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The National
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The National
Time running out for Pascal Wehrlein in Formula E title defence
Porsche's Pascal Wehrlein, reigning Formula E world champion, left Indonesian capital Jakarta last weekend with his hopes of back-to-back crowns in a bad shape following his fifth non-score of the season. He now has just four races left to overhaul the 69-point gap to season leader Oliver Rowland of Nissan. It's a tough ask, with just 116 points left to play for before Season 11's chequered flag in London next month - a double header on July 26-27. But the German is approaching the end of the season with pragmatism. 'I think it's a good time to reset, and have a bit of a rest,' he said in Jakarta. 'Definitely the last couple of weeks have been very busy. 'The focus is, already since Shanghai, to be honest, not on the drivers' championship anymore. Obviously, we [will] try to do as good as we can, and fight until the end. But, realistically, the gap has always been quite big. 'The focus is on the manufacturers' and on the teams' championship, which is just as important to the team than the drivers' championships. So, yeah, that's where we are, and that's what we will try to do in the last couple of races. Have a good end to the season, try to secure the two championships there.' Wehrlein came into Jakarta's ePrix on the back foot, with the event just one week after his Le Mans 24 Hours debut, the world's most prestigious endurance race. Wehrlein and teammates Felipe Nasr and Nick Tandy drove the Porsche Penske Motorsport hypercar to eighth place overall. But the German-Mauritian enjoyed racing through the night in France, and then arrived in Indonesia as fresh as could be expected. 'Yeah, was a great experience,' said Wehrlein, who also logged 39 starts between 2016 and 2017 for Manor and Sauber in Formula One. 'It was a great journey because it started already a long time ago, with my first test in Daytona, and then also the race in Daytona for JDC [JDC Miller Motorsports]. The cars are awesome. I really enjoyed it. 'Obviously, since 2018-19, I was only driving in the Formula E series, so I really enjoyed coming back to other cars and you know, having that sound again. Different track. Going to bed in the evening with a small tinnitus in the ears, and just going back to something I really enjoyed in the past like [German series] DTM, for example – so racing a touring car or prototype, so it was great fun.' But, Jakarta was a step back with Wehrlein finishing 11th, immediately behind the man he has got to catch - Nissan's Rowland. It was a missed opportunity for a standout result on a day when his title rival faltered. 'It's quite a poor race after the qualifying we had,' Wehrlein said. 'We knew it was going to be difficult, that overtaking is almost impossible if you're in the same power mode [as your rival]. Yeah, just a poor qualifying, which resulted into yeah, the poor day we had. 'In the morning, we were very competitive. Yeah, the track conditions were insane. It was so dirty, actually, was it's more difficult to see something than in wet conditions just because of all the dust. Going a bit offline, there's a huge penalty, so it makes overtaking even more tricky, and it caught us in qualifying. I just went with my rear tyre a bit on the dust and lost the car. So yeah, that meant we were poor in qualifying and then after the penalty [for slowing down to create a gap] even worse.' Wehrlein and his Porsche Formula E teammate Antonio Felix da Costa head home to Berlin next month for the first of two double headers on July 12 and 13 before moving to the London finale just two weeks later.
Geeky Gadgets
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Geeky Gadgets
Porsche 963 RSP: Race Car for the Road?
The Porsche 963 RSP is a remarkable one-off creation that seamlessly merges the worlds of track-dominating race cars and road-legal vehicles. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Porsche 917 and its daring road journey half a century ago, the 963 RSP stands as a testament to Porsche's rich racing heritage and unparalleled engineering expertise. This groundbreaking vehicle is the result of a collaborative effort between Porsche AG, Porsche Penske Motorsport, and the renowned Roger Penske, showcasing the pinnacle of automotive innovation. The 963 RSP masterfully combines innovative technology with nostalgic design elements, creating a unique driving experience that pays homage to Porsche's illustrious past while embracing the future of performance engineering. Design and Engineering Excellence The Porsche 963 RSP is a true masterpiece of design and engineering, setting itself apart from its competition-focused counterparts. The exterior of the vehicle is adorned in a stunning Martini Silver paint scheme, reminiscent of the legendary 917's iconic appearance. The bodywork, crafted from ultra-lightweight carbon fiber and Kevlar®, has been carefully designed to incorporate distinctive features such as unique fender vents and a bespoke enamel Porsche badge. These elements not only enhance the car's aerodynamic performance but also add to its visual allure. Stepping inside the 963 RSP, one is greeted by an interior that seamlessly blends luxury and functionality. The cabin is appointed with a harmonious combination of tan leather and Alcantara, offering a level of comfort and refinement rarely found in race cars. Every detail, from the innovative 3D-printed cup holder to the air-conditioned carbon seat, has been carefully crafted to enhance the driver's experience behind the wheel. The attention to detail and the use of premium materials throughout the interior showcase Porsche's unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and driver-centric design. Exclusive Showcase and Limited Availability The Porsche 963 RSP is a true collector's dream, with its exclusivity and rarity adding to its allure. As a one-of-a-kind creation, the 963 RSP is not part of Porsche's regular model lineup and is not available for purchase. Instead, this extraordinary vehicle will be showcased at prestigious automotive events around the world, captivating enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Attendees of the renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans and the esteemed Goodwood Festival of Speed will have the opportunity to witness the 963 RSP in all its glory, as it takes center stage among the world's most celebrated automobiles. Following its public appearances, the Porsche 963 RSP will make its way back to Stuttgart, where it will find a permanent home at the esteemed Porsche Museum. This decision underscores the vehicle's significance as a testament to Porsche's engineering prowess and its status as a true automotive icon. Visitors to the museum will have the chance to admire the 963 RSP up close, marveling at its unique design elements and appreciating the meticulous craftsmanship that went into its creation. Cutting-Edge Technology and Performance Under the hood, the Porsche 963 RSP is powered by a formidable 4.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, capable of delivering approximately 680 horsepower. This potent powerplant is complemented by a sophisticated hybrid system, featuring an 800-volt electrical architecture and a 1.35 kWh battery. The integration of hybrid technology not only enhances the vehicle's performance but also demonstrates Porsche's commitment to sustainable and efficient power delivery. The 963 RSP's performance is further enhanced by its advanced transmission, a sequential seven-speed gearbox supplied by Xtrac. This state-of-the-art transmission ensures seamless and precise gear changes, allowing the driver to harness the full potential of the engine. The vehicle rides on forged OZ racing wheels, wrapped in Michelin rain-spec tires, providing exceptional grip and handling in various weather conditions. A Tribute to Porsche's Racing Heritage For automotive enthusiasts captivated by the Porsche 963 RSP, exploring the rich history of Porsche's racing endeavors is an enticing prospect. The vehicle's design and engineering draw heavily from the legendary Porsche 917, a race car that dominated the motorsport scene in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The 917's audacious road journey, undertaken 50 years ago, serves as the inspiration behind the 963 RSP's creation, highlighting Porsche's long-standing tradition of pushing the boundaries of what is possible in automotive engineering. Delving into Porsche's hybrid technology advancements is another area of interest for those fascinated by the 963 RSP. Porsche has been at the forefront of hybrid technology in motorsport, with their success in endurance racing serving as a testament to their expertise in this field. The 963 RSP's hybrid system showcases the latest advancements in electric power integration, offering a glimpse into the future of high-performance vehicles. For those intrigued by the engineering behind endurance race cars, the Porsche 963 RSP serves as a prime example of the innovative technology and meticulous design that goes into creating these purpose-built machines. From the lightweight materials used in its construction to the advanced aerodynamics and powertrain technologies, the 963 RSP embodies the pinnacle of motorsport engineering. A Glimpse into the Future of Performance The Porsche 963 RSP is more than just a one-off creation; it represents a bold step into the future of performance vehicles. By seamlessly blending race-proven technology with road-going comfort and refinement, the 963 RSP showcases the potential for high-performance automobiles to transcend the boundaries between track and street. As automotive enthusiasts continue to seek out vehicles that offer uncompromising performance, innovative technology, and exclusive design, the Porsche 963 RSP stands as a beacon of inspiration. Its creation demonstrates the endless possibilities that arise when passion, innovation, and engineering excellence converge. While the 963 RSP may not be available for purchase, its impact on the automotive world is undeniable. It serves as a testament to Porsche's unwavering commitment to pushing the limits of what is possible in automotive design and engineering. As the brand continues to innovate and evolve, the legacy of the 963 RSP will undoubtedly influence future generations of high-performance vehicles, both on and off the track. In conclusion, the Porsche 963 RSP is a remarkable achievement that showcases the very best of Porsche's engineering prowess and racing heritage. Its unique blend of nostalgic design elements, innovative technology, and uncompromising performance makes it a true icon in the world of automotive excellence. As enthusiasts continue to marvel at this extraordinary creation, the Porsche 963 RSP will forever stand as a symbol of the brand's relentless pursuit of perfection and its ability to create vehicles that captivate the hearts and minds of car lovers around the world. Source Porsche Filed Under: Auto News, Gadgets News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
