modification of automotive technology: German

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Germany’s E-Wolf Targets Ferrari With New Electric Supercar

<center><img alt="E-Wolf E2 concept rendering" height="266" src="http://images.thecarconnection.com/med/e-wolf-e2-concept-rendering_100229825_m.jpg" title="E-Wolf E2 concept rendering" width="400"></center> It seems these days that a new electric sports car concept is announced almost every month but it's not often that we get to see the actual concept in the metal, so to speak, or in the case of the new E1, in the carbon-fiber composite. The E1 electric roadster is the latest creation of German firm E-Wolf and it is just one of two new electric vehicles from the company, with the latter vehicle set to compete with the likes of Ferrari in the performance arena. <center><img alt="E-Wolf E1 electric roadster" height="270" src="http://images.thecarconnection.com/med/e-wolf-e1-electric-roadster_100229819_m.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 5px;" width="400"></center> Working in partnership with the Saxony Lightweight Center and the Institute for Lightweight Structures and Polymer Technology at the Technical University of Dresden, E-Wolf unveiled its street-legal E1 roadster at the recent 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show and plans to add the E2 supercar to its lineup in about two years. The key to the cars’ performance is a light weight structure. In the case of the E1, the entire chassis weighs in at just 1,102-pounds but this comes at a cost as the vehicle can only accommodate drivers weighing up to 150-pounds. <center><img alt="E-Wolf E1 electric roadster" height="267" src="http://images.thecarconnection.com/med/e-wolf-e1-electric-roadster_100229820_m.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 5px; display: inline;" width="400"></center> Power comes from a 150-horsepower AC induction motor with 185-pound-feet of torque. This is enough to propel the E1 from 0-62 mph in less than five seconds and see it reach a top speed of 143 mph. An array of lithium-ion batteries will see the E1 drive up to 200-miles on a single charge. While the E1 can be bought today at a price of €150,000 (approximately $218,818), E-Wolf is also working on an E2 supercar due in 2011. <center><img alt="E-Wolf E2 concept rendering" height="269" src="http://images.thecarconnection.com/med/e-wolf-e2-concept-rendering_100229826_m.jpg" title="E-Wolf E2 concept rendering" width="400"></center> The E2 will feature four electric motors, one in each wheel, delivering a combined output of 544-horsepower and 737-pound-feet of torque--All this in a chassis that is expected to weigh around 2,000-pounds. So far the E2 only exists in computer-generated rendering form but its designers promise the car will be able to reach a top speed of 155 mph. Hopefully the production version will stay true to the concept’s lines. <a href="http://www.motorauthority.com/pictures/1035851_germany8217s-e-wolf-targets-ferrari-with-new-electric-supercar_gallery-1#100229820"> More Photos</a>

Germany’s E-Wolf Targets Ferrari With New Electric Supercar

It seems these days that a new electric sports car concept is announced almost every month but it's not often that we get to see the act...

8:32 PM

Latest Spy Shots: BMW X5 Facelift

<center><img alt="2010 BMW X5 Facelift spy photos" height="254" name="image" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/9/medium/6160122.jpg" width="400"></center> This round of photographs show the vehicle only has modest changes compared to the one spied earlier in the month. However, we do see a difference in the tailpipes, which are now trapezoidal instead of oval. Also, wider, shorter side view mirrors appear to be present on this model. Roof rails do not appear on this version, unlike the previous prototype. The wider shots of the X5's front-end show the best angle yet of the new headlights. <center><img alt="2010 BMW X5 Facelift spy photos" height="257" name="image0" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/9/medium/1742894.jpg" width="400"></center> New photos have surfaced featuring the upcoming facelifted BMW X5. Due out in mid-2010, the SUV should get its formal introduction at January's Detroit Motor Show. <center><img alt="2010 BMW X5 Facelift spy photos" height="254" name="image1" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/9/medium/1552794.jpg" width="400"></center> Some are saying that a new engine may become available with the freshened BMW X5. We expect this to be the twin-turbo 408 horsepower 4.4-liter V8 engine as the X5 xDrive50i. <center><img alt="2010 BMW X5 Facelift spy photos" height="265" name="image2" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/9/medium/3826463.jpg" width="400"></center> The facelifted X5 will have new front and rear bumpers, as well as new lighting which resembles the 5er GT. A next-generation iDrive will be detailed on the newer, bigger LCD screen. <a href="http://www.worldcarfans.com/109092522002/bmw-x5-facelift-latest-spy-shots/lowphotos#2"> More Photos</a>

Latest Spy Shots: BMW X5 Facelift

This round of photographs show the vehicle only has modest changes compared to the one spied earlier in the month. However, we do see a diff...

10:45 PM

Video: BMW Vision ED Concept Slated ...

<center><img alt="BMW Vision EfficienctDynamics Concept" height="228" name="image" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/8/medium/4610063.jpg" width="400"> </center> A new report has surfaced indicating that BMW will build a production version of the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept. <center><img alt="BMW Vision EfficienctDynamics Concept" height="284" name="image0" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/8/medium/7834174.jpg" width="400"> </center> Like the VED concept, the M1 will be powered by a three-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and an electric motor. While details are limited, the combined output is expected to be more than 350 bhp and 800 Nm of torque. If these figures are correct, the M1 will likely accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than five seconds, before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. <center><img alt="BMW Vision EfficienctDynamics Concept" height="245" name="image1" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/8/medium/1595849.jpg" width="400"> </center> Set to revive the legendary M1 name, the fuel efficient supercar will reportedly adopt the concept's aggressive styling and advanced powertrain. Inside, the car will feature a three-dimensional head-up display, a "digital dash" and a two-plus-two seating arrangement. <center><img alt="BMW Vision EfficienctDynamics Concept" height="535" name="image2" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/8/medium/3882538.jpg" width="400"> </center> According to an Auto Express source, the engine is almost production ready and some of the hybrid components will be taken from the X6 ActiveHybrid. If BMW is planning on production, look for a launch in 2012. <center><object height="280" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CLGygbCr3sg"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></object></center> <a href="http://www.worldcarfans.com/109092522006/rumors-bmw-vision-ed-concept-slated-for-2012-as-m1-green/lowphotos#2">More Photos</a>

Video: BMW Vision ED Concept Slated ...

A new report has surfaced indicating that BMW will build a production version of the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept. Like the VED...

6:52 AM

100th Anniversary of the birth of Ferry Porsche

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4OJGN3aJr4I20QrfLOqGCNEC8F6MPyGwxW3Nk_9bAoaije-glEvk6NVpWb8EJ4s9XiHx_Jpn5NPPOC7WAhyEq0W82yu_ESaK1rhKthl8iOhTA5ftuCwIZQKsuHkrXwwoVxdAniwTZOA/s1600-h/2414446.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384209435632194978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4OJGN3aJr4I20QrfLOqGCNEC8F6MPyGwxW3Nk_9bAoaije-glEvk6NVpWb8EJ4s9XiHx_Jpn5NPPOC7WAhyEq0W82yu_ESaK1rhKthl8iOhTA5ftuCwIZQKsuHkrXwwoVxdAniwTZOA/s400/2414446.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 262px;" /></a>Ferry Porsche in front of the one millionth Porsche, a 911 of the model line 993 (1996) </div>100th Anniversary of the birth of Ferry Porsche: September 19 1909 - March 27 1998 For the Love of the Sports Car The successful story of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, as the Company stands today, would be inconceivable without the lifetime achievement of Ferry Porsche. For it was under his guidance that the engineering office established by his father Ferdinand Porsche became an independent car manufacturer presenting the first sports car to bear the name Porsche in 1948 - Porsche Type 356. "At the beginning I looked around, but I could not find the car I was dreaming of. So I decided to build it myself." Building the Porsche 356 and, later, the Porsche 911, Ferry Porsche consistently lived out his dream of "driving in its most beautiful form". With a precise feeling for each and every detail, he set the foundation for the Porsche brand values applicable to this very day. As the Managing Director and Chairman of the Supervisory Board he shaped the destiny of the Porsche Company for five long decades. In particular, it was his achievement as a visionary and an outstanding entrepreneur to make Porsche the world's leading manufacturer of sports cars. When Professor Dr. Ing. h.c. Ferdinand Anton Ernst "Ferry" Porsche passed away on 27 March 1998, he left the world as one of the last great automobile men. His lifetime achievement for the automobile gave him a position in the European Automotive Hall of Fame, his name is mentioned together with the likes of Gottlieb Daimler, Carl Benz, Henry Ford or Enzo Ferrari. On 19 September 2009 Ferry Porsche would be celebrating his 100th birthday. A Childhood Among Cars The son of automotive engineer and constructor Ferdinand Porsche and his wife Aloisia, Ferry Porsche was born in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, on 19 September 1909. The fact that the automobile was to shape his life and destiny became apparent on the very first day of his life: On the day of his birth, Ferry Porsche's father Ferdinand was at the wheel of the Austro-Daimler racing car he had built himself, scoring a class victory in the Semmering Hillclimb Race. While the heir to the Porsche family was named Ferdinand Anton Ernst, he received his "real" name, which accompanied him for life, from his nurse, who was the first to call him "Ferry". Together with his sister Louise five years his senior, Ferry Porsche grew up in a well-to-do home, where again everything revolved around the automobile. As the Chief Engineer of the Austrian Austro-Daimler-Werke, Ferry's father Ferdinand Porsche consistently worked on new ideas and constructions in automotive engineering. As Ferry Porsche later stated himself, "I was always convinced that I had been born in a car, so it was wonderful listening to my father for hours, with him talking about cars and motor racing and telling us exciting stories". Thrilled by the world of machines, young Ferry obviously loved spending his time at the nearby Austro-Daimler Plant. When he was allowed at the young age of ten to try out his skills for the first time sitting on the lap of his father, Ferry Porsche soon had the wish to one day build and drive his own car. And what remains a dream for nearly all young boys of this age, quite soon became reality for the son of the already famous automotive engineer on Christmas Day 1919. His father had a small two-seater built in the Plant's Apprentice Department, powered by an air-cooled six-bhp two-cylinder and able to reach an impressive 60 km/h. Driving the "Ziegenbockwagen", as the family called this very special vehicle (which almost translates into English as the "goatmobile"), Ferry Porsche enjoyed a number of lengthy trips on public roads as his first real experience at the wheel. Although the little car did not even have numberplates and the driver naturally had no driver's licence, "the police in Wiener Neustadt tended to look the other way whenever I came down the road thanks to the position of my father", said Ferry Porsche later. A particular highlight in these early years of his life was the opportunity to drive the "Sascha" racing car built by Austro-Daimler on the Plant's running-in track in Wiener Neustadt in 1922. Indeed, young Ferry, now twelve years old, was so thrilled by this 45-bhp Targa Florio winner capable of a top speed of 144 km/h or almost 90 mph that he decided to soon build his own racing machine. This, however, was not to be, since in March 1923 Ferdinand Porsche left Austro-Daimler and joined Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim as their Technical Director and Board Member. <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpWAl4Rd9Dmsa_MFFuCJMjhAimwpVb50RTKB9tf0gnEf8mXuEcjTtSJ5XKcx657NcBzKKR_TjTKO0qn48rFuld8J0ZRqaF-sFwnm940mTA29FJOJSfDr-dYD-Lhw_H_tASqycL7UIXVc/s1600-h/3424367.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384209304728528290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpWAl4Rd9Dmsa_MFFuCJMjhAimwpVb50RTKB9tf0gnEf8mXuEcjTtSJ5XKcx657NcBzKKR_TjTKO0qn48rFuld8J0ZRqaF-sFwnm940mTA29FJOJSfDr-dYD-Lhw_H_tASqycL7UIXVc/s400/3424367.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 230px;" /></a>Ferry Porsche (centre), his father Ferdinand Porsche (right) and Erwin Komenda (left), 1948, in front of the 356 No. 1 in Gmünd </div>Spending his Youth in Stuttgart Moving to Stuttgart, Ferdinand Porsche jr. entered a new phase in his life. Attending the Gottlieb-Daimler Secondary School in Cannstatt, he had to find new friends - some of whom remained his friends for life. One of his closest acquaintances at the time was Albert Prinzing, later to become a Professor and Managing Director at Porsche, who described his first meeting with Ferry Porsche on the occasion of the latter's 75th birthday as follows: "Along came a young Austrian with long hair entering our class at school. His haircut was a bit like Hindenburg, he was wearing trousers we had never seen before he called `knickerbockers`, and even back then he was what today you would call a trendsetter, since we, too, soon started growing our hair longer and knickerbockers became really popular in our class." Throughout his whole life, Ferry Porsche was known and admired as much for his fine and exquisite taste as he was for his consistency and perseverance in maintaining and enhancing human relations. He was friends for life with Manfred Behr, the son of the Behr radiator dynasty, their close friendship going all the way back to the days of their practical training together. Another new highlight in the life of Ferry Porsche leaving the same stamp on the young man as his school was the family's new residence they moved into in December 1923. Built by the famous architect Paul Bonatz in the north of Stuttgart, the Porsche Mansion became the family's main residence and, together with the Schüttgut Estate in the Austrian town of Zell am See, a focal point in the life of Ferry Porsche where automobile history was to be written. Like in the "old days" in Wiener Neustadt, Ferdinand Porsche was eager to involve his son in his work in Stuttgart. Receiving a special permit, Ferry Porsche was licensed to drive a motorised vehicle as of the age of only 16, and was therefore able from now on to drive all the prototypes his father brought home from the Daimler Plant in Untertürkheim. He also accompanied his father on long test drives through the Black Forest, impressing passers-by at the wheel of those mighty Mercedes supercharged ‘kompressor' models. At the age of 18 Ferry Porsche received a "regular" driver's licence and was now able to ride his own motorcycle, a 500-cc BMW. The luring temptation of his two-wheeler soon gave way, however, to another experience destined to last for the rest of his life: In September 1927 he fell in love with Dorothea Reitz, a young lady from Stuttgart he married in 1935 and lived with happily ever after until her death in 1985. In the course of time they became the proud parents of four sons - Ferdinand Alexander (born 1935), Gerhard (born 1938), Hans-Peter (born 1940) and Wolfgang (born 1943), who, as principal partners of today's Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, continue the lifetime achievement of Ferry Porsche up to the present day. After taking his "Mittlere Reife", the equivalent of GCSE exams, Ferry Porsche knew that one day he would follow in his father's footsteps as an automotive constructor and engineer: "The more I learnt about life, the more I admired the brilliant example my father gave me time and again." After one year of practical training with Robert Bosch AG he followed his father to Austria, after the latter had left Daimler-Benz AG and had become the Chief Engineer of Steyr-Werke AG in early 1929. In preparation of his technical studies, Ferry Porsche attended a private school in Vienna, although soon he spent more time in his father's engineering office and workshops than he did at school for his theoretical training. When Ferdinand Porsche left Steyr-Werke again in 1930 to work independently in his own business as a self-supporting constructor, his son decided to join his father for practical training instead of studying at some kind of college or university. <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWB3m5o4Na_Al2iCHnKJB7gqUsGAKLqVs6JPCuxqhoGxGi1bg3ebVbE-YVkTJ0YfajFA5rE_3dZ2QKH5RpH6cM5HCbL3GHAwPpoMfhqwGLWxVV-AhMwuIgJzDviNr2WmUuQ98UUaP_klk/s1600-h/6550481.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384209179178222642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWB3m5o4Na_Al2iCHnKJB7gqUsGAKLqVs6JPCuxqhoGxGi1bg3ebVbE-YVkTJ0YfajFA5rE_3dZ2QKH5RpH6cM5HCbL3GHAwPpoMfhqwGLWxVV-AhMwuIgJzDviNr2WmUuQ98UUaP_klk/s400/6550481.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 260px;" /></a>Ferry Porsche at the wheel of a Volkswagen Prototype </div>1931: the Porsche Engineering Office "Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche GmbH - Konstruktion und Beratung für Motoren- und Fahrzeugbau" (Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche GmbH - Construction and Consultancy for Engines and Vehicles) was entered in the Stuttgart Trade Register on 25 April 1931. The team of initially twelve specialists led by Ferdinand Porsche focused on the full range of automotive technology, Porsche developing a new mid-range saloon for Wanderer, the German car maker based in Chemnitz, right from the start in their very first year. The next projects were a pendulum axle developed for Horch-Werke in Zwickau and an air-cooled five-cylinder radial engine developed on behalf of Phänomen-Werke in Zittau for use in trucks. An important milestone in the story of the young company was the torsion-bar suspension registered for a patent on 10 August 1931 and to be featured as state-of-the-art technology in international automotive construction for many decades. As the youngest member of the Engineering Office, Ferry Porsche first trained in the Construction and Testing Departments. His teacher was Diplom-Ingenieur Walter Boxan who successfully made him acquainted with the theoretical and mathematical principles of automotive engineering. Soon 21-year-old Ferry was working independently on his own projects, such as improving the steering on the two-litre Wanderer. And this experience indeed proved to be surprisingly successful, his steering design being further developed and later used in both the Auto-Union racing cars and for the Volkswagen. From the beginning Ferry Porsche was involved in all projects and developments conducted by his father's Engineering Office, taking over increasing responsibility in the process and, as of 1932, coordinating the engineers' work, supervising the testing processes and, together with his father, maintaining relationships with the Company's customers. In spring 1933 the Porsche Engineering Office was requested by Auto Union in Saxony to develop a 16-cylinder racing car in accordance with the rules of the new 750-kg racing formula. Immediately after concluding the contract, the Porsche team under the guidance of Senior Engineer Karl Rabe started work on the mid-engined Auto Union P racing car (P for Porsche). The first engine was tested on the dynamometer in late 1933, initially presenting various problems. One of these challenges was the crankshaft, which permanently turned blue at the front. Ferry Porsche attributed this phenomenon to the different thermal elongation of the steel crankshaft and the electron metal engine block, with the assumption that longitudinal clearance in the engine was insufficient. "The engineers listened to me politely, but they were not convinced I was right", said Ferry Porsche, rather irritated at the time. "So without any further ado, I carried out a test myself, took the crankshaft and the crankcase and went to the case-hardening shop where we had furnaces for heating up the two components." With the subsequent measurements confirming his theory, longitudinal tolerance was increased accordingly. The first driving tests with the Grand Prix car were carried out in early 1934, enabling Ferry Porsche to prove his outstanding talent as a racing driver so impressively that his father Ferdinand feared his son might decide to go into motor racing. So emphasising Ferry's most promising future as an automotive constructor and engineer, he instructed his son in very clear and strict terms not to drive a racing car again: "I have lots of racing drivers, but only one son!" Acknowledging his father's request, Ferry Porsche no longer took the wheel of a racing car but instead lived out his sporting ambitions in rallies with a Wanderer touring car, competing in the 2,000-Kilometre Rally through Germany directly against top drivers of the day such as Bernd Rosemeyer, Hans Stuck and Prinz zu Leinigen. "In the first leg of the Rally leading through the Black Forest I was even faster than Rosemeyer", said Ferry Porsche triumphantly many years later. <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kQyZ6DIOzHKzZFrRbEyReUlNYD7yVhwIiAGHHZ-msF3MyZczAPaRf1icxGSmVIFmlSittXu4ws0WfMczeNbf9Zo7p3KMeAYlhT4sgc2envQ3YstpNXTDbggYGGaWu_HSCC958GdW-fA/s1600-h/6666284.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384209052952771634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kQyZ6DIOzHKzZFrRbEyReUlNYD7yVhwIiAGHHZ-msF3MyZczAPaRf1icxGSmVIFmlSittXu4ws0WfMczeNbf9Zo7p3KMeAYlhT4sgc2envQ3YstpNXTDbggYGGaWu_HSCC958GdW-fA/s400/6666284.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a>1994, Ferry Porsche at his 85. Birthday in the 356 'Number 1' </div>1934: the Volkswagen Project The legendary 16-cylinder racing car was only the beginning leading on to a further outstanding achievement by Porsche in 1934: the Volkswagen. On 17 January Ferdinand Porsche presented his "Study for the Construction of a German People's Car" as his concept of a robust and low-cost compact car for the "regular" driver. Receiving the final go-ahead for this project was however a difficult and laborious challenge, with the small Porsche Engineering Office applying for an assignment feared and rejected by the large and well-established German car makers as a possible source of competition. Subject to political pressure, the Reichsverband der Automobilindustrie (RDA), the Association of the Automotive Industry of the German Reich, nevertheless concluded a contract with Porsche on 22 July 1934 for the construction of a Volkswagen prototype. Two requirements made this challenge particularly demanding: The projected purchase price of less than 1,000 reichsmarks and the deadline for completing the prototype in just ten months. No surprise, therefore, that Ferry Porsche later described the development of the Auto Union racing car compared with the Volkswagen as "child's play", since the engineers working on the Volkswagen were required from the start to act not only as constructors, but also as very shrewd businessmen. The objective was to maintain a sales price of 999 reichsmarks for the Volkswagen in the market. One of the consequences of this price limit was to build the car without a hydraulic brake, which would have required the payment of licence fees to Lockheed as the holder of the appropriate patent. "The crucial point was to leave out everything we did not really need. So we took a very systematic approach, the car's wheelbase following from the space required by four adults to enjoy acceptable roominess. And the track of the car was kept as small as possible, allowing the Volkswagen to drive along field paths and down narrow village roads." Time was short and the project did not exactly benefit from the lack of funds, with advance payments of 20,000 reichsmarks a month soon turning out to be much too low. The engineers were even forced to start building and assembling the first test cars in the garage of the Porsche Mansion in Stuttgart. Another restrictive factor was the lack of space, especially since the machines used took up additional room in Ferry Porsche's private workshop required to accommodate a drilling and milling machine as well as two lathes and of course the twelve-man development team. "Don't ask me how we did it", he said later, "but the first three prototypes called the VW Series 3 were all built there." Development of the Volkswagen took longer than planned, the first Volkswagen code-named V1 (V = Versuchswagen or Test Car) being completed almost exactly a year after the official start of development. On 3 July 1935 Ferdinand Porsche presented his new saloon to an RDA committee, the second test car, a convertible code-named V2, setting out on its maiden trip on 22 December. And again two months later, on 24 February 1936, the two first models of the Volkswagen made their official world debut in Berlin. Working closely with Porsche's top-notch engineers, Ferry Porsche had learned a lot, developing from a simple intern into the Junior Manager broadly acknowledged for his skills. Ferdinand Porsche consistently pushed and promoted his son, constantly raising him to a higher standard, until in 1935 Ferry was made responsible for the driving tests of the new Volkswagen. The first prototypes of the V3 test model were built by autumn 1936 and then used for systematic driving tests. Acting as the Test Manager, Ferry Porsche took on the task to cover 50,000 test kilometres or over 30,000 miles by the end of the year - and driving all-out also on Sundays, the team succeeded in covering the distance required in all three cars by 22 December 1936. This first test was not only a technical, but also a political challenge for Ferry Porsche, since, while he was Porsche's Test Manager, the Association of the Automotive Industry of the German Reich had delegated their own staff members to keep a "critical eye" on the tests being conducted. And while different opinions on the test results soon arose, the 100-page report ultimately sent to the RDA arrived at a positive conclusion: "The car shows qualities that justify its ongoing development." Contrary to the first plan to have the Volkswagen built jointly by German car makers at their existing plants, the decision was taken on 4 July 1936 to build the new Volkswagenwerk, a special plant specifically for the new model. This led to the establishment on 28 May 1937 of the "Gesellschaft zur Vorbereitung des Deutschen Volkswagens mbH" or "Gezuvor" (Company for the Preparation of the German Volkswagen Limited). As one of the three Managing Directors of the new company, Ferdinand Porsche received the official assignment to take care of the technical requirements and planning of the future production plant. So to learn more about state-of-the-art mass production, Ferdinand and Ferry Porsche went to the USA in June 1937, studying the most advanced production processes in Detroit and receiving expert advice from production specialists in the US automotive industry. <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRotgoJ7QRIfbqJA65l4e91sgCfHskBLSREhPGZ3r7xDb1qR2jon9MhtD6dcfGss7y5kHDMIiwSujCrqcKIId8khUXrLDrXlNSltyiZ_cP2fe9pB6nN8VqITE-q62rNg2kI4sVdezOSBU/s1600-h/7321256.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384208929603406034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRotgoJ7QRIfbqJA65l4e91sgCfHskBLSREhPGZ3r7xDb1qR2jon9MhtD6dcfGss7y5kHDMIiwSujCrqcKIId8khUXrLDrXlNSltyiZ_cP2fe9pB6nN8VqITE-q62rNg2kI4sVdezOSBU/s400/7321256.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 400px;" /></a>Ferry Porsche with Porsche 356 B Coupe </div>1938: Porsche in Zuffenhausen To put an end to the provisional status of production processes in the garage of the Porsche Mansion and to bring together the Testing and Construction Departments, Ferdinand Porsche had a new plant built in the Zuffenhausen district of Stuttgart in 1938. Ferry Porsche had already purchased the real estate for the new plant in May 1937 in Spitalwaldstrasse 2, unknowingly choosing the location where the Porsche Main Plant remains to this very day. The so-called zero production series of what was later to become the VW Beetle was built in Zuffenhausen in June 1938, with Ferry Porsche taking on increasing responsibility for the car's development. "What I liked most was driving the VW on its bare chassis, with the seat bolted in position but with no body on the car - so that you saw the wheels turning and felt the wind rushing by. That was when I developed my preference for clearly defined corners and wings on the car, which is why Type 60 had four real wings on each corner." Developing the Volkswagen, Ferdinand and Ferry Porsche had by no means given up their favourite projects, the construction and development of racing and sports cars. On the contrary - in the late ‘30s they had the idea for the first time to start production of their own car, Ferry Porsche already considering the option to build a small sports car based on the Volkswagen back in 1938. To test his new idea he fitted his VW39 Convertible with a compressor engine. But the political leaders soon imposed a ban on using test engines from Volkswagen, since each and every engine was required for armament purposes. So instead father and son Porsche developed their own 1.5-litre sports car based on the underlying concept of the Auto Union racing car. Code-named Type 114, this new sports car was to have a mid-engine with two overhead camshafts and hemispherical combustion chambers. The gearbox was positioned behind the rear axle and three passengers were to sit at the front next to each other, the driver with the steering wheel either in the middle or to the left. "I was more committed to this project than my father and our top managers, since I was convinced there would be a large market for such a car after the war", said Ferry Porsche later. A racing car based on the Type 60 Volkswagen was developed alongside the main project on behalf of the Volkswagen Plant, intended to promote the "Kraft durch Freude Car" in a long-distance race from Berlin to Rome. So under the internal code name Type 64 or, respectively, Type 60K10, the engineering team developed and built three racing coupés in spring 1939 for the "Non-Stop Speed Trial", as it was called, planned for September of the same year. Since a long stretch of this 1,500-kilometre race was to be on the new German autobahn, Porsche and his engineers gave particular attention to the car's streamlining. With its aerodynamic aluminium body, fully covered wheel arches and a modified flat-four VW engine initially developing 33 bhp, the Berlin-Rome Car reached a top speed of 145 km/h or 90 mph. When the war prevented the race from actually taking place, Porsche and his engineers used the Type 64 already completed for the road as a fast grand touring sports car averaging a speed of 130 km/h or 80 mph on their journeys from Stuttgart to Berlin. Today Type 64 with its beautiful styling is acknowledged as the ancestor of all Porsche sports cars built since 1948. Each of these projects raised Ferry Porsche up a bit further, out of the shadow of his father Ferdinand. And although he was full of admiration of his father's skills, "we Porsches by no means always agreed on technical matters", he stated later. "When I expressed a different opinion from him in the presence of others, he was really angry. I think he was afraid of losing his face. But whenever we had such a disagreement while we were alone, just the two of us, maybe on a long trip in the car, he was far more open to my opinion and listened patiently to what I had to say. Dad was a very authoritarian man." <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQms-vStuw47rqlrszYBTUlh90s08dI0X2VEcPy2TP9_lZ8YE14TtFd3btnUa-mrVkpa2fW87Yf9vP7y83nRTcUYv35k9m16VWsOiqaRbNj5G2Vsd7sbn4DAPSerxYVGupoK6xlqJQj4/s1600-h/7743488.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384208679114876258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQms-vStuw47rqlrszYBTUlh90s08dI0X2VEcPy2TP9_lZ8YE14TtFd3btnUa-mrVkpa2fW87Yf9vP7y83nRTcUYv35k9m16VWsOiqaRbNj5G2Vsd7sbn4DAPSerxYVGupoK6xlqJQj4/s400/7743488.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 199px;" /></a>Special exhibition „100 Years of Ferry Porsche“ at the Porsche-Museum </div>1944: Porsche in Gmünd After the outbreak of World War II the Porsche engineers spent most of their time developing military vehicles. Apart from the Type 81 VW "Kastenwagen", a kind of rudimentary jeep, the Company established as Porsche KG in late 1937 also developed the Type 62 "KdF-Gelände-Fahrzeug", an off-road vehicle for military use, the Type 82 "VW Kübelwagen", again a jeep primarily for military purposes, as well as the Type 87 all-wheel-drive model and the Type 166 "VW-Schwimmwagen", a dual-purpose amphibian vehicle. In late 1939 the Porsche Engineering Office was given the order by the German Armament Bureau to develop a medium-weight fighting tank, the construction of which was nevertheless stopped ahead of time since there was a greater need for heavy tanks. As of 1943, life became increasingly difficult for the employees at Porsche on account of air raids in Stuttgart. Urged by the Supreme Armament Command of the German Wehrmacht, Porsche KG ultimately had to move its engineering office from Stuttgart to the town of Gmünd in the Austrian province of Carinthia in autumn 1944. Makeshift workshops were constructed on the premises of W. Meineke Holzgroßindustrie Berlin-Gmünd, while the materials depot was housed on the premises of a flying school in nearby Zell am See. Split up into a large number of workshops and offices, the new Porsche Plant was soon ironically nicknamed "Vereinigte Hüttenwerke" or "Associated Steel Works" by the employees. After the war the plant facilities of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche KG in Zuffenhausen were first used by the French military. In August 1945 an American unit took over the plant now serving as a repair workshop for trucks. In the meantime the Porsche Plant in Gmünd had received a provisional licence to start work again, the Porsche workforce of some 140 employees being allowed to "design and construct motorised tractors, gas generators and other civilian equipment" and to repair "motor vehicles and agricultural machinery". In this difficult situation Ferdinand Porsche accepted the invitation by a French commission to go to Baden-Baden in mid-November 1945 in order to discuss the possible continuation of the Volkswagen Project in France. But before the contract was signed at another meeting a month later, he was arrested together with his son Ferry and his son-in-law Anton Piëch by the French Secret Service in Baden-Baden. And while Ferry Porsche was released from prison in March 1946, Ferdinand Porsche had to remain in custody despite a severe illness and was subsequently taken to Paris and Dijon. "Things became tough for me after the war, since now I had to take the initiative all by myself", said Ferry Porsche. So he started on new projects catering for the new demands and requirements he was now facing: The machines in Gmünd were used to build accessories for tractors, wheelbarrows or cable winches. But the objective, of course, was to build cars once again. So with his business friends Karl Abarth and Rudolf Hruska acting as the intermediaries, Ferry Porsche signed a contract with Piero Dusio, an industrialist from Torino, on 15 December 1946 for a wide range of development assignments on behalf of Dusio's company Cisitalia. Apart from a small tractor and a water turbine, Porsche KG in Gmünd was also entrusted with the construction of the Type 360 Grand Prix Racing Car as well as the Type 370 two-seater mid-engined sports car. "I would have done everything the same way, down to the last bolt" The engineers at Porsche KG in Gmünd were soon working all-out on the Type 360 Grand Prix Racing Car - and indeed, this first car developed completely under the guidance and leadership of Ferry Porsche was far ahead of its time. The Porsche engineers opted for a 1.5-litre supercharged twelve-cylinder power unit, with engine power transmitted to the wheels through on-demand four-wheel drive. And although the assignment was not continued beyond the test stage due to a lack of funds on the part of the Italian principal, the project was nevertheless of fundamental significance to Porsche. Receiving an appropriate fee for the work done, Ferry Porsche was able to bail his father out of prison by paying a million French francs to the authorities, Ferdinand Porsche being released on 1 August 1947. The investigations that had started in France against Professor Porsche on account of alleged war offences never resulted in any formal charges and were soon dropped once and for all. And when, a bit later, Ferdinand Porsche saw the drawings of Type 360, he gave his son the highest grade possible: "I would have done everything the same way, down to the last bolt." <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhdMwQJ_ju16E46xPFN9XWVbS8l_F6csmMoUm5UVp8bMSgoORs5ixSxVktEDfws3IuZ1TpeQk_uZ-o7tzwU8gjXhoXzPsZ-z-q37vuUekD7HIB6oOGnpZqRLEKsMyleA-OBv1GmiiPwI/s1600-h/7961078.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384208464337681010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhdMwQJ_ju16E46xPFN9XWVbS8l_F6csmMoUm5UVp8bMSgoORs5ixSxVktEDfws3IuZ1TpeQk_uZ-o7tzwU8gjXhoXzPsZ-z-q37vuUekD7HIB6oOGnpZqRLEKsMyleA-OBv1GmiiPwI/s400/7961078.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px;" /></a>Ferry Porsche at his 70th birthday with a Porsche 928 (1979) </div>1948: the first Porsche Sports Car "I can readily admit that the initiative came through Cisitalia", said Ferry Porsche on the occasion of his 75th birthday when describing the early days of the Porsche 356. "Back then Cisitalia was building a small sports car with a Fiat engine. So I said to myself: why shouldn't we do the same thing with VW parts? After all, that is already what we did before the war with the Berlin-Rome car." Looking back today, the business risk involved in an enterprise of this kind was almost mind-boggling: The whole of Europe was struggling after a terrible war and demand in the market was primarily for practical and inexpensive cars. And precisely in this situation Ferry Porsche decided to fulfil his dream of building his own sports car - only to find that other aficionados of the automobile shared precisely the same dream. In spring 1947 Ferry Porsche first expressed his idea to build a sports car using Volkswagen components which, initially code-named the "VW-Sports", received the construction number 356. The vision of the Porsche Junior Director was to "build the kind of sports car I liked myself". Ferry Porsche's engineers, at any rate, were fascinated by the idea of building such a sports car, completing a road-going chassis in February 1948 destined to take up a roadster body made of aluminium. The flat-four power unit, together with the gearbox, suspension, springs and steering, all came from Volkswagen. Weighing just 585 kg or 1,290 lb, this 35-bhp mid-engined roadster had a top speed of 135 km/h or 84 mph. On 8 June 1948 this very first Porsche mid-engine sports car proudly bearing the chassis number 356-001 received official homologation from the authorities through an individual permit granted by the State Government of Carinthia. Production of the first "regular" Type 356/2 coupés and cabriolets started in Gmünd in the second half of 1948 - and like Porsche 356 No 1, Type 356/2 also featured an aluminium body designed and constructed by Erwin Komenda, the Director of Body Development at Porsche. But unlike the No 1 mid-engine prototype, the horizontally-opposed power unit in Type 356/2 was fitted at the back in order to provide luggage space behind the front seats. When an investor in Zurich, Rupprecht von Senger, advanced money for a small production series and received a contract as the importer for Switzerland in return, Porsche once again had access to the VW parts and body panels the company needed so urgently. The contract Ferry Porsche concluded with the Managing Director of Volkswagenwerk on 17 September 1948 on the supply of VW parts and the use of VW's distribution network clearly shows that Ferry Porsche was not only an outstanding engineer, but also a far-sighted businessman and entrepreneur: Ferry Porsche and Nordhoff agreed that VW was to pay a licence fee to Porsche for every Beetle built, since, after all, the car had been developed by Porsche before the war. The second important decision was the foundation of Porsche-Salzburg Ges.m.b.H. as a central office for the management of Volkswagen imports, sales and customer service in Austria. These agreements with Volkswagenwerk, already a major manufacturer at the time, gave Porsche the security the young company needed, particularly in financial terms. And it set the foundation for the ongoing development of Porsche KG as a manufacturer of sports cars. <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53KZEgkLs4IEampwtXkO9qijESasKf4Sw1SChCemXQAd72uTDUXSChaPNA0g4Vk_EZxVhoaWyvYadrqpJzUpDKZyu4uQmEMNe_OGV3Fq3VXIWKmKbcmu-yXTdorqlZulTO3s8d_aVCE4/s1600-h/8452916.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384208346298681378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53KZEgkLs4IEampwtXkO9qijESasKf4Sw1SChCemXQAd72uTDUXSChaPNA0g4Vk_EZxVhoaWyvYadrqpJzUpDKZyu4uQmEMNe_OGV3Fq3VXIWKmKbcmu-yXTdorqlZulTO3s8d_aVCE4/s400/8452916.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 306px;" /></a>Porsche 356/2 Gmünd Cabriolet </div>1950: Return to Stuttgart With the Porsche 356 developing into a genuine success, the provisional plant in Gmünd was soon unable to provide the production capacities required for the ongoing project. A further point was that the technical equipment and facilities available in Austria were simply not sufficient and economic conditions in this Alpine region were still too difficult. At the time it was still unclear whether the future of the Company would really lie in the construction of sports cars. While Type 356/2 was already selling successfully and gave reasons for optimism, Ferdinand Porsche as the Senior Director still focused primarily on the production of diesel tractors and water turbines - and he believed that the Company would generate higher revenues by working on behalf of other principals, as before, rather than with its own car production. Ferry Porsche, on the other hand, believed in the ongoing success of his idea and wanted at least to build a series of several hundred cars. So in 1949 he sought to return to Stuttgart as a major car production city. Since the former Porsche Plant in Spitalwaldstrasse 2, Zuffenhausen, was still being used by the Americans, Ferry Porsche decided for the time being to establish an office and a small test workshop in the Porsche Stuttgart mansion. Preparations for the move were made by Ferry Porsche's school friend Albert Prinzing, who in November 1949 was appointed Co-Managing Director of Porsche Konstruktionen GmbH in Stuttgart. At the end of the year Porsche GmbH rented a 600-square metre production hall from Karosseriewerke Reutter & Co. GmbH, a coachbuilder in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, at the same time giving Reutter the assignment to build 500 car bodies. "And since Reutter had no experience in welding light alloy, we had to switch over to a steel-bodied coupé", said Porsche. The first Porsche 356 was built in Stuttgart in March 1950. While Ferry Porsche was forced to withdraw increasingly for reasons of time from the actual construction and engineering work, taking on management responsibilities instead, the 356 quickly became a best seller, the free capacities available at Reutter soon being exhausted and several other coachbuilders joining the project. "We would never have dreamt back then that ultimately we would build 78,000 units of the Type 356 sports car", added Ferry Porsche years later on a very satisfied note. An important factor crucial to the success of the young company was the early focus on exports, with Ferry Porsche shipping the first cars to America as early as in 1950. Here, in the world's largest and most important sales market, the Porsche 356 quickly won over the hearts of sports drivers - and not least those of many Hollywood stars. Introducing models such as the 356 Speedster, Ferry Porsche offered American customers exactly what they were looking for, with no less than half of the Company's annual production going to the United States as early as in 1955. Apart from exports, Ferry Porsche's other great passion was motorsport, likewise serving as a catalyst to promote the brand. Instead of advertising or conventional publicity, the idea was to let his sports cars speak for themselves by winning races right in front of the public's eyes: "The extreme demands we face in racing quickly show any weak points on the cars and encourage our engineers to look for new and better solutions." Motorsport was also a source of ongoing technical progress in the eyes of Ferry Porsche, with experience gained here going directly into the ongoing development and optimisation of the Company's production models. <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFlv7YrxhN3Wjp3tj8wUMUigG2HQ6MysbzVzDU7xs4Ytl_f3Yw-TecJnP6xsKycoCmjkOxDqBui4drkn08Kry09cLVcszkBsgLCMdToRKpeTABX_bEtrB-Y_bRuIFhDq4h3okJK8YoEI/s1600-h/8993579.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384207954923079554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFlv7YrxhN3Wjp3tj8wUMUigG2HQ6MysbzVzDU7xs4Ytl_f3Yw-TecJnP6xsKycoCmjkOxDqBui4drkn08Kry09cLVcszkBsgLCMdToRKpeTABX_bEtrB-Y_bRuIFhDq4h3okJK8YoEI/s400/8993579.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 242px;" /></a>Birthday Cars Ferry Porsche received from his employees </div>Ferry Porsche, the Entrepreneur Ferry Porsche was always very successful in understanding the signs of the times and sensing any change in the market. So in the late ‘50s he realised that the Porsche 356, despite all the efforts made to enhance the car's "fitness", still remained a close relative to the VW Beetle and therefore did not offer great prospects for the future. Instead of continuing the development of this proven model, Ferry Porsche therefore decided to build an entirely new car following the proven Porsche concept, with an air-cooled horizontally-opposed engine mounted at the back. And this was no easy task, since the 356 had already become an absolute classic within just one and a half decades. By the early ‘60s three of Ferry Porsche's four sons, who in the meantime was already holding his first grandson in his arms, had followed the example of their father and worked actively in the automotive industry - particularly Ferdinand Alexander who worked in the Company's Model Department as an engineer. Together with Ferdinand Alexander, Ferry Porsche started developing the looks and design of the successor to the 356, which to begin with was to bear the model designation 901. In the words of Ferdinand Alexander Porsche reporting on their joint project: "When I designed the 911 back then, he was right there behind me from the very beginning. Not because I was his son, but rather because he was convinced of the car. He always had an exquisite sense of shape and he never liked extreme colours and flashy shapes." Porsche presented the new sports car for the first time at the 1963 Frankfurt Motor Show, the 911 standing out from its predecessor in many respects, not only through its fast-revving six-cylinder power unit. And Ferry Porsche was happy to note that "at long last I'm now able to get my golf bag into the car without the slightest problem". The decision in favour of the 911 designed by his oldest son was indeed a truly visionary choice, the new car differing from everything else seen so far not only in terms of styling, but also in technical terms. The introduction of the Porsche 911 was also a bold step for Ferry Porsche in entrepreneurial terms, with the company taking over Reutter & Co. GmbH, the former body supplier, in 1964 in preparing production of the new model series. This was obviously a major step for Porsche, with almost 1,000 employees at Reutter being integrated completely into Porsche KG as fully-fledged members of the workforce. Ferry Porsche's recognition and acknowledgement of the great potential offered by the innovative concept of the 911 for future success is one of his greatest lifetime achievements. The ongoing success of this model series subsequently resulted from a process of constant evolution making the Porsche 911 the perfect sports car: "Looking back at the 911, I know that the concept of this model was definitely quite questionable. But today the long and really unusual lifecycle of the 911 makes me proud that ultimately I was right in my opinion of the car." Ferry Porsche was also open at all times to unusual and even risky ideas. Building the VW-Porsche 914, for example, the company launched a joint venture with Volkswagen in 1969 in an attempt to win over new market shares beneath the Porsche 911 through an inexpensive sports car for a broader segment. While sometimes criticised for its design and image, the 914 most definitely became a success in the market, sales of almost 120,000 units making it the most successful sports car in the early ‘70s. Ferry Porsche himself also drove a 914 which he received as a gift from his employees on the occasion of his 60th birthday - although in this case the sports car, while hardly modified externally, came with the three-litre eight-cylinder power unit otherwise featured in the Type 908 racing car; albeit slightly de-tuned for everyday use: Maximum output of this unique car bearing the registration number S-R 3000 and licensed by individual homologation was 260 bhp. And this very special 914/8 was by no means a gift just for the private Porsche garage, with Ferry Porsche covering more than 10,000 kilometres in the car. From then on it became a tradition at Porsche to give the man at the top a very special, customised birthday car on the occasion of his most important anniversaries. So when asked by a journalist whether he would buy a Porsche himself, Ferry Porsche had a very easy answer: "No, I just have to wait until my next birthday." Ferry Porsche always endeavoured to optimise his company not only in technical terms, but also in social matters. Being an entrepreneur and a human being with a great social commitment at the same time was not a contradiction in terms in his eyes, but rather a logical conclusion, perhaps even the foundation for all his success. He therefore introduced a corporate old-age pension scheme as early as in 1956, the Porsche Foundation also being established to help all employees suffering economic need for reasons beyond their own fault. In 1960 the Company transformed all blue collar workers from wage-earners employed on an hourly basis to monthly wage-earners, thus raising them to the same status as the salaried personnel. Fringe benefits such as a Christmas bonus or a vacation allowance were also introduced much earlier by Porsche (without any legal or industrial obligation to do so) than in the automotive industry as a whole. So Ferry Porsche was also a pioneer in the introduction and payment of such social benefits. Setting the Stage for the Future In the early ‘70s Ferry Porsche once again set the long-term stage for the company he had now been running for two decades. Following lengthy discussions regarding his successor in the top management of the Company, the Porsche and Piëch families decided in 1971 to no longer fill any top operating positions in the Company with members of the two families. And entering the year 1972, the principal partners of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche KG decided to turn the limited partnership into a joint-stock corporation as of 1 August 1972. Ferry Porsche readily accepted this unanimous decision by the families and retired from active management, from now on accompanying the development of the Company in his new position as the Chairman of the Supervisory Board, an office he held until 1990 when his son Ferdinand Alexander took over. Subsequently acting as the Honorary Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Ferry Porsche was then to actively accompany the development of the Company for the rest of his life. Through his far-sighted vision as an entrepreneur and engineer, Ferry Porsche left a lasting stamp on the company time and again. And he was indeed all too happy to take up the innovative ideas of his engineers on many occasions, the company venturing beyond the beaten track - not always to the pleasure of some of the "die-hard customers" - with models such as the 924, 944, and 928. Still, these models also made a very significant contribution to the success of the company, with every other Porsche built in the ‘80s being such a front-engined sports car. Another issue always of great interest to Ferry Porsche was the future of the automobile, with the opinion he voiced in 1979 now more important than ever before: "Fuel consumption will be a particularly significant factor in future. The amount of fuel consumed by a motor vehicle will also depend on its weight and air resistance. And the sports car is at an advantage on both of these points." So he always believed that "we must do things in our cars that help to reduce fuel consumption. And this is where we benefit from the developments we have already made in motorsport, such as the turbocharger. We can use the turbocharger not just to increase engine power, but also to improve the efficiency of the engine, reducing fuel consumption to a minimum in the process." In the last years of his life Ferry Porsche had to experience how his company entered a severe crisis threatening its very existence. But even when the Porsche company was seen as the candidate for a possible takeover, Ferry Porsche still emphasised his unflinching will to remain independent. And experiencing the economic turnaround led by Dr. Wendelin Wiedeking, he was able to see his lifetime achievement returning to the road of ongoing success. The introduction of the Porsche Boxster in 1996 marked the continuation of his vision of a mid-engined roadster, and he never doubted the future of his sports car philosophy: "The last car ever built will be a sports car." The death of Ferry Porsche on 27 March 1998 also marked the end of another era, with the last air-cooled 911 coming off the production line in the same year. Curriculum Vitae Ferdinand (Ferry) Anton Ernst Porsche 1909 Born in Wiener Neustadt (Austria), on 19 September as Ferdinand Anton Ernst Porsche, commonly called "Ferry". Went to school in Wiener Neustadt and Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt. Completed his technical training with Bosch in Stuttgart and at Steyr-Werke in Austria. 1931 Started working as a constructor and engineer in the Engineering Office of Dr. Ing. h.c. Ferdinand Porsche GmbH established by his father Ferdinand in Stuttgart. 1932 Assumed additional responsibility for Test Supervision and Coordination, participated in the construction and development of the Auto Union Grand Prix racing car. 1934 Appointed Head of Test Driving in charge of the Volkswagen prototypes. 1935 Married Dorothea Reitz (died in 1985) from Stuttgart. Four sons. 1938 Director of the Porsche Test Department. Construction Office moving to Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen in the same year. 1940 Deputy Director of the overall company. 1945 Director of Porsche GmbH moved on account of the war to Gmünd in the province of Carinthia, Austria. 1946 Ferry Porsche assumes overall responsibility for the company in June. 1948 Completion of Porsche 356 No 1, a 35-bhp mid-engined sports car, in June. 1949 Following production of the first 52 units of Type 356 in Gmünd, returns together with most of the workforce to Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. Re-establishment of the Development Office under the management of Ferry Porsche and preparations for standard production. 1950 Start of standard production of Porsche Type 356 in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. 1959 Received the Supreme Honour Award of the Federal Republic of Germany from Professor Theodor Heuss, the President of the Federal Republic of Germany. 1965 Awarded the title "Dr. techn. E.h." by Vienna Technical University. 1972 Appointed Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, the new joint-stock company. 1975 Received the Supreme Golden Award of Honour of the Republic of Austria in Vienna. 1978 Received the Wilhelm Exner Medal. 1979 Received the Star on the Supreme Cross of Honour of the Federal Republic of Germany on the occasion of his 70th birthday from the Prime Minister of the State of Baden-Württemberg, Lothar Späth. 1981 Received the Gold Medal of the Société des Ingeniéurs de l' Automobile. Appointed Honorary Citizen of the town of Zell am See, Austria. 1984 Received the title "Professor" from Prime Minister Lothar Späth. 1985 Received the title "Senator E.h.", from Stuttgart University. 1989 Received the Business Medal for Outstanding Achievements in the Economy of Baden-Württemberg on 19 September from the Minister of Economic Affairs of the State of Baden-Württemberg, Martin Herzog. Received the Citizen's Medal of the City of Stuttgart on the occasion of his 80th birthday in recognition of his great contribution to the economic development of the State Capital of Stuttgart. 1990 Appointed Honorary Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart. 1993 Appointed Honorary Chairman of the Supervisory Board without a mandate. 1994 Appointed Honorary Citizen of the town of Wiener Neustadt on 21 September in recognition of his particular contributions to the Austrian and Lower Austrian economy, above all for his contributions and services to the town of Wiener Neustadt itself. 1998 Ferry Porsche dies in Zell am See on 27 March. <a href="http://www.worldcarfans.com/109092121923/100th-anniversary-of-the-birth-of-ferry-porsche-honoured/lowphotos#4">More Photos</a>

100th Anniversary of the birth of Ferry Porsche

Ferry Porsche in front of the one millionth Porsche, a 911 of the model line 993 (1996) 100th Anniversary of the birth of Ferry Porsche: Se...

1:34 AM

Tesla _ BRABUS Ultimate High Voltage Concept

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi548A0uQayEQ9mvu4vMKnWiBYxhiUgTSIWYxDDSWxvSPhDhhc3SB8Z5SB-pDeZuUMhVFerkelPPRiWZ8ElpLn6r20_QfcHy2EGEAH6W1icMYGMrQs0FbnCtnHLP566KABbWqQ72xR4uSg/s1600-h/7772614.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383141918121040354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi548A0uQayEQ9mvu4vMKnWiBYxhiUgTSIWYxDDSWxvSPhDhhc3SB8Z5SB-pDeZuUMhVFerkelPPRiWZ8ElpLn6r20_QfcHy2EGEAH6W1icMYGMrQs0FbnCtnHLP566KABbWqQ72xR4uSg/s400/7772614.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a> The BRABUS Ultimate High Voltage is based on the smart fortwo. First seen at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show as a concept car called smart fortwo BRABUS Electric Drive few details were released. But now it looks set for production since BRABUS has released initial specifications. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWX9j0R08gpIuwHO1aST37rq8FxpIfuZaMV3CbzOuGYwUfED-qDR5fpVnhJEwtmBjv0CIBZgnM9FCmHNQXxy17NgJK5Oc5M2AuY0Gul0zoXTfILHmKjhk66LcfA2R5DYknRxH6A3y094/s1600-h/7467805.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383141792191817346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWX9j0R08gpIuwHO1aST37rq8FxpIfuZaMV3CbzOuGYwUfED-qDR5fpVnhJEwtmBjv0CIBZgnM9FCmHNQXxy17NgJK5Oc5M2AuY0Gul0zoXTfILHmKjhk66LcfA2R5DYknRxH6A3y094/s400/7467805.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a> Powered by a lithium-ion battery located under the floor and electric motors co-developed with Tesla Motors, the Ultimate High Voltage will do the 0 - 60 km/h (38.5 mph) sprint in 3.7 seconds and 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.8 seconds. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSxOdofflMKVSFqqZ-hOUtm8SjjUA3IKFoC1D9m_N5j6Jp-NWbuZYeTYV_MYRkos-xz8AjkGyTlL70cf1fzVxT-5RaqDQd-YLLay730GbYqOjzifeFpY5ZAIuZ_vwIzyig9_j_Fc0Qds/s1600-h/9382428.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383141684320540626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSxOdofflMKVSFqqZ-hOUtm8SjjUA3IKFoC1D9m_N5j6Jp-NWbuZYeTYV_MYRkos-xz8AjkGyTlL70cf1fzVxT-5RaqDQd-YLLay730GbYqOjzifeFpY5ZAIuZ_vwIzyig9_j_Fc0Qds/s400/9382428.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a> Building off of the Geneva concept's exterior body kit, the Ultimate High Voltage includes cream colored matte Tridionzelle paintwork, LED daytime running lights, beefy Widestar fender flares, Widestar side skirts and 18-inch wheels with transparent Plexiglas covers. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytzynqh_iCpXIpCJ12jg7-0Xt-d9s62AQufix6KAMPwdRYyGhblngJOvBIR7BoidJYkFjT6rW3ifi0QjSLWqhf2qqK3yYTy25KkL5_purqP_HIMACrRztUcApFFFYTqv5lK1YLsWjavE/s1600-h/4317743.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383142615124033906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytzynqh_iCpXIpCJ12jg7-0Xt-d9s62AQufix6KAMPwdRYyGhblngJOvBIR7BoidJYkFjT6rW3ifi0QjSLWqhf2qqK3yYTy25KkL5_purqP_HIMACrRztUcApFFFYTqv5lK1YLsWjavE/s400/4317743.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a> The key elements responsible for the pocket rocket's performance is the light body mass, and 61kW (82hp) and 280Nm of peak torque achieved at 0 rpm. One disadvantage with EVs is the lack of sporty exhaust vocals, so to compensate BRABUS equipped it with an artificial sound generator that can simulate engine sounds like American V8s or racing cars. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7HebB3f9XuHRjeqtEWzYKLqzeBrmmwSknE_ia4ytjL-NXftfkUGEzN0bpQR4PuoGyxP-HBSXnlnzMVdsZLQVbIrdzm83CM0jSlnU5Ch8FgtnC1su5-ofiTXp3b2AT9GwR_QgKIXORkM/s1600-h/9203715.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383141502948277858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7HebB3f9XuHRjeqtEWzYKLqzeBrmmwSknE_ia4ytjL-NXftfkUGEzN0bpQR4PuoGyxP-HBSXnlnzMVdsZLQVbIrdzm83CM0jSlnU5Ch8FgtnC1su5-ofiTXp3b2AT9GwR_QgKIXORkM/s400/9203715.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a> Interior comforts include processed white leather stitched with a yellow thread and a special instrumentation display monitor built into the lower center console for drivetrain and trip information. <a href="http://www.worldcarfans.com/109091921893/brabus-ultimate-high-voltage-concept-powered-by-tesla/lowphotos#8">More Photos</a>

Tesla _ BRABUS Ultimate High Voltage Concept

The BRABUS Ultimate High Voltage is based on the smart fortwo. First seen at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show as a concept car called smart fortwo...

4:35 AM

Panamera available for Avis Customers

<center> <img alt="Porsche Panamera 2009" height="270" name="image" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/7/medium/7134320.jpg" width="400" /> </center> Car rental service adds fourth Porsche series to its fleet Stuttgart. Just shortly after its entry in retail, the new Porsche Panamera is also available as a rental car: the sports limousine stands at the ready beginning on 1 October at many German locations of the Avis car rental service. The models Panamera S and Panamera 4S - the fourth series of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG - will especially be offered at major city and airport locations. The rental price per day (Monday to Thursday) begins at 189 euro, according to Avis. The cost of weekend rental (Friday to Monday) starts at 567 euro for the Gran Turismo. As a longstanding business partner of Porsche, Avis offers the sport saloon as a rental car exclusively in Germany. <center> <img alt="2010 Porsche Panamera" height="272" name="image0" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/6/medium/9697412.jpg" width="400" /> </center> With the four-door Panamera, Porsche positions itself in the upper class and addresses customers who expect the consistent sportiness of a Porsche, in addition to the exclusive comfort and spaciousness of a limousine. The use of efficient V8 motors with direct injection, an intelligent, light construction, the start-stop system, optimal aerodynamics, the innovative Porsche PDK dual clutch transmission and additional measures have lead to an ideally low consumption of fuel, with which the four-door Gran Turismo sets new standards in its direct field of competition. <center> <img alt="2010 Porsche Panamera" height="268" name="image1" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/6/medium/6518244.jpg" width="400" /></center><a href="http://www.worldcarfans.com/109091821880/porsche-panamera-available-for-rent-from-avis-germany/lowphotos#10">More Photos</a>

Panamera available for Avis Customers

Car rental service adds fourth Porsche series to its fleet Stuttgart. Just shortly after its entry in retail, the new Porsche Panamera is...

4:21 AM

World premiere: the Wiesmann Roadster MF5

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Ul3x3VDHmyek6gmgiqgljTgdVAY9I2OM29qB3sqf5tJTywYNyq-Ti2d-9PVPvTmGL0CjW3o-L4t8OMrDl4inmBPDwlHoj9bSMqo9FHZe9KUYm1TyynWP2REcZxGmCGt7x_UBpTzsfgs/s1600-h/4257751.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382027731377589554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Ul3x3VDHmyek6gmgiqgljTgdVAY9I2OM29qB3sqf5tJTywYNyq-Ti2d-9PVPvTmGL0CjW3o-L4t8OMrDl4inmBPDwlHoj9bSMqo9FHZe9KUYm1TyynWP2REcZxGmCGt7x_UBpTzsfgs/s400/4257751.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a> World premiere of the Roadster MF5 and live production at the exhibition booth Like no other Brand before Wiesmann is known for the exceptionality: Hand made purist sports cars combining classic design with state-of-the-art technology. Today the International Motor Show IAA opens for press and there are even more than two reasons to enter the Wiesmann area in hall number 5 on the exhibition booth B18. It's the world premiere of the brand new and strictly limited Wiesmann Roadster MF5 with 507 HP and a 5 litre V10 BMW engine. At the same time visitors can have a look at a unique and unprecedented activity for the IAA. The manufactory of purist sports cars from Duelmen in Germany is going to install a car live in front of the audience on the IAA. The Wiesmann GT MF4 will be produced during the 12 exhibition days and shows the secrets of hand-crafted sports cars live in Frankfurt. Sports car enthusiasts can follow the production level via Internet. A Webcam broadcast the pictures to the website www.wiesmann.com. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATAGUaH2JZ4WAUbOZVZR8ESK_bgnwNN7xd6Cc8ZyAglTFArp1h-74dIqVtlPjiW0JotMRe_87gtVBe3nW-CZeEoRAuCyKuw0EFNCuhLkb81V9kzcSGF6ua9PrDXHWwQukkopbUZn8NVM/s1600-h/4834724.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382027592238156514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATAGUaH2JZ4WAUbOZVZR8ESK_bgnwNN7xd6Cc8ZyAglTFArp1h-74dIqVtlPjiW0JotMRe_87gtVBe3nW-CZeEoRAuCyKuw0EFNCuhLkb81V9kzcSGF6ua9PrDXHWwQukkopbUZn8NVM/s400/4834724.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a> World premiere: the Wiesmann Roadster MF5 Delivering a top speed of 310 km/h, an exceptionally low power-to-weight ratio of only 2.7 kg/hp and completing the sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, the Wiesmann Roadster MF5 takes even experienced sports car enthusiasts into a brand new dimension of driving enjoyment. This exclusive open-air experience will only be available to a select few because the spirited power package is only being produced in a limited edition of 55. Equipped with a V10 engine, 507 HP and 520 Nm torque, it's a car that appeals to all the senses. The extendable rear wing of the roadster version plus perfectly balanced suspension set-up guarantees the necessary stability, even at top speeds. The Wiesmann Roadster MF5 is available from a basic price of EUR 189,500. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0edG_dvRMcuGlX_-r1wqRkyK949rTS76EzcVAg9jmAfYLsRq4-1U8rP7ODaR00FfQrQp-qhDb_jQLMVQLg4k4D2qgZ72d6gFxwQtFmhlvlmuwSx8h5TASDYJZafRmu5ZpI1xzSM7AhuY/s1600-h/5041199.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382027468414793426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0edG_dvRMcuGlX_-r1wqRkyK949rTS76EzcVAg9jmAfYLsRq4-1U8rP7ODaR00FfQrQp-qhDb_jQLMVQLg4k4D2qgZ72d6gFxwQtFmhlvlmuwSx8h5TASDYJZafRmu5ZpI1xzSM7AhuY/s400/5041199.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a> Live production of a Wiesmann GT MF4 On the last day of the IAA the September 27th normally every engine wakes up and drive out of the exhibition hall, but one engine wakes up for the first time and run never in a car before. The completed Wiesmann GT MF4 is a product of the IAA. Two members of the staff will finish the work on the car from the September 15th till the September 27th exclusive and unique at the IAA in Frankfurt. The live production of the Wiesmann GT MF4 with 367 HP and a 4.8 litre engine can everyone follow locally at the IAA or via Webcam on www.wiesmann.com and www.auto-motor-und-sport.de. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGdlkdqVmhen2oiENUtu6S4TOfXxuH3A8FHSrBUs13j4KHNOzrVnSQ32VXfWiBIHT8STLeVKHn7puiloCqORf-nNxgtPpqZLql99ZNtOcAgh_00-XcceO4nyOHMmc048WrEHJzsiDTmk/s1600-h/8818223.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382026989826821682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGdlkdqVmhen2oiENUtu6S4TOfXxuH3A8FHSrBUs13j4KHNOzrVnSQ32VXfWiBIHT8STLeVKHn7puiloCqORf-nNxgtPpqZLql99ZNtOcAgh_00-XcceO4nyOHMmc048WrEHJzsiDTmk/s400/8818223.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.worldcarfans.com/109091521784/wiesmann-roadster-mf5-revealed/lowphotos#8">More Photos</a>

World premiere: the Wiesmann Roadster MF5

World premiere of the Roadster MF5 and live production at the exhibition booth Like no other Brand before Wiesmann is known for the excepti...

4:31 AM

Frankfurt Debut; Techart Porsche Panamera

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygtM2Xfphz71aZyPByeq-s6ix-FiucXDgAqFddyFNRigfGVD6ggfkZayF8dJYssEdSYyVkFdMB64QqHOmExU_rRh2sasJ5XCgKautIWxO2T00BHtZVEtAH11WX0O3MHMy8OPLibDByvI/s1600-h/7256606.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381645122406326498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygtM2Xfphz71aZyPByeq-s6ix-FiucXDgAqFddyFNRigfGVD6ggfkZayF8dJYssEdSYyVkFdMB64QqHOmExU_rRh2sasJ5XCgKautIWxO2T00BHtZVEtAH11WX0O3MHMy8OPLibDByvI/s400/7256606.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a> TECHART is celebrating the world premiere of its individualization program for the Porsche Panamera models at the IAA 2009. The first phase of the TECHART program includes, among other things, exterior components for improved aerodynamics and a striking appearance that is typical of TECHART, 21 and 22 inch light metal wheels, a multifunctional daylight running light system, as well as extensive options finishing the interior. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSh5YwdJ-IgmuA8ZAfqJnrhoduuU2WNYzwLjXfi2uMYMzV_Y5oHbtLgDnLZ6_W55KYQqbY_sgPKgQOmbEyaS92KqT3t-TvDbulSlwy26Uw6shyphenhyphenyaWNslEVJjlv7Z17bxbHpESFc11zAVo/s1600-h/248269.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381645012425119106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSh5YwdJ-IgmuA8ZAfqJnrhoduuU2WNYzwLjXfi2uMYMzV_Y5oHbtLgDnLZ6_W55KYQqbY_sgPKgQOmbEyaS92KqT3t-TvDbulSlwy26Uw6shyphenhyphenyaWNslEVJjlv7Z17bxbHpESFc11zAVo/s400/248269.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a> “Personality knows no compromise – this is our understanding of high-quality automobile finishing. We implement this one-to-one with the Panamera and in the process combine well-trained aesthetics with discrete elegance,” emphasizes Thomas Behringer, CEO of TECHART Automobil GmbH. The program for the Porsche Panamera Turbo will be shown at the IAA 2009. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHlOHr9zxA3Fu_ysMUN0eqfqfJdB6GeqpJLkaolfxJ1YVI7XRByca7jTcVBA3nua7adHNI1AzLn-mT0oQxzhzYBysIMaxL_Q8f55PRK7dNXjTTKaDQHUTk6eKxcgy2pfwSCmJO6Zg0_k/s1600-h/7078197.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381644899671595250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHlOHr9zxA3Fu_ysMUN0eqfqfJdB6GeqpJLkaolfxJ1YVI7XRByca7jTcVBA3nua7adHNI1AzLn-mT0oQxzhzYBysIMaxL_Q8f55PRK7dNXjTTKaDQHUTk6eKxcgy2pfwSCmJO6Zg0_k/s400/7078197.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a> The completely newly developed Aerokit I was manufactured from PUR-RIM and it optimizes the driving characteristics specifically at high speeds. The three-part Front Spoiler I has integrated brake air ducting and reduces the lift on the front axle with better cooling of the brakes at the same time. The side skirts steady the airflow under the vehicle and form dynamic contours in the side view. The new Rear Spoiler I and a rear diffusor support driving stability, and together with the dual oval tailpipes made of stainless steel with the TECHART engraving, they emphasize the consistent design at the rear. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vp1TDZLfipjg_SyCQNuebIPJp_yPUYQowXjSnfiPTVvdSgwmINqP06Gd_xbuoC8utMiU-Un4NhLvYwwIRjncuqdzPaLSzdKD7YTg47HFs46lb6N_VTN0vb_uhkNhSBx9jw9hnJII8GU/s1600-h/3798593.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381644773846405586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vp1TDZLfipjg_SyCQNuebIPJp_yPUYQowXjSnfiPTVvdSgwmINqP06Gd_xbuoC8utMiU-Un4NhLvYwwIRjncuqdzPaLSzdKD7YTg47HFs46lb6N_VTN0vb_uhkNhSBx9jw9hnJII8GU/s400/3798593.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a> Transmission of power to the road is the job of a choice of elegant 21-inch TECHART Formula or sporty 22-inch TECHART Formula II light-metal wheels. For the necessary road holding, TECHART recommends Conti Sport Contact 3 tires or Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bHYS4w7QSZBd8m7SHBstFzoLks7jkouJsT9-DZf4HQS6GVX5XR4HsDRbFscopASoaJ9H7tokWckhK1UNJfNcyKWVfWwJk9_O32iPfR4CR63ljzOiEm0vfLmDXmj3cHtuDruSQ33OQlw/s1600-h/5813772.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381644656052835570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bHYS4w7QSZBd8m7SHBstFzoLks7jkouJsT9-DZf4HQS6GVX5XR4HsDRbFscopASoaJ9H7tokWckhK1UNJfNcyKWVfWwJk9_O32iPfR4CR63ljzOiEm0vfLmDXmj3cHtuDruSQ33OQlw/s400/5813772.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a> TECHART has a multifunctional daytime running lights system ready for the Panamera Turbo. The LED system unit combines daytime running lights, blinkers, sidelights, and parking lights in one housing – in a choice of chrome or black – that slips seamlessly into the front design of the Panamera. The system has automatic dimming of the daytime running lights when blinking as well as when the low-beam is switched on. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtS8wN8jMXb0TVwAhPgObOj_qDreBCflUeJTRlnHghALM7jE8qaj7ZdxpeYuhVmJ7bQ1DwPRzSttoMuBdtFIBLbLIW1PlRKLAI0efiJNPxyNuuUtDJqp9e4l9KROw5DP6zbLEBq0_OEAQ/s1600-h/821916.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381644542936978770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtS8wN8jMXb0TVwAhPgObOj_qDreBCflUeJTRlnHghALM7jE8qaj7ZdxpeYuhVmJ7bQ1DwPRzSttoMuBdtFIBLbLIW1PlRKLAI0efiJNPxyNuuUtDJqp9e4l9KROw5DP6zbLEBq0_OEAQ/s400/821916.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a> Interior manufacturing is one of the key competences of the Leonberg Porsche tuning specialist. For the market launch of the program for the Panamera, TECHART is presenting exclusive two-colour leather finishing in teak and black. Decorative stitching with matching thread, a roof liner in the same coloured Alcantara, details such as interior colour-matched handles and foot mats with leather edging in the colour teak give rise to extensive personalization. A TECHART sport steering wheel as well as dials with the interior colour complete the sporty and elegant line. A new TECHART exotic wood variation is being used for the first time in the Panamera. The prized ash veneer with a tactile grain decorates the doors, the dashboard and center console. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_OtHQGUOPV2Fq6dYUURnpD97L1XgKSOPuUW9ichpSq48NRVP480kzspgYK77rcn9jfjIrfOdR5kZ5rdUGLydAIqRII91fCVXXne6Y-PyrMATwzCdUuVYdOjMK_lHaop2JzvNIfpYBPU/s1600-h/6797530.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381644419456073970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_OtHQGUOPV2Fq6dYUURnpD97L1XgKSOPuUW9ichpSq48NRVP480kzspgYK77rcn9jfjIrfOdR5kZ5rdUGLydAIqRII91fCVXXne6Y-PyrMATwzCdUuVYdOjMK_lHaop2JzvNIfpYBPU/s400/6797530.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a> The TECHART program for Porsche Panamera S, 4S and Turbo will be available in December 2009. More individualization options as well as technical features will follow at the beginning of 2010. <a href="http://www.worldcarfans.com/109091521755/techart-porsche-panamera-premieres-in-frankfurt/lowphotos#4">More Photos</a>

Frankfurt Debut; Techart Porsche Panamera

TECHART is celebrating the world premiere of its individualization program for the Porsche Panamera models at the IAA 2009. The first phase ...

3:46 AM

Leaked: Wiesmann Roadster MF5

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FSvHDef8HXAAnnvgsQDGz1fLCkCl4uEfhnDigzJKfmJa78juCz92vJAZ1bnqaCgJInxYl7SV2kbcpATRUlbfOyIcxgxhlwtngt1Kl3EMTTV4CezRuKxNwWyzpdaGIIEJZrSsWGDeoZU/s1600-h/wiesmann-mf5-roadster_100228416_m.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380052946343015666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FSvHDef8HXAAnnvgsQDGz1fLCkCl4uEfhnDigzJKfmJa78juCz92vJAZ1bnqaCgJInxYl7SV2kbcpATRUlbfOyIcxgxhlwtngt1Kl3EMTTV4CezRuKxNwWyzpdaGIIEJZrSsWGDeoZU/s400/wiesmann-mf5-roadster_100228416_m.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 269px;" /></a> The leaked image shows that the Roadster will stick very closely to the coupe's styling, being almost indistinguishable with the top up aside from the cloth material and contrasting color. The show car's bright orange top and matching wheels are likely to be tamed down for customer versions, though the Wiesmann is a car that draws eyes no matter its palette. When the Wiesmann MF5 went into production last year, the world took notice, as the latest iteration of the potent and wildly styled coupe is the sort of car that commands attention. Now that the company is getting ready to unveil the Roadster version of the MF5 at next week's Frankfurt Motor Show, it's only fitting that an image of the car's posterior should leak ahead of the official reveal. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SezaV-KZiNut5EUSGj0y5X8IiJYl4q6k268vQBPzaaDDRarJOggwbHDSaxs9jom-jAiR_VU9oUeydtfFGEUkN4uGH-2VqPNeb5RyqLVqSYwhBrNbV5UNw9rvmcc_AbVMtBnvogtaaV0/s1600-h/wiesmann-issuing-20th-anniversary-editions_100185908_m.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380052829510483730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SezaV-KZiNut5EUSGj0y5X8IiJYl4q6k268vQBPzaaDDRarJOggwbHDSaxs9jom-jAiR_VU9oUeydtfFGEUkN4uGH-2VqPNeb5RyqLVqSYwhBrNbV5UNw9rvmcc_AbVMtBnvogtaaV0/s400/wiesmann-issuing-20th-anniversary-editions_100185908_m.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 164px;" /></a> Following on from the Roadster MF4, the Roadster MF5 takes all the best of the MF5 Coupe (pictured) and then gets rid of the confining metal roof. But if the idea of a drop-top MF5 gets your heart revving, you'd better act quickly - only 55 will be built. Powered by the same 507-horsepower BMW-sourced V-10 engine as its hard-top sister, the Roadster MF5 will dart to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 192 mph. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pstBAN9mtLFmXw6VIVph1ueRjPuo10kQ-hu86QcVSxqbIAkJrWhl24szRtpCeN5TBx4BGjsu1BrSkrCN3OdPlvnJWcQRiPymkoViZSEeQWHyCfufPdjcp6TzB1pFabCot0fpKWhdtyI/s1600-h/wiesmann-mf5-motorauthority-011_100213700_m.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380052704011073586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pstBAN9mtLFmXw6VIVph1ueRjPuo10kQ-hu86QcVSxqbIAkJrWhl24szRtpCeN5TBx4BGjsu1BrSkrCN3OdPlvnJWcQRiPymkoViZSEeQWHyCfufPdjcp6TzB1pFabCot0fpKWhdtyI/s400/wiesmann-mf5-motorauthority-011_100213700_m.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a> It's not all about speed, however, as the car is also outfitted with some heavy-duty safety technology, including an aluminum monocoque chassis with integrated side-impact guards, dual-stage driver and passenger airbags and ABS, stability control and more. Pricing for the Roadster MF5 starts from €189,500, or about $267,500. via:<a href="http://www.motorauthority.com/blog/1034422_frankfurt-preview-wiesmann-roadster-mf5-leaked">motorauthority</a>

Leaked: Wiesmann Roadster MF5

The leaked image shows that the Roadster will stick very closely to the coupe's styling, being almost indistinguishable with the top up ...

8:47 PM

Frankfurt Debut _ Audi R8 Spider Leaks ahead

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtoryAgG3NkhSb7MzFoLiWxJL63uL7XSDKZ3RjOPCMoja10-svLAKGikE93ZrTpBhAaiQDwQb4p5_xLvFnwneVQKgs_nSZKAY-vnQnOtXXVeRKay2albDjvSI7pRwfcXV2SdyU4UC168/s1600-h/7202955.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379756640977288178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtoryAgG3NkhSb7MzFoLiWxJL63uL7XSDKZ3RjOPCMoja10-svLAKGikE93ZrTpBhAaiQDwQb4p5_xLvFnwneVQKgs_nSZKAY-vnQnOtXXVeRKay2albDjvSI7pRwfcXV2SdyU4UC168/s400/7202955.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a> It's no secret that Audi is unveiling the R8 Spider at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week. Neither are these leaked pictures showing the car mostly jazzing around with two happy occupants. In addition to recent paparazzi shots of the car taken during the filming of Ironman 2 - Electric Boogaloo, spy photos revealed a black canvass roof whose mechanisms hid the mid-rear mounted engine. We'd be quite interested to see how said roof is operated. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Z2KxIjnj2erZa-JT4Eu3brliHYJvNcJrOIoO3SN3RZP6G3fQFtCJKk3KoMG8G3R4_uZjWkdlfF_iW_lINb7v1LwGH1j0LKJiE-rDrpQFFdnf-e7m0llQI2IPpUV6u73CwK5i7WF2Mes/s1600-h/8281280.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379756551402868370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Z2KxIjnj2erZa-JT4Eu3brliHYJvNcJrOIoO3SN3RZP6G3fQFtCJKk3KoMG8G3R4_uZjWkdlfF_iW_lINb7v1LwGH1j0LKJiE-rDrpQFFdnf-e7m0llQI2IPpUV6u73CwK5i7WF2Mes/s400/8281280.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a> Audi plans to launch the R8 Spider with only the 5.2-litre V10 engine as its symphony of thrust. It produces 386kW (525hp) and peak torque of 530Nm. The transmission options are the 6-speed manual and the R Tronic sequential shifter. Power is shared along the two axles through the quattro AWD system which, if the same as the coupe's, can transfer up to 85% of torque to the rear wheels. Rumours say there won't be a 4.2-litre Spider but there may be an electric-powered one. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilk4SKBazqcNOMjLCOauxeMHXpXdDTBmBRB4Pg1s0WIfU7hWSTFAtriJ77-FGxL7wITvPQbIonp2JX3ZKKIdwzC3irqUVGX61Aq0j7wuM9Wsc_iFTSUM_Ts8xaadLinOlIrCUE0kGiLAQ/s1600-h/2373430.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379756469871825426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilk4SKBazqcNOMjLCOauxeMHXpXdDTBmBRB4Pg1s0WIfU7hWSTFAtriJ77-FGxL7wITvPQbIonp2JX3ZKKIdwzC3irqUVGX61Aq0j7wuM9Wsc_iFTSUM_Ts8xaadLinOlIrCUE0kGiLAQ/s400/2373430.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a> The front end has the powerful grille with surrounding LED daytime running lights while the rear features LED rear lights, two oval tailpipes that are visible from the sides and a massive diffuser. <a href="http://www.worldcarfans.com/109090921607/audi-r8-spider-leaks-ahead-of-frankfurt-debut/lowphotos#5">More Photos</a>

Frankfurt Debut _ Audi R8 Spider Leaks ahead

It's no secret that Audi is unveiling the R8 Spider at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week. Neither are these leaked pictures showing the...

1:39 AM

Abt Upgrades Audi TT-RS to 420hp

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVNV-mT0caleObqI87XRlRVqDamDcfJKFxbP4h1f9n18cUUsQSCHchddUYPBpju69VHB83AXcmo7Mg_S3QnDcL725H407ips_LlSSiIE2eDu11uyjosoZIhxrIrqIJB3D9TxkNCgYV4Q/s1600-h/abt_audi_tt-rs_3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379410869517091042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVNV-mT0caleObqI87XRlRVqDamDcfJKFxbP4h1f9n18cUUsQSCHchddUYPBpju69VHB83AXcmo7Mg_S3QnDcL725H407ips_LlSSiIE2eDu11uyjosoZIhxrIrqIJB3D9TxkNCgYV4Q/s400/abt_audi_tt-rs_3.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" /></a> ABT Sportsline is likening its 420hp TT RS to the old ur-Quattro in terms of speed, power and agility. Made for both coupe and Roadster versions the power kit gives it a 282km/h top end. ABT Sportsline General Manager Hans-Jürgen Abt makes a link between the legend and his company's newest creation. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLANy5wSPs563ZTcjhCV_DUoX6j_aizq1GIUqpBuqV58fJGi6tAmVogUT1NJq8fVbsHFGA_eIguIAlG7cVZ2kvdMIxhkBv3b8FH5YSIR8ifOB14Rd_wdzEbWp3FTP4TeRQeOQdczL5oc/s1600-h/abt_audi_tt-rs_2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379410794552856786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLANy5wSPs563ZTcjhCV_DUoX6j_aizq1GIUqpBuqV58fJGi6tAmVogUT1NJq8fVbsHFGA_eIguIAlG7cVZ2kvdMIxhkBv3b8FH5YSIR8ifOB14Rd_wdzEbWp3FTP4TeRQeOQdczL5oc/s400/abt_audi_tt-rs_2.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" /></a> After Sportec, who upgraded the Audi TT-RS to an impressive 400hp, ABT revealed today its latest tuning kit for the brand new sports car from the German manufacturer. The tuning company decided that 340 hp is not too much power and added an extra 80 hp in order to obtain an impressive 420 hp (309kW), the same power of the Audi R8! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vghKMYgrxHEqafP0zmYDxHwSC7LTfyAqEen6_SF175Wc39BtkN1O4tkI4wNk0HMEoAD3lXTDJbXif0mnX7Fm0z9laxOCA6-GovlkUxJSiLMSTIsibKQGGbJl41hVW9dAoJo9UyPxB10/s1600-h/abt_audi_tt-rs.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379410729623926402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vghKMYgrxHEqafP0zmYDxHwSC7LTfyAqEen6_SF175Wc39BtkN1O4tkI4wNk0HMEoAD3lXTDJbXif0mnX7Fm0z9laxOCA6-GovlkUxJSiLMSTIsibKQGGbJl41hVW9dAoJo9UyPxB10/s400/abt_audi_tt-rs.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" /></a> "Our ur-Quattro is a big banger," he says, "a sports machine which played in the Champions league. Quattro technology and performance are in perfect harmony. The TT RS brings this magical combination back on the road." via:<a href="http://www.4wheelsnews.com/abt-gives-420-hp-to-the-audi-tt-rs-is-it-enough/">4wheelsnews</a>

Abt Upgrades Audi TT-RS to 420hp

ABT Sportsline is likening its 420hp TT RS to the old ur-Quattro in terms of speed, power and agility. Made for both coupe and Roadster vers...

3:17 AM

Porsche Panamera Stingray by Russia's TopCar

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRO4BOONLZwrivYCuGhHqiDyIaxHU1LBQT6xyCzp8BsqC2X2HitwGhDMPA_fIFEIhcmO-FiS5EvdbEC2DycoURyL9gFf4ZOsA-hRyVaLqCG0Fa8o0ONzz_EypP2VplYpv11MytO23vIq8/s1600-h/2004.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377932833663946978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRO4BOONLZwrivYCuGhHqiDyIaxHU1LBQT6xyCzp8BsqC2X2HitwGhDMPA_fIFEIhcmO-FiS5EvdbEC2DycoURyL9gFf4ZOsA-hRyVaLqCG0Fa8o0ONzz_EypP2VplYpv11MytO23vIq8/s400/2004.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 241px;" /></a> Russian tuner claims to be planning an even more extreme rendition of the Panamera, complete with a whole new set of body panels. Russian tuner TopCar has released the first images of their rendition of the Porsche Panamera. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uF3jKWGlqF-Hn_bHi4iVyLBP_cQkRbzIVui5ntSXHxlqUpwMt2N-aPrulPBidgUM-mNNZbJunE2QybRuWjP_aoRTZ2yXfH07w-A2N35GpqBL9UDRamAyaO56IOqpKCX-FZL-4CWUoYo/s1600-h/8778440.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377932715849574434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uF3jKWGlqF-Hn_bHi4iVyLBP_cQkRbzIVui5ntSXHxlqUpwMt2N-aPrulPBidgUM-mNNZbJunE2QybRuWjP_aoRTZ2yXfH07w-A2N35GpqBL9UDRamAyaO56IOqpKCX-FZL-4CWUoYo/s400/8778440.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 243px;" /></a> The Russian tuner says it is also working on a more extreme Panamera that replaces all body panels with their own kit. TopCar claims it will be partnering with Porsche tuner 9ff to provide for the performance upgrades of their Panamera, as well as doing the work of actually producing the bodykits. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHcIvH9vekMZnh8idu0bpE3pUHHANtN2gTkyWLRhE0ZTPDJxJcMb1zU5TUowVfCq8Y9YqjFx6m9zedwMCKR3C7-tU5xuEojXlBgZ0p2jEeBP0a9Z8MyBDbgIH98634sYwxWL7o3Peh3c/s1600-h/2951150.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377932478967411378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHcIvH9vekMZnh8idu0bpE3pUHHANtN2gTkyWLRhE0ZTPDJxJcMb1zU5TUowVfCq8Y9YqjFx6m9zedwMCKR3C7-tU5xuEojXlBgZ0p2jEeBP0a9Z8MyBDbgIH98634sYwxWL7o3Peh3c/s400/2951150.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 244px;" /></a> What we do see is an aerodynamic package made of carbon fiber with newly designed bumpers, air intakes on the bonnet, the addition of side skirts, and a fixed rear wing. A set of alloy wheels is also part of the tuning package. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6PNzQbY9jZozSVhGYDLMD4mCOizM0NxvC8vkMWK7LEEilyLFVe2WWW-MxneKhWuy9YFlbAB8KFoGmvWCQHsoubGYTycK386GUCAB8_vJYXKjfq7fChsZCw9uVCyLT5djXNK0VxTIyQU/s1600-h/9224390.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377932343233972162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6PNzQbY9jZozSVhGYDLMD4mCOizM0NxvC8vkMWK7LEEilyLFVe2WWW-MxneKhWuy9YFlbAB8KFoGmvWCQHsoubGYTycK386GUCAB8_vJYXKjfq7fChsZCw9uVCyLT5djXNK0VxTIyQU/s400/9224390.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 214px;" /></a> The bodykit on the Panamera is called the Stingray and was designed by another Russian firm Cardi. The naming may lead one to question what, if any, reference there is to the old Corvette Stingray design here. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jmtfHkLV6JEGllPqNYfjHtMggtEYIsewy6xUZ0Rn3j7xDtbK1vLA5icPMb6zxzSCUNzPxAeXCTaRfpZ2yzAw7GTGhZbUffoCS09sg9ndsX1wTf40dFdPd99k825nq-1k5amEnT5g25Q/s1600-h/5561995.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377932228885734850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jmtfHkLV6JEGllPqNYfjHtMggtEYIsewy6xUZ0Rn3j7xDtbK1vLA5icPMb6zxzSCUNzPxAeXCTaRfpZ2yzAw7GTGhZbUffoCS09sg9ndsX1wTf40dFdPd99k825nq-1k5amEnT5g25Q/s400/5561995.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a> via:<a href="http://www.worldcarfans.com/109090421507/porsche-panamera-stingray-by-russias-topcar">worldcarfans</a>

Porsche Panamera Stingray by Russia's TopCar

Russian tuner claims to be planning an even more extreme rendition of the Panamera, complete with a whole new set of body panels. Russian tu...

3:41 AM

modification of automotive technology