Showing posts with label porsche. Show all posts
Showing posts with label porsche. Show all posts

Thursday, July 18, 2024

My FH5 Log: Taycan Bloodline

The Porsche Taycan revolutionized the company behind the legendary 911 and others with its all-electric powertrain and became the starting point for Porsche's road to electrification. Here in Forza Horizon 5, I sample two versions of the said electric car.



But first, a quick refresher on the Porsche Taycan. The Taycan, Porsche’s first fully electric sports saloon, is a true revolution. It’s a sign of a new era for the company behind the legendary 911, among others. This car is an amazing testament to Porsche’s engineering capabilities. The Taycan Turbo S variant can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in under three seconds and has a unique electric drivetrain with 800V system voltage and 93.4 kWh Performance Battery Plus. The Taycan is also equipped with a wide range of networked chassis systems that keep it sporty and comfortable.


A year after the saloon version was sold, the Cross Turismo joined the lineup. You know, the one that I won from the Modern Horizons Hot Season Playlist. The Cross Turismo features the same bits and bobs from its saloon version but is now in jacked-up shooting brake packaging. The most powerful version, the Turbo S, has 460kW of power output but when over-boost kicks in, it generates up to 560kW of power, delivering a 0-100kph time of 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 250kph, slower than its sedan equivalent. Range? It's up to 419km per WLTP standards.



Both the Taycan and the Taycan Cross Turismo were concepts turned real and had the same performance. The question is, which Taycan is the best? The saloon or the Cross Turismo? To find out, I went to the main festival stage to conduct this experiment. Roll the tape.


And now the results...

Taycan - 1m00.460s

Taycan CT - 1m01.044s

A close shave as expected but the saloon came up on top.


Saloon or Cross Turismo, it makes no difference which Taycan you're on because, with the Taycan, Porsche's road to electrification goes full circle and the hype is real. Electric power just got manly and dangerous. This is Soul, Electrified.

EPILOGUE

Showing respect to the first-ever Porsche Taycan, it's time for the saloon version to do a one-car show but first...



A dab of Angel's Breath and the Taycan's feeling angelic for all the wrong reasons. Still, the scent of Angel's Breath is lovely and nostalgic just like a stack of Mod magazines from my youth. Let's go, Mikan.


With the scent of Angel's Breath lingering, Mikan the Taycan is prepared to take on today's Making Drama; a storm drain setting curated by a certain EventLab pro. 

Making Drama, switch on!


The scent of Angel's Breath may be gone but my little angel skewered through the storm drain like an idol possessed.


The Porsche Taycan is a truly revolutionary vehicle. The electric powertrain is impressive, the performance is incredible, and it's both stylish and comfortable. Plus, it's fun to drive! It's no wonder that it's one of the most popular new cars on the market. It's a testament to Porsche's engineering prowess that they were able to create an electric car that doesn't sacrifice any of the things that make a Porsche a Porsche. I predict that the Taycan will be one of the most iconic cars of the decade.


GET READY FOR THE NEXT BATTLE!

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Porsche Panamera (972) v Taycan Minor Change

The only premium saloon in the Porsche stable, the Panamera, is now in its third generation and it's officially the best Panamera ever made by a narrow margin.

2025 Porsche Panamera
2025 Porsche Panamera

Starting at an ultra-expensive 110,900 Euros plus additional costs, the all-new third-generation Panamera is the Third Coming of Porsche's only luxury premium sedan that combines the first-class comfort and track-honed performance you would expect for a Porsche.

2025 Porsche Panamera
2025 Porsche Panamera

The design of the Panamera 972 is very similar to earlier models, but Porsche says that this new version was inspired by the electric Taycan. The all-electric Taycan is Porsche's only luxury premium sedan, and its influence can be seen in the design of the Panamera. I think this is an exciting development that shows that Porsche is moving forward with exciting, new models that will be part of their exciting future.

Now the range-topping Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid, the most powerful Porsche Turbo, is the first to don the monochrome Porsche badge because it looks so cool. I think it's a great idea to put the badge on the most powerful version of the Porsche.

2025 Porsche Panamera
2025 Porsche Panamera interior

2025 Porsche Panamera interior
2025 Porsche Panamera interior

In contrast to its familiar looks, the interior is all-new for the 972. On the driver's side, it features a dual touch-screen display with the other one on the passenger side, which is of course an optional extra and it's only visible to whoever sits in the front passenger seat, not from the driver's seat to avoid distracted driving. Boo. On the plus side, the analog clock from the previous model is still here. On the top as usual. On the passenger side, it still has that out-on-the-limo feeling, and things get even more interesting if you go for the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Executive with longer wheelbase and executive rear seats. Going first-class doesn't need to be a dull moment especially when you're in the all-new Porsche Panamera.

The new Porsche Panamera has a good amount of boot space, as long as you don't need the rear seats. With the seats folded down, you can fit up to 1264 liters of stuff in the back, which is pretty good for a premium sedan. So if you’re a Porsche purist and you need a lot of cargo space, you’ll likely be happy with the new Panamera.

2025 Porsche Panamera
2025 Porsche Panamera

Base Panamera variants are powered by a 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine with 353PS of power and mated to an 8-speed AT but the E-Hybrid variants are armed with the same engine but bolted to an E-Motor to produce a total output of up to 544PS of power for the 4S E-Hybrid variant. Mated to the said gearbox, it does 0-100kph in 3.7 seconds and flat-out at 290kph.

The range-topper Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid is armed with the new 4.0L V8 turbo engine bolted to an E-Motor that produces a total output of 680PS of power and 930Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 315kph. That's nearly supercar performance in a car that weighs over two tons.

Dynamics have been slightly improved thanks to its standard Porsche Active Suspension Management, available all-wheel steering, available Porsche Active Ride active suspension, and new active shock absorbers, among others. With such improvements, the dynamics made the all-new model the best premium sedan to drive by a narrow margin. You might as well ditch your Mercedes-AMG S63 for this one. It feels downright addictive to drive.

As for safety, the all-new Panamera features a revised active speed assistant as well as the updated Porsche InnoDrive now with swerve assistant and the new Remote ParkAssist function.

The all-new Porsche Panamera is no doubt the best Panamera ever made by a narrow margin but is it really the best Porsche sedan you want to drive and leave others driven to tears?

2025 Porsche Taycan
2025 Porsche Taycan

2025 Porsche Taycan
2025 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

2025 Porsche Taycan
2025 Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo

To give us the answer, let's introduce to you to the Porsche Taycan's 2025MY Minor Change. Priced at 101,500 Euros, which is slightly more expensive than the all-new Panamera, the Taycan is still offered with three body styles such as the saloon version, the Sport Turismo with up to 1212 liters of boot space with the rear seats folded down, and the slightly rugged Taycan Cross Turismo.

2025 Porsche Taycan
2025 Porsche Taycan interior

The Taycan minor change features a slightly refreshed design as well as a revised interior with more touchscreens, a refreshed digital instrumental cluster, standard brushed aluminum side sill scuff plates, new leather-free upholstery options (both with Pepita houndstooth fabric), revised two-tone color scheme choices and new Aluminium Prisma decor. Everything around the Taycan is still first-class comfort.

2025 Porsche Taycan Turbo GT

Of course, you can have the all-electric Taycan from 408PS to 952PS for the Turbo S but ignore all of that because there's now the ultimate Taycan you want to have; the Taycan Turbo GT.

Priced at 240,000 Euros plus additional costs, the Taycan Turbo GT juiced its AWD dual-motor powertrain with 105kWh Lithium battery to produce a monstrous 1034PS of power and 1340Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 2.3 seconds and flat-out at 290kph, slower than the all-new Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid. As for driving range, the Taycan Turbo GT is good for 555km in one full charge and it will take half a day to charge it while at home or 18 minutes while at a public 320kW charging station if there is one.

Armed with the available Weissach Package that deletes the rear seats and other forms of comfort to drop 70kg on a car that weighs over two tons, the Taycan Turbo GT is capable of crushing the Nurburgring Nordschleife production EV lap record in 7 minutes and 7.55 seconds, faster than the controversial Tesla Model S Plaid. This is no doubt the fastest saloon to lap the legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife and such plaudits must not be ignored.

So, the all-new third-generation Panamera and the Taycan minor change. Both Porsche saloons are built for the new normal with the first-class comfort and race-honed performance you would expect for a Porsche but in the end, it's the facelifted Taycan, in Turbo GT form, takes the upper hand. Either way, these two are too hot to be ignored. WE JUST WANT ONE OF THESE.

Photo: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG

Saturday, June 15, 2024

My FM Log: 963 Reasons to Drive

It's Le Mans Day so let's celebrate by driving the Porsche 963, the LMDh racer that competes in both the FIA World Endurance Championship and the IMSA SportsCar Championship.


For a limited time, Forza Motorsport players can download the "963 Combo" DLC for free until June 19th. After that, it costs $4.99. With this DLC, you get in-game access to the #5 Porsche Penske Motorsport 963 and the racing suit.

Before I drive the 963 in Forza Motorsport, let's have a quick info about Porsche's LMDh fighter.

Following in the footsteps of its LMP1-winning 919 Hybrid, the Porsche 963 is created to compete in the Hypercar and GTP classes in the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA SportsCar Championship.

Built with a number of advanced features such as carbon fiber bodywork penned by Grant Larson from Style Porsche, the 963's hybrid powertrain is derived from the 918 Spyder but can run on renewable fuels. The styling is inspired by legends such as the 956 and the 962 that raced in the 1980s.

From its debut in the 2023 Rolex Daytona 24-hour endurance race, the 963 saw success at the hands of Porsche Penske Motorsport in both the FIA WEC and IMSA SportsCar Championship.


Recently, the #6 Porsche Penske Motorsport 963 gained pole position for the first time in Le Mans at the time of 3:24.634. Sounds herculean but rather than taking a fool of a dare, I decided to do my best to lap the 963 around Le Mans as fast as I could. Roll the tape.


After a quick lap around Le Mans in the 963, I did it in 3m56.492s. That's the best I can do. Although I couldn't beat the real-world pole position lap time set by Kevin Estre behind the wheel, I had fun driving the 963 around Le Mans in the game.


With the Porsche 963 claiming its Le Mans Pole Position status, will it win today's Le Mans endurance race against a full house of Hypercar competitors and end Ferrari's reign as the defending champion of Le Mans? Don't miss the 24 Hours of Le Mans today and in case you haven't got it, you have until June 19th to claim the 963 Combo DLC for Forza Motorsport for free.

Viel GlĂĽck, Porsche.

Wednesday, June 12, 2024

My FM Log: Trackside Litters

Two rather unnecessary trackside litterbugs have invaded Forza Motorsport's Update 8, the Porsche 935 and the BMW 1M Coupe. Having fought my way to swat these two down, it's time to have a lowdown with the latest trackside vermins.


Let's begin with the BMW 1-Series M Coupe that I salvaged from the Update 8 Open Class Tour until the June 12, 2024 deadline.

Anyone wondering why the M version of the 1-Series Coupe is called “1-Series M Coupe” instead of “M1” is because it's supposed to avoid confusion with the original BMW M1, the only mid-engined M-developed sportscar from BMW M Power built from the 1970s. 

The BMW 1-Series M Coupe has a turbocharged 3.0L engine with direct injection that produces 335hp of power and 450Nm of torque. It can go 0-60m in 4.7 seconds, and top speed is limited to 155mph. The 6-speed manual gearbox is the only gearbox available for the 1M Coupe.


Now, let's get to know about the Porsche 935 that was salvaged from the time-limited Track Toys tour until the June 26, 2024 deadline.

The reborn 935 is essentially a track-only version of the 991-spec Porsche 911 GT2 RS, although there is already a track-only version of the said car, the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport. However, this is the extreme version of Porsche's NĂĽrburgring beater, and because it isn't homologated, the modern 935 is all about pushing itself to the very limit on the track. It made its world premiere at the 2019 Rennsport Reunion VI at Laguna Seca.

Donning its iconic design, the 935 is bigger than the 911 GT2 RS it was based on, but despite its neo-classic exterior design, it still runs on the same 3.8L twin-turbo flat-six engine from the said car, meaning it produces 700hp of power while mated to a 7-speed PDK. It also packs similar features such as LSD, electromechanical steering with variable ratio, front McPherson struts, and rear multi-link setup. Unlike the 911 GT2 RS, the 935 uses three-way adjustable racing dampers as well as front six-piston aluminum monobloc brake calipers and rear four-piston aluminum monobloc brake calipers.

Production is limited to 77 units, each costing 701,948 euros plus additional costs.



Let's push these pests to the limit around Brands Hatch to showcase their trackside potential. Roll the tapes.



These lab rats sure know how to handle a race track like a track toy but still, I'm not satisfied about these two vermins on steroids.

Enjoy your new ride.

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

My FM Log: The ultimate 718

The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is the ultimate 718 that knows no bounds when it comes to its serious performance and dynamics, and having won this car from the Ringer Tour until the final Thursday of March, Forza Motorsport allowed me to drive one.


So, what's it all about the ultimate 718? Unveiled at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS is the ultimate version of Porsche's mid-engined sports car that pushes beyond its limits on the road and the track.

Using the same 4.0L flat-six naturally aspirated engine from the 992 911 GT3, the 718 GT4 RS produces 500PS of power output, and while mated exclusively with a 7-speed PDK, it does 0-100kph in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 315km/h, faster than the normal 718 Cayman GT4.

Performance aside, the 718 GT4 RS features numerous chassis upgrades such as 30mm lower ride height, ball-jointed suspension mountings, stiffer springs, and anti-roll balls, as well as adaptive Bilstein dampers, 20-inch forged aluminum centre-locking wheels, and the available Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake carbon-ceramic discs.

Thanks to such improvements, it lapped the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 7:04.511, faster than the base 718 Cayman GT4, with river Jörg Bergmeister behind the wheel.


Because the Nordschleife made its appearance in Forza Motorsport, I decided to take on a merciless punishment with this car as I tried to match the real-world lap time set by this car on this track.

SPOILER ALERT: I failed.


Although I didn't beat the real-world lap time, I had fun trying out the ultimate 718 in the Green Hell. I am extremely grateful to experience the ultimate expression of Porsche's mid-engined masterpiece that tries hard to be the 911's anti-thesis.


Although nearly as good as a 911 GT3, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS is unique and spartan as every Porsche should be. The more you know.

Enjoy your new ride.

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

My FH5 Log: Glänzende Nova & Frischer Himmel

Although they both share the same four-liter vessel, the 911 GT3, and the 718 Cayman GT4 RS are two different sides of the same coin. Differences aside, these two are born to make bold statements on the road and the track.


Both the 911 GT3 and the 718 Cayman GT4 RS share the same 4.0L flat-six naturally aspirated engine as well as the seven-speed PDK but what separates them is the power output as the 718 Cayman GT4 RS is 10PS less compared to the 911 GT3. 500PS for the 718's vs. 510PS for the 911's. However, despite being less powerful than the 911 GT3, the 718 GT4 RS is 20kg lighter than the 911 GT3, 1415kg vs. 1435kg.


Both the 911 GT3 and the 718 GT4 RS lapped the Nurburgring Nordschleife with the former at 6:59.927 and the latter at 7:04.511, meaning for Porsche fanatics, being RR is the way to go for a Porsche, not MR.



Since this is Forza Horizon 5, the 911 GT3 and the 718 Cayman GT4 RS deserved some quiet time on party grounds because, despite their sibling strife, they sure know how to entertain the festival goers with their unique race-inspired aerodynamics and performance that will keep them longing for more. 

There are too many variables between them but it's time to find out which is the best. In genuine Porsche fashion, I went to the streets of Guanajuato to give the 911 GT3 and the 718 GT4 RS their every day "need for speed "they deserve while figuring out which of these hardcore versions is pure alpha. Let's roll the tape.


And now, the results...

992 911 GT3 - 1m33.994s

718 GT4 RS - 1m34.361s

It may be a one-sided brawl but in the end, the 911 GT3 is still Code Alpha compared to its mid-engined sibling by nearly half a second. Close shave but touche.


No doubt about it, the 911 GT3, and the 718 Cayman GT4 RS are two different sides of the same coin but when you experience them both, their unique race-inspired aerodynamics and performance make you drive faster and harder for longer. It's the new taste for peanuts, the Porsche way.

EPILOGUE

Having grown my interest in the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS, which is one of the DLC cars in Forza Horizon 5, it's time for me to give this hardcore 718 a much-needed makeover before setting off for its one-car showtime.





Yes, I know. If Dorothy gets my 911 GT3 like last time, my 718 GT4 RS gets Reona. Get it? It's the new meaning for Fortune Party, and good things happen when you light up their fortunes.


Anyway, it's showtime for our Reona-chan as my 718 GT4 RS takes on a re-enactment of the famous Sydney Opera House by a certain FH5 player named China4567690. Shoutout to the master of this creation. Anyway, let's get the show rolling.


Man, the race-tuned suspension wasn't built for this but at least it had fun exploring the underbelly of the Sydney Opera House re-enactment.


On the road and track, you will forever be thankful that the GT4 RS is the ultimate version of the 718 that knows all asphalt. With its 4.0L naturally-aspirated engine, 7-speed PDK, and race-inspired aerodynamics, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS is "perfectly irrational" in every way. When you pair this car with the 911 GT3, this is what the Glänzende Nova & Frischer Himmel looks like to you, the speedo boy.

The legend will never die...

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

My FM Log: The second 911 RSR

Having fought my way through Forza Motorsport's Update 5.0 Open Class Tour until the March 13th deadline, I got my hands on the 1974 Porsche #1 911 RSR, the second iteration of the racing version of the legendary Porsche 911.


Following the success of the 901-based 911 Carrera RSR that dominated Daytona and the Targa Florio, a 930-spec 911 RSR was unveiled in 1974 and it conquered Group 4 racing for the next 24 months at the hands of privateers.

Powering the 930 911 RSR is the same 2.8 flat-six engine that powered its 901 predecessor, producing 330hp of power and 231lb-ft of torque.

Apart from dominating Group 4 races, a 2.8/3.0 RSR hybrid version took part in the US IROC series during the 1973/74 winter season. A 2.1L turbo prototype took part in the 1974 24 Hours of Le Mans and finished 2nd.


I've selected the Nordschleife portion of the Nurburgring, which was included in the fifth Forza Motorsport series update, to demonstrate the legendary performance the 911 RSR possesses. Roll the tape.


Legendary, as some would say.

Enjoy your new ride!

Friday, March 8, 2024

My FH5 Log: Summit Assault

Let's face it. The world's gone mad these days and so has the motoring world, where three superpowers clash for supremacy. America, Europe, and Asia are all locked in for a motoring world war.


Like I said in the past, the Chevrolet Corvette, the Porsche 911, and the Nissan GT-R are the most dominant names in the world of sports cars because of their heritage, performance, and racing pedigree that made them the global superpowers feared and respected the world over. 





Here in Forza Horizon 5, I am already familiar with the motoring superpowers in their current state; the C8 Corvette Z06, the GT-R NISMO, and the 992 911 GT3.

The 911 GT3, in its 992 spec, is known for its race-inspired aerodynamics, performance, and the naturally-aspirated 4.0L flat-six engine that begs to be revved. The C8 Corvette Z06, meanwhile, is the Republican's answer to the 911 GT3 because of its naturally aspirated V8 engine, C8.R-inspired dynamics, and sleek aerodynamics. Lastly, the GT-R NISMO is no doubt the king of GT-Rs. Enough said.




To unleash their true worth in performance and dynamics, the three motoring superpowers have been gathered for a summit, a Summit Assault to the top of the caldera. Let's find out which of them is the real superpower here. Roll the tape.


And now the results...

C8 Z06 - 3m.04.101s
GT-R NISMO - 3m06.386s
992 GT3 - 3m03.333s


So, the Germans have won the battle, but the war continues because the motoring superpowers will keep improving and fighting until the endgame. The more you know.


EPILOGUE



Having satisfied with the motoring superpower trio, it's time to reward themselves for all the hard work they've done.




Our 992 911 GT3 had its tensions MAXED with Little Miss Dorothy West plastered over it. I still had the old 911 992 GT3 with Sala in it but for my Dorothy-fied 911 GT3, I've tinkered it to be mated with a 6-speed gearbox. Did you know that the 992 911 GT3 is offered with the choice of either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed PDK?




For the C8 Z06, well, you can't go wrong with it with a dash of Red Flash and Sophy Hojo in it. Fast and sexy, just like the car itself.




The Nissan GT-R NISMO is no doubt one of the most formidable 4WD supercars in ages but for now, it's got Sion Todo's name all over in the spirit of Let's ¡Go! Get it? Let's i-Go! That's Sion's line.




With their respective makeovers done, the legendary trio is setting off to EventLab re-enactments of fictional racetracks from famous racing games in history. Let's roll the tapes.




What a WonderPri World, they said.




Global superpowers are forever known for changing world history with influence, be it for better or worse, and it's the same thing for the world's best sportscars. The Corvette, the 911, and the GT-R fought themselves for true world domination but in the end, it was a stalemate because other global superpowers were trying to prove their worth just like them.

Yes, the United Nations of speed and power ain't really united just like the United Nations itself, and as long as the sources of power remain, the clash for world domination will continue.

GET READY FOR THE NEXT BATTLE!