals Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are busy showing off their own factory concepts. Click past the break for the official press release.


Gallery: Geneva 2009: Ruf Greenster


[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Porsche confirms development of electric sportscar

Frankfurt 2009: Porsche confirms development of electric sportscar originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911electric porscheelectric porsche 911electric sportscarElectricPorscheElectricPorsche911ElectricSportscarfrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtMotorShowporscheporsche hybridPorscheHybridTue, 15 Sep 2009 15:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Ferrari, Alpina lead supercar race to not-quite-as-high CO<sub>2</sub> levels]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/ferrari-alpina-lead-supercar-race-to-not-quite-as-high-co-sub-2/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/ferrari-alpina-lead-supercar-race-to-not-quite-as-high-co-sub-2/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/ferrari-alpina-lead-supercar-race-to-not-quite-as-high-co-sub-2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Ferrari F430 Spider Bio-Fuel - Click above for high-res image gallery

CO2 emission numbers for cars from companies like Ferrari and Aston Martin are, to a Prius or clean diesel fan, pretty much a joke. Bentleys, for example, average over 400 grams of CO2 per kilometer. There are even some luxury vehicles that can put the supercars to shame, like the Mercedes-Benz S 500 Hybrid - with just 74 grams per km - shows. Still, if you start out ridiculously dirty, there's a lot of room to clean up. This cleaning process is what JATO recently measured in a study of supercar company CO2 emission reductions. The average improvements are pretty big.

Ferrari came out on top by dropping 40.4 g/km, followed by Lamborghini with 39.1 g/km. When ranked by percentage difference, Alpina took top honors with 14.1 percent, with Porsche's 10.6 percent improvement good enough for second place. Maserati decided to ignore the issue and actually increased average emissions by 20.9 g/km. We're clear eyed enough to realize that the small volume and limited miles driven in these supercars means that, overall, their tailpipes don't have much of an impact on the environment, but it's good to see improvements being made anyway. Well, except for those Maserati's. There's a table with all the numbers after the jump.

[Source: JATO Consult]

Continue reading Ferrari, Alpina lead supercar race to not-quite-as-high CO2 levels

Ferrari, Alpina lead supercar race to not-quite-as-high CO2 levels originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co2 emissionco2 emissionsco2 reductionsCo2EmissionCo2EmissionsCo2Reductionsemissionsfalseferrarigrams per kilometerGramsPerKilometermaseratiTue, 15 Sep 2009 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[<i>Channel 4</i> pits the Prius against a Porsche in efficiency test]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/i-channel-4-i-pits-the-prius-against-a-porsche-in-efficiency/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/i-channel-4-i-pits-the-prius-against-a-porsche-in-efficiency/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/i-channel-4-i-pits-the-prius-against-a-porsche-in-efficiency/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



We can think of a few natural competitors to the reigning hybrid champ, the Toyota Prius, when it comes to a fuel efficiency test. For instance, the Honda Insight is a logical choice, as are other midsize hybrid offerings like the Ford Fusion. Still others compare the mileage possibilities offered by the Volkswagen Jetta TDI with the Prius in both city and highway fuel mileage contests. All that's been done to death, though, so Channel 4 in the UK went a totally different route: comparing the fuel mileage of a Porsche 911 with Toyota's hybrid hatchback.

Wait a minute, how can you compare the fuel mileage of a dedicated sportscar with that of a mainstream hybrid offering? Well, "you can't" would be the simple answer, as the Prius will surely record superior fuel mileage to the Porsche. So Channel 4 decided to compare their own average fuel mileage with the car's official European rating to see if either competitor could beat its claimed figure. Click here to watch the results on video.

Done? Well then, that was a fair test, right? The driver of the Prius ran the loop with the air conditioning on and at elevated speeds while the Porsche driver did everything in his power to minimize fuel use. Sounds like a test with a predetermined outcome, no?

[Source: Channel 4]

Channel 4 pits the Prius against a Porsche in efficiency test originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>porscheporsche 911porsche 911 fuel mileageporsche 911 mileagePorsche911Porsche911FuelMileagePorsche911Mileagetoyotatoyota priustoyota prius fuel mileagetoyota prius mileageToyotaPriusToyotaPriusFuelMileageToyotaPriusMileageTue, 18 Aug 2009 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Is this Porsche 911 mule hiding a shocking secret?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/spy-shots-is-this-porsche-911-mule-hiding-a-shocking-secret/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/spy-shots-is-this-porsche-911-mule-hiding-a-shocking-secret/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/spy-shots-is-this-porsche-911-mule-hiding-a-shocking-secret/#commentsFiled under: , ,

No automaker is immune to the global environmental pressure to reduce pollutants and limit carbon dioxide emissions. Even Porsche has gotten into the green game with both diesel and hybrid options for its current Cayenne - along with an expected hybrid for its Panamara range. Could that fuel-saving technology make a move closer to Porsche's sportscar roots? If so, would the battery pack go under the front hood or a rear-engined car?

According to a series of spy photos from our friends at NextAutos.com, the answer to those questions may be yes and yes. Although there aren't any logos on the car - save for the well-placed Batman stickers (are we looking at the next Tumbler? Nah) - the profile undoubtedly screams 911 while the details leave us scratching our heads. What's with the oddly shaped bulge (complete with what appears to be a lightning bolt graphic) on the hood or the fact that the photogs claim the car made virtually no noise as it sped away at high velocities?

For what it's worth, in addition to the hybrid Cayenne and Panamera programs, we also know that the German automaker is keenly interested in electric vehicles, including its iconic 911. In other words, these are spy shots that have our interest piqued even more than usual.

[Source: Next Autos]

Spy Shots: Is this Porsche 911 mule hiding a shocking secret? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911 hybrid911Hybridbreakingelectric 911electric porscheelectric porsche 911Electric911ElectricPorscheElectricPorsche911hybrid porscheHybridPorscheporscheporsche 911porsche 911 hybridporsche hybridPorsche911Porsche911HybridPorscheHybridTue, 28 Jul 2009 09:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Company fleet managers pick Porsche Cayenne diesel as car of the year]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/company-fleet-managers-pick-porsche-cayenne-diesel-as-car-of-the/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/company-fleet-managers-pick-porsche-cayenne-diesel-as-car-of-the/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/company-fleet-managers-pick-porsche-cayenne-diesel-as-car-of-the/#commentsFiled under: ,


Cayenne diesel - click for high-res image gallery

I'd like to know the name of the firm that offers Porsche Cayennes as company cars so I can apply for a job. Somebody must be doing it, or else fleet managers are driving them on their own. In a survey of 150 fleet managers for FIRMENAUTO and the DEKRA Association of Automotive Specialists, the new Cayenne diesel was selected as company car of the year. The fleet managers selected the Cayenne, in part, for its fuel efficiency, saying that managers could choose an SUV without guilt. The Cayenne diesel was launched last spring and uses the same 3.0-liter TDI V6 that is installed in the Volkswagen Touareg and Audi Q7. Unfortunately, Porsche has opted not to sell the Cayenne diesel in North America. Here in the U.S. we'll have to wait until sometime later in 2010 when the Cayenne hybrid is expected to debut.

Gallery: Porsche Cayenne Diesel


[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Company fleet managers pick Porsche Cayenne diesel as car of the year

Company fleet managers pick Porsche Cayenne diesel as car of the year originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cayennecayenne dieselcayenne diesel 2009CayenneDieselCayenneDiesel2009company car of the yearCompanyCarOfTheYearporsche cayenneporsche cayenne dieselPorscheCayennePorscheCayenneDieselWed, 15 Jul 2009 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Twist and Shout: Techart's custom Porsche Cayenne diesel]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/twist-and-shout-techarts-custom-porsche-cayenne-diesel/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/twist-and-shout-techarts-custom-porsche-cayenne-diesel/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/twist-and-shout-techarts-custom-porsche-cayenne-diesel/#commentsFiled under: ,


Techart Porsche Cayenne Diesel - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you want a powerful, fast Porsche Cayenne sport-ute, Stuttgart has no shortage of choices on offer, topping out at the 550hp Turbo S. And of course there are plenty of aftermarket tuners willing to take unreasonable up to downright silly proportions, but if you were looking for power and speed without sacrificing fuel economy, for the most part you were advised to look elsewhere. After all, a big SUV isn't exactly the ideal platform for either. But then along comes Porsche tuner extraordinaire Techart to show you the way with its own custom Porsche Cayenne Diesel.

Boosting output from 240hp and 406 lb-ft of torque to a hefty 290hp and 465 lb-ft, the Techart Cayenne Diesel drops the stock 0-60 time of 8.3 seconds down to an impressive 7.7 seconds, all without altering the vehicle's fuel economy or emissions numbers. Nice work, but the most impressive part is the modified torque curve that gives the big oil-burner accessible grunt from as low as 1000 rpm.

Techart has also crafted a unique Aerokit 1 for the diesel sport-ute, giving it a more aggressive stance while improving airflow, capped by giant 21" rims or optional 22s. The British tuning house offers a turn-key model at £55,500 (~$89k) with the body kit and engine mods, or can fit an existing diesel Cayenne with the Aerokit for £15,000 (~$24k) and the engine kit for £2,500 (~$4k). Find more details in the press release after the jump and images in the gallery below.


[Source: Techart]

Continue reading Twist and Shout: Techart's custom Porsche Cayenne diesel

Twist and Shout: Techart's custom Porsche Cayenne diesel originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche world record attempt - Click above for high-res image gallery

What's the most common Pavlovian response to the word "Porsche"? Thinking of people running on treadmills, right? If you had a different though, consider that treadmills were front and center at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this past weekend, where 12 runners set a new world record for the longest distance covered in 48 hours: 539.86 miles. The previous world record of 495.76 miles was set in April 2008. This weekend's event was organized by sports scientists at the Porsche Human Performance Centre, a name that prompted us to make sure it wasn't April 1. This is a real thing, though, and their "careful preparation" and special Adidas shoes helped each runner complete their 45-mile shifts - at an average speed of 11.3 mph - over the weekend. We appreciate what Porsche is trying to do here, but we'll take an electric 911 when it's ready. Thanks.

Gallery: Human Performance Centre World Record Attempt


[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Porsche enhances humans to break world record 48-hour distance run

Porsche enhances humans to break world record 48-hour distance run originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>goodwoodgoodwood festival of speedGoodwoodFestivalOfSpeedhuman performance centrehuman performance programHumanPerformanceCentreHumanPerformanceProgramporscheporsche human performance centrePorscheHumanPerformanceCentreMon, 06 Jul 2009 10:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche Panamera diesel may yet become a reality, along with hybrid]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/porsche-panamera-diesel-may-yet-become-a-reality-along-with-hybr/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/porsche-panamera-diesel-may-yet-become-a-reality-along-with-hybr/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/porsche-panamera-diesel-may-yet-become-a-reality-along-with-hybr/#commentsFiled under: ,


Porsche Panamera - Click above for high-res image gallery of the tech briefing

When Porsche's new four-door Panamera goes on sale this fall, it will have two powertrains available: a 4.8-liter V8s with and without turbochargers. The only other powertrain Porsche has committed to is the hybrid system that will debut in the Cayenne next year. Two other options are likely to appear in the Panamera as well. A gasoline V6 is probable, most likely the new 3.0-liter supercharged V6 that is debuting in the Audi S4 and A6 this year.

The other option may well be a diesel from within the Volkswagen Group. The 3.0-liter TDI V6 is launching in the Cayenne this year and is the most likely candidate for the Panamera. Given the Panamera's performance capabilities, it could also get the 4.2-liter TDI V8 that's used in the European Audi Q7 and A8. The choice of diesel or hybrid Panameras would help Porsche meet upcoming CO2 emissions regulations in Europe and the USA.


All photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: AutoCar]

Porsche Panamera diesel may yet become a reality, along with hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>panamerapanamera dieselpanamera hybridPanameraDieselPanameraHybridporscheporsche panameraPorschePanameraWed, 01 Jul 2009 13:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche R&D says electric 911 possible, needs more development]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/porsche-randd-says-electric-911-possible-needs-more-development/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/porsche-randd-says-electric-911-possible-needs-more-development/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/porsche-randd-says-electric-911-possible-needs-more-development/#commentsFiled under: ,


eRuf Greenster - Click above for high-res image gallery

In an interview with the German magazine Motor Zeitung, Porsche's R&D director Wolfgang Dürheimer discussed the possibility of electrification of the iconic 911 sports car. Legendary Porsche tuners Ruf first showed a prototype battery-powered 911 called the eRuf last fall and then revealed a second-generation version (pictured)at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The eRuf Greenster was a major improvement over the original and Dürheimer praised the achievement of the smaller company.

Dürheimer doesn't rule out a electrified sports car in the future, but feels the technology is not ready for Porsche yet. The problem is the size and weight of the batteries in their current state. Even discarding the conventional powertrain leaves the Greenster with a deficit of at least 500 pounds compared to a conventional 911 and no luggage space. As battery technology progresses however, we can certainly expect a battery-powered sports car to emerge from Zuffenhausen in due course.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Ruf Greenster


[Source: Motor Zeitung]
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Porsche R&D says electric 911 possible, needs more development originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric porscheelectric porsche 911ElectricPorscheElectricPorsche911eruferuf greensterErufGreensterWolfgang DrheimerWolfgangDrheimerWed, 01 Jul 2009 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Ferdinand Porsche Award goes to lithium battery researchers]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/ferdinand-porsche-award-goes-to-lithium-battery-researchers/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/ferdinand-porsche-award-goes-to-lithium-battery-researchers/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/ferdinand-porsche-award-goes-to-lithium-battery-researchers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


click above for a high res gallery of Lohner-Porsche EVs and hybrids

This year's "Professor Ferdinand Porsche Award" has gone to Dipl. Eng. Michael Keller from Temic Automotive Electric Motors GmbH, Berlin, and Prof. Herbert Kohler from Daimler AG, Stuttgart. The pair won the €50,000 prize for their work on lithium ion batteries for automotive applications. The jury from the Technical University of Vienna acknowledged the importance of batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles as the most significant change to transportation in a century.

Temic is a unit of Continental Automotive Systems. Continental is supplying a lithium ion battery to Daimler for the S400 BlueHybrid that goes on sale this summer and will be one of the first mass produced hybrids to use that type of battery.

The award was established by Ferdinand Porsche's daughter Louise Piech in 1976. Porsche was an early pioneer in the field of battery-powered cars and built what is believed to be one of the first hybrid vehicles around the turn of the twentieth century. In fact, Porsche's first hybrid was a series hybrid or extended range electric vehicle.

Gallery: LA 2007: Lohner-Porsche


Gallery: LA 2007: Lohner-Porsche hybrid


[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Ferdinand Porsche Award goes to lithium battery researchers

Ferdinand Porsche Award goes to lithium battery researchers originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 28 May 2009 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daimlerferdinand porsche awardFerdinandPorscheAwardlithium batterieslithium batterylithium ionlithium ion batterieslithium ion batteryLithiumBatteriesLithiumBatteryLithiumIonLithiumIonBatteriesLithiumIonBatterytemicThu, 28 May 2009 18:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche green has solar sheen]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/22/porsche-green-has-solar-sheen/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/22/porsche-green-has-solar-sheen/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/22/porsche-green-has-solar-sheen/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Although Porsche may not employ a lot of green tech in their cars (though that is starting to change), the same can not be said of their facilities. Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA) has just installed a huge solar array atop their operations in Ontario, California. With design and implementation from HelioPower and using panels from Sharp Solar Energy Solutions, the iconic sports car brand can now boast of having 135,000 carbon-free kWh a year courtesy of the 372 modules in the setup. That's enough juice to power a fleet of 60 Ruf Greensters for a year (YMMV)! It's one of the biggest solar arrays in the area and the locals are impressed enough with their efforts that the Inland Empire's Green Valley Initiative (GVI) are giving them a "Certificate of Recognition." Exciting times indeed. Press release after the break.

[Source: Porsche Cars North America]

Continue reading Porsche green has solar sheen

Porsche green has solar sheen originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 22 Mar 2009 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>erufGreen Valley InitiativeGreenValleyInitiativePorsche Cars North AmericaPorscheCarsNorthAmericasolar arraySolarArraySun, 22 Mar 2009 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. Porsche Panamera will get start/stop, active aero]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/21/u-s-porsche-panamera-will-get-start-stop-active-aero/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/21/u-s-porsche-panamera-will-get-start-stop-active-aero/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/21/u-s-porsche-panamera-will-get-start-stop-active-aero/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Porsche has announced that the upcoming Panamera will get an unusual feature to increase the efficiency of the new vehicle. Available on the Panamera Turbo, an active aerodynamic system used a "multi-stage, adjustable rear spoiler that deploys when needed." This four-way spoiler moves based on the driving conditions using "efficient management of control angles and surface geometry." Slightly more standard features like start/stop, Direct Fuel Injection and adjustable air suspension will also be available on the Panamera.

On the European driving cycle, the Panamera gets 22 mpg (U.S.). EPA numbers, which are not yet available, will be lower than that because of differences in testing methods. The Panamera goes on sale in the U.S. in October, and we should get more information on the active aero spoiler before then.

Gallery: Porsche Panamera Aero Features


[Source: Porsche via Autoblog]

Continue reading U.S. Porsche Panamera will get start/stop, active aero

U.S. Porsche Panamera will get start/stop, active aero originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 21 Mar 2009 08:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>active aerodynamicsActiveAerodynamicspanamerapanamera turboPanameraTurboporsche panameraPorschePanameraSat, 21 Mar 2009 08:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche will cut CO<sub>2</sub> emissions by 25% by 2012]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/19/porsche-will-cut-co-sub-2-sub-emissions-by-25-by-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/19/porsche-will-cut-co-sub-2-sub-emissions-by-25-by-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/19/porsche-will-cut-co-sub-2-sub-emissions-by-25-by-2012/#commentsFiled under: , ,



At a technical briefing on the new Porsche Panamera this week in Germany, Wolfgang Dürheimer, EVP of Research and Development at Porsche talked about additional powertrains and CO2 reductions. On the question of downsizing engines for its cars, Dürheimer said that there were no current plans for smaller displacement conventional engines in the Panamera than the 4.8-liter V8. In certain markets, such as China, where larger engines are taxed more heavily, Porsche may choose to offer a smaller engine. The company also has not decided whether to install the 3.0-liter V6 diesel that recently launched in the Cayenne into the new four door.

Porsche will, however, introduce its hybrid system in the Panamera after it debuts in the Cayenne next year. Porsche is working on a variety of technologies, some of which have already been implemented, to reduce CO2 emissions. The V8s in the Panamera and the flat-6 in the 911 already have direction injection and those vehicles are also available with dual clutch gearboxes.

Dürheimer promised that Porsche would reduce its CO2 emissions by 25 percent by 2012 in line with the new EU regulations. Moreover, the company would do so without pooling its fleet with Volkswagen or any other brand. It intends to meet the rules on its own and without resorting to tactics like flex fuel capability.

[Source: Porsche]

Porsche will cut CO2 emissions by 25% by 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 09:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eu carbon limitseu co2 emissionseu co2 limitsEuCarbonLimitsEuCo2EmissionsEuCo2Limitsporscheporsche cayenneporsche panameraPorscheCayennePorschePanameraThu, 19 Mar 2009 09:38:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: Sailing in Stuttgart with Porsche's Cayenne S Hybrid]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/10/first-drive-sailing-in-stuttgart-with-porsches-cayenne-s-hybri/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/10/first-drive-sailing-in-stuttgart-with-porsches-cayenne-s-hybri/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/10/first-drive-sailing-in-stuttgart-with-porsches-cayenne-s-hybri/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid - Click above for high-res gallery

While charging along at 85 mph with a particularly poker-faced Porsche engineer riding shotgun, traffic begins to cluster on the horizon. Not willing to risk our seven-figure prototype, I gently roll off the accelerator, at which point a funny thing happens: Without warning, the tachometer needle dies, unceremoniously plunging to zero RPM. The supercharged, 3.0-liter V6 ahead of us has gone stone dead, yet our Porsche Cayenne continues to waft along unruffled. We are coasting along on the Autobahn, with only a modest bit of wind noise and tire roar as our soundtrack.

Just as quickly as it began to appear, Stuttgart's traffic thins, and after gliding along for perhaps 15 or 20 seconds -- losing remarkably little velocity -- I ease back onto the throttle, at which point the rev counter jumps back to life just as quickly as it had extinguished, and the Cayenne eases back up to 95 mph before I slot in amongst slower traffic in the right lane. Beyond the tachometer's telltale drop and jump, there is exactly no indication that the engine momentarily packed it up just seconds before. My copilot, Dr. Michael Leiters, project manager for Porsche's Cayenne Hybrid, allows himself a brief smile.

Far from indicating a mechanical defect, we've just witnessed what our Deutsche companion refers to as "segeln" -- sailing -- a fuel saving maneuver that Porsche says other automakers have written off as impossible without jolting disruptions. Yet beyond the tach needle's machinations, there has been no drama whatsoever: no untoward thwack in the back, no expensive-sounding noises, no head toss, no coffee spilled, just seamlessly reintroduced acceleration. The gas pedal simply called upon the engine again and the electric motor restarted it in a flawless, 300-millisecond passing of the power baton. Remarkable stuff.

Follow the jump for more.


Continue reading First Drive: Sailing in Stuttgart with Porsche's Cayenne S Hybrid

First Drive: Sailing in Stuttgart with Porsche's Cayenne S Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Audiautoblog greenAutoblogGreenCayenneCayenne HybridCayenneHybridfeaturedFirst DriveFirstDrivefuel economyFuelEconomyHybridparallel hybridParallelHybridPorschestuttgartSUVVW GroupVwGroupTue, 10 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2009: Ruf Greenster evolves the electric Porsche concept]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/03/geneva-2009-ruf-greenster-evolves-the-electric-porsche-concept/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/03/geneva-2009-ruf-greenster-evolves-the-electric-porsche-concept/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/03/geneva-2009-ruf-greenster-evolves-the-electric-porsche-concept/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click the Ruf Greenster for a high res gallery

Last fall, Porsche high performance tuning specialist Ruf announced that it had built a prototype electric sports car called the eRuf which was essentially a lithium ion battery-powered 911. That was just the beginning of the story as the company has brought the Greenster here to Geneva. The Greenster is a targa top 911 in the old style with a chopped speedster type windshield. In the back sits a 270 kW Siemens electric motor with 695 lb-ft of torque. The battery pack system has been improved and is now 30 percent smaller in volume, restoring the front trunk space that was lost on the original. The battery pack now has greater power capacity allowing it to release and absorb power faster, enabling more regenerative braking capacity. The battery can apparently be charged in only one hour from a 400V outlet. The next iteration will switch to a twin motor setup and the company is planning a small series production run in 2010.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Ruf Greenster

Geneva 2009: Ruf Greenster evolves the electric Porsche concept originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 10:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingelectric 911Electric911erufgenevageneva 2009geneva motor showgeneva2009GenevaMotorShowporscheruf greensterRufGreensterTue, 03 Mar 2009 10:12:00 EST