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Another naked Porsche 911 GT3 RS caught in Stuttgart parking garage

With its reveal not expected until the Geneva Motor Show in April, we have to wonder why there'd be a rode-hard-put-away-wet 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS sitting out in the open, completely uncovered. It's one thing to be caught out on the street or in triplicate at a Swedish gas station, but it's another thing to be on what looks like daily driving duty – there's a child's seat in the passenger's throne. Instagram user Johan9ff snagged it, and in response to a query in German as to how, he answered in German (per Google Translate) that he found it in a parking garage in a fitness center in the Stuttgart suburb of Killesberg. Based on its muddy front lip and bug-spattered paint job, the coupe has been naked out on the street and traveling quickly. Out of its camouflage it looks just like we've been led to expect based on the patent photos and the recent winter spy shots, but this time we get an up-close view of the vents over the front wheels. We have one word to say about them: filthy. And if you're wondering about those turbo-like vents on the rear haunches, no, this isn't a GT2 – Porsche has said there won't be a GT2, the current race-certified GT3 RSR has those vents (occasionally found on the previous version as well), and the GT3 RS has already been leaked in scale-model form. This is it. Based on comments left on Porsche forums, production will be limited by the number of orders – the new engine won't meet European regulations coming into force, so it won't be manufactured after this year. Deliveries are said to start at the beginning of summer; those who bought the 918 Spyder will get first dibs, and you can be certain there won't be enough of these to go around. Speaking of that engine, it's said to be good for somewhere between 510 to 525 horsepower, a PDK transmission getting power to staggered wheels, 20-inchers in front, 21-inchers in the back. Johan9ff has slowly been posting Instagram photos of the beast, we're hoping he got at least one of the interior. Those seats looks mega. Bring on Geneva. Featured Gallery 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS News Source: Johan94ff via Instagram Spy Photos Porsche Coupe Luxury Performance

Recharge Wrap-up: Ford's "snowtonomous" Fusion Hybrid, Porsche eyes battery makers

Bosch and Panasonic are vying to be the battery supplier for Porsche's electric sports car based on the Mission E concept. While Bosch's costs may be higher, its solution would offer simpler logistics. Panasonic is already well established as a battery maker, providing the packs for the Porsche car's rival, Tesla. "We're in the final stage of making a decision," says Porsche CEO Oliver Blume, declining to comment on specific manufacturers. Neither Bosch nor Panasonic provided comment. Read more from Automotive News. Renault will supply a fleet of 150 Renault Zoe EVs for a smart solar charging project in Utrecht, Netherlands. The project involves the installation of 1,000 EV chargers powered by 10,000 photovoltaic panels. The Renault Zoes would be used as part of a carsharing program powered by the solar chargers. Renault and its partners will also implement a vehicle-to-grid system to provide energy during peak demand from the solar chargers and connected EVs. Read more in the press release from Renault. Ford has been testing an autonomous Fusion Hybrid prototype that is capable of driving itself in snowy conditions. Ford uses 3D mapping to scan the drive route. Its LiDAR laser mapping can even detect single falling snowflakes. It collects and processes up to 600 gigabytes of data per hour, comparing its environment to saved maps, a process that helps establish location more precisely than GPS. In addition to the LiDAR systems, the car is also equipped with cameras and radar to help it navigate. Eventually, the car could even be able to clean off its sensors when it detects loss of performance from ice and dirt. Read more in the press release below. FROM AUTONOMY TO SNOWTONOMY: HOW FORD FUSION HYBRID AUTONOMOUS RESEARCH VEHICLE CAN NAVIGATE IN WINTER DEARBORN, Mich., March 10, 2016 – Driving in snow can be a slippery challenge, with the potential for one blizzardy gust to white-out your field of view – a situation faced by the majority of people in the United States. So if self-driving cars are to become a reality – and they almost certainly will – they must be able to navigate snow-covered roads. In its quest to bring self-driving vehicles to millions of people around the world, Ford reveals six facts about its technology that allows for a car to drive itself in snow. 1. Mapping the way: Ford first creates high-resolution 3D maps using LiDAR technology to scan the area its autonomous vehicle will later drive in the snow.

Car Club USA: Porsche Club of America Escape to Rushmore

The Porsche Club of America, whose motto is "it's not just the cars, it's the people," plans its annual Escape in a different city every year. This year's was particularly epic, as Porsche fans headed to the Black Hills of South Dakota for their gathering. The scenery and the history are part of the attraction, but the winding roads are the real headliner. "This road right here is the reason why we chose the Black Hills of South Dakota to do the 2015 Escape," said Ron Johnson of the Nord Stern Porsche Club as he navigated the mountain range. "These Porsches really love these twisty, curvy roads." That statement neatly sums up why the sports cars have resonated so deeply with their owners and enthusiasts for so long. In addition to the guided tours and drives around the winding terrain, the club hosts a car show. This year marks the club's 60th in the United States, and the Escape drew a wide range of Porsches of all vintages. Lloyd and Donna Nelson from Valley City, ND, arrived in their 1955 Porsche Speedster, which they purchased alongside a 1951 coupe in 1964 for a grand total of $750. Needless to say, it was a good investment – although they didn't know it at the time. "We had two children, one on the way, we were both working and I really didn't see the sense in two old cars," explained Donna. "I said, 'one of them has to go,'" to which Lloyd responded, "which one of the kids?" They sold the coupe long ago, but the speedster is still gorgeous and gets more than its fair share of stares and use. Will they win best of show? "This is what us as enthusiasts dream of," Johnson said. Watch the latest episode of Car Club USA to see how it turns out and for a snapshot of life at the Escape. Each Car Club USA episode features a different car club or event from across the US, where passionate owner communities gather to share automotive experiences and embark on incredible adventures. From Main Street cruises to off-road trails, catch all the latest car club activity on Autoblog.