2005 - Porsche Cayenne on 2040-cars

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The 2017 Porsche 911 RSR goes mid-engine, purists be damned

Porsche unveiled its World Endurance Championship and IMSA WeatherTech Championship competitor with the 2017 911 RSR. And this 911 is different from the rest, as the 4.0-liter flat-six engine powering this beast is in front of the rear axle, not behind it. That's right, this 24 Hours of Le Mans competitor ditches the iconic rear-engine layout. Porsche isn't talking specifics on how exactly things are arranged back there. The engine is new, now based on the 991 911's block instead of the previous Mezger motor that's been used for years. The transmission design is new as well – it would have to be to accommodate the new location relative to the engine. The racecar has been engineered to meet the LM-GTE class, where it will go up against other mid-engine cars like the Ford GT and Ferrari 488 GTE. Moving the engine to the middle has given Porsche the ability to fit the 911 RSR with massive bits of aero, like the humongous rear diffuser that looks like it would be more at home on a machine of war. The only thing that can compete with the diffuser for size is the top-mounted rear wing, which shares a similar design to the one found on the 919 Hybrid. Going back to the engine, the direct-injected boxer motor, depending on the size of the restrictor, generates as much as 510 horsepower and sends all of its fury to the rear wheels. The engine is paired to a six-speed sequential gearbox, which drivers can employ through paddles on the steering wheel. The new engine doesn't have a lot of weight to push around as the 911 RSR, as required by regulations, weighs 2,740 pounds. Speaking of weight, the engine layout isn't the only change for the 911 RSR. For 2017, the car ditches its steel body for one that's made out of carbon fiber. The body attaches to the chassis via quick-release fasteners, making the vehicle easier to service as exterior elements can be removed with minimal effort. The racecar also gets a radar-based collision system – aptly named the "Collision Avoid System" – which is meant to limit the 911 RSR's encounters with faster LMP prototypes. Only time will tell if the new layout and aerodynamic components help the 911 RSR beat its competition. But there will be plenty of opportunities to see the racecar in action as Porsche plans to run the 911 RSR in 19 races during the 2017 season, the first of which will take place at the IMSA opener on January 28th at Daytona, where the racecar will make its track day debut.

Audi will submit emissions fix for 3.0 TDI V6 to EPA and CARB

Audi will develop a software update for the emissions control system on Volkswagen Group's 3.0 TDI V6 and will submit the changes to the Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board for approval. If the government regulators accept it, the tweaks could end the emissions problems for an estimated 85,000 of these engines in the US in Audi, Porsche, and VW models. However, the stop-sale still covers these vehicles until further notice. Audi admits in its statement to failing to disclose three "auxiliary emission control devices" on the V6 to regulators, and US law considers one of these systems a defeat device. VW Group offered the engine in the US on the Audi A6, A7, A8, Q5, and Q7 since the 2009 model year. The mill was also available on the VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne. The EPA filed a violation against the 3.0 TDI on November 2 because the agency reported that the engine's software contained a defeat device to circumvent emissions tests. The regulator recently extended that notice to cover these powerplants in the US from the 2009 to 2016 model years. Audi's statement vaguely estimates the price of this problem to be in the "mid-double-digit millions of euros," and the automaker could face financial punishment by regulators. "Determinations regarding potential penalties and other remedies will be assessed as part of the investigation EPA has opened in conjunction with the US Department of Justice," an EPA spokesperson told Automotive News. Related Video: Statement on Audi's discussions with the US environmental authorities EPA and CARB Auxiliary emission control devices (AECD) for US version of V6 TDI 3 liter engine to be revised, documented and submitted for approval Technical solution for North America versions from 2009 model year onwards to be worked out in conjunction with the authorities Audi will revise, document in detail, and resubmit for US approval certain parameters of the engine-management software used in the V6 TDI 3 liter diesel engine. That is the result of the discussions held between a delegation from AUDI AG and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The updated software will be installed as soon as it is approved by the authorities. The three brands Audi, Porsche and Volkswagen are affected. Audi estimates that the related expense will be in the mid-double-digit millions of euros.

Qatari sheikh flees US after speeding Ferrari [w/video]

A prominent Qatari national has reportedly fled the United States after a video ostensibly showing his Ferrari racing through the streets of Beverly Hills went viral. Although the exact identity of the driver remains unclear, it is believed that the yellow LaFerrari was owned by Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Thani, a member of the ruling family of Qatar, the country's former interior minister and a well-known racing enthusiast. The video below, which has already attracted some 1.5 million views (but contains language that may not be safe for the workplace), shows the yellow hybrid hypercar racing with reckless abandon against a white Porsche 991 GT3 through the swanky Los Angeles neighborhood. The Ferrari is shown scraping its chin spoiler on the road before pulling back into the driveway (alongside a black Bugatti Veyron) with smoke billowing out its engine bay. Neither of the European exotics appear to show much regard for traffic laws, running stop signs as they speed through a residential area. The Ferrari appears to be wearing Qatari plates, while the Porsche does not appear to be carrying plates at all - just some racing decals on the doors and hood. According to reports, the Ferrari belongs to Sheikh Khalid, but the identities of the drivers behind the wheel of either car has not been ascertained. The Al-Thanis are known for their supercar collection, which is shipped around the world for the enjoyment of royal family members. Their signature teal and black exotics are a regular site around London. The Beverly Hills Police Department confirmed that, when approach by officials, the driver claimed diplomatic immunity – which the driver may not actually have. "It is against a federal law for someone to claim diplomatic immunity when they don't have it," said police chief Dominick Rivetti. The Ferrari was not, according to reports, registered with the State Department as belonging to a credentialed diplomat. Al-Thani has since reportedly fled the country, and taken his cars with him. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. News Source: BBC, Effspot via YouTube Government/Legal Ferrari Porsche Supercars porsche 911 gt3 ferrari laferrari