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Porsche wants a better 'connected car' [UPDATE]

UPDATE: In an earlier version of this story we mistakenly identified Joe Lawrence as the CEO of Porsche Cars North America; Lawrence is in fact the Chief Operating Officer, COO, of PCNA. The text has been changed to reflect this. Porsche is known for great engineering, but it's usually the type that leads to fantastic engines and sublime handling, rather than cutting-edge infotainment systems. The company wants to alter that balance in the future to put a greater emphasis on connectivity in its models. Porsche Cars North America COO Joe Lawrence outlined the brand's goals during a speech at the Bloomberg Innovation Forum in Atlanta, according to Automotive News. "Recognizing the phone is so ubiquitous in every sector, how do we integrate that into driving experience in a way that is safe and enjoyable?" he said. Lawrence suggested the company might be working with Google and Apple on future solutions. Even if Porsche is working on making more tech savvy models, don't expect the company to forget its roots. Brand boss Matthias Muller also broached connectivity during his recent speech at a conference and said the sports car business' customers didn't want "a smartphone on four wheels." He promised investments in research and development to come up with an answer. In the same speech, Muller strongly suggested fully electric Porsche models were on the way and also announced a seventh model line coming in the future. Lawrence reiterated the company's future, as well, in his address. "We will see further electrification of our product line," he said, according to Automotive News. Rumors of Porsche building a Tesla-fighter have been circulating as of late. The vehicle is possibly in the body of the smaller Panamera called the Pajun, and it could offer a 300-mile range with an electric motor at each axle kicking out a reported total of 600 horsepower. Related Video:

Aston Martin Valkyrie could beat that new Nurburgring record, Red Bull F1 boss says

During last weekend's Austrian Formula 1 Grand Prix, Race Fans asked Red Bull F1 team principal Christian Horner about the Aston Martin Valkyrie. The question was whether the coming hypercar, a collaboration between Red Bull and title sponsor Aston Martin, could beat the stunning lap record around the Nurburgring just set by the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo. Horner's answer: "I'm not sure a Formula 1 car could actually do it, but I think that the Valkyrie — certainly the track version of the Valkyrie — could be a contender." That's a qualified endorsement, but it still counts as support merely putting the Valkyrie AMR Pro in the conversation. Let's compare, shall we? The 919 Hybrid Evo is based on the 2017 World Endurance Championship-winning 919 Hybrid. Freed from motorsport regulations, Porsche Motorsport upgraded numerous performance bits. The 2.0-liter, turbocharged V-four-cylinder went from 500 hp to 720 hp. The two KERS units went from 400 hp to 440 hp. We don't have a figure for downforce, but items like active aero, a larger front diffuser, optimized turning vanes, and larger rear wing increased downforce by 53 percent over the WEC car, at the same time being 66 percent more aero efficient. It weighs 849 kg dry, or 1,868 pounds because Porsche threw out everything that didn't contribute to speed. The Valkyrie specs we know of so far state a weight of 1,000 kilograms, or 2,200 pounds. Powering that is a custom, naturally aspirated, 6.5-liter AMR Cosworth V12 with more than 900 horsepower, augmented by a kinetic energy recovery system contributing around 230 hp. According to Autocar's sources, the Valkyrie could generate up to 4,000 pounds of downforce at an aerodynamically-limited 225 miles per hour. That boggling number comes courtesy of Adrian Newey's prowess at making changes such as openings between the front wheel arches and the cockpit that work the front wing harder. The two-seater coupe's unrestricted top speed is 254 mph. Note, though, that the Valkyrie AMR Pro will be more powerful, lighter, and could have even more downforce. And since Aston Martin and Newey continue to work on the hypercar, specs could get even better before deliveries begin. Right now, Horner's suggestion doesn't seem all that outrageous. We'll also wait to see if the Mercedes-AMG Project One pokes its nose in the ring, too. Not long ago, AMG chief Tobias Moers said it's "reasonable to speculate" the F1-inspired hypercar could claim an absolute lap record around the 'Ring.

Paul Walker's father sues Porsche

Porsche will reportedly face another wrongful-death suit in connection with the death of Paul Walker. This latest suit, according to USA Today, was filed by the late actor's father and the executor of his will. In the suit, Paul William Walker III claims that the Porsche lacked the safety equipment that could have saved the life of his son, actor Paul William Walker IV. The case dates back almost two years, to the day when Walker and his associate Roger Rodas were traveling in a 2005 Porsche Carrera GT. Rodas lost control of the car, which struck a lamppost and two trees on Hercules Street in Santa Clarita, CA. A fire erupted after the crash and both Rodas and Walker (who was riding in the passenger seat) were killed. The ensuing investigation determined that unsafe speeds were at fault, however grieving members of the deceased victims' families have launched a series of lawsuits – including several directed against the German automaker – in the aftermath. Walker's father previously sued the Rodas' estate over the ownership of a collection of cars estimated to be worth some $1.8 million. Meanwhile Rodas' widow Kristine has also filed a wrongful death suit against Porsche. And just this past September, Walker's 17-year-old daughter and heiress Meadow filed another wrongful death suit, also against Porsche. In response to the latter, Porsche spokesman Calvin Kim wrote to Autoblog: "As we have said before, we are very sad whenever anyone is hurt in a Porsche vehicle, but we believe the authorities' reports in this case clearly establish that this tragic crash resulted from reckless driving and excessive speed." This latest lawsuit filed by Walker's father alleges that the Carrera GT should have been equipped with stability control, reinforced doors, and a breakaway fuel line – features that, the plaintiff asserts, could have saved his son's life. According to USA Today, Porsche recently claimed in court that the vehicle in question had been modified and improperly maintained. Those factors could have led to the accident that claimed both Walker's and Rodas' lives. Walker was an actor who made his debut in television before appearing in movies like Varsity Blues, The Skulls, and Flags of Our Fathers. He will perhaps be best remembered, however, as the star in the Fast and Furious series – the most recent installment of which was completed posthumously with the help of his brothers and computer animation. The California native was 40 years old.