I was contacted several months ago by a well-known author in America, and asked if I too felt that book publishers were favouring ‘photographic history books,’ as opposed to the more traditional narrative books. Although I had just completed my third consecutive photographic history book at the time, I confessed that I had not given much thought to this development as I just … [Read more...]
Porsche Only
CARRERA RS
If you want the ultimate book on the 911 Carrera RS 2.7, look no further than this excellent tome by Dr. Thomas Gruber and Dr. Georg Konradsheim. First published 24 years ago, Carrera RS has now been republished and by adding 178 pages to the original version, this work now totals a hefty 434 pages. The Porsche 911 Carrera RS needs little introduction to most motoring … [Read more...]
2017 Porsche RSR replacement
There has been a good deal of speculation as to what the 2017 Porsche RSR replacement will look like. There have been rumours doing the rounds that the engine might be based on the new Turbo generation powerplant, but understandably Porsche are keeping details scant. There was also the suggestion that the engine had been moved further forward in the chassis to improve weight … [Read more...]
Engine downsizing at Porsche racing
Since Porsche first started racing at Le Mans back in 1951, the company has sought to field the smallest engine feasible to compete in each particular case. With this philosophy, engine downsizing at Porsche racing has become second nature as we shall see. 1951- 1959 Starting with the first Porsche 356 SL back in ’51, Porsche used the smaller capacity engine (1086cc) that … [Read more...]
Oulton Park RS Track Day
Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Oulton Park RS Track Day for Porsche owners. The weather forecast said it was going to be overcast all day, and taking the wind chill factor into account, the temperatures would feel around zero or just above. Nothing could have been further from the truth, it was gloriously sunny, and at worst it was a bit hazy. For once the … [Read more...]
Porsche 919 Hybrid – Technological Advantage
In 2014, Porsche marched back into the top class of endurance racing, and announced that they were here to take the championship. Their new racer, the Porsche 919 Hybrid, was powered by a 2.0-litre V4 petrol turbocharged engine, and they proudly claimed that it held a technological advantage over the rest of their competitors. Many were sceptical because not only was the … [Read more...]
PORSCHE 911 RSR – MARCH OF PROGRESS
In 2014, its second year as a works racer, the Porsche 911 RSR finished second to Ferrari in the FIA WEC Manufacturers title race in the GTE PRO class. Porsche finished behind Ferrari, but ahead of Aston Martin. The Porsches scored two race victories to Ferrari’s four, but the 911s racked up six second places between the two cars, to Ferrari’s single second place. Although it … [Read more...]
Porsche 956/962
“Towards the end of the ‘70s a lack of manufacturer enthusiasm to develop new cars for the existing Group 5 and Group 6 categories loomed. For Porsche, 1976 and 1977 saw victories at Le Mans with the 936 but in 1978 Renault snatched a win with the A442, while Kremer revelled in the glory of an unexpected victory in 1979 with their 935 K3. After the 1979 season, the three … [Read more...]
Porsche – where to now after Le Mans?
Porsche’s win in the Le Mans 24-Hour race on 14 June 2015 was like a dream come true for the team, but to have dared to imagine occupying the top two positions was almost a dream too far. But sometimes dreams do come true, and for the Stuttgart manufacturer that is exactly what happened, with the third Porsche 919 Hybrid finishing in fifth place. After the first three … [Read more...]
Porsche Carrera
There is a story behind every book, and this series charts the stories behind the books I have written. Also, you will find out who has been interviewed during my research, and establish how those interviews have become inextricably linked with the subject matter. First up, it’s the turn of the Porsche Carrera book. Back in the mid-90s I was still living in Johannesburg, … [Read more...]
