2011 Long Beach Pro-Celebrity Media Day: Five Minutes With Patrick Long

TruSpeed Motorsports Director, Tyler Tadevic readies a race prepared Porsche with ALMS stickers. Able assistance for sticker application was provided by Erin Cechal, American Le Mans Series Director of Public Relations/Media Services. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2011)

2011 Long Beach Pro/Celebrity Media Day: Five Minutes With Patrick Long

One might assume that it would be difficult to have a conversation with one of the more accomplished, yet under-publicized motorsports drivers of our era ... American born (actually Southern California born and bred) factory Porsche driver, Patrick Long.

Five minutes with Patrick Long leaves one with a strong and positive long-term memory of a person who is able to pursue & experience one's passion of mastering the art of driving an automobile in competition, establish strong interpersonal relationships at the pinnacle of performance, and make a difference in the context of this professional world on an international basis.

Audio Of Revealing Interview With Patrick Long, Here
(Patrick on World Challenge ride, open-wheel racing, general life issues)

Patrick Long gets ready to step into his office for the day giving rides around a track he has won at in the American Le Mans Series the previous two years. If he wins again (in any series) ... this threatens to bring a new meaning understanding to the name "Long Beach"! Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2011)

All of this may sound daunting and hectic given the goals of winning and the demands of representing the technology and corporate agenda of an international sports car powerhouse that is Porsche, especially when one considers that Patrick remains the happy, relaxed yet focused and professional Southern Californian that he is, but to Patrick ... it is all part of a life lived fully and well.

At the 2011 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Pro/Celebrity Media Day, a day about one and half weeks before the event and where the celebrities are able to get familiar with the track lay-out for the first time as the city shuts down public access to the streets, Patrick Long joined his newest competition effort in the World Challenge for 2011. Patrick has joined forces with TruSpeed Motorsports (part of TruSpeed Motorcars, and TruSpeed Motorwerks - Porsche Sales, Service, and Racing out of Costa Mesa) in its desire to field a two car Porsche team in competing the Pirelli World Challenge Championship.

TruSpeed is best known as the premier source for air-cooled Porsches in the United States. Founded by businessman and driver Rob Morgan in January of 2001, TruSpeed has delivered absolute satisfaction and superior service to more than 4,000 customers worldwide.

Patrick Long grabs his helmet as he gets ready to take another hot lap, with a passenger in tow, around the temporary street course that is the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach race track. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2011)

Porsche, TruSpeed's founder and lead driver Rob Morgan, and TruSpeed's Motorsports Director, Tyler Tadevic are happy to have Patrick expand his competition awareness efforts outside of his primary Factory responsibilities of the American Le Mans Series and other corporate efforts ... as long as there remains no conflict on the Factory side. This TruSpeed Motorsports opportunity of teaming up with Rob Morgan fit the bill almost perfectly. Only one race, the Round 4 run at Miller Motorsports Park, Utah, would be effected with Patrick's absence. So far, Patrick has captured wins in Rounds 1 and 2 of the Pirelli World Challenge Championships from St. Petersberg ... and with 322 points, leads the driver championship by 89 points over the nearest competitor in the GT class.

This excerpted and edited from American Le Mans Series -

LONG BEACH VICTORIES TOUGH TO COME BY
List of multi-time winners is a short one

Since the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón first raced at the historic Long Beach circuit in 2007, multiple victories have been hard to come by.

Only one driver pairing in the last four seasons managed back-to-back class wins in the Tequila Patrón American Le Mans Series at Long Beach – Jörg Bergmeister and Patrick Long for Flying Lizard Motorsports and Porsche in 2009 and 2010. In addition, Corvette Racing’s Olivier Beretta and Oliver Gavin took GT1 victories in 2007 and 2009.

The only other competitors to win more than once at Long Beach are David Brabham (2008 LMP2 and 2010 overall) and Simon Pagenaud (2009 and 2010 overall). There are 12 previous Long Beach class winners entered for next week’s race. In contrast 17 drivers will make their first Long Beach start in the Series.

This year’s race will be telecast in its entirety on ESPN3.com starting at 7:15 p.m. ET/4:15 p.m. local time. ESPN2 will provide television coverage from 5 to 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 17. Visit the American Le Mans Series' schedule page for information on tickets and area accommodations.
Reference Here

Come the weekend of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach (April 14-17, 2011), Patrick Long will be very busy doing what he feels he was born to do ... driving and promoting the expansion of the relationships he shares in the Porsche motorsports community by looking to notch his third victory in class for the Flying Lizards factory Porsche team with teammate Jorg Bergmeister and competing in his first season in the World Challenge with TruSpeed Motorsports with his own Porsche along side of teammate Rob Morgan.

Maybe, just maybe, he'll be able to win two Long Beach races during the same weekend in different series championships - if anyone can do it, Patrick Long can.

... notes from The EDJE

RUF Developing Electric Test Vehicles Based on the Porsche 911 Carrera

Porsche tuner RUF Automobile is developing ten electric vehicles with three different powertrains based on the 911 Carrera (997), which will be put to the test in “real life situations”. The prototypes are being manufactured in cooperation with German electronics giant Siemens AG and are going to be presented in the first half of 2011. The three eRUF variants feature a single motor concept, twin motor concept with 2-speed gearbox and twin motor concept with torque vectoring.

The first powertrain comprises a 180 kW (241HP) electric motor, 29 kWh lithium-ion battery and standard Porsche gearbox used for speed reduction. The setup offers an estimated driving range of 150 km (93 miles) and decent performance: 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7 seconds and a top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph).

The prototypes using the twin motor concept are even faster, reaching 100 km/h (62 mph) in about 5 seconds, while also maxing out at 220 km/h or 137 mph. Two synchronous electric motors deliver 250 kW (335HP) and are coupled to a 2-speed automatic transmission. The more potent battery pack (36,6 kWh) extends the driving range to 200 km (124 mph).

Last but not least, the third variant uses the same twin motor setup, while adding torque vectoring into the mix as well. Engineers mounted two separate gearboxes into the car, each powering a rear wheel. Acceleration and driving range are the same, however estimated top speed decreases to about 180 km/h (112 mph).

The field test are expected to provide important data on the different battery and powertrain setups, which will be handed over to the German Federal Ministry of the Environment, also involved in the project.

eRUF variants [Press Release]

1. Single Motor Concept
- Base vehicle, Porsche 997 Carrera
- Electric motor (180 kW) and inverter from Siemens AG
- Porsche production gearbox used for speed reduction
- Lithium-ion batteries with an energy capacity of 29 kWh
- Integrated charger, DCDC-converter, plug, socket and charging cable
- interior heating
- Data recording unit for analysis and documentation of the charging/ discharging, journey and component data
- Driving range approximately 150 km, maximum speed about 220 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in about 7 seconds
2. Twin Motor Concept with 2-speed Gearbox
- Base vehicle, Porsche 997 Carrera
- Two transversely mounted Siemens synchronous electric motors (250 kW) with double inverters
- Automatic 2 speed gearbox, limited slip differential
- Liquid cooled and heated lithium ion battery with an energy capacity of 36,6 kWh
- Integrated charger, DCDC-converter, plug, socket and charging cable
- interior heating
- Data recording unit for ananlysis and documentation of the charging/ discharging, journey and component data
- Driving range approximately 200 km, maximum speed about 220 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in about 5 seconds
3. Twin Motor concept with Torque Vectoring
- Base vehicle, Porsche 997 Carrera
- Two transversely mounted Siemens synchronous electric motors (250 kW) with double inverters
- Two seperate angular bevel gearboxes for independent rear wheel drive
- Liquid cooled and heated lithium ion battery with an energy capacity of 36,6 kWh
- Charging via inverter, DCDC-converter, plug, socket and charging cable
- interior heating
- Data recording unit for analysis and documentation of the charging/discharging, journey and component data
- Driving range approximately 200 km, maximum speed about 180 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in about 5 seconds

Porsche Quietly Rolls Out Pure-Electric Boxster E Prototypes

In a German-language only press release and without much fanfare, Porsche announced the introduction of a trio of electric-powered Boxster E prototypes. Over the next few months, these pure-electric test vehicles will be trialed in and around the city of Stuttgart to provide feedback on the feasibility and usability of the concept in everyday use.

Porsche is keeping mum on most of the details surrounding the three prototype Boxster roadsters simply stating that the cars are equipped with two-electric motors that deliver up to 180kW or 241-horsepower, and are fed through a 29-kWh battery package.

SpeedART Goes Extra Wide with New Porsche Cayenne Titan EVO-XL 600

Even though the Essen Motor Show sounds like a more appropriate event for a tuning proposal like the Titan EVO-XL 600, the crew at SpeedART has decided to unveil its latest offering for the 2011 Porsche Cayenne at the Geneva Motor Show this March. If the Cayenne Titan EVO-XL looks familiar, that's because it's wider-body version of the Titan EVO (hence the XL in the name).

The body kit includes a front bumper, rear bumper, a bespoke roof spoiler and extra wide fender flares with matching side skirts. A set of massive 23-inch forged alloy wheels with 315/25 ZR23 tires work with a lowering kit to complete the new look. SpeedART also has a variety of customizations available for the Cayenne's interior, ranging from carbon shell-type seats to a multi-media-unit with iPad and iPod-docking-station.

The German tuning firm provides a standard power kit for the Cayenne's 4.8-liter V8 turbo engine comprising of an ECU tune and a modified exhaust system with an optional switch to control the exhaust note, which help lift output from 500HP and 516 lb-ft to 600HP and 627 lb-ft. SpeedART said it is currently developing a stage two kit that will push output up to as much as 700-horsepower.

New Panamera S Hybrid is The Most Fuel Efficient Porsche of All Time

Just as we suspected when Porsche first announced its plans to present a brand new hybrid model at the Geneva Salon, the German firm's 'surprise' is indeed the Panamera S Hybrid. According to the automaker, the new 380HP hybrid GT is the most economical Porsche of all time with a combined fuel economy of 6.8 lt/100km or 34.6 mpg US, and also boasts the lowest CO2 output of any large sports sedan in the luxury segment with 159 g/km (both figures achieved with the optional low resistance tires).

The latest addition to the Panamera family makes use of the same powertrain found on the Cayenne hybrid mating a 333HP 3.0-liter supercharged V6 sourced from Audi to a 47 hp (34 kW) electric motor for a combined output of 380HP. Both motors are capable of powering the Panamera S Hybrid either alone or in combination, while the electric motor also operates both as a generator and a starter.

The electric motor is fed by a nickel metal hydride battery (NiMh) where the electrical energy recovered from braking and driving is stored. Power is transferred to the rear wheels by the familiar eight-speed Tiptronic S.

Porsche says the Panamera S Hybrid can complete the standard sprint to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds (0-60mph in 5.8"), and reach a top speed at 270 km/h (168 mph). The range in purely electric mode is approximately two kilometres (1.24 miles) with electric driving possible up to 85 km/h (53 mph), depending on the driving situation.

When fitted with the optional lower-rolling resistance all-season tires from Michelin, the Panamera hybrid consumes on average 6.8 lt/100 km (34.6 mpg US.) with CO2 emissions of 159 g/km. With the standard tires, the hybrid model returns 7.1 lt/100 km (33.1 mpg US) with 167 g/km of CO2.

All Panamera S Hybrid models will come fitted as standard with the adaptive air suspension including the adaptive shock-absorber system with PASM, as well as a bespoke display concept that provides the driver with relevant information about the vehicle’s specific hybrid driving status.

The Panamera S Hybrid will enter the European market in June 2011 and cost €106,185 in Germany, including VAT and country-specific equipment, while sales in the States will start a little bit later in 2011 at a base suggested retail price of $95,000 excluding destination (€70,320).

VIDEO: Porsche's 34.6 MPG 2012 Panamera S Hybrid on the Move

Porsche is out to prove that luxury sports saloons can offer exceptional fuel economy and low emissions without losing on performance with its new Panamera S Hybrid model, the first details of which were released earlier today. Shortly after the presentation Porsche also published a short video of the hybrid model in motion, which you can check out after the jump.

The newest member of the Panamera family puts out a combined 380HP from a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 and an electric motor, for a 0-60mph time of 5.8 seconds, Porsche said the hybrid model returns a combined fuel economy of just 6.8 lt/100km (equal to 34.6 mpg US) in the European cycle when equipped with low-rolling resistance tires, with CO2 emissions of 159 g/km, the lowest in its segment.

Porsche Panamera Tuneathon Continues with Anderson Germany

Another day, another tuning proposal for Porsche's Panamera sports saloon which is proving to be particularly popular with the aftermarket industry. This one comes from Anderson Germany which has just finished tidying up the details on its latest project based on the non-turbo Panamera 4S.

Starting with the engine programme, a software update and a sport exhaust system that comes with a remote-controlled butterfly valve allowing the driver to control the tone, help increase the 4.8-liter naturally aspirate V8's output from 400HP to 485HP. Other go-fast features including a height-adjustable sports suspension and new 22-inch alloy wheels finished in black with red accents that are wrapped around tires sized 265/40 and 295/25 in the front and rear, respectively.

The car is then finished in a satin black shade and is fitted with a new body kit, while the mirrors, grille, door handles, logos, bar, tailgate and window frames are painted in a glossy black color. Anderson Germany also tinted the headlamps and tail light covers.

There's a variety of customization options available for the interior ranging from the carbon-style leather and black Alcantara seats with red diamond-shaped seams, to carbon fiber trims and accent LEDs for the door sills.

Porsche to Unveil New Full Hybrid Model at Geneva Show, Can You Guess What it is?

Porsche is continuing its foray into the eco-friendly segment with a new full parallel hybrid vehicle that’s headed for the Geneva show, according to a statement released today. However, the Germans are keeping specific details hush-hush, only stating that the new model is set to build on the success of the Cayenne S Hybrid and “signals a new chapter” in the brand’s “Porsche Intelligent Performance” philosophy.

While we can’t confirm anything, signs point to a hybrid version of the Panamera four-door coupe, which was last mentioned (but long ago teased) at the end of January. Porsche then said that it’s considering a diesel-powered Cayenne for the States, which could be followed by diesel and gasoline-electric hybrid Panamera variants as well.

Given the Cayenne S Hybrid reference, it’s possible that the Panamera hybrid will use a similar powertrain setup with the SUV model, which features a 333HP 3.0-liter supercharged V6 gasoline engine and a 47HP (34 kW) electric motor for a combined output of 380HP (279 kW) and 580 Nm (428 lb-ft) of peak torque.

Porsche will also display in Geneva the 918 RSR hybrid racing car concept and hardcore Cayman R, plus the recently introduced 911 Black Edition and Boxster S Black Edition.