The very concept of turbocharger technology is linked inseparably with the name Porsche and the Porsche brand. It was back in October 1974 that the German sports car manufacturer launched the world's first series production sports car with an exhaust gas turbocharger. And ever since, every new generation of the Porsche 911 Turbo has fascinated enthusiasts the world over with a special highlight in technology: the intercooler, bi-turbo, VarioCam Plus, as well as the title "Cleanest Car in the World" have all set the benchmark in turbocharger development. Now the highlight of the next generation of the Porsche Turbo is spelt out clearly in three powerful letters: VTG.

In introducing the new model, Porsche will be presenting the world's first turbocharged petrol engine with variable turbine geometry (VTG). This technology featured in turbocharged diesels since the '90s ensures a significant improvement of engine flexibility and acceleration particularly at low engine speeds. So far, however, much higher exhaust gas temperature of up to 1000° C in comparison with the turbocharged diesel has always proved to be an insurmountable barrier. But now Porsche has solved this problem in close cooperation with Borg Warner Turbo Systems by using high temperature-resistant materials from space technology wherever required.

The core features of the VTG system are the variable turbine blades guiding the flow of exhaust gas from the engine in exactly the direction required on to the turbine wheel of the exhaust gas turbocharger. The principle of variable turbine geometry thus combines the benefits of a small and large exhaust gas turbocharger all in one – a combination ensuring both very good response and high torque at low engine speeds as well as superior output and high performance at high speeds. And the supreme level of torque is now maintained consistently throughout a much wider speed range.

VTG turbocharger with a low blade angle at low engine speeds

Big Anniversary on 16th November

The exhaust gas turbocharger was invented 100 years ago: On 16th November, 1905, Swiss engineer Dr. Alfred Büchi received patent No. 204630 from the Imperial Patent Office of the German Reich for a "combustion machine consisting of a compressor (turbine compressor), a piston engine, and a turbine in sequential arrangement".

Born on 11th July, 1879, Büchi, who died on 27th October, 1959, worked as an engineer in the Swiss town of Winterthur. His idea was not just to pre-compress the air flowing into the engine, but also to use the kinetic energy coming out in the exhaust gas under high pressure, which otherwise was simply wasted. So he used the exhaust gas flowing out after the combustion process to drive a turbine serving, in turn, to drive a compressor pre-compressing the intake air and boosting the air charge in the engine. This marked the birth of the turbocharger.

Büchi had to wait a long time until his invention was able to enter practical use. The first application of turbocharger technology was in large marine engines, with the German Ministry of Transport commissioning the construction of the "Danzig" and "Preussen" passenger liners in 1923. Each of these two passenger ships had twin ten-cylinder diesel engines with output boosted by turbocharger technology from 1,750 to 2,500 horsepower.

The first attempts to use this technology in a car began in the late '50s, with the so-called "turbo gap" – the delayed response of the engine to the throttle – presenting development engineers with a challenge insurmountable at the time.

In 1973 Porsche raced the 917/30 developing more than 1,100 bhp as a spearhead in turbocharger technology in the US CanAM Series, this ultra-powerful racing car literally destroying its opponents on the track. The result was a modification of regulations in the CanAM Series sending the almighty 917/30 straight to the museum.

First 911 with Turbocharger Technology

Maximum output of 260 horsepower, top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) plus, acceleration to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds – boasting supreme performance figures of this calibre, the first Porsche 911 Turbo made a proud appearance at the Paris Motor Show in 1974. This supersports developed its peak output at a low 5,500 rpm, with torque peaking at 343 Newton-metres or 253 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm. Back then this kind of torque achieved by Porsche was absolutely unheard of in a turbocharged power unit. Porsche's engineers were able to give the engine this relatively harmonious flow of power through the skilful use of a bypass valve. And to reduce the "turbo gap", Porsche's development engineers used a small turbocharger responding at an early point in time and reducing the lack of torque accordingly.

Entering the market in 1977, the successor to the original Turbo developed an even more significant 300 horsepower from 3.3 litres. The increase in output was achieved at the time by a brand-new feature, an intercooler seen for the first time on a production car. Cooling the hot turbocharger air to less than 100°C, the intercooler was able to reduce turbocharger pressure without the engine losing any of its power.

The Porsche Turbo – a Clean Performer in Every Respect

In 1990 Porsche enlarged the top segment through the introduction of a new 911 Turbo. An intercooler now 50 per cent larger, a turbocharger also increased in size, and pressure-controlled mapped ignition served to boost maximum output to 320 horsepower. And at the same time the new car was also a very clean performer, advanced exhaust gas management featuring a fully controlled three-way catalytic converter in metal substrate technology fulfilling the strictest US emission standards. Even the emissions coming out through the bypass valve were cleaned by means of a separate catalyst.

The fourth-generation 911 Turbo made its appearance in early 1995, based on the 3.6-litre power unit carried over from the 911 Carrera. The engine's performance figures, however, now entered a new dimension, with the new power unit featuring a twin turbocharger. So following the Porsche 959 technology spearhead boasting a second exhaust gas turbocharger for the first time in 1987, bi-turbocharger technology now made its way successfully into series production.

Maximum output of the new 911 Turbo was a shattering 408 bhp at 5,750 rpm, with peak torque of 540 Newton-metres or 398 lb-ft at 4,500 revs. Clearly, this ensured truly sensational performance, the Turbo accelerating to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and continuing on consistently all the way to a top speed of 290 km/h or 180 mph. Once again, the entire process of developing power was even more harmonious, the two smaller turbines responding even more quickly to the flow of exhaust gas.

Another masterpiece achieved by Porsche's engineers was the car's exhaust management system, sophisticated catalyst technology in conjunction with Porsche's new On-Board Diagnosis II (OBD II) making the new 911 Turbo the cleanest car in the world. Using the engine's electronic "brain", OBD II was able to detect possible deficiencies in the management of exhaust emissions and record up to 20 malfunctions for subsequent diagnosis.

Two Engine Concepts in One

The most outstanding technical highlight featured in the current 911 Turbo which entered the market in early 2000 is VarioCam Plus, an ingenious system reducing both fuel consumption and emissions and improving the engine's refinement at the same time. A further benefit of this superior technology is that it optimises both engine output and torque, the Turbo now developing 420 bhp at 6,000 rpm and reaching a top speed of 305 km/h or 189 mph. Fuel consumption, in turn, is 18 per cent lower than on the former model.

The great advantage of VarioCam Plus is that it combines two engine concepts in one, adjusting the camshaft on the intake side and varying the engine's valve stroke by means of Motronic engine management. This means even greater fuel economy and lower emissions both when idling and under part load, combined with high torque and maximum output at full load ensured by uncompromising cam contours with valve stroke of not more than 10 millimetres or 0.39".

The Porsche 917/30 won the CanAM Series in 1973 as a genuine spearhead in technology

UK Crackdown On The Uninsured
11th November, 2005
In the UK, tough new enforcement action to crackdown on uninsured drivers has been unveiled. From yesterday, police forces across the UK can use automatic number plate recognition cameras to spot and ultimately seize and destroy cars being driven without insurance ..... more

Audi: Sweaty Overalls Off, Italian Fashion On
11th November, 2005
Following a gruelling season of the German Touring Car Masters series (DTM), Audi drivers swapped their sweaty racing overalls for renowned Italian fashion label, René Lezard ..... more

Duke of York Visits Bentley Motors
11th November, 2005
Bentley Motors welcomed HRH Duke of York to their factory yesterday, in his capacity as Special Representative for UK Trade and Investment ..... more

Mitsubishi Upgrades Outlander & Pajero
11th November, 2005
Two of Mitsubishi’s popular models – Outlander and Pajero – have received upgrades to enhance their popularity ..... more

Europe's VW Touareg W12 Sport Edition
10th November, 2005
A sporting look and dynamic performance with outstanding comfort. The Touareg W12 Sport Edition with an extensive package of equipment is available now in Europe ..... more

Industry Gears up for End of Year Sales Push
6th November, 2005
Australian motor vehicle sales dropped slightly in October, interrupting a run of record monthly results that have pushed the market to new heights this year ..... more

Strong Demand For Boxster In North America
6th November, 2005
Porsche’s sports cars posted another considerable increase in sales in October 2005. The strongest rise in Boxster shipments was recorded in North America ..... more

Peugeot’s Carbon Sink in the Amazon Forest
5th November, 2005
The CEO of PSA and the Director of France’s Office National des Forêts (ONF), traveled to the São Nicolau tree farm in Brazil for a review of their experimental carbon sink project ..... more

The Last Rover
5th November, 2005
The British Motor Industry Heritage Trust has discovered the mystery surrounding the very last car built at the MG Rover Longbridge plant in Birmingham ..... more

Audi Hits 4,000 Units in Australia
3rd November, 2005
Following the company’s 10th consecutive month of record sales, Audi Australia has leapt the 4,000 units year-to-date hurdle following October sales results ..... more

Range Rover Sport At SEMA
3rd November, 2005
Land Rover North America is presenting the first Range Rover Sport to appear at the annual Specialty Equipment Manufacturer’s Association (SEMA) show, in Las Vegas, USA ..... more

Ford GTX1 Roadster At SEMA
2nd November, 2005
With the 1966 Sebring-winning Ford GTX1 roadster as inspiration, Ford SVT's Kip Ewing unveiled his take on that legendary racer at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas ..... more

Bentley Celebrates The Blue Train Race
1st November, 2005
Some 75 years since the adventurer and Le Mans winner Woolf Barnato raced and beat the famous Blue Train on its journey across France ..... more

VW Touareg Tow Ball Down Weight Now 350kg
31st October, 2005
Volkswagen has now increased the tow ball down weight of the Touareg from 140 kilogrammes to 350 kilogrammes ..... more

Porsche Looks For New Record In China
28th October, 2005
Porsche AG, wants to further strengthen its sales success in the world's most populous country ..... more

4MOTION For New Volkswagen Passat
27th October, 2005
The new generation Passat can now be ordered with permanent 4MOTION four-wheel drive in Europe ..... more

Volkswagen Multivan Business
26th October, 2005
The Volkswagen Multivan Business, now available to order, made its Australian debut at Sydney's 2005 Australian International Motor Show ..... more

Caterham Dominates Monte Carlo 2005
26th October, 2005
One of the ultimate tests of endurance and reliability, the Monte Carlo Sports Car Challenge, has been dominated by the legendary Caterham Seven ..... more

Porsche Sells 3,000+ Vehicles In Japan
26th October, 2005
Porsche announced at the Tokyo Motor Show, that customer deliveries in fiscal year 2004/05 (to 31st July) increased to 3,045 units ..... more

Scottish Sports Car Of The Year
24th October, 2005
The Association of Scottish Motoring Writers has voted the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX as Sports Car of the Year 2005 ..... more

Audi Shooting Brake Concept For Tokyo
20th October, 2005
An Audi sports car of the future may possibly have just started the journey from drawing board to driveway in the shape of the Audi Shooting Brake Concept, a convention-challenging, technology-laden design study destined for the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show ..... more

Volkswagen Wins Grand Challenge 2005
20th October, 2005
Volkswagen won the American Grand Challenge 2005 with a Touareg TDI ..... more

The New Audi S8
19th October, 2005
Distinct sports appeal and supreme comfort – these are the two defining characteristics of the Audi A8. At the time of its market launch three years ago, this large saloon shot straight to the top of the luxury segment thanks to its dynamic qualities. The brand with the four-ring emblem is now unveiling a sporty top model of the very highest calibre in the luxury segment: the new Audi S8 ..... more

Japan's Mazda RX-8 'Sport Prestige Limited II'
19th October, 2005
Mazda Motor Corporation has announced the launch of two upgraded versions of its RX-8 sports car in the Japanese market ..... more

Start Of Building For New Porsche Museum
19th October, 2005
With the installation of an unusual construction site sign, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, started construction of its new museum ..... more

Toyota Infringement Of Antonov Patents Update
19th October, 2005
Update: The case received its preliminary hearing on 22nd September 2005 having previously been postponed by the company to allow further negotiations with Toyota ..... more

Avanti Takes A Big Step With New V-6
18th October, 2005
Georgia (USA) based independent car maker, Avanti Motor Corporation, is introducing the first Avanti built with a 210 horsepower V-6 engine ..... more

New Baby quattro for Audi
16th October, 2005
The 2005 Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) marks the local introduction of Audi's smallest quattro model – the A3 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro ..... more

Nissan Previews 2006 350Z Roadster in Sydney
14th October, 2005
Nissan's iconic 36-year-old flagship sports car, the 350Z, goes on show at the Australian Motor Show with new features ..... more

Holden's Wild Hot Rod Brings FJ Back to Life
13th October, 2005
A wild 21st Century hot rod reinventing one of Australia ’s most famous cars, the FJ Holden, was unveiled today at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney ..... more

New Audi A4 2.0 TDI Now Available
13th October, 2005
The 2005 Australian International Motor Show will mark the Australian launch of Audi's latest hi-tech turbo diesel engine for the best-selling A4 ..... more

New Audi S4 Makes Its Australian Premiere
13th October, 2005
Audi's new S4 will be unveiled for the first time in Australia at the Australian International Motor Show, ahead of its mid-November 2005 launch ..... more

Audi Q7 Breaks Cover
12th October, 2005
Audi’s long-awaited Q7 SUV will make its Australian debut at Sydney's Motor Show on Friday, just weeks after its international unveiling in Frankfurt ..... more

New World Blind Land Speed Record
12th October, 2005
England's Mike Newman and his Speed of Sight team have rewritten the Guinness Book of World Records, again! ..... more

Aston Martin wins 2005 Luxury Briefing Award
11th October, 2005
Aston Martin was recognised in the annual Luxury Briefing Awards with the 2005 ‘Award for Excellence’ in the luxury arena ..... more

Porsche Secures Stake In Volkswagen
11th October, 2005
After already purchasing 10.26 per cent of VW’s common stock, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has now secured another 8.27 per cent of the common stock of Volkswagen AG ..... more

America's Avanti For 2006
10th October, 2005
The legendary and resilient Avanti Motors will make its mark this month with the redefined and redesigned coupe and convertible models ..... more

Peugeot at Sydney's Motor Show
6th October, 2005
The 2005 Australian International Motor Show will prove to be one of the biggest ever shows for the Peugeot brand in Australia ..... more

Audi launches new TDI engine for A4
5th October, 2005
Next week’s 2005 Australian International Motor Show, in Sydney, will mark the Australian launch of Audi’s latest hi-tech turbo diesel engine for the best-selling A4 ..... more

The 100,000th Audi Cabriolet
2nd October, 2005
The 100,000th Audi Cabriolet was produced at the company’s Karmann facility last week ..... more

2007 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible
30th September, 2005
The Ford Shelby GT500, one of the most anticipated and powerful cars for America in 2006, just got hotter with the announcement that a convertible version will join the Ford line-up ..... more

Bentley Announces Stunning New Convertible
27th September, 2005
Bentley Motors has announced the pending introduction of the Continental GTC. The new luxury 2+2 convertible completes the Bentley Continental model range ..... more

Porsche Looking For 20% of Volkswagen
26th September, 2005
Porsche announced yesterday that it would seek to acquire a share of approximately 20 per cent in the stock capital of Volkswagen ..... more

Grand Challenge 2005 in the USA
26th September, 2005
The countdown has begun for what is perhaps the world’s most unusual car race ..... more

Porsche Scores Record Sales In Germany
22nd September, 2005
Porsche posted another record for new registrations in Germany in the last financial year 2004/05. Overall, a total of 16,926 Porsche vehicles were registered ..... more

Volkswagen Touareg For 2006 Dakar Rally
21st September, 2005
Two stories here regarding Volkswagen's plans for the 2006 Dakar Rally which commences in Portugal on New Years Eve ..... more

I'm Always Dreamin'
20th September, 2005
Codenamed ‘Project Tempest’, development work on a core range of affordable, high performance cars, is now at an advanced stage ..... more

Italian Glamour Revs Up Sydney Motor Show
19th September, 2005
Spectacular new models from Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo and Ferrari promise to inject a big dose of Italian glamour into this year’s Australian International Motor Show ..... more

New Mid-Engined Porsche Coupe
19th September, 2005
Cayman S – the name of Porsche’s new Sports Coupé - is based on the Boxster model. Its Australian release is just months away ..... more

Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
14th September, 2005
Lamborghini launched its Gallardo Spyder at the Frankfurt Motor Show, providing the marque’s fourth model in its super car range ..... more

UK Diesel Sales Increase!
14th September, 2005
Before complaining about petrol prices, spare a thought for the British. The price of petrol reached one pound per litre in some parts of England last weekend ..... more

Porsche Plans Hybrid Drive For Cayenne
13th September, 2005
Porsche plans to launch a fourth version of the Cayenne Sports Utility Vehicle by the end of the decade ..... more

Volkswagen Eos To Be Launched In 2006
13th September, 2005
Some 18 months after the concept C study made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen now presents the production version of its new convertible coupé in the form of the Eos ..... more

New Regatta for Sydney Harbour
11th September, 2005
A brand new sailing competition, to be known as the “Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta” was 'launched' on Friday by Ian Box, Commodore Middle Harbour Yacht Club and Joerg Hofmann, Managing Director of Audi Australia ..... more

Covers To Come Off Audi's New S4 In Sydney
10th September, 2005
Audi's new S4 will be unveiled for the first time in Australia at the Australian International Motor Show, ahead of its November 2005 launch ..... more

Global Alliance for Hybrid Drive Development
10th September, 2005
BMW Group, DaimlerChrysler AG and General Motors have signed a "memorandum of understanding" governing the formation of an alliance for the development of hybrid drive systems ..... more

A Year of Celebration for the Audi Brand
9th September, 2005
Forty years ago, Audi succeeded in making a new start with the launch of the Audi 72 ..... more

Audi opens up its new Cabriolet at Frankfurt
7th September, 2005
Sharing new engines and extensive chassis revisions with the recently upgraded A4 Saloon and Avant, the latest Audi sun trap will be available in 2006 ..... more

Mercedes-Benz Classic Days 2005
7th September, 2005
One of the major classic car events is currently being staged in Salzburg: the sixth Mercedes-Benz Classic Days ..... more

Cadillac BLS
31st August, 2005
Where does the 2006 Cadillac BLS, which is set for its world premiere at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, sit in Holden's plans for the future? ..... more

2007 Jaguar XK
26th August, 2005
The all-new Jaguar XK is the first of a new generation of cars that reflect the best of everything that Jaguar is associated with ..... and we're the first media outlet in Australia with the story and images ..... more

Audi ups the Ante on Vehicle Security
26th August, 2005
Audi Australia has increased the security of its entire vehicle range this month with the adoption of DataDot microdot identification ..... more

Ford GT ‘Heritage’
23rd August, 2005
America's 2006 limited-edition Ford GT ‘Heritage’ paint livery recalls the JW Automotive/American Gulf Oil sponsored Le Mans winning Ford GT ..... more

Porsche Announces Carrera 4 Prices
14th August, 2005
Porsche Cars Australia Pty Ltd (PCA) has confirmed pricing for the all-wheel drive versions of the 911 that go on sale in November 2005 ..... more

The New Range Rover Sport
9th August, 2005
Range Rover Sport, the all new sports tourer SUV from Land Rover is now available for purchase at Land Rover dealers throughout Australia. This vehicle combines breathtaking dynamic ability with best-in-class comfort and refinement ..... more

A World Apart Range Rover Vogue
7th August, 2005
Range Rover Vogue, the most complete luxury SUV in the world, has been released for sale in Australia. It is the most refined, luxurious and powerful Range Rover ever ..... more

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coming To Australia
5th August, 2005
Aston Martin’s new V8 Vantage, has made an early bid to become the star of this year’s Australian International Motor Show. Show organisers have confirmed that the stunning two-seater coupe will make its Asia-Pacific debut at the Sydney exhibition on 13th October..... more

Sporty Look For Europe's Peugeot 307
4th August, 2005
Europe's Car of the Year winner 2002 is refreshed and improved with attractive styling treatment across the range for 2006 ..... more

A Porsche .... but not as you know it!
4th August, 2005
Joining the 5,500 examples of Porsches finest sportscars at Brands Hatch for the UK's annual Porsche Festival (28th-29th August) will be a handful of tractors ..... more

MG Rover Sold To Nanjing Automotive
1st August, 2005
The joint administrators from PricewaterhouseCoopers have announced the sale of the assets of both MG Rover Group and its engine producer, Powertrain Limited to Nanjing Automobile (Group) Corporation ..... more

Lamborghini Gallardo SE
1st August, 2005
The limited edition Lamborghini Gallardo SE (Special Edition) has been launched by Automobili Lamborghini SpA ..... more

Peugeot 407 Coupe Breaks Cover
31st July, 2005
Peugeot's new coupe will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The Next Car team is the first Australian media outlet to publish the first official photographs of a production model ..... more

The Return Of Daimler
29th July, 2005
Daimler returns to the U.K.'s new car showrooms this (northern) autumn with an all-new model, the Super Eight, which is powered by a 4.2 litre supercharged V8 engine ..... more

Audi A8L W12 Launched in Australia
28th July, 2005
Audi's ultimate long-wheelbase luxury limousine, the Audi A8L W12, has been launched in Australia ..... more

New Porsche Panamera Is Due In 2009
28th July, 2005
The fourth model series built by the Stuttgart car maker following the 911, the Boxster and the Cayenne will be called the "Panamera", a name derived from the legendary Carrera Panamericana long-distance race ..... more

Audi A8 Forges Ahead with a Fresh New Face
27th July, 2005
Audi will release its new A8 model range to the market in August with the striking trapezoidal 'single frame' grille spearheading the model range's fresh new face in Australia ..... more

For Peugeot – 'Innovation' Isn't A New Word
27th July, 2005
Introducing 'world firsts' is not new to Peugeot. The Peugeot 1007 might be the first car to have electric front sliding doors, but it is just another first from the manufacturer who, over its 116 year history has been a true innovator ..... more

New Audi A6 Avant
26th July, 2005
Audi has launched its elegant and versatile new A6 Avant in Australia. With countless innovations, a high standard of comfort and luxurious equipment, the Audi A6 Avant cements the claim that ‘beautiful estate cars are called Avant’ ..... more

Last Hurrah for Holden's Legendary Monaro
26th July, 2005
Holden will next month release a striking special edition, Monaro CV8-Z, as the final chapter in a remarkable success story in Australian automotive history ..... more

10,000,000 engines produced at Audi Hungaria
15th July, 2005
Audi Hungary has manufactured its ten millionth engine, a 1.8-litre four-cylinder five-valve engine with turbocharger and an output of 165 kW, which will power a specially equipped Audi TT police vehicle ..... more

Honda To Discontinue The NSX
13th July, 2005
Honda has announced that it will discontinue production of the NSX, a vehicle that has enjoyed considerable popularity as pure sports car and won many fans worldwide ..... more

Diesel Touareg Wins FIA Rally World Cup
12th July, 2005
The Volkswagen Works Touareg Turbo Diesel (TDI) Race Team have won the Rallye d'Orient, giving them an unassailable lead in the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup ..... more

Porsche Prepares For Its Future
11th July, 2005
Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is preparing for the next period in its future with the imminent securing of a long-term agreement for Porsche locations at Zuffenhausen and Ludwigsburg, along with Weissach ..... more

Audi Launches Limited Edition A4
6th July, 2005
Audi Australia has launched a limited edition A4 featuring a sports bodykit and the new Nokia 8800 mobile phone with a built-in Bluetooth car kit ..... more

Porsche's Open-Air Duo With All-Wheel-Drive
5th July, 2005
Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, presents a new generation of open 911 versions with all-wheel drive. The market launch of the new 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolets in Europe takes place on 22nd October, 2005 ..... more

Morgan Range Updated For 2005
20th June, 2005
With effect from July 2005 production, various product, specification and pricing enhancements are made to the various classic Morgan models ..... more