Geneva supercars? Again?
Oh yes.
TechArt is one of my favorite technical upgrade shops because their focus is primarily under the hood.
Yes, they embellish their models with lurid body kits and wild colors: but that is only to show off the amazing power and grip solutions TechArt has done in the oily parts of these Porsches.
A few all-stars are present and accounted-for in the TechArt Geneva lineup, with much focus these days on the Cayenne and Panamera.
The 911 is not left out: TechArt’s upgraded 911’s also look good enough to kiss on the badge.
TECHART unveils numerous innovations at 84th Geneva International Motor Show 2014
13 innovations allocated to 5 vehicles. TECHART Automobildesign presents new individualization options for current Porsche models at 84th Geneva International Motor Show.
TECHART Highlights:
– TECHART Individualization for Porsche 911 Turbo models
– TECHART Power Kit TA 091/T1.1 for Porsche 911 Turbo S
– TECHART Exhaust System Sport with valve-control for Porsche 911 Turbo S
– TECHART Noselift System for Porsche 911 models
– TECHART Individualization for Porsche 911 Carrera 4 models
– TECHART GrandGT for Porsche Panamera models
– TECHART Power Kit TA 070/T1 for Porsche Panamera Turbo models
– TECHART Exhaust Systems Sport for Porsche Panamera models
– TECHART Magnum Edition Noir for Porsche Cayenne models
– TECHART Aerodynamic Kit I for Porsche Cayenne models– TECHART Power Kit TA 058/SD2 for Porsche Cayenne S Diesel
– TECHART Formula IV light-alloy wheel
– TECHART Carbon Line
One exciting discovery this morning from TechArt? Their diesel performance kit bumps torque to a frankly-astounding 1000NM, which is about 737 pound-feet? Why does that cap sound familiar?
It is generally the maximum approved torque load for some of Germany’s top automatic trasmissions. This is why the Mercedes-Benz S65 and others have hovered at this level for a few years.
It is also a tuning roadmap: if torque is capped, it lets the engineers work harder at horsepower and real-world throttle response. These are hugely important to buyers — and priorities that go by the wayside when the goal is headline power figures.
Another exciting find? A front lift kit for the Porsche 911 using hydraulics to raise the nose for steep driveways or speedbumps. This has long been a Ferrari, and especially Lamborghini, feature — and is integrated (a bit) into the Porsche 918 Spyder as well.
The 918 Spyder can be fitted with a hydraulic lift kit that raised all four wheels off the ground for tire changes or underbody inspections.
The 918 Spyder also employs this same hydraulic system in all corners of its active aerodynamics, so it is exciting to see TechArt take steps toward truly astounding active aero upgrades in the coming years.
Why hydraulics versus electric motors for various active shutters and front lift kits?
On second look — TechArt’s front lift may be a mechanical ram up front to lift that nose by a few inches.
But overall, hydraulics are preferred for a few reasons:
— the tech is long-perfected in aeronautics
— the hydraulic pumps have variable speeds they can operate with: from slowly deploying a spoiler, to ramming it vertical like the McLaren 12, and all the way back.
— The pumps can be stashed in some unseen corner of the car and operate silently
— Once actuated, the pressure stays constant. Thereby limiting truly gale-force winds ability to — in theory — move the flaps by themselves.
— Only recently has this become critical in hypercars, but no passenger jetliner would ever be as safe without these innovations
Overall, TechArt is on the cutting edge of Porsche technology. Their upgrades bring any 911 or Panamera to a “Turbo SS” level of visual impact, even if it was only ordered with a meek engine and smaller wheels than the current vogue.
In fact, I line the sound of that name! TechArt Turbo SS!
Be sure to get up-close and personal with these beauties in Geneva this week.
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.