Porsche 911 Carrera S Convertible 2-door on 2040-cars

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Is Porsche planning a GT5?

A trademark application filed in Europe suggests Porsche could be planning a GT5 model to slot at the bottom of its track-focused sports car lineup. The German automaker's GT skunkworks division in Weissach earned its reputation with enthusiasts producing the GT3 and GT3 RS versions of the 911, and previously offered GT2 and even GT1 models as well (although the latter was a limited homologation special). It recently extended itself slightly downmarket with the launch of the Cayman GT4, but this trademark application – already reportedly accepted in Germany and currently being reviewed by the European office – suggests an even more accessible model could be on its way, Autocar reports. Just what form a GT5 would take, however, remains a mystery. The numerical progression would suggest that Porsche is planning a hardcore version of an even smaller sports car, if such a project ever got off the ground to slot in below the Boxster and Cayman. Given that the 911 has bred both GT2 and GT3 versions, Weissach could alternatively be planning an additional GT version of the Cayman, or planning a hardcore version of the Boxster. The prospect of a GT5 version of the Macan, Cayenne, or Panamera seems unlikely as the alphanumeric designation has never been applied to anything other than a two-door coupe, but then we never really know what the future will bring: Before 2002 Porsche had never done anything with more than two doors altogether. These designations are typically borrowed from their corresponding racing class, and of course there is no GT5 category. But then most of these racing classes have been amalgamated into GT3 anyway, unless Porsche is planning on using the name for its own entry-level spec racing series. But at this point we're just spitballing. It's just as likely that the company has simply filed the trademark application to keep its options open for the future. Related Video:

James May's 1984 Porsche 911 is priced to sell at Goodwood

James May needs money. He's out of work, has payments to make on his Ferrari, and has resorted to doing less than stellar work to make ends meet. He and his colleague Richard Hammond sold their motorcycles to raise some extra scratch, and now Captain Slow is selling his Porsche, too. Of course, with years of paychecks form Top Gear and other TV appearances, several books, and a weekly column in The Daily Telegraph, it's unlikely that May is worried about debtor's prison. Mostly because that doesn't exist in the UK anymore, but also because he's probably loaded. The vehicle in question is a 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera, complete with air-cooled 3.2-liter flat-six. He became acquainted with the car in 2007 when he borrowed it from specialist Paul Devyea to record a Radio 4 documentary, and evidently fell in love, so he bought it. He even had it on air for a couple of specials for Top Gear and James May's Toy Stories. He loaned it to his dad for a while, but with his time on Top Gear now at an end, he's consigned it to Bonhams (the same house that handled his bike sale) to auction off at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed. Its pre-sale estimate is quoted at GBP28,000-34,000 ($44-53k), which would seem a bit low – especially considering its celebrity provenance and low 55,000 miles on the odometer. Bonhams specialist Sholto Gilbertson tells Autoblog that "the estimate placed on the car has been designed to attract interest and ultimately achieve a stronger price for Mr. May."

1974 Porsche 914 EV conversion still looks good

Looking through the pages of the EV Album is a great way to learn about the breadth and depth of the electric vehicle community. Branching well beyond the three dozen or so electric vehicles that are currently sold by major automakers in the US, EV Album showcases lots of DIY conversions of all types. A 1995 Fiat Cinquecento? Check. A 1992 Kewet Eljet 2? No problem. The site's old-fashioned looks (it was started in 1997) show just how long people have been passionate about their EVs. Many of the cars are throwbacks to a previous time and we found a prime example of that, a converted 1974 Porsche 914 (EV Album page here) this week. Now powered by a Prestolite MTC4001 Series Wound DC motor and some flooded nickel-cadmium batteries, the 914 has a top speed of 80 miles per hour and a range of 35 miles. But only "if you are taking it easy," of course. The motor has a peak output of 60 horsepower and 25 hp continuous. Converted over 600 hours (!) to electric power at a cost of $10,000, it is now owned by Charlie Garlow of Maryland. The car is on display at the Washington Auto Show this week and serves as a great reminder of what most EV drivers used to have to do to drive emissions free. Featured Gallery 1974 Porsche 914 Converted EV View 11 Photos Image Credit: Copyright 2014 Sebastian Blanco / AOL Green Misc. Auto Shows Porsche AutoblogGreen Exclusive Green Culture Electric dc auto show washington auto show