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This Porsche 959 Prototype Is One of Very Few Surviving Examples In Existence

This Might Look Like A Production Porsche 959 At A Glance, But It Definitely Is Not

I wouldn’t criticize you if you tried to say this was a normal Porsche 959, as the body does look pretty similar to the production car. However, this isn’t the case. In fact, as if being one the few surviving examples of just 12 prototypes built didn’t make this car rare enough, it’s also one of the few that were finished in Ruby Red. The car was apparently designed specifically for electric system testing and hot weather testing on the U.S. West Coast and in Europe.

This Porsche 959 Prototype Is One of Very Few Surviving Examples In Existence Interior
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Still need proof that this is an authentic prototype, well that proof comes on the inside. Throughout the testing phase, several different interior layouts were installed, including one with different seats. You can find extra and disconnected electric wiring under the passenger seat along with hard mounts for the electronic testing equipment next to the rear seats. The car is also lacking power steering, ride-height control, a passenger-side mirror, alarm, windshield washer, and the fuel filler cap among other things.

Porsche 959 specifications
Engine	2849 cc Bi-turbocharged flat-6
Bore x stroke	95.0 x 67.0 mm
Compression ratio	8.3:1
Horsepower (DIN)	444 HP @ 6,500 RPM
Torque	370 LB-FT @ 5,500 RPM
Fuel delivery	elect. port injection
Transmission	6-speed manual
0-60 mph	3.7 seconds
Top Speed	197 mph

This 959 Prototype’s History Is Interesting

This Porsche 959 Prototype Is One of Very Few Surviving Examples In Existence Exterior
- image 1018517 — **How much do you think the asking price is?**

Swipe up to learn more about it, see the full gallery, and find a link to the sale listing!

After the Porsche 969 hit the production lines, Porsche destroyed most of the other prototypes that were built alongside this one. This car, however, was imported into the U.S. in the latter half of the 1980s and was displayed like a trophy at the HQ of Vasek Polak – a Porsche importer and dealer. Sometime after that, it was shipped off to Japan for demonstrational activities before being sold to Belgium and later the United Kingdom. The car eventually made it back to its homeland of Germany, where it’s currently on sale. According to the listing, it has just 26,520 km (16,478 miles) on the odometer, but the asking price is a mystery. If you’re interested in owning a very rare care, you’ll have to contract the owner through Mechatronik to find out how much you’ll have to shell out.

Source: Mechatronik

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Forgotten Cool Cars from the Eastern Bloc

KD SPORT 900

The KD sport 900 was conceived by a number of enthusiasts and artisans in 1963. It was unique with a great design that earned it the nickname of the Soviet Porsche. Structure-wise, it also had all the makings of a fast car, including the 500-kilogram weight and two-seater fibreglass body, though the mechanical bit was a letdown. The KD featured an air-cooled 900 cc engine that produced a maximum of 30 horsepower leading to a top speed of 74 miles per hour. Numbers like that made it one of the very underpowered, and the low budget issues meant only a small-scale production of 6 cars by 1969 before the project was shelved. There are one or two which still survive, though.

Yuna

Like the KD, the Yuna is a small-scale production car produced by Georgi and Stanislav Algebraistov. The exterior had features that resembled the Ferrari Testarossa and the Lotus Esprit. It was made in 1982, so the styling of the time was a significant influence. Interestingly, it is the only custom-built sports car from the Soviet Union period that currently runs today. The performance figures for the Yuna are somewhat ambiguous due to the custom settings, but it did have the engine from a BMW 525i, meaning a 2.5-litre engine rated at an estimated 150 horsepower. The Yuna also had power windows, and the exhaust was upgraded to produce a better sound.

Melkus RS 1000

Forgotten Cool Cars from the Eastern Bloc
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The Melkus was initially made by Heinz Melkus in 1968 to celebrate the two-decade anniversary of the GDR RS and debuted at the Brussels Motor Show in 1970. The body was composed of polyester resin reinforced with fiberglass, and the base models only weighed 680 kilograms. Despite the weight advantage, the 1-liter, three-cylinder engine only managed 68 horsepower, which meant a top speed of 102 miles per hour. It did feel quite fast, though with a loudness of 90dB. However, the body was prone to crosswind and common flick oversteer. It also had no airbags or ABS. That being said, it was beautiful to look at.

FSO Syrena Sports

Forgotten Cool Cars from the Eastern Bloc
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The FSO Syrena Sport was a Polish concept car developed during the late 50s by Cezary Narwot, a mechanical engineer and constructor. When he designed this model, Nawrot got his inspiration from western cars. It is probably why the car had a few design similarities to the Mercedes 190 SL and the Corvette. He opted for an air-cooled 700 cc, flat-twin S16 engine producing an estimated 35 horsepower. The Syrena was quite good in the corners despite the lacklustre performance due to the independent rear suspension. From the time that it debuted in 1960, it became a sensation. In fact, there was a newspaper outlet in Italy that dubbed it the most beautiful car from behind the Iron Curtain.

Stratopolonez

In 1977, the Polish Prime Minister’s son, Andrzej Jaroszewicz, participated in the Malboro Arctic Rally in a Lancia Stratos and crashed it into a tree. The body was in tatters, but the chassis, engine, and other significant parts were salvaged. Rather than let it go to waste, the car was refashioned into what became the Stratopolonez. Considering Jaroszewicz was the then head of FSO research and development, his position was convenient as it led to the development of Delta Integrale styled sports car. The same Dino sourced 2.4-litre V-6 engine delivered 260 horsepower and was linked to a five-speed manual gearbox. It accelerated to 60 miles per hour in five seconds and had a top speed of 143 miles per hour. The Stratopolonez was used in rallying circuits until 1985, before it was retired. No others were ever made, probably because no one bothered to crash and redesign a Lancia Stratos.

ZIL-112 Sports

Forgotten Cool Cars from the Eastern Bloc
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The ZIL-112 was one of the few models from the eastern bloc that competed in races between 1961 and 1969. It had features resembling the Shelby Cobra, aerodynamics, and apparent light body construction allowed for great trackability. Power was derived from two options. One was a 6.0-litre V-8 producing 230 horsepower, while the other was a 7.0-litre V-8 rated at 270 horsepower. Depending on the engine used, the top speed was between 160 and 170 miles per hour. Following land speed record attempts and participation at the domestic USSR Championship races, the Party Committee at ZiL concluded that the model was diverting engineering resources from the flagships of the soviet industry. There was no place in the republic for a car as extravagant as the 112, and only two were ever produced.

Laura

Like the previous entries, the Laura was also a project model courtesy of Dmitry Parfenov and Gennady Hainov. The two enthusiasts wanted to create a sports car that had nothing in common with what the Soviet bloc was producing at the time, hence the Laura. It had a few similar styling attributes to the American GMC DeLorean though the front was decidedly European. Apparently, it was built almost entirely without factory parts, and even the engine was designed and hand-built by the two enthusiasts. Not many technical details are currently available, though concerning the Laura. Scarce mentions place its top speed at 106 miles per hour, and only two were ever made. It was highly praised by the Secretary-General of the Communist Party, Mikhail Gorbachev though, and displayed in numerous international exhibitions.

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Porsche 911 Sport Classic Caught Testing

Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Porsche 911 Sport Classic out for a new testing session on the public roads of Germany. As you can see the car is missing most of the camouflage which means the testing sessions are pretty much done, and all that is left is mostly fine tuning.

The prototype follows the design lines of the 911 models, but there will be a few distinctive features. First one is of course that little ducktail at the back – a signature of the Sport Classic models. The 911 Sport Classic will also feature a double bubble roof and the lines of the special hood will match perfectly the lines of the roof.

Porsche 911 Sport Classic Caught Testing Exterior Spyshots
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The only camouflage we can see on this prototype is some tape around the sides of the ducktail spoiler and in the middle of the rear light arrangement.

As for the engine, rumors suggest the 911 Sport Classic will get the same engine as the 911 GTS: a 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six that delivers 480 horsepower
and 420 pound-feet of torque.

Rumors suggest Porsche will only build 2,000 units of the 911 Sport Classic.

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Acura NSX Type S – A Sportier NSX With 600 Horses And A Starting Price Tag Of Over $170,000

2022 Acura NSX Type S – Drivetrain

The Acura NSX will be powered by the same 3.5-liter, twin-turbo V-6 engine paired with three electric motors. The turbos are borrowed from the NSX GT3 Evo race car with a six-percent increase in the boost pressure. In the standard NSX, the combined power outputs are rated at 573 horses and 476 pound-feet of torque. Here, however, the setup receives a power bump.

The V-6 engine makes 520 ponies between 6,500- and 6,850 rpm and 443 pound-feet of torque between 2,300- and 6,000 rpm. The front twin-motor setup makes 72 horses and 108 pound-feet of twist, whereas the rear setup puts out 47 horses and 109 pound-feet of torque.

Combined, the Acura NSX Type S will make 600 ponies and 492 pound-feet of twist, which is an increase of 27 horses and 16 pound-feet of oomph over the standard NSX. This makes it the most powerful road-going Acura ever!

2022 Acura NSX Type S – A Sportier NSX With 600 Horses And A Starting Price Tag Of Over $170,000 Exterior High Resolution
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The NSX Type S comes with a Sport Hybrid all-wheel-drive system and a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The gearbox receives enhancements, too. There’s a new Rapid Downshift Mode that will help the car drop gears without any hesitation. Also, the upshifts will be 50-percent faster, apparently.

The electric motors draw power from a 1.3 kWh battery pack.

Acura didn’t get into the specifics, but noted that the NSX Type S can sprint to 60 mph from rest in under three seconds and will have a top speed of 191 mph, which is the same as the standard NSX.

2022 Acura NSX Type S – Exterior

2022 Acura NSX Type S – A Sportier NSX With 600 Horses And A Starting Price Tag Of Over $170,000 Exterior High Resolution
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On the outside, the NSX Type S comes with aero upgrades over the standard NSX. This includes a larger grille up front to let the engine breathe better, a carbon fiber, NSX GT3-inspired rear diffuser, carbon fiber roof, etc. Even the rear spoiler, side sills, and front splitter are composed of carbon fiber.

The NSX Type S rides on new five-spoke performance forged wheels that measure 19 inches up front and 20 inches at the rear. You can have them in Matte Shark Grey or Berlina Black finish. They come wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero tires on all four corners. They measure 245/35 section at the front and 305/30 section at the rear. These tires are specially developed for Acura.

2022 Acura NSX Type S – A Sportier NSX With 600 Horses And A Starting Price Tag Of Over $170,000 Exterior High Resolution
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The car is available in 10 exterior shades:

Berlina Black
130R White
Curva Red
Casino White Pearl
Thermal Orange Pearl
Indy Yellow Pearl
Long Beach Blue Pearl
Nouvelle Blue Pearl
Valencia Red Pearl
Gotham Gray

70 of the 350 cars will be finished in Gotham Gray with a matte finish.

How Big Is The NSX Type S?

2022 Acura NSX Type S – A Sportier NSX With 600 Horses And A Starting Price Tag Of Over $170,000 Exterior High Resolution
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The NSX Type S is 178.5 inches in length, 87.3 inches in width, and 47.8 inches in height. The wheelbase measures 103.5 inches and it sits just 3.8 inches above the ground. The approach and departure angles are rated at 9.2- and 12.9 degrees, respectively. As for the track widths, the car has a 65.5-inch track at the front and 64.5-inch at the rear; 0.4- and 0.8 inches wider than the standard NSX.

Acura hasn’t mentioned how much the NSX Type S weighs. But, for reference, the 2021 NSX weighs 3,878 pounds.

2022 Acura NSX Type S – Interior

2022 Acura NSX Type S – A Sportier NSX With 600 Horses And A Starting Price Tag Of Over $170,000 High Resolution Interior
- image 1008891

On the inside, the car is offered in three different colors: Ebony, Red, and Orchid. The NSX Type S comes with Sport seats with semi-aniline leather as standard. It also features a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Some of the other niceties inside the cabin include:

Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control
Four-way Power Adjustable Seats
Leather-wrapped Steering Wheel
Aluminum Sport Pedals
Ambient Lighting

How Spacious Is The NSX Type S?

2022 Acura NSX Type S – A Sportier NSX With 600 Horses And A Starting Price Tag Of Over $170,000 High Resolution Interior
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On the inside, the NSX Type offers 38.3 inches of headroom, 42.9 inches of legroom, 57.7 inches of shoulder room, and 54.5 inches of hip room. There’s isn’t much cargo space available, but if you still intend to carry something around, you have 3.9 cubic feet of space at your disposal.

2022 Acura NSX Type S – Pricing

2022 Acura NSX Type S – A Sportier NSX With 600 Horses And A Starting Price Tag Of Over $170,000 Exterior High Resolution
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The Acura NSX Type S starts at $169,500. With the $1,995 destination, it starts at $171,495. The Light Weight Package adds another $13,000 to the price.

2022 Acura NSX Type S – Optional Accessories and Packages

2022 Acura NSX Type S – A Sportier NSX With 600 Horses And A Starting Price Tag Of Over $170,000 High Resolution Interior
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Acura is offering many optional accessories and packages for the 2022 NSX Type S. Getting the cost of the car close to $200,000 won’t be tough if you opt for them. The packages include:

Light Weight Package – $13,000

Carbon Ceramic Brembo Brakes (Black, Silver, Red, or Orange Brake Calipers)
Carbon Fiber Meter Visor
Carbon Fiber Steering Wheel Garnish
Gloss Carbon Fiber Engine Cover
Leads to a weight reduction of 58 pounds

Carbon Fiber Interior Sport Package – $2,500

Carbon Fiber Meter Visor
Carbon Fiber Steering Wheel Garnish
Alcantara Headliner

There are a ton of accessories, too, and they include:

Exterior Pearl or Metallic Color – $1,000
Exterior Andaro or Matte Color – $6,000
Carbon-Ceramic Brake Rotors with Red Brake Caliper Finish – $9,900
Carbon-Ceramic Brake Rotors with Black, Silver, or Orange Brake Caliper Finish – $10,600
Performance Five-Spoke Wheels in Berlina Black – $1,500
Carbon Fiber Engine Cover – $3,600
Semi-Aniline Full Leather Power Sport Seats – $1,000
ELS Studio Audio & Technology Package with SiriusXM Satellite Radio – $500

Conclusion

2022 Acura NSX Type S – A Sportier NSX With 600 Horses And A Starting Price Tag Of Over $170,000 Exterior High Resolution
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As mentioned earlier, the NSX Type S will be limited to 350 examples, of which only 50 are reserved for markets outside the U.S. This will be the first time an NSX Type S is being sold outside Japan. Also, this will be the only NSX available for the 2022 model year.

2022 Acura NSX Type S Specifications
Engine	3.5-liter, Twin-turbo V-6 with Three Electric Motors
Horsepower	600 horses
Torque	492 pound-feet
Transmission	Nine-speed Dual-clutch Automatic
Drive Layout	All-wheel-drive
Price	$169,500

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The Ferrari 296 GTB Isn’t Called Dino Because the Dino Wasn’t Up to Ferrari Standards

1972 - 1974 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS High Resolution Exterior Wallpaper quality
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Fun Fact: Ferrari Dinos were named based on their engines. The Dino 246, for example, had a 2.4-liter, six-cylinder. The 308 had a 3.0-liter eight-cylinder. This naming scheme isn’t largely used today, as the company has switched to more conventional names like Roma, and Purosnague (is that conventional?) however, the new 296 GTB got it’s name from that old-school style of model designation – it’s powered by a 2.9-liter V-6, hence the 296 nomenclature.

The Ferrari Dino Has Been Coming Back For Years…. Or So They Say

2018 Ferrari Dino Exterior Exclusive Renderings Computer Renderings and Photoshop
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We’ve covered news about a new Ferrari Dino all the way back to 2006, when we assumed Ferrari’s new Porsche 911 and Aston Martin Vantage competitor would bare the name. So, even if you don’t look elsewhere, it’s been nearly two decades that the Dino is allegedly returning. It didn’t help that there were “Dino images” popping up all over the unevolved internet back in ’06, spy shots of a small Ferrari, or rumors about a Geneva Motor Show launch in 2008 The list of supposed reveals and the news never stopped:

The Ferrari 296 GTB Isn't Called Dino Because the Dino Wasn't Up to Ferrari Standards
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And, this doesn’t account for the last four years, in which we quite literally lost interest and finally believed that Ferrari was being honest about not bringing the name back. The truth is that Ferrari really has been working on an entry-level, V-6 powered sports car, despite the fact that Ferrari claimed in 2019, after discontinuing the “affordable” California, that an entry-level model (like the alleged Dino) just wasn’t needed. As it turns out, that was complete crap, which is official now that the 296 GTB has been revealed, but why didn’t Ferrari go with the somewhat iconic Dino name considering the fact that so many people were into the idea?

The Ferrari Dino Wasn’t A Real Ferrari

The Ferrari 296 GTB Isn't Called Dino Because the Dino Wasn't Up to Ferrari Standards
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When I say that the Ferrari Dino wasn’t a real Ferrari, I mean that it didn’t live up to Ferrari’s standards, even back in the 1960s and 1970s. That’s why it never wore a Ferrari badge. And you don’t have to take my word for it. British publication Autocar was able to catch up with Ferrari’s commercial boss, Enrico Galliera, who agreed that there are some similarities, like the V-6 engine, but it’s a true Ferrari and not one built in compromise.

“It’s true, there are some similarities – mainly the engine. But the Dino didn’t carry the Ferrari badge, because it was developed to attract new clients, to enter a new segment, and Ferrari accepted some compromises in terms of dimensions, space, performance, and price.

The Ferrari 296 GTB Isn't Called Dino Because the Dino Wasn't Up to Ferrari Standards Exterior
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So, while the 296 Ferrari GTB is the brand’s first V-6 road car since the Dino 246, it’s most certainly not a Dino. And, if you take what Galliera said to heart, there probably never will be another Dino. That name is rooted in compromise, and that’s something Ferrari just isn’t willing to do these days. After all, it’s bad enough that the company is working on an SUV, right? In the end, we can at least put all the Dino name drama to rest and move on once and for all.

Source: Autocar

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The Mazda MX-5 Miata Will Live On Though Electrification

Keeping the Mazda MX-5 On the Roster Won’t Be So Easy

Mazda hasn’t been nearly as aggressive as other automakers when it comes to electrifying its range. In fact, the brand’s first EV, the MX-30, isn’t even on the market yet, but is expected to launch in California sometime in the fall of 2021. We also know that the Rotary engine is supposed to serve as a range-extender (electric power generation only) for that very car, but outside of this, the brand has been rather slow to embrace electrification.

Shortly after news that the next-gen Mazda 6 would feature a new inline-six, Mazda released its electrification strategy for the next few years. That plan includes the launch of five hybrid models, five PHEVs, and three EVs between 2022 and 2025, all based on Mazda’s “Skyactive Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture.” Details beyond this were slim, and it has led some to question what will happen to the MX-5 Miata. It fights in a very tough, small niche and will be very difficult to electrify without taking away what makes it special – its lightweight, compact nature and impressive handling.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata Will Live On Though Electrification High Resolution Exterior
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Now, a new report from Japanese outlet Kuruma-news says that Mazda Mx-5 will only live on as either a hybrid or an EV. Shortly after that report went out, Motor 1 received confirmation from Mazda via an official statement that at least hints that the company will try to keep the car as nimble and lightweight as possible:

“Mazda is seeking to electrify the MX-5 Miata in an effort to have all models feature a form of electrification by 2030. We will work hard to make it a lightweight, affordable, open two-seater sports car in order to meet the needs of customers.”

The Mazda MX-5 Miata Will Live On Though Electrification High Resolution Exterior
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So, while we know the Mx-5 will likely live on, we’re not sure as to what end electrification will come into play. Making the Mx-5 all-electric would encourage other automakers to do the same with their compact sports cars, with the Porsche 718 Boxster Concept being the first that comes to mind. And Electric MX-5 could also encourage Honda to bring back the S2000 as an EV, for example, or push Toyota and Subaru to electrify the GR86 and BRZ twins.

The Downside to Electrifying the Mx-5

The Mazda MX-5 Miata Will Live On Though Electrification High Resolution Exterior
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There’s no denying that EVs, in general, can put down some serious performance thanks to their instantaneous torque delivery. However, the big downside is that EVs are naturally heavy and generally feature a limited range. When it comes to the MX-5, that is a very crucial thing to keep in mind since it is a lightweight and nimble car that’s also affordable.

Transforming the MX-5 into an EV would be very difficult to keep its lightweight nature intact and, since it’s so small, there’s not a lot of room for battery, which means an MX-5 EV would probably mean little range – maybe even as low as 150 miles.

Of course, that could change in the years to come with advancements in battery tech, but as things sit now, batteries are very heavy and very big, two things that don’t mix well with what the MX-5 is at its core.

Hybridization Could Be The Right Move For the Next-Gen MX-5

The Mazda MX-5 Miata Will Live On Though Electrification High Resolution Exterior
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Mazda’s electrification plans aren’t as ambitious as that of other automakers. By 2030, the company expects only 25-perecent of its vehicles to be all-electric with the remaining 75-percent being powering by hybridized internal combustion engines. This is a big deal because going the mild hybrid route means Mazda can cut down on the weight it needs to add since the battery pack will be much smaller. There won’t be any electric range to speak of, but this setup would also open the door for even better performance since even a small electric motor can add a considerable amount of torque to a car’s bottom line – this is exactly how Mercedes is able to scall down to a four-cylinder engine, even in the range-topping AMG versions of the new C-class.

Final Thoughts

The Mazda MX-5 Miata Will Live On Though Electrification High Resolution Exterior
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At this point, there’s no telling when we’ll know what Mazda is going to do for sure, but at least we can say that there’s a good chance that the MX-5 will live on until at least 2030, and probably beyond. With the current model hitting the market for the 2015 model year, there’s a good chance the next-gen model will be revealed in 2023 or 2024, and I’m willing to bet it’ll be a mild hybrid. However, that’s not to say that Mazda won’t offer at least one all-electric version of the MX-5. If the R&D is done, it might be a feasible option if there’s actually enough demand for it. Then again, some would argue that Honda bringing back the S2000 as an EV would be a horrible idea, simply because a lot of what made that car special was its engine and chassis. Will the world think the same about the MX-5? Should the car be shelved instead of going electric in the future? I guess only time will tell.

Drako’s GTE Electric Supercar Tests Its Worth Against The Tesla Model S to Predictable Results

Benchmark tests are fun if you don’t take into account the belief that most of them are, to a certain extent, slanted to favor one car over the other.

Clearly, Drako, which was founded by Barracuda Networks CEO Dean Drako, wouldn’t have released this video had the Tesla Model S P100D spanked the Drako GTE electric supercar in their drag race.

But the video is live, and that should tell you that the Drako GTE won against the Tesla Model S P100D handily.

Make no mistake, it’s not a bad thing altogether. The Tesla Model S P100D, even this specific model that supposedly has miles under its belt, remains one of the fastest and most powerful cars in the world.

Drako's GTE Electric Supercar Tests Its Worth Against The Tesla Model S to Predictable Results
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Even if it’s weathered compared to the new GTE, the Model S P100D makes for an ideal benchmark, in part because of its stature in the industry. If there’s one car that a startup automaker measures its new all-electric product against, it’s the Model S P100D. That’s a testament to the capabilities of the Tesla more than it is an indictment born from the results of the race.

via GIPHY

So, what did we learn about the Drako GTE after this benchmark? We learned that it’s fast, which it’s supposed to be considering that, according to Drako, it’s powered by four permanent magnet hybrid synchronous motors — it’s the same setup you’ll see in a model like the Rimac C_Two — that can produce a staggering 1,200 horsepower. It also boasts a 90-kWh battery pack — bigger than the one Lotus uses in the Evija — that helps juice up the electric motors.

Drako hasn’t said how much range the battery pack has, but it’s not unreasonable to imagine that the GTE can run almost 300 miles on a single charge. On the count of performance, the GTE can hit a top speed of 206 mph so, if for nothing else, Drako’s electric supercar has the chops to compete against some of the fastest production cars in the world. The Tesla Model S P100D is among these cars, and, at least in the case of this benchmark test, the Drako GTE more than held its own against the standard-bearer of the electric performance car segment.

Drako's GTE Electric Supercar Tests Its Worth Against The Tesla Model S to Predictable Results
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Hopefully, we get to see and hear more from Drako in the coming months. It does look like the automaker has something special in its hands and it’d be really cool to see it hit the streets as a full-fledged production model, even if Drako is capping production to just 25 units with each priced at $1.25 million.

Source: YouTube

Porsche’s Boxster EV Will Force Audi And BMW To Step Up Their Game

The Porsche Boxster EV Is Just the Start of Electric Sports Cars

Shortly following news that the fate of the next-gen Porsche 718 was officially on the table, a new report came to say that Porsche was working on a “Boxster EV” and that a concept is coming soon. And, even though there’s a strong case for a Porsche 911 EV – if you factor out the consideration of battery weight – going electric with the 718 makes even more sense. Especially when it’s said that an ICE version of the 718 will be sold alongside the electric model, much like Porsche is planning to do with the Macan EV. Of course, I should tell you that the Macan EV might not be a Macan, but that’s a conversation for another time. The point is that the news of the Boxster EV got me thinking, and the bottom line is that it’s going to spearhead the shift of the entire small sportscar segment.

Porsche's Boxster EV Will Force Audi And BMW To Step Up Their Game
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As of now, BMW isn’t planning to follow-up on the current BMW Z4 – once it goes out of production, that’s supposed to be it. And last we heard, Audi was completely unsure of what to do with the Audi R8 and the Audi TT, meaning neither may survive beyond their current generations or the next generation at best. With the Toyota Supra being based on the Z4, there’s a good chance it’ll be a one-and-done ordeal too, and Mazda hasn’t exactly been open about electrification plans for the MX-5, either.

Porsche's Boxster EV Will Force Audi And BMW To Step Up Their Game
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So what happens later this year when Porsche unveils a Boxster EV concept that is, reportedly, near-production ready? Will it take less than the five years it took the Mission E to morph into the Taycan and MX-5 electric too. Perhaps a couple of automakers are secretly working on their own electric compact sports cars or maybe they aren’t. If they are, then all the better for us, and if they aren’t, expect to watch them all scatter like roaches when the lights come on as they start scrambling to take their rightful pieces of the pie before Porsche comes to dominate a lightly touched segment.

How The Porsche 959 Rally Legend Redefined The Nature of Supercars

The five-minute video is both a history lesson on the race-spec 959 and a highlight footage of the car’s Paris-Dakar adventure. It documents how the 959 was designed and developed and it talks about its then-revolutionary all-wheel-drive system. It also gives us a closer look at the twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, rated at 400 horsepower, and the adjustments Porsche had to make to turn the 959 into a rally race winner.

Finally, it talks a bit about how the three Porsche 959s fielded in the 1986 Paris-Dakar Rally finished the race in first, second, and sixth positions, scoring a historic win for the German brand.

How The Porsche 959 Rally Legend Redefined The Nature of Supercars
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The 959 did more than just race at Paris-Dakar, though. While the video doesn’t mention it, simply because it documents this historic event only, the 959 was also raced at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Called the 961, it won its class and finished seventh overall in 1986.

How The Porsche 959 Rally Legend Redefined The Nature of Supercars
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Of course, the 959 is actually more famous as a road-going car.

Introduced in 1986, it was the world’s fastest streel-legal production car with top speeds of up to 211 mph.

It was also considered the most technologically advanced sports car of its time and set the standard for the competition. It also provided the basis for Porsche’s first all-wheel drive 911, the Carrera 4. Fitted with a twin-turbo, 2.8-liter flat-six engine rated at up to 523 horsepower, the 959 remained in production until 1993. Porsche built 337 units in seven years.

2022 400Z HP Revealed?

According to Project Cars 3, a video game from Slightly Mad Studios distributed by Bandai Namco, the new Nissan 400Z is shown in their latest downloadable content (DLC) power pack to possess some very serious horsepower.

In its interpretation of the Power Pack, thenewnissanz.com flaunts the numbers shown in the video, such as 445 horsepower and a weight of 3,251 lbs. When it compared the 400Z to the powertrain in the last Z, the 2020 370Z, the numbers they found were 332 hp with a curb weight of 3,333 lbs. If that wasn’t impressive enough, they then pitted the new Z versus the 2021 Toyota Supra, whose inline-six produces 382 hp while weighing in at 3,400 lbs.

We’ve previously chronicled what we know so far about the 400Z’s powertrain and its design. With no official word from Nissan, there is more speculation than usual, and thus far no spy photos taken here or in Japan.

Project Cars 3’s power pack is referenced in a trailer, which can be viewed on Yahoo! Entertainment. In the trailer, there are numerous examples of 400Zs, modified for motorsport competition.

Not having played Project Cars 3, I had to admit the trailer gave me the urge to go out and buy a Playstation4. I wonder if there’s a Gamestop nearby where I can go and try it out?

[Images: Slightly Mad Studios]

Tag: sports cars