All Next-Gen Porsche 911s May Pack A Flywheel


KERS-style boost could span the range.


http://www.0-60mag.com/news/2011/05/...ck-a-flywheel/

We'll wait and see what Stuttgart has to say . . .

 

I also read that it will have a 7 speed manual....but I'm thinking that was a typo?

 

I guess they were giving us hints all along (GT3 and 918 Hybrids) but we weren't listening. That is cool (if true, and why not!).

 

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/16/n...e-model-range/

 

Mark Webber has introduced doubt in my mind (something else that can go wrong).

Is it a great gimmick to market 0-60 times? Yes. Kind of like the 'push to pass' in IRL.

Another real concern is that the car is going to get even bigger, and bigger to accommodate such things. An analogy was raised on another forum, and I find it valid - look at the 1-series BMW, it is bigger than the 3-series was 20 years ago.

 

I think I've seen where this is going to happen, for the sole purpose of helping with mpg figures and guidelines.

 

If there is a new top gear for cruising at highway speeds of 70mph that would not put undue strain on the engine, I'm all for that sort of improvement.

As for the KERS, I'm not sure there's a benefit other than for marketing purposes and to learn about the technology so it could be used many years down the road to make a real difference.

 

The article is saying the 991 will be 100 lbs. less than the current car even with KERS due to extensive use of lightweight material.

 

I missed that part. Definitely reassuring. I did notice the size increase. If Porsche is saving 100lbs on a bigger car, do you think they will try and justify a decent price increase as well?

 

Well, we all know Porsche and their "sometimes" convoluted reasoning. You could be on to something there!

 

If this system works well it will lead to us all consider an upgrade . . . again. Clear the technology will evolve over the next several years so I'll be patient. The pcar's base cost will raise as well. Start saving now.

The KERS will recoup energy during braking and store it in a sophisticated dedicated flywheel system. All this of course to meet environmental demands and bring fuel efficiency to new levels. The next-generation 911 will also feature a longer wheelbase than the current model to accommodate the new flywheel system which will be placed between the gearbox and the engine.