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Stuttgart – Electric drive will take on an increasingly important role in the further enhancement of Porsche Intelligent Performance. To combine greater efficiency with even lower fuel consumption and emissions, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is working consistently not only on the ongoing development of hybrid concepts already in regular production, but also on practical tests as part of the Stuttgart Model Region for Electromobility, using three research cars with all-electric drive based on the Porsche Boxster.

In the test process, these three electric Boxsters are to provide an initial first important insight into new electric drive components and battery systems for all-electric vehicle drive. This field test intended to also provide further findings on the infrastructure required for electromobility, user behaviour and the demands made of future products, is to start in early 2011.

Michael Macht, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Porsche AG, sees this contribution made by Porsche as absolutely essential: “We will definitely be offering an electric sports car in future. But such a concept only makes sense if it offers product qualities typical of a Porsche.”

Porsche has been committed to electric mobility for a long time, thus helping to preserve the environment and save resources in our world: The spectacular concept study of the 918 Spyder high-performance mid-engined sports car with plug-in hybrid combines high-tech breakthroughs in engine technology and electromobility with a truly fascinating range of further qualities. Emissions otherwise to be found only on a super-mini of just 70 g/km CO2 with three litres fuel consumption for 100 kilometres in the NEDC (equal to 94.1 mpg imp), come with the performance of a super sportscar developing well over 600 horsepower.

The hybrid system of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid has been developed especially for racing, with two 60 kW (82 hp) electric motors on the front axle boosting the 480 hp six-cylinder power unit fitted at the rear. Replacing conventional batteries there is an electrical flywheel power storage system re-charged whenever the driver applies the brakes and thus delivering energy to the electric motors. The 911 GT3 R Hybrid has already proven its racing qualities in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

Introducing the Cayenne S Hybrid, Porsche also offers the first production car in the range able to run under electric power alone. With maximum output of 380 hp, the Cayenne S Hybrid makes do in the NEDC cycle with just 8.2 ltr/100 km (equal to 34.5 mpg imp), and CO2 emissions reduced to a mere 193 g/km. This hybrid technology will also be featured in the future Panamera S Hybrid due to enter the market next year.

TORONTO, July 15 /CNW/ – Excitement is building for Toronto’s top sporting attraction – the Honda Indy Toronto. To help kick off the race weekend, the Ontario Honda Dealers Association (OHDA) is underwriting the cost for admission to tomorrow’s session (July 16) at Exhibition Place.

“Our goal is for racing fans and those new to the sport to have the opportunity to enjoy the speed, sound and excitement of IndyCar racing,” said Jim Proskos, owner of Cobourg Honda, speaking on behalf of the OHDA.

“For anyone who has never seen open wheel racing up close and personal, we encourage them to take advantage of this no-cost opportunity to see some of the world’s top race drivers tackling the streets of Toronto. We are asking fans to donate their spare change to Make-A-Wish® Canada when they enter the gates to help make dreams and wishes come true for our Canadian children who are faced with life-threatening medical conditions.”

Accord to Charlie Johnstone, vice president and general manager of the Honda Indy Toronto, “This is one of the most significant initiatives in the history of the event for the community at large. To have free access to a world-class event is unprecedented.”

The OHDA-sponsored “Free Friday” on July 16 is designed to expose the thrill of open wheel racing to anyone interested. The Friday cash donations at the gates will support of Make-A-Wish Canada, the charity sponsor of Canadian Paul Tracy and his #15 Make-A-Wish Canada – KV Racing Technology – Honda – Dallara – Firestone car.

Fans can select any available seats on a first-come/first-served basis, even in the Gold and Silver sections around the track.

In addition to the open wheel and stock car racing series, there will be numerous activities including the ‘Auto Expo’ featuring fine cars and a variety of racecars, Budweiser Beer Gardens, driver and celebrity autograph sessions, Pizza Pizza ‘Family Zone, the race paddock, interactive games and exhibits, live music, stunt teams, ‘Thunder Alley,’ and a variety of displays and merchandise.

Honda Canada will again feature its unique Honda World in the Direct Energy Centre with racing simulators and a full complement of cars and trucks, including the all-new Honda CR-Z two-seat sports hybrid coming to Canada next month.

Information about the Honda Indy Toronto is available at www.HondaIndyToronto.com or by calling 877.503.6869.

About the Ontario Honda Dealers Association:

The Ontario Honda Dealers Association, which was founded in 1989, represents 78 Honda dealers located in 62 communities throughout Ontario, which is home to the two Honda of Canada Mfg. assembly plants that produce Civic, Canada’s number one selling car, in addition to the Acura MDX, ZDX and CSX. The 78 Honda dealerships in Ontario, which have a proven track record for providing maximum customer satisfaction, employ approximately 3,000 associates.

About Honda Indy Toronto:

The Honda Indy Toronto takes place from July 16 to 18 on the streets surrounding Exhibition Place near Lake Ontario and downtown Toronto. With more than two decades of open wheel racing history in Toronto, the Honda Indy Toronto is among the most respected motorsports events in North America and features a festival-like atmosphere that includes the fastest racing series on the planet, celebrity athletes and three action-packed days of live entertainment a

A REMINDER FROM PIRELLI TIRE

It’s spring! Please don’t drive on winter tires.

Montreal (April 26, 2010) – Pirelli Tire reminds motorists that the attributes that make winter tires so important when the weather is cold also make it important to remove them as the weather warms up.

Pirelli’s winter tires are manufactured using specialized compounds to keep the tread surface flexible and add grip when the temperature is below 7º C. Those compounds are designed for the cold, but have neither the durability nor suitable traction when the mercury soars.

Most Canadians use what is incorrectly named “all-season” tires. In fact, in the Canadian climate with its severe winters, they would be better designated ‘three-season’ tires since they serve the vehicle well when the temperature is above 7º C. For Canadians in most regions, now is a good time to switch your tires.

When installing your all-season or summer tires, be certain the tread depth is sufficient, the valve stems are functioning properly and the tires are inflated correctly. If in doubt, consult a tire professional to ensure that you have safe, enjoyable driving all year round.

A special tribute will be paid to the legendary Carroll Shelby on Wednesday February 10, 2010 during a gala reception, from 7:00pm to 10:00pm, at the Canadian International AutoShow.

Tickets are available.

A 2011 Ford Shelby GT500, with Shelby’s autograph prominent on the hood, will be auctioned live at the Gala Reception, along with other exclusive Shelby-related items. The GT-500 has been generously donated by the Toronto Ford Dealers Association.

The net proceeds of the event, hosted by CIAS and supported by the Toronto Automobile Dealers Foundation, will be donated to the Carroll Shelby Foundation and the Canadian Motorsport Heritage Foundation.

Tickets for the Carroll Shelby Gala Reception are available to the public for $150 each. Further information can be found and ticket reservations can be made at www.autoshow.ca/shelby.

Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is introducing a new top version of the Porsche Boxster, a light mid-engined roadster making its world debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show in December. Read the rest of this entry »