2011 Porsche Cayenne on 2040-cars

Auto blog

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.

Gemballa reveals new Porsche 991-based GT convertible

Gemballa went through the ringer last year, but rebounded with products that signal a complete turnaround. The latest is the recently-released Porsche 911 Carrera S with a Gemballa GT aerodynamics and technology package. Aero-wise, it includes carbon fiber additions beginning with a front bumper wearing the classic Gemballa air intake design and a lower, angrier splitter. New side skirts run from wheel to wheel, the final piece being a rear bumper in three sculpted horizontal sections featuring a rear diffuser tucked between six rectangular exhaust tips.
No engine mods have been made, but the technology part of the tune - springs that are 30 millimeters shorter yet still able to work with the PASM system - is claimed to make the car faster. Bringing things to a halt is a new Brembo brake system hiding behind 21-inch GForged wheels that are lighter than Porsche's standard 20-inchers.
The Gemballa GT aero kit runs €19,860 ($26,070 U.S.), which includes paint and installation if you happen to be in Germany, and we're assuming that includes the suspension modification, brakes and sport exhaust. The GForged wheels are another €9,895 ($12,989 U.S.) depending on your choice of tire. Check out the press release below for more info, and the photo gallery above for all the angles.

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