Autoblog

Watch Petrolicious beautifully profile the Targa California

Zach Bowman — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Videos

In terms of classic car rallies, the Targa California is a fairly young event. In it's fourth running, the event is a NASA-sanctioned, non-competitive rally that features classic machinery from 1975 and earlier on a jaunt through some of central California's most beautiful countryside. The three-day event is open to any make and model, right down to vintage pickups, so this is our kind of party. The crew from Petrolicious Productions captured this year's batch of drivers as they wound through the dirt roads and rolling coastline.

The five-minute clip is loaded to the brim with beautiful machinery, from BMW 2002 racers to classic Porsche 911 and 914 models, as well as more than a few Jaguar E-Type and Alfa Romeo participants. From the looks of things, if it's cool, it's in the Targa California. With excellent camerawork and plenty of drool-worthy tin, the video is well worth your time. Check it out below. You can also head over to the Targa California site for more information.

Continue reading Watch Petrolicious beautifully profile the Targa California

Watch Petrolicious beautifully profile the Targa California originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Oct 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Inside Line attempts to name 100 Worst Cars of All Time

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Humor

Inside Line is at it again, this time with a list of the 100 worst cars ever made. While we were pretty pleased with the website's choices for its 100 best earlier this year, this one is somewhat less satisfying, which is to be expected.

Calling out the bad eggs is indeed trickier and more fraught with potential missteps than merely committing sins of omission. So yes, we've got our beef with a few of the cars listed. The General Motors EV1 at #92? That's like calling out Gottleib Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach for not building a flying car. The Porsche 914 at #45? Hardly. If you want to pick on a Porsche, why not the 924? Speaking of which, putting the BMW Isetta on the list (#3) is like bullying a kindergartener. And don't even get us started on the inclusion of the Ariel Atom, at #94 or any other number.

Despite our quibbling, the list is a lot of fun - and sure to bring back "fond" memories for those who've had the misfortune of owning Iron Duke-powered GM products or tried to convince others that a Renault Fuego qualifies as a sports car. After devouring all 100 entries, we can say with certainty that there are far more "worthy" of inclusion here, and encourage you to name names in the comments.

And before anyone gets upset that our lede photo spills the beans on the "winner," ask yourself, is there any other vehicle that could possibly top such a list?

Inside Line attempts to name 100 Worst Cars of All Time originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Speculated: Volkswagen's mid-engine future

Zach Bowman — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Audi, Lamborghini, Porsche, Volkswagen, Rumormill

Fortitude has gone through the trouble of cutting through all of the rumors surrounding the future of mid-engined sports cars in the Volkswagen family. The site points to two different mid-engine platforms currently in development within the expansive Volkswagen ranks - one with a longitudinally-mounted engine layout and another with a transverse engine design. A number of models could make use of the side-saddle architecture, including the much-salivated-over Volkswagen BlueSport, though Fortitude says the chassis could also provide the bones for vehicles like a Porsche 914 or 356 successor as well as a new Audi racer that could sail under the R3 banner.

And what of that longitudinal design, you ask? This is where things get really fun. Fortitude says that the high-ups at Audi AG showed off a platform called the MSS on the hush-hush, and that the chassis could underpin everything from the next R8 to the Lamborghini Gallardo successor and the Porsche 918. It could even form the mold for whatever steps into the void left by the Murcielago.

Head over to Fortitude to get a closer look at the whole shebang, complete with excellent sketches of future models.

[Source: Fortitude]

Speculated: Volkswagen's mid-engine future originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche offering modern nav system to replace classic radios

Jeff Glucker — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Technology, Porsche, Design/Style

What if you could update your classic car with modern tech, without losing the style that you've come to love? Porsche now has a solution for owners of old 911s. Starting in October 2010, owners will be able to retrofit their cars with the Porsche Classic Radio Navigation System (Part # 911 645 910 00), which packages a display screen fitted into a form factor that is an exact fit for the original factory radio's location. Round knobs keep appearances in line with that classic Porsche aesthetic, but the technology is purely 21st century.

The unit will retail for €595,00 plus VAT (around $776 USD before taxes at current exchange rates). Considering what Porsche gets for some of the options on its modern cars, the neo-retro nav unit's price seems pretty good. We understand a desire for modern conveniences in older cars, and the Porsche Classic Radio Navigation System may be an answer to the prayers of some 911 enthusiasts since it obviates the need for a less desirable aftermarket solution. (Of cource, one could always just stick a portable GPS unit on the windshield...)

According to MotoBullet, the Classic Radio Navigation System is designed to fit Porsche 911s from from model years 1963 to 1977 (it might also fit the Porsche 914). They go on to suggest that this nav unit may also work with firstgeneration Porsche 912s, but those guys are already going too slow to care where they're heading. (We kid, we kid... out of jealousy.)

[Source: Porsche via MotoBullet]

Porsche offering modern nav system to replace classic radios originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Sep 2010 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen and Porsche may share more technology

Chris Shunk — Tue, 11 May 2010 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Porsche, Volkswagen

Porsche plans to grow quite a bit between now and 2015, with a goal to hit 150,000 global sales. That's about twice the German sportscar maker's 2009 totals. That sounds like a very tall order to fill, but Detlev von Platen, CEO of Porsche Cars North America, reportedly told Automotive News that the task could be accomplished with the help of Volkswagen technology. Von Platen says that a decision on future technology synergies won't be made for another six months, and added that those decisions won't be announced until a much later date. Von Platen says, "It makes sense to think about some synergies in terms of research and development, and these discussions are taking place at the moment with VW."

While we're sure that diehard Porsche fans will likely be less than pleased with the prospect of VW-infused Porsche products, the fact is that we've been living with just such an arrangement for some time. In fact, such such synergies have existed since the founding of the two companies, with the 914 (seen above) being the most well-known example of platform sharing. And, as you likely know, the Porsche Cayenne currently shares a basic platform with the more spartan Touareg, so the well-trodden path has already been laid for future sharing. Among the items that could be shared are fuel efficient powertrains and possibly even additional platforms.

But a quick glance at VW's current stable of vehicles doesn't show too many (if any) platforms that would be suitable for Porschification. One vehicle that has been rumored at Porsche is a sub-Boxster ragtop that could help the automaker boost sales while also increasing the company's overall corporate fuel economy. A VW concept that could fit nicely is the adorable little BlueSport from the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. That concept, which VW says will hit 57 miles per gallon on the Euro driving cycle, even featured a mid-engine layout; a staple of the Boxster and Cayman.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

Volkswagen and Porsche may share more technology originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 May 2010 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Manufacturing questions standing in the way of Audi R4 production

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 10 May 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, Diesel, Luxury

Audi e-tron Detroit Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to Autocar in the UK, which is citing unknown "high-ranking Audi insiders in Ingolstadt," the future of the Audi R4, Volkswagen BlueSport and possibly an unnamed entry-level model from Porsche (we vote 914) are currently being mulled by the three-headed German automaker. The major stumbling block? Whether or not a stamped steel architecture or Audi's familiar aluminum spaceframe chassis should be used.

Naturally, we'd argue for the light weight of aluminum, which seems more appropriate for a line of sportscars... but at the price point afforded by the much less expensive steel. Decisions, decisions. In any case, the British mag continues to suggest that the R4 would presumably get two turbocharged gasoline engines (1.4-liters and 1.6-liters) along with a 2.0-liter turbodiesel mill in lieu of the all-electric powertrain shown off in concept form.

Volkswagen, parent company of both Audi and Porsche, is said to get the final say in the development of all three machines, but some sort of production seems likely. Says the unnamed insider, "Scale is important to a project like this... But with three different car makers working to a common goal, the chances [of it getting the go-ahead] look good."

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Audi e-tron Detroit Concept

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Manufacturing questions standing in the way of Audi R4 production originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 May 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More details leak out about Porsche's reported plan for entry level model

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Performance, Porsche, Volkswagen

Remember the Porsche 914? Most Porschophiles do, although some choose to forget the mid-engined sportscar built from 1969 through 1976. But the four-cylinder model was something of a sales success for the German automaker, handily outpacing the firm's range-topping 911 series throughout its model run. Might we see a return of the entry-level Porsche, once again with a little help from Volkswagen?

Coinciding with earlier reports, a story from Automobilwoche (via Drive), says the answer may very well be 'yes.' According to the German pub, Wolfgang Duerheimer, head of development at Porsche, has said that a model "significantly cheaper than" the Boxster is a top priority for the automaker. The new car would reportedly be produced in cooperation with Volkswagen, which recently assimilated Porsche into its giant European operations. Anyone else thinking BlueSport?

[Source: Automobilwoche via drive.com.au | Photo: Spurzem CC.2.0]

More details leak out about Porsche's reported plan for entry level model originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Porsche considering 914 revival

Noah Joseph — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Porsche, Volkswagen

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Porsche 914

Once every 40 years or so, when the stars are aligned just right, there arises the cosmic possibility for Volkswagen and Porsche to collaborate on a small sportscar. The stars in question seem to be Porsche chairman Dr. Ferdinand Piech, a spirit of ~~takeover~~ cooperation between the two German automakers, and the input of third-party contractor Karmann. It was Dr. Piech, the same man who has been driving Porsche's takeover of the Volkswagen group, who had ushered the original Porsche 914 into reality. But when Volkswagen launches its latest concept at the LA Auto Show this November, it hopes the little Elise fighter will garner enough attention to put the project into production as soon as 2011 with versions for both VW and Porsche.

The original Porsche 914 was based largely on borrowed Volkswagen mechanicals. Karmann was also heavily involved in the 914 project, and could be tapped once again to build the new sportscar for both Volkswagen and Porsche, with the project potentially spawning an Audi R4, as well. Although some sources suggest the Porsche version could adopt the 2.7-liter flat six from the base Boxster, with Zuffenhausen admittedly considering the possibility of going back to four-cylinder engines, anything's possible. Sources point out, however, that the four-cylinder version of the 914 was the top selling model. While you consider the idea of a budget Porsche, check out the high-resolution images of original 914 images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Porsche 914

[Source: Motor Trend via PistonHeads]

REPORT: Porsche considering 914 revival originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen unveiling two-door Elise fighter in LA, new sports car

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen

Click either image for a high-res gallery.

Over the past five years, Volkswagen has continued to tease us with sports car concepts that never seem to come to fruition. Back in 2003, VW unveiled the Concept R in Frankfurt to critical acclaim and two years later, the wraps came off the EcoRacer, proving that the automaker was still kicking around the idea of a lightweight, affordable roadster for the masses.

In the interim, VW had two similar concepts that never left the studio, but when the Los Angeles Auto Show rolls along later this year, a new mid-engine coupe will be revealed, and this one actually has a shot at production.

According to Autocar, this newest concept aims to be a budget alternative to the Lotus Elise, balancing performance and fuel economy in a low-cost package. Sources suggest that the coupe will feature either a 168 hp, 1.4-liter TSI gasoline engine or a 125 hp, 1.6-liter TDI mounted amidships and sending power to the rear wheels via a seven speed DSG gearbox. If and when the production version debuts in 2011, the coupe's curb weight is pegged at just over 2,200 pounds, allowing it to run to 60 in under seven seconds while still returning over 55 mpg.

If the project is given the green light, the same architecture that underpins the VW variant could form he basis for the oft-rumored and continually denied Audi R4. And with Porsche's stake in V-Dub, that means a 914 successor is just a badge and prayer away.

Gallery: Volkswagen Concept R

Gallery: Volkswagen EcoRacer

[Source: Autocar]

Volkswagen unveiling two-door Elise fighter in LA, new sports car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RR of the Day: LS6-powered Porsche 914

John Neff — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Porsche, RR of the Day

Well, unfortunately we quickly ran out of useable Camaro submissions to continue our theme this week, so we were forced to dig into the Autoblog Flickr pool and find something else suitable to show off today. We think we did a good job with this LS6-powered Porsche 914. Taking a tiny car and stuffing a modern-day small-block V8 producing 500+ horsepower into its engine bay is a recipe for mechanical mayhem. This 914, submitted by Flickr member wotan2525 on behalf of his friend, is the result of a seven-year long project with most of the work being performed by its owner save for the paint and some engine work. Aside from the Chevy-sourced V8, many of the parts on the 914 come from other Porsches, particularly the brakes, suspension, LSD and gearing that have been lifted from a 930. Those 18-inch wheels stuffed beneath the low bodywork were donated by a type-993 911 Carrera. The owner reportedly uses it primarily for autocrossing, though it has been clocked doing the quarter mile in 11.44 seconds on street tires and could theoretically reach 200 mph if opened up. Plenty more pictures of LS6-powered 914 can be found after the jump.

We're still willing to continue our Camaro theme this week if more submissions come pouring in, but if not we have no problem dipping deeper into the pool to find something special for you. Follow the jump to find out how to submit your vehicle for our RR of the Day feature.

Continue reading RR of the Day: LS6-powered Porsche 914

RR of the Day: LS6-powered Porsche 914 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Oct 2006 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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