Porsche Universe

The Rinspeed LM 600 based on the Porsche 997 is just about the hottest and fastest tuned Porsche 997 Turbo available to the public. The “LM 600″ front skirt with integrated Carbon splitters appears eye-catching and produces a higher aerodynamic down force at the front axle. This increase results in a better road handling. The bigger and re-shaped air intakes for the radiators and the brakes improve the cooling of them considerably. Additional headlights with day light driving lights and the inboard moved fog lights guarantee a sporty yet elegant appearance. The newly - especially for the Turbo developed - side skirts connect optically the front and rear fenders in a maximal way. It follows the new body lines harmonically. Further appearance improvement is achieved by the Carbon covers for the rear view mirrors. The “LM 600″ rear skirt with integrated exhaust tips also increases the down force on the rear axle and esthetically supports the high performance exhaust system with integrated metal catalytic converters. Eye-catching yet not separable element is the rear wing which sits tightly above the rear hatch. The wing profile is also available in a Carbon finish. (more…)

The 356 was the first production sports car bearing the Porsche name.However, before the war designer Ferdinand Porsche also created the Type 64 as well as a mid-engine prototype called “Number 1″, which has led to some debate as to the “first” Porsche automobile.

The 356 was created by Ferdinand “Ferry” Porsche (son of Dr. Ing. Ferdinand Porsche, founder of the company). Like its ancestor, the Volkswagen Beetle (which Ferdinand Porsche senior had designed), the 356 was a four-cylinder, air-cooled, rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive car. While the 356’s body was an original design by Porsche employee Erwin Komenda, its mechanicals (including engine, suspension and chassis) were all derived from the Volkswagen. Early 356 prototypes were bodied in aluminum, but this proved impractical for production, and all subsequent 356’s were steel-bodied.

The first 356, debuted on June 8, 1948, used many Volkswagen parts for manufacturing economy. However, Porsche quickly re-engineered and refined the car with a focus on performance, so that by the late 50’s few parts were shared in common between the two marques. Little noticed at its inception in 1948, by the early 1950s the 356 had gained some renown among enthusiasts on both sides of the Atlantic for its exceptional aerodynamics and handling, as well as excellent build quality. It was common for owners to race 356s as well as drive them on the street.

The new designer rim for all current Porsche models has arrived! With the new Formula II light-alloy wheel TechArt Automobildesign (Röntgenstrasse 47, D-71229 Leonberg-Höfingen, Germany, Tel: +49 / (0) 71 52 / 9 33 9-0, Telefax: +49 / (0) 71 52 / 93 39 33, Internet: www.techart.de ) presents a multi-piece wheel that evolved from the TechArt Formula wheel.

Canyon Racing at its Extreme

The adrenaline is picking up as I enter my playground of Canyon Racing. I am driving at Larch Mountain Highway in green old western Oregon. A twisty highway surrounded by a gigantic pine tree rainforest. The trees are so high; the sun does not make it to the road half the time. The fun begins after I pass the last few country houses. After that I rarely see a car. Like a deserted road. The speed picks up as my red 80’s Porsche accelerates. I feel my heart starting to beat harder as I try to remain calm pushing the gas pedal. I reposition myself in the seat relaxing. As I hear the old Porsche engine revving through the RPM, I can’t help it but be nervous, because I don’t know what to expect next. The first few turns I take it easy while keeping the transmission in third gear with my sweaty palm on the warm vibrating shift knob. I remember some of the turns that lie ahead.

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