Porsche 356b on 2040-cars

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The exotic '80s: Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus and the Porsche 959

There's no secret that we are big fans of the MotorWeek Retro Review series around here. In an automotive world that often focuses on the latest tech and what's coming in the future, it's refreshing to take a look into the past to get a new perspective. That said, the show is really outdoing itself this time by posting a full episode from the '80s to YouTube, complete with the original, jazzy opening. The video is an absolute standout, too, with drives of some of the best supercars that Europe could offer at the time. Among the now classic sportscars that MotorWeek got to drive are the Ferrari 328, Lotus Esprit Turbo, Lamborghini Jalpa and Autokraft AC Mark IV. There's even a preview that sings the praises of the tech in the Porsche 959. The episode is basically a showcase of most of the exotics from young enthusiasts' walls and school folders during the '80s and is not to be missed. News Source: MotorWeek via YouTube Ferrari Lamborghini Lotus Porsche Performance Classics Videos lotus esprit ac

Someone burnt the schnitzel out of this trio of Porsches

Every vehicle has a story, and right now, we're wondering about the tale of three extra crispy Porsches – listed as a " 1963 Porsche Porsche" (a 356), a 1970 914 (we're pretty sure it's probably a 912, not a 914), and a 1996 911 – stuck in a Woodhaven, MI salvage yard. Yes, salvage. Fire has consumed all three cars from stem to stern, the 914 looks partially flattened and, along with the 356, has part of a tree growing out the back. Shockingly, no one's bid yet. But right now, we just want to know what happened. Obviously there was fire. A lot of fire. But beyond that, we don't know. Autoblog called the salvage yard, located in southern metro Detroit, and couldn't uncover any information – a customer service rep told your author that the company doesn't have "the story" on the cars and doesn't staff mechanics at the facility. Perhaps it's this lack of mechanics that explains the outrageous prices the salvage yard listed on its website. The repair estimate on each car should read "Never," but instead, a six-figure appraisal accompanies each car. They're probably low-balling. The lowest estimated retail value, meanwhile, is $75,000. At least the primary damage – "Burn" – is correct, albeit something of an understatement. Check out the images of each car up top. And if you want more information – or God forbid you're actually considering bidding on one of these – you can click over to the salvage yard's website. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Featured Gallery Burnt Porsches in Michigan View 9 Photos News Source: Copart [1, 2, 3]Image Credit: Copart Auto News Porsche Auctions Coupe Performance Classics fire porsche 356 salvage porsche 912

2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid is one mean green machine

The entire Porsche Panamera lineup gets a refresh for the 2014 model year, and new additions to the range include two long-wheelbase models and this E-Hybrid fuel-sipper that makes its debut here at the Shanghai Motor Show. And, well, we say "fuel-sipper lightly."
Porsche has packed its hybrid Panamera with 416 horsepower and 435 pound-feet of torque, and that certainly makes for one quick sedan-hatchback-thing. Hitting 60 miles per hour will reportedly take just 5.2 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 167 mph. And while Porsche hasn't revealed specific powertrain details, the company says that the S E-Hybrid "improves upon the concept offered by the previous Panamera S Hybrid with a more powerful electric motor," which leads us to believe that the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine at the heart of it all still remains intact.
Fuel economy numbers (or estimates) have not been released as of this writing, but we expect to have that information closer to the car's on-sale date later this year. As for the new battery system, Porsche says that when plugged into a 240-volt charging station, it can be fully charged in just two and a half hours. When topped off, the Panamera S E-Hybrid should have an electric driving range of around 20 miles at speeds up to 84 mph, though, obviously, not at the same time.