Vonnen’s Porsche 911 Does The Unthinkable — Carmudgeon w/ Jason Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott — Ep. 205
About this episode
A hybrid air-cooled Porsche 911 takes center stage as Jason Cammisa and Derek Tam-Scott delve into Vonnen's innovative system that enhances performance without compromising the car's character. The hosts discuss their driving impressions, highlighting the seamless integration of electric power that transforms the 911's driving experience. They explore the technical aspects, including weight distribution and torque delivery, while debating the practicality and cost of such modifications. The conversation also touches on potential applications for other classic cars, making for an engaging discussion on the future of hybridization in vintage vehicles.
Porsche 911
"...episode of the Carmage and Show is about a hybrid 911, a hybrid air-cooled 911. It's a hybrid 911 prese..."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that has been around for many years. It's known for being fast and fun to drive, and now they're even making a version that uses both gas and electricity to be more environmentally friendly.
The Porsche 911 is an iconic sports car known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout. It has been a significant model in the automotive world since its introduction in 1964, representing performance and engineering excellence. The mention of a hybrid 911 highlights the brand's evolution towards more sustainable technologies while maintaining its performance heritage.
air-cooled 911s
"And if you're not a fan of air-cooled 911s, couldn't give a fuck about them or hate them, you probably still should listen, because this is an interesting lesson in the benefits of electricity."
Air-cooled 911s are older models of the Porsche 911 that don't use water to cool the engine. Instead, they rely on air to keep the engine at the right temperature, which is a unique feature of these cars.
Air-cooled 911s refer to a specific generation of the Porsche 911 sports car that uses air cooling instead of liquid cooling for its engine. This design was prevalent in earlier models of the 911, particularly from its introduction in 1964 until the mid-1990s.
Battery Tender
"This episode of the Carmage and Show is sponsored by Battery Tender. Because you know why? Tell me why. When is the best place for you? What's the best time for you to have a dead battery?"
Battery Tender is a company that makes devices to help keep car batteries charged. Their products are useful for people who don't want their car batteries to die, especially if the car isn't used often.
Battery Tender is a brand that specializes in battery maintenance products, including chargers and maintainers designed to keep batteries charged and in good condition. Their products are particularly popular among automotive enthusiasts for preventing battery drain.
jumper box
"This is something I've not seen from any other manufacturer, which is a jumper box together with a battery charger maintainer in one thing."
A jumper box is a small, portable battery that can help start a car when its battery is dead. You connect it to the car's battery to give it a quick boost of power.
A jumper box is a portable device that provides a quick boost of power to start a vehicle with a dead battery. It typically contains a rechargeable battery and is equipped with jumper cables for easy connection to the vehicle's battery.
battery charger
"...you leave the charger, the battery charger and then you take the car somewhere else and there's no battery charger for it. If you leave it with the car and it does that function as well..."
A battery charger is a tool that helps recharge the battery in your car. If the battery runs low, you can use this device to fill it back up with energy.
A battery charger is a device used to put energy into a rechargeable battery by forcing an electric current through it. It's essential for maintaining the charge of a car's battery, especially for vehicles that are not used frequently.
lithium-ion
"...batteries bring us to lithium ion, brings us to bat. That's a battery. What does a battery in it as most Porsche do?"
Lithium-ion is a kind of battery that you can recharge and use again. It's often found in electric cars and gadgets because it lasts longer and is lighter than older battery types.
Lithium-ion is a type of rechargeable battery technology commonly used in electric vehicles and modern electronics. It offers high energy density, lightweight characteristics, and a longer lifespan compared to traditional lead-acid batteries.
Toyota Prius
"... get? And well, it's sitting the left lane like a Prius. And they said, no, this is about performance. So..."
The Toyota Prius is a car that uses both gas and electricity to help save on fuel. It's known for being very good on gas, which means you can drive longer distances without needing to fill up as often.
The Toyota Prius is one of the first mass-produced hybrid vehicles, combining a gasoline engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency. Launched in the late 1990s, it has become synonymous with eco-friendly driving and has played a significant role in popularizing hybrid technology. Its mention often relates to discussions about fuel economy and environmental impact.
CAN bus
"just read the CAN bus data from the cars on board computers"
CAN bus is a system in cars that helps different parts talk to each other, making it easier to manage how the car works.
CAN bus is a communication system that allows various components of a vehicle to communicate with each other, improving efficiency and diagnostics.
torque
"It was rated at that time at 150 horsepower and 150 pound feet of torque"
Torque is a measure of how much twisting force an engine can produce. It helps a car accelerate quickly and is important for performance.
Torque is a measure of rotational force in an engine, influencing how quickly a vehicle can accelerate. It's crucial for performance, especially in sports cars.
horsepower
"It was rated at that time at 150 horsepower and 150 pound feet of torque"
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The more horsepower, the faster and stronger the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the power output of engines. In this context, it indicates the performance capability of the vehicle.
dinoed
"...I loved it. We dinoed it because I wanted to see what the real difference was and it was the whole experience was great."
When someone says they 'dinoed' a car, it means they tested how powerful the engine is using special equipment. This helps them see how much horsepower and torque the engine produces.
'Dinoed' refers to using a dynamometer to measure an engine's power output, including horsepower and torque. This process helps enthusiasts understand the performance capabilities of their vehicle.
0 to 60 time
"With the system, it dropped to 5.2. It went from 5 to 5.2."
0 to 60 time is how fast a car can go from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a way to see how quickly a car can speed up.
0 to 60 time measures how quickly a car can accelerate from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It is a common performance metric used to evaluate a vehicle's acceleration capabilities.
overboost
"...that 5.0 and 5.2 dropped to 4.0. And then in overboost it dropped to 3.6 seconds."
Overboost is when a car's turbo or supercharger gives the engine extra power for a short time. It helps the car go faster when needed.
Overboost refers to a temporary increase in boost pressure from a turbocharger or supercharger, allowing for greater engine power output. This is often used in performance settings to enhance acceleration and responsiveness.
quarter mile
"...Quarter mile one from 13.5 to 13.7 to 12.2 to 11.8."
The quarter mile is a distance used in racing to see how fast a car can go from a stop to the finish line. It's a popular way to test a car's speed.
The quarter mile is a standard drag racing distance of 1,320 feet (402 meters). It's commonly used to measure a car's acceleration performance, with times recorded from a standing start to the finish line.
passing times
"...passing times were just ridiculous. 50 to 7th and 5th gear, for example, 50 to 70 in 5th gear went from 6.4 to 6.7 with the system..."
Passing times are how long it takes a car to speed up when you're trying to pass another vehicle. It's important for knowing how quickly a car can go faster when needed.
Passing times refer to the time it takes for a vehicle to accelerate from one speed to another, typically measured during overtaking maneuvers. These times are crucial for assessing a car's performance in real-world driving scenarios.
naturally aspirated
"Still naturally aspirated. And what I loved the most about the system was you're not changing the character of the car."
A naturally aspirated engine gets air for combustion from the atmosphere without any extra help from a turbo or supercharger. This can make the engine feel more responsive and connected to the driver.
A naturally aspirated engine relies on atmospheric pressure to draw air into the combustion chamber, as opposed to using a turbocharger or supercharger. This typically results in a more linear power delivery and a different driving experience compared to forced induction engines.
air-cooled car
"I would love to see this on an air-cooled car. And they're for a number of reasons."
Air-cooled cars cool their engines using air instead of water. This makes them lighter and simpler, and many classic cars, especially from Porsche, are designed this way.
Air-cooled cars use air to dissipate heat from the engine instead of a traditional water cooling system. This design is often associated with certain classic models, particularly from brands like Porsche, and is valued for its simplicity and lightweight characteristics.
0-60 time
"...this is a car that did in period zero to 60 in the probably six second slow sixes range. I would love to see car drivers street start on that because-"
0-60 time tells you how fast a car can go from a stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a way to see how quick a car is when you start driving it.
The 0-60 time is a common performance metric that measures how quickly a car can accelerate from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's often used to compare the acceleration capabilities of different vehicles.
RPM
"Yeah. If you got this car to 60 miles an hour, you were doing a 6500 RPM clutch dump to get it moving."
RPM means how many times the engine turns in one minute. Higher numbers usually mean the engine is working harder and going faster.
RPM stands for revolutions per minute and is a measure of how fast an engine is spinning. Higher RPMs typically indicate more power being produced, but can also lead to increased wear and tear on the engine.
clutch dump
"Yeah. If you got this car to 60 miles an hour, you were doing a 6500 RPM clutch dump to get it moving."
A clutch dump is when you let go of the clutch pedal quickly to make the car go fast. It's a way to start moving quickly but can be tough on the car.
A clutch dump is a technique where the driver quickly releases the clutch pedal while applying throttle, allowing for rapid acceleration. This can be hard on the drivetrain and is often used in racing or performance driving.
gearing
"And part of that is gearing."
Gearing is about how the car's gears are set up. It affects how fast the car can go and how quickly it can speed up.
Gearing refers to the gear ratios in a vehicle's transmission, which affect how power is delivered to the wheels. Different gear ratios can optimize acceleration or fuel efficiency depending on driving conditions.
throttle position
"So you have to figure out a way to get throttle position and you're not dealing with an automatic."
Throttle position is about how open the part that lets air into the engine is. It helps control how fast the car can go.
Throttle position refers to the angle of the throttle valve in the engine, which controls the amount of air entering the engine. This is crucial for managing engine power and efficiency.
starter motor
"It's a starter motor. Yes, no starter motor, which was the first thing I noticed."
The starter motor is a part of the car that helps start the engine. When you turn the key, it makes the engine begin to run.
The starter motor is an electric motor that initiates the engine's operation by turning it over. It is crucial for starting the vehicle.
G50
"It's a G50 car, which we'll get back to that in a minute while that's important."
The G50 is a type of transmission used in certain Porsche 911 models, known for making the car easier to drive and more reliable. It's a key feature that many Porsche fans look for.
The G50 refers to a specific generation of the Porsche 911 transmission, known for its improved shifting performance and reliability compared to earlier models. It was introduced in the late 1980s and is often sought after by enthusiasts for its driving characteristics.
fully electric
"Because it's fully electric. Right. This car was not like that."
A fully electric car runs only on electricity and doesn't use gas at all. It has batteries that power the car, making it different from regular cars that need gasoline.
A fully electric vehicle (EV) is powered entirely by electricity, using electric motors and batteries instead of a traditional internal combustion engine. This technology is becoming increasingly popular due to its environmental benefits and lower operating costs.
weight reduction
"And 2,200 pounds in a 9-11 means that it has no back seats and it has manual windows and no AC and no heat. And maybe like fiberglass body panels and no sunroof and no sound insulation."
Weight reduction means taking out things from a car to make it lighter. This can help the car go faster and handle better because it doesn't have to move as much weight.
Weight reduction is a common practice in performance car building, where unnecessary components are removed to enhance speed, handling, and efficiency. This often includes eliminating features like back seats, sound insulation, and other comforts.
central locking
"...Porsche put a bunch of stuff in it that American consumers demanded, like, central locking. And electric mirrors and a sunroof and air conditioning..."
Central locking is a feature in cars that lets you lock or unlock all the doors at once, instead of having to do each one individually. It's usually controlled by a button or a remote.
Central locking is a system that allows all the doors of a vehicle to be locked or unlocked simultaneously from a single control point, typically the driver's door or a remote key fob. This feature enhances convenience and security.
air conditioning
"...electric mirrors and a sunroof and air conditioning. So what is the way you could factory there with 32?"
Air conditioning in cars helps keep the inside cool and comfortable, especially when it's hot outside. It works by removing heat and humidity from the air inside the car.
Air conditioning in vehicles is a system that cools and dehumidifies the air inside the car, providing comfort to passengers, especially in hot weather. It typically uses a refrigerant to absorb heat from the cabin air.
Rolls-Royce Phantom
"...t have capacity. So you kill them very easily and phantom drains will kill them on a car sitting. That's wh..."
The Rolls-Royce Phantom is an extremely fancy car that is all about luxury and comfort. It's known for being very powerful and having a beautifully designed inside, making it one of the most expensive cars you can buy.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom is a luxury sedan that epitomizes opulence and craftsmanship, often regarded as one of the finest cars in the world. Known for its powerful V12 engine and exquisite interior, it represents the pinnacle of automotive luxury. Discussions around the Phantom often focus on its exclusivity and the high level of customization available to buyers.
regenerative braking
"Uh, and the reason here is because when you come off the power, uh, you obviously want a, you want some regenerative braking, but you need to fade that out as you get closer to the limit of adhesion..."
Regenerative braking is a system in some cars that helps recharge the battery when you slow down. Instead of wasting energy, it captures some of it and sends it back to the battery.
Regenerative braking is a technology that allows electric and hybrid vehicles to recover energy during braking and store it in the battery for later use. This process helps improve overall efficiency and extends the vehicle's range.
Porsche 959
"...It's like a 959. It is exactly a 959. Yes. Yes. But other than that, yes, it's exactly like a 959."
The Porsche 959 is a famous sports car made by Porsche in the late 1980s. It was known for being very fast and had some of the latest technology for its time, including all-wheel drive.
The Porsche 959 is a high-performance sports car produced in the late 1980s and early 1990s, known for its advanced technology and all-wheel drive system. It was one of the fastest production cars of its time, featuring a turbocharged flat-six engine.
Porsche 911 Turbo S
"... Porsche did hybridize. The next GT, uh, the next turbo S will be hybrid and the current GTS is hybrid. Um,..."
The Porsche 911 Turbo S is a super-fast version of the 911 sports car, known for its amazing speed and handling. They're talking about making it use both gas and electricity to be even better.
The Porsche 911 Turbo S is a high-performance variant of the iconic 911, known for its powerful turbocharged engine and advanced technology. It represents the pinnacle of the 911 lineup, offering exceptional speed and handling. The discussion around its hybridization reflects the brand's commitment to innovation while maintaining its performance legacy.
Porsche 912
"And they did say that they have it going a 915 installation coming for a 912."
The Porsche 912 is a car made by Porsche that has a smaller four-cylinder engine. It was created to be a less expensive option compared to the more powerful 911.
The Porsche 912 is a model produced by Porsche from 1965 to 1969, featuring a four-cylinder engine. It was designed as a more affordable alternative to the 911, offering similar styling and handling.
Chrysler 300S
"..., well, thank you. And then you're sort of at low 300s with the weight distribution of a 912. But here's..."
The Chrysler 300 is a big car that looks very stylish and has a lot of room inside. It's known for being comfortable to drive and has powerful engines that make it fun.
The Chrysler 300 is a full-size sedan that combines a bold design with a spacious interior and powerful engine options. Since its debut in 2005, it has been recognized for its distinctive styling and comfort, often appealing to those looking for a luxury feel at a more accessible price point. Its mention may relate to discussions about American automotive design and performance.
Citroen Ds
"more power, would you do it in a Citroen DS? Yes, definitely."
The Citroen DS 3 is a small car that stands out because of its cool design and the different ways you can customize it. It's a fun car to drive and is popular with younger people.
The Citroen DS 3 is a stylish subcompact car known for its unique design and customizable features. Launched in 2010, it has gained popularity for its blend of practicality and chic aesthetics, often appealing to younger drivers. Its mention in discussions may relate to its performance capabilities and distinctive character in the automotive market.
BMW E30S
"... own personal garage, I would do it in one of the E30s so that I still had the starter sound,"
The BMW 3 Series is a popular car that many people love for its sporty feel and comfortable ride. The E30 model is especially liked because it has a classic look and is fun to drive.
The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car that has been a staple in the BMW lineup since 1975. Known for its sporty handling and luxurious features, it has a strong reputation among driving enthusiasts and is often discussed for its balance of performance and comfort. The E30 generation, in particular, is celebrated for its classic design and driving experience.
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