StabilityControl
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The technology of the Porsche 911
Regardless of industry, there are few brands more iconic than Porsche. And, of all the car shapes that have sprung from clay over the years, few are more evocative than the classic 911. It started in 1963 looking like a slightly stretched Beetle -- which it wasn't much bigger than. It's considerably larger and heavier now, having lost much of its design purity in the ensuing 40-odd years. Still, its same basic shape and layout remain: bug eyes up front and boxer motor in the rear, slung between the back wheels. Today's 911, also known as the 997, has been around since 2005 and is about due to be replaced by a new model. This means it's at the top of its game, available in a dizzying array of flavors that include the sporty Carrera, sunny-day cruisin' Cabriolet, all-wheel drive powerhouse Turbo, all leading up to the mind-blowingly fast, twin-turbo 911 GT2. That car is as devoid of creature comforts as it is of apprehensions about sending you flying sideways into a tree. Screaming, probably. These varying trim levels offer juicy bits of tech like active center differentials, launch control, and double-clutch gearboxes. Join us as we explore the race-ready bits of technology that make these cars faster and safer on the road and then take them for a spin around Barber Motorsports Park to see how it all comes together.
Seakeeper unveils uber-pricey stabilization systems for boats
We can imagine that quite a few of you sea-dwellers out there would love to just escape reality and cross the Atlantic on a solar-powered vessel, but for those who can't withstand a full ten minutes at sea without heading for the railing, Seakeeper feels your pain. Busting out a pair of advanced stability systems, the firm is hoping to give boaters a much smoother ride whilst crashing the waves. The 7000 Gyro system is designed for boats 35-feet and up, and quells rolling by tilting at angles determined by a connected motion sensing computer, while the simpler Stability Control system operates by replacing traditional trim tabs and controlling pitch, roll, and yaw. Unfortunately, each setup comes at a lofty price, with the Gyro 7000 ringing up at $55,000 (plus installation), and the latter costing a stiff $21,500.[Via Gizmag]
