Author: karla

The Porsche Museum has acquired the first vehicle designed and built by Ferdinand Porsche. Originally unveiled in 1898, the Egger-Lohner C.2 Phaeton (aka P1) had an electric powertrain that weighed 130 kg (286 lbs) and could produce up to 5 HP (3 kW). It was connected to a 12-speed “controller” which enabled the model to hit a top speed of 35 km/h (21.7 mph) and travel up to 80 km (49.7 miles) on a single charge. The model also has a racing pedigree as Ferdinand Porsche used it to compete in an EV rally in 1899. The course was relatively grueling and more than half the participants failed to reach the finish line due to technical difficulties. However, the P1 was victorious as it crossed the finished 18 minutes ahead of its nearest competitor.

Source: World Car Fans

TechArt has introduced their new tuning program for the Porsche 911 Turbo. Set to be showcased at the Geneva Motor Show, the car has been equipped with a carbon composite body kit that includes an active front spoiler, aerodynamic side skirts and a fixed rear wing. Designers also added a roof spoiler, a rear diffuser and 20- or 21-inch alloy wheels. Rounding out the changes are sport springs and a stainless steel sports exhaust system.

Source: World Car Fans

A 1992 Honda NSX, formerly owned by legendary three time Formula One World Champion Ayrton Senna, is set to cross the auction the block at Silverstone Auctions’ Race, Retro and Classic Car Sale on February 22nd. Close personal friend, manager and mentor of Senna, Antonio Carlos de Almeida Braga, purchased the car new for the famous driver to use when he visited his home in Portugal. The car remained in Braga’s garage following the tragic death of Senna at Imola in 1994, where it was not to be touched by anyone, let alone driven.

Source: GT Spirit

A survey conducted by J.D. Power and Associates found that “this age group (buyers under 25) really is passionate about vehicle ownership. Not only do they enjoy driving but they also see their vehicle as a reflection of their identity.” The survey specifically revealed that 33 percent of young drivers who’ve bought a new car “completely agree” that they want their vehicle to stand out from the crowd. In comparison, just 20 percent of all new car buyers across all age groups are saying the same. What’s more, 22 percent of young respondents also “completely agree” that they enjoy driving on challenging roadways with hills and curves.

Source: Car Buzz

Nissan and its motorsport partner NISMO have finally revealed the engine that will feature in its 2014 ZEOD RC electrified race car, which will compete in the Garage 56 experimental entry in this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. The engine is a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder putting out an incredible 400 horsepower, but what’s more impressive is that the engine weighs just 88 pounds, which means a human is quite capable of carrying it (turbocharger and all), as NISMO chief Shoichi Miyatani demonstrates above.

Source: Motor Authority