It is common knowledge that Ferdinand Porsche, at the request of Adolf Hitler, designed the VW Beetle. However, a Dutch historian and author claims otherwise.

According to Paul Schilperoord, the Beetle may have actually been designed by Jewish engineer Josef Ganz, with Porsche taking the credit. In his new book Het Ware Verhaal van de Kever (“The True Story of the Beetle”) he says Ganz had an idea for a new revolutionary car called the Maikäfer (or “May Beetle”) that featured an engine in the rear, an independent suspension, and a streamlined body.

Schilperoord says Ganz didn’t have the financial backing to build his car, so he started publishing articles calling for a revolution in car design. He was eventually arrested by the Gestapo in Nazi Germany, but eventually was released. He then moved to Switzerland and tried to build his car, but the Swiss government supposedly tried to steal his design. Finally, Hitler decided he liked the design and had Porsche build it.

Ganz ended up in Australia, where he worked for Holden then died poor and in obscurity.

[source: Ganz-Volkswagen.org and AD.nl Autowereld via Autoblog]

The 2009 J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey results are out, and Porsche came in second only to Lexus.

Porsches on average has 90 problems per 100 cars sold, just behind Lexus’ 84 problems per 100. The industry average was 108 problems per 100. And who was the worst? That would be MINI with 165 problems per 100.

Check after the jump for a chart with the full results.

[source: J.D. Power via Jalopnik]

Porsche has announced its 3.8-liter 911 Carrera S engine has won the 2009 “Best New Engine of the Year” award in the International Engine of the Year Awards.

The power combined with the efficiency and drivability of the direct fuel injected engine helped earn the award. The current engine, combined with the PDK transmission, produces 385 hp while maintaining a 23 mpg average fuel economy.

The new engine is 8.5% more powerful and 13% more fuel efficient than the previous 911 Carrera S engine. And CO2 emissions are down 15%.

So, if you want to drive the Best New Engine of 2009, head to your Porsche dealer and grab yourself a brand new Carrera S.

Full press release after the jump.

[source: Porsche]

Porsche wins “Best New Engine 2009 Award”

Distinction for more powerful and fuel-efficient flat-six engines

Stuttgart. Once again Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has been successful in the International Engine of the Year Awards. With its 3.8-litre power unit from the 911 Carrera S models, the sports car manufacturer has underpinned its position in a fie of high performance competitors, receiving the coveted “Best New Engine 2009 Award”. For eleven years now, this prize has been awarded by the British specialist journal “Engine Technology International” for outstanding engine characteristics.

With the new flat-six engines featuring direct fuel injection Porsche is raising the sportiness, efficiency and environmental compatibility of the 911 to an even higher level than before. The Carrera S for the first time also comes with Porsche’s new double-clutch transmission (PDK). And despite an increase in power by 8.5 per cent, the PDK models reduce fuel consumption by more than 13 per cent and CO2 emissions by almost 15 percent.

Output of the 3.8-litre power unit in the S-models is up by 30 to 385 bhp (283 kW), pushing the extra-powerful S-version beyond the magic speed barrier of 300 km/h or 186 mph. Despite this supreme power and performance, the new models in the 911 range once again boast a significant reduction of fuel consumption, the 911 Carrera S Coupé with the PDK version offering even greater fuel economy with average fuel consumption of just 10.2 litres/100 km (combined overall fuel consumption to the EU5 standard).

Bloomberg is reporting that Qatar’s investment deal with Porsche could be done by the end of June. As we reported earlier, Porsche is seeking up to $3.45 billion in investment from Qatar.

According to the article, Qatar wants at least a 25% stake in Porsche.
Porsche has already gotten a $978 million loan from VW, and is in talks with other banks to get an additional $2.42 billion load, all to cut down its $12.5 billion debt.

[source: Bloomberg via Autoblog]

What do you get when one of the most legendary Porsche tuners goes green? The 997-based E-Ruf.

This concept from Ruf is powered by a three-phase electric motor that puts out about 200 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough to propel the 4200-lb car (the batteries alone weigh 1200 lbs) from zero to sixty in seven seconds and to a top speed of about 160 mph.

The battery pack is lithium ion phosphate, produces 317 volts and 480 amps, and is comprised of 96 individual cells. They take about 10 hours to charge and you can go about 180 miles before having to plug it in again. Unfortunately, the batteries and motor takes up all of the trunk space, the back seat, and the space formerly occupied by the legendary flat-6.

But how does it drive? Raod & Track got their hands on one and you can read their impressions here.

Full press release and more photos after the jump.

[source: Ruf via Autoblog]

PRESS RELEASE:

eRUF Concept Model A 2008

” Emotion without Emission”

Ruf Automobile GmbH, internationally well known manufacturer for high performance
automobiles and the producer of the famous CTR-series is now introducing the first
electrically powered sports car from Germany.

The fundamental ideas that lead to the development of the eRUF concept vehicle came from
Alois Ruf. The car maker from the Bavarian town of Pfaffenhausen had a vision of a simple
energy transfer concept: his hydroelectric power plants, which feed 35 million kW hours of
electricity annually into the German electrical network, could also more or less directly power
modern autos. 35 million kWh is enough energy to power one of the prototypes eRUF as
described below for 3500 journeys around the globe – or 3500 of the cars one time around the
world each.

The idea seemed even more inspiring, as it would be possible for him to connect cars directly
to the emission-free power plants for charging and drive away on the water-generated power.
The eRUF Model A concept car is the first prototype to lead the technical development away
from the combustion engine.

Actually, for the first time an electric motor is being used which comes to fitting into the Ruf
model range.

The three-phase AC motor’s performance easily puts many conventional conbustion engines
to shame. It produces its maximum 650 Nm torque output from 0 rpm onwards. This power
rips into the drive shafts so impressively during acceleration, that one is immediately
reminded of the extremely powerful Ruf Rt 12

It is actually enough simply to put the car in 6th gear and press down the accelerator pedal (an
“amp pedal”, not a “gas pedal” in this car!), and drive off.
The eRUF Model A has such impressive acceleration that the project goal of 0-100 km/h in
under 7 seconds was achieved.

The maximum power output is around 204 hp if you translate it into combustion engine terms.
In direct connection to Volt and Ampere the maximum output level of 150 kW is a useful
figure.

A short discourse regarding efficiency might be helpful at this point: a highly-developed,
modern petrol engine uses around 75 percent of the energy in its tank to heat the engine
coolant and exhaust gas and only 25 to 30 per cent for actual propulsion. A diesel manages to
convert a respectable 35 to 40 percent of its fuel energy into motion. The permanent magnet
electric motor, on the other hand, is a model of high efficiency: it offers over 80 percent
efficiency over the majority of its power range, extending 90 per cent in the upper end of its
power range.

Ruf engaged CALMOTORS in Camarillo, California, specialized in the implementation of
hybrid electric and electric only power train designed to combine the latest generation of
lithium-ion batteries with its motor.

Since the 150 kW electric motor unit is very compact, there is a lot of room for batteries in the
Ruf’s bodywork.

The Axeon iron-phosphate, lithium-ion batteries currently in use weight 5.6 kg and deliver
160 Ah each. This means each one could theoretically deliver 160 amperes of electricity for
one hour under normal temperatures or 1 ampere for 160 hours.

The generation of batteries available from Axeon represents by no means the end of the
developmental curve. Current performance improvements in battery technology indicate that
end of this improvement spiral is nowhere near.

The driving current in the eRUF is regulated by an electric “drive-by-wire” accelerator pedal.
It is not the first electrical accelerator in a Ruf model. Other Ruf models also provided load
control via potentiometer-pedals, nicely dosed for their powerful engines.
The power and torque produced by the 3-phase motor can be used to recover just as much
power as it can put out. When coasting, the motor becomes a generator producing electricity
to charge the batteries. The torque and electrical amperage ratings below are therefore to be
understood as theoretical absolute maximums and minimums.

The 96-cell battery system is constantly monitored by an intelligent bus system from Axeon.
Each individual cell is coupled with a sensor that sends critical information on cell
temperature and voltage to the central control system. If irregularities appear during
operation, the system can react within milliseconds to bring the values back in line,
effectively preventing critical lithium-ion overheating behaviour during charging.

Tech specs for the eRUF model A, status of September 2008
All data are preliminary data as specified for the eRUF Model A

Drive Performance
· Acceleration 0-60 mph under 7.0 sec (development target)
· Vmax 160 mph, 225 km/h
· Cw 0.28
· Roll resistance 0.014
· Driving range approximately 250 – 320 km, depending on
performance level
· Specific power pick-up 21 kW / 125 km/h

Vehicle data
· Engine power 150 kW / 204 PS
· Max torque 650 Nm 7 0 rpm
· Weight 1910 kg (preliminary data)
· Battery weight 550 kg

Motor Data
· Max torque + 650 Nm to -650 Nm
· Power + 150 kW to -150 kW (peak level)
+ 204 hp to -204 hp
100 kW / 136 hp continuous
· Currency 300 – 420 Volt
· Current level max 550 A
· Rpm level max 5000 rpm
· Operating system brushless three phase alternating current with
permanent magnets

Dimensions
· Diameter 405 mm
· Length 241 mm
· Weight 91 kg
· Specific weight 1,65 kW / kg, 2,25 hp / kg
· Coolant flow 8 L /min max

Battery System
· Type Lithium-Ion, iron-phosphate base
· Manufacturer Axeon plc, GB
· Stored Energy (96 units) 50,72 kWh
· Nominal Voltage 317 Volt
· Maximum discharge 480 A
· Max Power 152,16 kW = 210 PS
· Charging current, max. 16 A
· Charging time 10 hours

Single Battery Cell Data
· Capacity 160 Ah
· Operating voltage 4,25 V charging, 2,5 Volt discharging
· Nominal Voltage 3,3 Volt
· Max. Temperature Level 80 °C
· Life cycle 3000 charging cycles
· Self-discharge under 3 % per month
· Weight per Unit 5,6 kg

It sounds like the “entry-level” mid-engined roadster VW was going to unveil at the LA Auto Show will neither be at that show nor will it be an entry-level car.

A VW spokesman said the concept will now debut in January at the Detroit Auto Show. He also gave some more details about the car.

He said VW plans to launch the car in 2011, and it will be a halo model for the brand, not an entry-level model as first thought. He also said the car will ride on an upgraded version of the Audi R8 platform.

To me, this new information implies that Porsche will not create their own version of this car (since it no longer sounds like an “entry-level” car) and instead gives more credibility to the rumor that the Boxster itself will get a 4-cylinder engine.

(Also, note that the photo above is not the car they will show, it is a picture of the 2003 VW Concept R mid-engined concept car.)

[source: Motor Authority]

Two freight trains collided in Dillenberg, Germany, damaging an unknown number of luxury vehicles. Among them? At least 20 new 997s.

The cause of the accident is not yet known, but one thing is for sure: some people are going to have to wait longer to play with their new toys.

[source: 993C4S]

Silicon Valley startup GIMM showed a 1999 Boxster powered by compressed air at the recent Alternative Car and Transportation Expo in California.

The MIIN-AER Boxster has several air storage tanks in the trunks and gets its power by a drivetrain the uses compressed air “multiple times” for propulsion. It features an energy recovery system, has zero emissions, and its motor has no pistons and only six moving parts.

The car has a top speed of 65 mph and can go about 50 miles, depending on load and speed. The air tanks can be filled in about 10 minutes with a 4,500 psi air compressor, which takes about 25 kwh of electricity.

The company plans to start licensing their technology sometime next year.

Check out more pictures after the jump.

[source: Motor Authority]

Kevin Gosselin, author of the Porsche novel Hunt for 901, came across an incredible diecast model of a Porsche 901.

From the pictures, the detail on this model looks incredible. The interior is real leather, the suspension works, and even the wheels are removable… just don’t lose those tiny lug nuts!

The 1:18 scale model is made by CMC, and is available at Legacy Motors for $318.95. It comes in four colors: Champagne yellow, Irish green, Light ivory, and Sky blue.

And if you’re still not convinced yet, look at more pictures after the jump, and check out this video review of the model. Amazing.

[source: Kevin Gosselin]

Almost a year ago, we told you about Fanatec’s Porsche 911 Turbo wheel and pedals for all you sim racing Porsche fans. Now, Fanatec has just unveiled a sweet set of high-end pedals to go along with the wheel.

The new Clubsport Pedals are made of aluminum and are fully adjustable. And from the video above, they look really precise. I haven’t seen any details on price or availability yet, and it sounds like they are still in beta… but man, I would love to try these out with GTR2 and GT Legends.

[source: Fanatec via YouTube]