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Porsche planning something track-focused for Geneva [w/poll]

At the 2015 Geneva Motor Show next month, Porsche has confirmed that it will be showcasing two potentially exciting new models: One is the new Cayman GT4 we've already seen, but we don't know what the other will be just yet. All the German automaker is saying at the moment is that, "the second new model is another exceptional Porsche that sets new standards on the racetrack" and that "this vehicle confirms the sports car manufacturer's commitment to high performance sports cars that manage a very special link between everyday driving and motorsports." Given those two statements, we can probably rule out a crossover or sedan at one end of the spectrum or a purely competition-spec racer at the other. The likelihood is, then, that Porsche's surprise for Geneva will be the new 911 GT3 RS. But then it could be the Boxster-based convertible counterpart to the Cayman GT4 (whether dubbed Boxster GT4, Boxster Spyder or something else), or even a track-tuned version of the 918 Spyder to take on the McLaren P1 GTR and Ferrari FXX K. We'll just have to sit tight to find out, but you're welcome to read the press release below and tell us what you think Zuffenhausen has in store for us at the Swiss expo this year. Double world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show 2015 Porsche shows two new high-performance cars for the first time Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG is celebrating the world premiere of two extreme sports cars at this year's Geneva International Motor Show. The new Cayman GT4 is the first high-performance sports car belonging to the GT family that is based on the mid-engine coupes. Clocking a lap time of seven minutes and 40 seconds on the North Loop of the Nurburgring, the new entry-level model makes a great debut. The second new model is another exceptional Porsche that sets new standards on the racetrack. The world premiere will take place during the Porsche press conference at the Palexpo Arena in Geneva at 11:30 (CET) on March 3, 2015. A live webcast will be available in German and English on: http://porsche.gomexlive.com/. This vehicle confirms the sports car manufacturer's commitment to high performance sports cars that manage to make a very special link between everyday driving and motorsports. These two premieres continue Porsche's tradition of presenting motorsport highlights at the spring car show on the shores of Lake Geneva. The 911 GT3, 918 Spyder and 919 Hybrid all celebrated their debuts in Geneva in recent years.

Automakers not currently promoting EVs are probably doomed

Okay, let's be honest. The sky isn't falling – gas prices are. In fact, some experts say that prices at the pump will remain depressed for the next decade. Consumers have flocked to SUVs and CUVs, reversing the upward trend in US fuel economy seen over the last several years. A sudden push into electric vehicles seems ridiculous when gas guzzlers are selling so well. Make hay while the sun shines, right? A quick glance at some facts and figures provides evidence that the automakers currently doubling down on internal combustion probably have some rocky years ahead of them. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is a prime example of a volume manufacturer devoted to incremental gains for existing powertrains. Though FCA will kill off some of its more fuel-efficient models, part of its business plan involves replacing four- and five-speed transmissions with eight- and nine-speed units, yielding a fuel efficiency boost in the vicinity of ten percent over the next few years. Recent developments by battery startups have led some to suggest that efficiency and capacity could increase by over 100 percent in the same time. Research and development budgets paint a grim picture for old guard companies like Fiat Chrysler: In 2014, FCA spent about $1,026 per car sold on R&D, compared with about $24,783 per car sold for Tesla. To be fair, FCA can't be expected to match Tesla's efforts when its entry-level cars list for little more than half that much. But even more so than R&D, the area in which newcomers like Tesla have the industry licked is infrastructure. We often forget that our vehicles are mostly useless metal boxes without access to the network of fueling stations that keep them rolling. While EVs can always be plugged in at home, their proliferation depends on a similar network of charging stations that can allow for prolonged travel. Tesla already has 597 of its 480-volt Superchargers installed worldwide, and that figure will continue to rise. Porsche has also proposed a new 800-volt "Turbo Charging Station" to support the production version of its Mission E concept, and perhaps other VW Auto Group vehicles. As EVs grow in popularity, investment in these proprietary networks will pay off — who would buy a Chevy if the gas stations served only Ford owners? If anyone missed the importance of infrastructure, it's Toyota.

Porsche to reveal Cayman GT4 Clubsport racer in LA

Aspiring professionals and amateur gentleman racers alike will want to swing by the Porsche booth at the LA Auto Show this year. That's where the German automaker will be revealing its new entry-level racer. The Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport is nearly stock, but features some choice upgrades to cater its disposition toward the racetrack. Power comes from the same 3.8-liter flat-six as the road-going Cayman GT4 (shown above), producing the same 385 horsepower. It ditches the manual, however, for the faster-shifting DCT (which we expect will soon be offered on the showroom version as well), aided by a mechanical locking differential. It features the front suspension setup from the 911 GT3 Cup car and beefed-up steel brakes. It's also got a roll cage inside and a racing bucket with a six-point harness. All told, the whole package weighs 2,866 pounds – making it a good hundred pounds lighter than the street-legal model on which it's so closely based. Once homologation is complete, customers will be able to field it in series like the Pirelli World Challenge, Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, and Pirelli GT3 Cup Trophy. Porsche has yet to release images, but we'll be sure to update this post as soon as they're available – so watch this space. New race car for motorsport newcomers Porsche develops Cayman GT4 Clubsport Stuttgart. Using the lightweight Cayman GT4 as the basis, Porsche Motorsport has developed a near-standard racing version. The Cayman GT4 Clubsport celebrates its world premiere at the Los Angeles Motor Show on 18 November. Sales of the 283 kW (385 hp) mid-engine racer for motorsport newcomers also start on this date. Just like its race-worthy production sibling, the Cayman GT4 Clubsport is powered by a 3.8-litre flat-six engine. The racing version features a Porsche double clutch transmission with shift paddles on the steering wheel and a mechanical rear-axle locking differential. The lightweight suspension strut front axle is taken from its big 911 GT3 Cup brother, which is campaigned in Porsche's 20 one-make championships around the world. The impressive racing brake system is fitted with steel brake discs all round measuring 380-millimetre in diameter. Tipping the scales at just 1,300 kilograms, the Cayman GT4 Clubsport, delivered ex-works with a welded-in safety cage, a racing bucket seat as well as a six-point harness, is truly lightweight.