2011 Porsche 911 Carrera S on 2040-cars

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VW adding particulate filters to gas engines

Volkswagen is working hard to overcome the PR disaster that is its diesel emissions scandal, and part of its efforts is focusing, weirdly, on petrol engines. Starting in June 2017, the embattled German automaker will add particulate filters to the gas-powered Volkswagen Tiguan and Audi A5. The change will eventually impact nearly every direct-injected gas engine the VW Group makes. Audi? Particulate filter. Seat? Particulate filter. Even Bentley is going to get the tech, all in a bid to reduce soot emissions by 90 percent. In fact, by 2022 VAG expects 7 million of its vehicles to boast the emissions-cleaning tech, which has long been a fixture on diesel engines. "Following increases in efficiency and lower CO2 output, we are now bringing about a sustained reduction in the emission levels of our modern petrol engines by fitting particulate filters as standard," Volkswagen Group research and design boss Dr. Ulrich Eichhorn said in a statement. "In the future, all models will be equipped with the latest and most efficient SCR catalytic converter technology." VW's initial rollout focuses on the 1.4-liter, turbocharged Tiguan and the 2.0-liter, turbocharged A5. Considering the popularity of the 2.0-liter across the VW range, we'd expect it's only a matter of time before VW expands its particulate filters tech to additional gas-powered vehicles. Related Video:

Porsche Classic to offer vintage 911 dashboards

Porsche Classic already offers everything from oil specifically for the brand's air-cooled models to GPS navigation units for them. For restorers looking for just the right piece, the division is now also selling replacement dashboards for early 911s. Fitting models from 1969 to 1975, these dashboards aren't 100-percent original replacements. Instead, Porsche Classic reengineered the part with a modern substructure to hold up better to the sun, temperature changes, and humidity. The outer surface still looks entirely correct, though, to fit the design of these vintage air-cooled coupes. Porsche Classic is selling them for $1,353, but the the windshield needs to come out for installation. While the price may sound steep, it appears to be right in line with other dashboard replacements for the vintage 911. The Porsche specialists at Stoddard offer an example for $1,325 and list a factory part for $1,501.29. Shopping around might be worthwhile, though, because another website already seems to show the Porsche Classic unit with a markdown to $1,150. Porsche Classic Recreates Dashboard for Historic 911 June 1, 2015 New dashboard built to original specifications Atlanta. It is back: Porsche Classic is reproducing the dashboard for vintage 911 models from years 1969 to 1975. A sophisticated manufacturing process combines high quality meeting today's standards and a design that is true to the original. The new dashboard consists of a modern substructure and the original surface design. The fluted texture, tactile feel, gloss and shade of black are designed to be as close as possible to the original. The new part is now available to be ordered from any authorized Porsche dealer in the United States. MSRP is $1,353 plus any applicable taxes, shipping, and handling. Like the technical equipment, the classic vehicles' interiors are subject to normal wear. Solar radiation as well as fluctuations in temperature and humidity attack the surface and materials over time. Today's materials hold up better; therefore, to help preserve the long-term value of classic Porsche cars, Porsche Classic re-engineered the dashboard. Extensive tests conducted to modern standards assure precision fit and quality. As an original equipment part, the dashboard, which contains the loudspeaker cover, can only be installed by the original assembly procedure – which involves removing the windshield.

2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed statue unveiled

Each year at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, a single marque is celebrated with a large and ornate "Central Feature" sculpture, with recent automakers including Audi in 2009, Alfa Romeo in 2010, Jaguar in 2011 and Lotus last year. This year, Porsche gets the honor, and it is using the opportunity to commemorate 50 years of the 911.
The sculpture features three generations of the 911 towering over the Goodwood House. The most recent 991 911 has the lowest position, with an original 1963 car second highest and a 1973 2.7 RS at the top of the pile. Be sure to check out the sculpture for yourself in the gallery of images above.