VIDEO: Norwegian Ice Racing Puts Four to the Fjord

If there’s one motorsport event that’s least likely to see the light of day in Australia, its winter track days. We just don’t have the climate for it. Norway, on the other hand, is perfect for these sorts of things. All you need is some snow tires, the right sort of car (either AWD or RWD) and a large enough area of snow and ice.

From modern day Porsche 911’s to decades old 944’s, from Subaru WRX STi’s to Fiat Panda’s and even what looks to be a Tesla Roadster; these events attract all sorts both young and old, novice and experienced drivers alike. Filmed on a frozen lake called Tisleifjorden in Norway, this video has enough action to keep even the staunchest of ice racing fans happy.

Click through for the video or leave your piece in the comments section below. We’d also love to hear about any experiences you - the readers - have had with racing on ice or snow. Come on now, don’t be shy!

By Tristan Hankins

VIDEO

Geneva 2011: RUF Presents 730HP and 370+km/h Rt 12 R based on the Porsche 911 Turbo [with Video]

The 2011 Geneva International Motorshow plays host to the world premiere of the RUF Rt 12 R. The latest supercar from the Porsche tuning specialist is based on the 911 Turbo having received a bevy of modifications including a engine kit that pushes the output of the 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged flat six from 500HP and 650Nm (700Nm with the overboost function) to 730HP and 940Nm (693.3 lb-ft) of peak torque for a top speed in excess of 370km/h (230+ mph). A six-speed manual gearbox transfers power to the all-wheel drive system

Other upgrades include ceramic brakes, 19-inch forged alloy wheels wrapped in 245/35 tires at the front and 325/30 at the back, an aero kit and an adjustable suspension. RUF also reduced the weight of the 911 Turbo through the use of exotic materials such as the carbon fiber wings, front luggage cover and bucker seats. The price of the Rt 12 R is set at €279,000 or about US$386,400 at today's exchange rates.

Technical details:

Coupé form
Carbon-Fibre rear spoiler
Lightweight front with carbon fibre wings
Carbon fibre front luggage cover
Optional carbon roof
Aluminium doors with lightweight interior fittings
Synthetic side and rear windows
Carbon bucket seats
Rollcage and crossbar integrated into the interior paneling (IRC), disc diameter 380 mm front, 350 mm rear
Forged aluminium wheels with central locking nut, 9J x 19 front, 12J x 19 rear
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tyres, 245/35 ZR 19 front, 325/30 ZR 19 rear
6 cylinder bi-turbo boxer engine
Displacement 3.8 l
Maximum power 537 kW (730 bhp) at 7,000 rpm
Maximum torque 940 Nm at 3,500 rpm
6 speed manual gearbox
4WD standard, rear while drive only available as option
Top speed over 370 km/h
Dry weight (DIN) 1,495 kg
Price: 279,000.00 Euro (excl. VAT)

VIDEO

PHOTO GALLERY

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.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: RUF via Autoblog

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 to Unveil New Full Hybrid Model at Geneva Show, Can You Guess What it is?

Porsche is continuing its foray into the eco-friendly segment with a new full parallel hybrid vehicle that’s headed for the Geneva show, according to a statement released today. However, the Germans are keeping specific details hush-hush, only stating that the new model is set to build on the success of the Cayenne S Hybrid and “signals a new chapter” in the brand’s “Porsche Intelligent Performance” philosophy.

While we can’t confirm anything, signs point to a hybrid version of the Panamera four-door coupe, which was last mentioned (but long ago teased) at the end of January. Porsche then said that it’s considering a diesel-powered Cayenne for the States, which could be followed by diesel and gasoline-electric hybrid Panamera variants as well.

Given the Cayenne S Hybrid reference, it’s possible that the Panamera hybrid will use a similar powertrain setup with the SUV model, which features a 333HP 3.0-liter supercharged V6 gasoline engine and a 47HP (34 kW) electric motor for a combined output of 380HP (279 kW) and 580 Nm (428 lb-ft) of peak torque.

Porsche will also display in Geneva the 918 RSR hybrid racing car concept and hardcore Cayman R, plus the recently introduced 911 Black Edition and Boxster S Black Edition.

By Csaba Daradics

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Porsche Officially Confirms World Premiere of New Model at 2011 NAIAS

Earlier this month, we told you about Porsche spokesman Hans-Gerd Bode's interview with Bloomberg where he discussed the firm's plans to unveil a new model at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit (January 10 to 23). Today, the Stuttgart-based sports car maker made it official by announcing that it will be giving a new model its world debut at the Detroit Show. Porsche, however, did not release any information on the vehicle.

As we previously noted, Porsche's debut could be anything from a successor to the 911 series, Boxster or Cayman, to the new Cajun three-door SUV and the production version of the 918 hybrid supercar, which is pictured in these shots.

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