Porsche has revealed their top five technologies that made the incredible transition from the racetrack to the street, in the fourth episode of a weekly YouTube series. 

Former Porsche world champion rally driver Walter Röhl presented the episode from the track located in Weissach that is part of the Porsche development centre.

Number 5

Starting off the list was the enforcement of the carbon fiber reinforced polymer that made it to the street and helps with the lightweight durability of a car.

Walter said: “You can clearly see with the GT3 RS which parts are made from carbon reinforced polymer; the weight-reduced rear wing, a lighter trunk and the mudguard all save more kilos in the RS.

“This technology was transferred from the 911 GT1 – the first racecar for Porsche with a carbon chassis.”

Number 4

The ability to use mode switch was ranked in fourth place on the list – the mode switch and steering wheel derives from the 918 Spyder where you can choose up to six driving modes.

One of which, for example, is the Sport Plus Mode that enables the sportiest driving with maximum power.

A spokesperson for Porsche said: “This is the easiest and fastest way to switch between different driving modes.

“The modes on the 918 Spyder also include the quiet and elegant ‘E Power’ and the efficient and comfortable ‘Hybrid’.”

Number 3

In third place was the transition of the ceramic disc brakes – Porsche’s Composite Ceramic Brakes (PCCB) are made up of silicon carbon fiber discs that maintain a high temperature capability and a 50% weight reduction over iron discs.

A spokesperson for Porsche said: “They provide a significant reduction in dust generation, substantially increased maintenance intervals and enhanced durability in corrosive environments over conventional discs.

“Found on some of their more expensive models, it is also an optional brake for all street Porsches at added expense. It is generally recognised by the bright yellow paintwork on the aluminium six-piston callipers that are matched with the discs. The discs are internally vented much like cast-iron ones and are cross-drilled.” And Walter added: “Every meter counts – even with a brake.

“With the 962, Porsche introduced ceramic brakes for the first time with a lot of advantages: reduced weight, hydro ability and shorter braking distance.”

Number 2

Turbochargers grabbed second place as an effective technology to make the transition to the street.

Helping to achieve a maximized performance, turbocharging meant the 917/10 was the dominant racecar in the Can-Am series on the track.

A spokesperson said: “Turbochargers increase the engine’s efficiency and power output by forcing extra air into the combustion chamber.”

Walter continued: “If you do not want to miss the rattle of a suction engine – drive the GT3RS.”

Turbochargers are now widely used in Porsche street cars as they allow a smaller-capacity engine to have improved fuel economy, reduced emissions, higher power and considerably higher torque.

Number 1

The E-Performance Concept ranked top of the technological transitions with its performance and eco-friendly advantages.

Walter, 70, said: “The 919 Hybrid with a highly compact, turbo-charged, four cylinder, two litre engine – supported by two energy recuperation systems – is the pioneer for Porsche E performance.

“The racecar is an innovator and test object for every technology that has developed from the track to serial production.”

Porsche began testing some parts of the new technologies back in the early 1950s – with the Porsche 356 being the first model that moved from the racetrack to the street.

And eventually by using this E performance concept on the street, the Porsche cars began to run cleaner and have better gas mileage.

A spokesperson for Porsche said: “It requires less fuel to run which means less emissions and less dependence on fossil fuels.

“Also, because of the regenerative braking system, each time you apply the brake it charges the battery.

“That said, there are two kinds of advantages: performance and environmentally friendly.

“And just to add, in 1901 Ferdinand Porsche developed the first ever hybrid electric vehicle.”

With all that said, the bottom line remains – every Porsche is a racecar.

To see more Porsche ‘Top 5’ videos visit: www.youtube.com/porsche