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Electrify America Shows Charging Station of the Future

by | Mar 24, 2022 | 0 comments

Electrify America Shows Charging Station of the Future

Electrify America has plans to create a customer oasis with ultra-fast charging

Electrify America says its plans for unique charging stations will be influenced by the surrounding communities. (Photos courtesy of Electrify America)

BY MARK MAYNARD

Electrify America today announced a new design vision for some of its future charging stations. The customer-focused design is to exceed electric vehicle customer expectations as they transition to electric mobility, the company says. The company also plans to introduce its next-generation charger that will improve the hands-on charging experience for the customer.

The format of the “Charging Station of the Future, Today” will add elements such as solar canopies and awnings, customer waiting areas and other services at select locations.

The company plans to showcase this transition in 2022 and 2023 with installations in select new flagship charging facilities in California cities of San Diego (Fashion Valley), Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and Beverly Hills. Also planned are new flagship facilities in New York within Manhattan and Brooklyn. Currently, the company has flagship California charging stations in Baker (on the interstate to Las Vegas!) and Santa Clara.

The renderings for future stations evoke a dynamic new environment for electric vehicle charging, Giovanni Palazzo, president and CEO of Electrify America, said in a press release.

An Electrify America future charging station with valet charging.

A rendering of a Beverly Hills charging station that might offer valet service.

Customer-Centric Experience

Some of the new showcase stations will feature up to 20 ultra-fast DC chargers, the company says. Special features can include:

  • Customer lounges, electric vehicle showcase areas, dedicated event space;
  • Overhead solar canopies to shield customers from the sun and inclement weather;
  • Security cameras and additional lighting;
  • Valet charging and curbside delivery options at select shopping locations.
A planned San Diego charging station.

A planned charging station in San Diego’s Fashion Valley neighborhood.

Electrify America Next-Generation Charger

Electrify America will also begin the rollout of a redesigned and simplified electric vehicle charger. Features of the ultra-fast chargers, with up to 150 and 350 kilowatts, will also feature:

  • The new design of the Electrify America ultra fast charger.

    A redesigned Electrify America ultra-fast charger.

    A new design that refines the look and reduces the footprint of the charger;

  • A recessed and brighter digital screen to help reduce the glare from sunlight. The new style will make it easier for users to view the operational instructions and charging progress;
  • An easier-to-use single connector cable to ease the effort to plug in the cable, no matter the location of the charging port on a vehicle.

“The momentum moving us closer to an electric transportation system is accelerating with consumers finding more and more choices of EVs from virtually every manufacturer,” Palazzo said. “Our customer research shows the need to transition to a more inviting charging experience that accommodates the human experience with waiting areas and other conveniences.”

An enclosed charging station San Francisco.

An enclosed charging station in San Francisco might look like this.

Ducati DesertX First Look

by | Mar 16, 2022 | 0 comments

Ducati DesertX First Look

The 2022 Ducati DesertX Adventure Bike is a proper desert rider and a true Ducati

A rider in the desert on the 2022 Ducati DesertX adventure bike

The 2022 Ducati DesertX goes on sale in June with a starting price of $16,795. (Photos courtesy of Ducati)

Table of Contents

Overview
DesertX Technologies
Riding Features
DesertX accessories
Pricing
Why Buy the Ducati DesertX?
Ducati DesertX Specifications

BY JOE MICHAUD
Special to Maynard’s Garage

Development of the new Ducati DesertX started as a simple concept to grow the brand’s platform for the off-road Scrambler and Multistrada. But early on, the team realized it had the potential to build a proper desert rider — and a more dedicated machine that they believed could be a true Ducati.

“The chassis has been developed from the ground up specifically to go off road,” Jason Chinnock, CEO Ducati North America, said in a recent interview at the brand’s “Ready for Red” national tour of 21 cities to showcase new products. “While the X can ride anywhere in the world, the desert is the true spiritual home of this bike.”

Compared with the brand’s popular all-roads Multistrada, Chinnock said, “the Multistrada is on-road bike that can be ridden off-road, the DesertX is an off-road bike that can be ridden on the road.”

That’s the meat-and-potatoes of an Adventure Bike.

The DesertX four-valve 937cc 11-degree L-twin.

The DesertX four-valve 937cc 11-degree L-twin.

DesertX Overview

Italian motorcycle manufacturer Cagiva bought Ducati in 1985 and maintained ownership until 1996.

The stark white with red livery (the only paint scheme available), rally windscreen height, large fuel tank, stubby nose, and dual headlights of the Ducati DesertX borrow badass design cues from the successes of the Cagiva Elefant 906, which competed in the Paris-Dakar Rallies of the 1990s. It was heady times for the small Italian builder.

For the DesertX, Ducati borrowed the four-valve 937cc 11-degree L-twin from the Multistrada V2 with the desmodromic valve system. The engine was given a slight detune to 110 horsepower and 68 foot-pounds of torque to better suit its new off-road bias.

The DesertX gearbox, too, was modified with shortened ratios on gears one through five. First and second gears are especially for low-speed technical dirt work where the slip-assist clutch won’t need to be feathered to maintain balance. Sixth gear remains long for high-speed work on the dry lake beds of Baja California or urban pavement. A quick shifter is standard as well as cruise control.

The optional 2.1-gallon auxiliary fuel tank augments the main 5.5-gallon main tank.

The optional 2.1-gallon auxiliary fuel tank.

DesertX Technologies

Rider-assist technology is ubiquitous today, and DesertX has it deep. A Bosch Sensortec system monitors throttle-by-wire inputs and provides variable intervention for traction, wheelie, and engine braking. It’s common stuff on modern bikes but Ducati adds extra levels.

The DesertX has six riding modes that control the overall response characteristics of the bike. Along with the four self-explanatory standards of Sport, Touring, Urban, and Wet, Ducati has added dedicated modes of Rally and Enduro.

For experienced riders, Rally mode provides full-on 110-hp with minimal electronic interventions. Enduro mode provides 75-hp and more protection for riders with less experience. Engine power can be modified through four levels to match skill level, rider demand, or varying terrain.

The vertical 5-inch instrumentation display is positioned for clear visibility in stand-up riding.

The vertical 5-inch instrumentation display is positioned for stand-up riding.

Riding Features

DesertX lighting is full LED and the 5-inch color gauge display is oriented vertically for better viewing while standing. Three data-screen displays are available to provide custom information chosen for particular rider needs.

Braking is by Brembo, front and rear. Fronts are dual four-piston 320mm radial mounts while the rear is a single 265mm two-piston setup. Bosch Variable ABS Cornering controls and enhances snappy, rear-wheel dirt cornering. It’s primo Ducati engineering.

Rather than pulling stock from current production, the steel-tube trellis frame and aluminum swing-arm were developed specifically for off-road use. Kayaba provided the three-way adjustable suspension with bounteous travel of 9.06 inches front and 8.66 inches rear. Ground clearance is 9.8 inches. The seat is tall at 34 inches, but it can be lowered with a kit.

Rims are flange-spoked and tubeless, a 21-inch front and an 18-inch rear. A larger front hoop typically climbs off-road obstacles easier while transmitting less shock to chassis, suspension, and rider. It’s good dirt stuff. Ducati claims the 21-inch front is the first on a production bike since the 1970s.

Ducati homologated three tire choices, two from Pirelli and one from Metzler. Also, the aftermarket availability of 21- to 18-inch rubber is broad. Stock tires on the DesertX are Pirelli Scorpions.

The 21-inch front wheel is the first on a production bike since the 1970s, Ducati says.

The 21-inch front wheel is the first on a production bike since the 1970s, Ducati says.

 Accessories

Ducati has developed around 50 DesertX accessories, including crash protection, electronics, various trim levels, luggage, and extra racks. Here are a few of the options:

  • Aluminum panniers (2), $1,400 and $800 for the top case. The three hard-shell cases add a voluminous 117-liter capacity for the world traveler’s appearance;
  •  Two exhaust choices by Temignoni;
  •  A rear-mounted auxiliary 2.1-gallon fuel tank, $1,500. It augments the standard 5.5 U.S. gallons main tank with the push of a button;
  •  Heated grips ($388) and a center stand ($320).

The list of accessories can be found here.

The double front LED headlight has two bi-function poly-ellipsoidal modules

The double LED headlight has two bi-function poly-ellipsoidal modules.

Ducati DesertX Pricing

The new Ducati DesertX, first seen as a concept in 2019, will be in showrooms in June.

Competing with the Honda Africa Twin, BMW GS, and the Husqvarna Norden 901, Ducati has priced the DesertX dead center in the pack. U.S. pricing is expected to start at around $16,795 before options.

Learn more about DesertX here.

The DesertX has a long-stroke Kayaba suspension and generous off-roading ground clearance of 9.8 inches.

The DesertX has a long-stroke suspension and ground clearance of 9.8 inches.

Why Buy the Ducati DesertX?

Adventure bikes have changed the motorcycle landscape much like SUVs have done to the passenger-car market. They both promise adventure without limits by putting the off-road within reach. However, like SUVs, many ADVs rarely get used off road.

The Ducati DesertX is gorgeous in white, the shape is sexy, the technology is stunning. It’s a Ducati, and I am not immune to that virus. I just don’t have the skills to exploit it.

I’ll take mine with road tires, please. And I can at least dream of Abu Dhabi.

Joe Michaud is a San Diego-based motorcycle rider and restorer. Send him an email at jmichaud@san.rr.com.

A rider in the desert on the Ducati

The Ducati DesertX was developed from the ground up to go off-road.

Ducati DesertX Specifications

Style: 2 position adventure bike with tubular steel trellis frame

POWERTRAIN

Engine: 937cc Ducati Testastretta 11-degree, L-Twin cylinders, Desmodromic valvetrain, 4 valves per cylinder, liquid-cooled

Power: 110-hp at 9,250 rpm; 68 lb.-ft. torque at 6,500 rpm

Fuel injection: Bosch electronic, 53mm throttle bodies with ride-by-wire system

Exhaust: Stainless steel single muffler, catalytic converter, and 2 lambda probes

Transmission: 6-speed

Clutch: Slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch with hydraulic control

Fuel economy: NA

SUSPENSION

Front: KYB 46mm upside-down fork, fully adjustable; wheel travel, 9.1 inches; cross-spoked and tubeless wheel, 2.15 by 21 inches; Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR 90/90 tires, 21-inch M+S

Rear: KYB monoshock, fully adjustable, remote preload adjustment, aluminum double-sided swingarm; wheel travel, 8.66 inches; cross-spoked and tubeless wheel, 4.5 by 18 inches; Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tire, 150/70 18-inch M+S

BRAKING

Front: 2 320mm aluminum flange semi-floating discs, radial-mount Brembo monobloc 4-piston calipers, Bosch Cornering ABS

Rear: 265mm disc, Brembo floating 2 piston caliper, Bosch cornering ABS

WEIGHTS

Dry weight: 445 pounds

Wet weight: 492 pounds

BY THE NUMBERS

Fuel tank: 5.5 gallons

Seat height: 34.4 inches

Cargo capacity: almost 4.1 cubic feet (120 liters) including bags and aluminum top case

Wheelbase: 63.3 inches (1,608mm)

FEATURES

Standard equipment includes: Riding modes, power modes, Ducati Wheelie Control, engine brake control, Ducati Quick Shift up/down, cruise control, full LED lighting system, DRL, Ducati brake light, USB power port, 12-volt socket, self-canceling turn indicators, steering damper

Optional features include: Ducati Multimedia System, antitheft system, turn by turn navigation via the app, fog lights, heated grips, auxiliary fuel tank

Safety features include: Ducati Safety Pack of cornering ABS and traction control

PRICING

Base price: $16,795

Where assembled: Bologna, Italy

WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE

Warranty: 24 months, unlimited mileage

Maintenance service intervals: 9,000 miles or 24 months

Valve clearance check: 18,000 miles

DEUS Automobiles To Debut Electric Hypercar Concept

by | Mar 16, 2022 | 0 comments

DEUS Automobiles To Debut Electric Hypercar Concept

New Electrifying Hypercar Concept to debut at the upcoming New York International Auto Show

Teaser image for DEUS Automobiles

EDITED BY MARK MAYNARD

Vienna, Austria, March 16, 2022 – DEUS Automobiles GmbH – established in Vienna, Austria, in 2020 – aims to stand out in the increasingly competitive hypercar sector by offering its fresh and objective vision and innovative concepts in terms of luxury, performance, and exclusivity.

The DEUS lightning bolt aligns with the company’s focus on 100-percent electric propulsion technology. The electrified ultra-limited, high-performance hypercars to be built by DEUS Automobiles have technical support from Italdesign and Williams Advanced Engineering.

Italdesign was founded in 1968 and is well known for its association with famed co-founder Giorgetto Giugiaro. Based in Torino, Italy, Italdesign has more than 50 years of expertise developing pre-series and limited and ultra-limited production vehicles at its headquarters.

Italdesign has offered DEUS Automobiles the strategic and technical support necessary to help get its creative visions ready for the road. The design and engineering firm enables and integrates emerging and innovative vehicle technologies.

Williams Advanced Engineering has provided its ground-breaking innovation and product development capability covering advanced battery and electrification technologies. The engineering company was established in 2010 as a subsidiary of Williams F1, well-regarded for its application of race technology. Most recently, its work was seen in the Paralympic Sit-Ski. The monoski made its debut at the recent Beijing 2022 Paralympics and was championed by Toyota and its paralympic downhill ski team.

DEUS Automobiles

DEUS Automobiles is part of a group of businesses with more than 30 years of success. The group of supporting industries ranges from publishing to packaging. The group also is active in today’s broader mobility ecosystem, committed to an exploratory approach toward new products, business, and collaborative innovation.

The company will debut its DEUS hypercar concept at the upcoming New York International Auto Show. Media days will be April 13-14 and public days will be April 15-24.

Follow DEUS Automobiles and Italdesign for updates on the concept vehicle.

VW ID Buzz World Premiere

by | Mar 9, 2022 | 0 comments

VW ID Buzz World Premiere

European models of the VW ID Buzz go on sale this year, followed by a long-wheelbase passenger model for North America in 2024

An ID.Buzz in two-tone Energetic Orange and Candy White

Two-tone VW ID Buzz models will have the roof, upper areas and hood finished in Candy White. Areas below the character line are in a choice of four shades, such as this hue of Energetic Orange. (Photos courtesy of Volkswagen)

Table of Contents

Powertrain
Dimensions
Paint Colors
Interior Design
Cabin Electronics
Interactive ‘ID Light’
Driver Assist Systems
Sustainability

BY MARK MAYNARD

Official photos and many details were released today, March 9, for the much-anticipated debut of the electric-powered VW ID Buzz and ID Buzz Cargo. Both body styles, passenger and cargo variants, will go on sale in European markets in the third quarter of this year. For the U.S., a long-wheelbase passenger model will debut in 2023 and go on sale in 2024.

The zero-tailpipe emission vehicles transfer the design of the iconic 1950 Type 2 Microbus to the era of electric mobility. However, the ID Buzz is not the first microbus with an electric drivetrain. Fifty years ago at the Hannover Trade Fair Volkswagen showed a T2 bus powered by a rear-mounted electric motor with a maximum range of 52.8 miles.

ID Buzz Powertrain

European versions of the VW ID Buzz and ID Buzz Cargo will come to market with a high-voltage lithium-ion battery providing gross energy content of 82 kWh (77 kWh usable). With its 12 modules, the battery system supplies a 201 horsepower electric motor, driving the rear axle, with maximum torque of 229 foot-pounds. The top speed is limited to 90 mph.

The electric driving range of either model of VW ID Buzz has not been released. But industry sources report that the U.S. version will have a larger battery and electric driving range of around 260 miles. A dual-motor, all-wheel-drive configuration is expected to be added later. Details for the U.S. version will be available closer to launch.

The battery is mounted in the floor of the vehicle. An 11 kW (AC) charger is included for home and Level 2 systems. The ID Buzz also will have a CCS plug connector for use at DC fast-charging stations, at which the charging power increases to as much as 170 kW.

With DC-fast charging, the battery charge level rises from 5 to 80 percent in just 30 minutes, Volkswagen says. In the future, a Plug & Charge function will be offered.

For Europe, bi-directional charging will enable the VW ID Buzz and ID Buzz Cargo to feed power that they don’t need into the domestic grid (vehicle-to-home). VW says this can also make the power available for stabilizing the power grid. The power transfer and communication take place via an optional DC bi-directional wall box.

VW ID Buzz front seats

Sustainability measures include replacing leather with non-animal material.

ID Buzz Dimensions

On a wheelbase of 117.6 inches, both ID Buzz models are 185.5 inches long, 76.3 inches tall, and 78.1 inches wide, not including the side mirrors.

The ID Buzz has full LED lighting. At the front, are charismatically styled headlights, daytime running lights, and a slim lateral bar between the headlights.

In an homage to the original microbus, the VW logo is much larger than all other current Volkswagens. At the back, the ID Buzz has horizontally arranged LED taillights, which are connected by a full-width light strip.

ID Buzz Paint Colors

European versions of the passenger and cargo models will be available in base colors or two-tone styles. The spectrum consists of 11 single-color choices of Candy White (nonmetallic), Mono Silver, Lime Yellow, Starlight Blue, Energetic Orange, Bay Leaf Green, and Deep Black.

There will be four two-tone options. On two-tone ID Buzz models, the upper section, including roof and V-shaped hood, is finished in Candy White, while the areas below the character line are in a choice of four shades: Lime Yellow, Starlight Blue, Energetic Orange or Bay Leaf Green. Side mirrors and door handles are finished in body color.

Both European ID Buzz versions will come with 18-inch steel wheels as standard. On passenger vehicle models, aluminum-alloy wheels are available in sizes ranging from 18 to 21 inches.

ID Buzz two-tone paint colors

At the back, horizontal LED taillights are connected by a full-width light strip.

Interior Design

For passenger models of the ID Buzz, drivers will face a standard 10-inch Digital Cockpit display, which is paired with a 10-inch infotainment system centrally positioned in the dashboard. A 12-inch display with navigation is optional.

Both the Digital Cockpit and infotainment system are connected with the instrument panel only at the bottom, looking like free-floating tablets.

Beneath the infotainment system is a control bar with digital buttons and touch sliders to regulate temperature and audio volume. The digital buttons provide direct access to menus for the dual-zone Climatronic settings, driver assist systems, driving profiles, and parking functions.

The ID Buzz Cargo will launch with three seats in the cab as standard. The extended wheelbase version for North America will have a seven-seat configuration in three rows of 2/3/2 arrangement. The three-person bench in the second row can be folded flat or split 60/40, and it can be moved lengthways 5.9 inches.

Cargo capacity of 39.6 cubic feet will be expandable by an optional height-adjustable cargo floor to create a level load surface. Two side sliding doors are fitted as standard.

Driver area of the Buzz

The Digital Cockpit and infotainment screens appear as free-floating tablets.

Cabin Electronics

To the left of the multifunction steering wheel, there is an island of digital controls for activating the light functions, heating, and defrost for the windshield and rear window. To the right of the steering wheel are two USB-C plugs and a tray for wireless charging (wireless App-Connect is also standard).

In the center console, there are, depending on specification, two more USB-C plugs; there is a fifth in the front passenger door, another in each of the two sliding doors, and one by the rearview mirror for a dashcam.

Two cupholders fold out from the lower dashboard area. In the ID Buzz Cargo, there are two more cupholders near the A-pillars.

Side entry of the new VW microbus

U.S. models of the ID.Buzz will have three rows and seven seats.

Interactive ‘ID Light’

As with other models of Volkswagen’s all-electric vehicle family, the new ID Buzz comes with the interactive ID Light. It stretches across in front of the windshield in the driver’s field of vision above the instrument panel. The head-up style of display gives the driver information based on the color and position of the light signal. For example, a signal in the right-hand area of the strip advises of obstructions in this area or corresponds with a navigation instruction to change lanes. When the ID Light goes red, it is signaling danger and the need to brake.

Driver Assist Systems

European five-seater ID Buzz models are equipped with standard Front Assist, Lane Assist, and Dynamic Road Sign Display. Optional systems include Adaptive Cruise Control, Side Assist, Travel Assist, Emergency Assist, Park Assist, Light Assist, and Area View.

The open cargo area

An optional height-adjustable cargo floor will create a level load surface.

Sustainability

Both versions of ID Buzz are designed with sustainable measures, such as not using leather in the vehicle. The steering wheel cover is made of polyurethane but has a high-quality appearance and feels like leather.

Seat-cover materials, floor coverings, and the headliner of the ID Buzz incorporate recycled material. There will be a fabric made of what is known as Seaqual yarn. Its fibers consist of 10 percent collected ocean plastic and 90 percent recycled plastic bottles.

The two ID Buzz models will also use organically based vehicle paint and forgo cobalt in the high-voltage battery. The company’s sustainability measures include a plant that recycles the high-voltage batteries at the end of their automotive life cycle to prepare them for a second use.

The VW ID Buzz and ID Buzz Cargo models are being produced by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles at its main plant in Hannover, Germany.

Toyota Sit-Ski Debuts at Paralympic Winter Games

by | Mar 4, 2022 | 0 comments

Toyota Sit-Ski Debuts at Paralympic Winter Games
Two-time Paralympic medalist and Global Team Toyota Athlete Andrew Kurka is one of the two Team USA alpine skiers set to compete in the Toyota Sit-Ski at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games.

Two Team USA alpine skiers will use the Toyota Sit-Ski at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games. (Photos courtesy of Toyota USA)

Toyota Motor North America and Toyota Racing Development Create Sit-Ski for Use by U.S. Paralympics Alpine Skiing

BY MARK MAYNARD

Toyota announced today on the opening of the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games its technologically advanced Toyota Sit-Ski.

Seven-time Paralympic medalist Laurie Stephens and two-time Paralympic medalist Andrew Kurka are the two Team USA alpine skiers who are set to compete in the Toyota Sit-Ski at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games. The competitions begin today and will run through March 13.

“There is no better global event than the Paralympics for Toyota to reinforce our passionate belief that everyone has the right to freedom of movement in an inclusive society,” Lisa Materazzo, group vice president, Toyota Marketing, Toyota Motor North America, said in a release.

A team of engineers and technicians developed a sit-ski from the bottom up.

The monoski was developed by Toyota Motor North America and Toyota Racing Development USA. A behind-the-scenes look at the engineering and technology that went into the rig can be viewed at ToyotaSitSki.com. The multi-episode video series was created in partnership with Media.Monks, a Toyota production partner in the U.S.

“There’s a lot of pressure on me especially going into Beijing to not only win but to represent my country and to set myself up for the future,” said Kurka, who is also a Team Toyota athlete. “I’m a very particular sit-skier because my life is on the line when I’m out there and I want to make sure that not only am I safe, but I’m fast. Win, lose or draw, the Toyota Sit-Ski is an awesome monoski.”

Toyota is giving sports fans and racing enthusiasts an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the development of the Toyota Sit-Ski project in a new multi-episode video series.

Toyota created a multi-episode video series about sit-ski project.

Real-World Testing

Testing of the monoski began in late 2019. Five-time Paralympian Chris Devlin-Young lent his expertise in testing the sit-ski and providing feedback along the way. Project focus areas include the suspension system, seating position and fit, and mechanical changes based on the disciplines within para-alpine skiing.

“It will be an incredible moment when we see the Toyota Sit-Ski come down the hill for the first time in Paralympic competition given the team’s heart and soul that has gone into this project,” David Wilson, group vice president and president, Toyota Racing Development USA, said in the release.

Paralympic medalist Andrew Kurka talks with the team at Toyota Racing Development USA about the Toyota Sit-Ski project.

Paralympian Andrew Kurka contributes to the Toyota Sit-Ski project.

Toyota and the Paralympic Movement

Toyota has been an active supporter of Paralympic athletes and adaptive sports.

In 2015, the company became the official worldwide mobility partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Committees for the 2017-2024 period.

In addition, Toyota is a proud partner of Team USA and several Paralympic National Governing Bodies and Paralympic national teams, including:

Toyota also has long-standing relationships with Adaptive Action Sports  and Challenged Athletes Foundation. In addition, Toyota has featured two U.S. Paralympians in Big Game commercials (Amy Purdy in 2015 and Jessica Long in 2021).

The innovative Toyota Sit-Ski in action.

Toyota U.S. Paralympic Fund

To date, more than 430 U.S. Paralympic athletes and hopefuls have received direct support from the more than $4.9 million raised for the Toyota U.S. Paralympic Fund. Toyota is also offering opportunities to athletes named to the U.S. Paralympic Team for the Tokyo and Beijing Games.

Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge

by | Feb 25, 2022 | 0 comments

Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge

Porsche Classic is inviting U.S. dealerships to participate in the  second Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge

A rusty shell of a 1957 Porsche 356 SpeedsterThis 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster has been entered in the 2022 restoration challenge by Porsche Woodland Hills. (Photos courtesy PCNA)

BY MARK MAYNARD

Porsche Classic is inviting U.S. dealerships to participate in the second Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge, presented by Porsche Cars North America. Dealer teams will return a beloved Porsche sports car from the 1950s to 2000s to its original glory.

Authenticity, craftsmanship, and, most importantly, a smooth-running engine will decide which car takes home the top honors of the 2022 Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge, Jonathan Sieber, Manager Porsche Classic with Porsche Cars North America, said in a press release.

The inaugural 2021 challenge saw close to 40 dealerships from around the country take part. The 2022 edition of the challenge is expected to have more than 60 dealers participate, he said.

The U.S. is home to more classic Porsche sports cars than any other market, and after decades on the road, some will inevitably be in need of a little extra care.

For the 2022 Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge, dealers will acquire a car that is due for some expert technical attention. The dealership will oversee the vehicle as it undergoes restoration by Porsche-trained technicians, who have access to a portfolio of more than 60,000 unique Porsche Classic Genuine Parts.

The engine of a 1982 Porsche 911 SC

Porsche Chandler will tackle this Minerva Blue Metallic 1982 Porsche 911 SC.

To Go Above and Beyond

“The mission of Porsche Classic and our dealer partners is to go above and beyond every day to keep vintage cars on the road and driving just as well as the moment they left the factory,” said Porsche Classic’s Sieber.

“With the Restoration Challenge, dealers and service teams are able to showcase their skills and capabilities while revitalizing these dream machines,” he said. “Our inaugural competition in 2021 produced some truly stunning examples of classic Porsche sports cars, and we expect even more from our participants this year.”

2022 Entries and Judging

The lineup of eligible entries ranges from vintage to modern classics: Porsche 356 and 914 models, five generations of the 911, transaxle models, such as the 944 and 928, and modern classics, including the first-generation Boxster and Cayenne.

The 2022 challenge will run through July.

All entries will be judged at one of three central events. One finalist will be chosen to represent their respective areas of the country: East, South-Central and West. Those three area winners will then move on to the final where the overall winner will be announced in September.

a1986 Porsche 911 Cabriolet with a distressed interior.

Porsche Englewood has entered a 1986 Porsche 911 Cabriolet with this distressed interior.

Throughout the restorations, a panel of experts from Porsche Cars North America will judge the progress. Their criteria will include not only the restoration — engine, suspension, and interior — but also the marketing and documentation. Similar to the Classic Technical Certificate, the documentation will include original vehicle production information.

Last year, Porsche Ontario won top honors for its 1989 Porsche 911 Targa G-Model. Second place went to Porsche Dallas for its 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Targa Type 964. And Porsche Warrington was third for its 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Type 964.

The overall winner was crowned in Victory Circle at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the Porsche Sportscar Together Fest.

Follow the 2022 Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge on social media by the hashtag: #porscherestorationchallenge22.