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Chris Harris gets filthy in a WRC-ready Porsche 911 RGT

Last time we rode with Chris Harris we were shotgun in the tan leather seat of his used-yet-immaculate Ferrari FF. This time we're strapped into a black racing bucket of a filthy Porsche 911 rally car, one that led Harris to effuse, "I don't think I've driven a more exciting car this year, hypercars included." The thrills come courtesy of a 997-series Cup Car that's been reworked by Tuthill Porsche to run in the RGT-class rally series that will piggyback on five World Rally Championship and European Rally Championship races this year. It's not quite the Rothmans Dakar monster, but the RGT series gives privateers an affordable way into rallying with cars that look different and are different from one another. This one kept its 3.8-liter, 444-horsepower 997 Cup engine, but the 39-milllimeter restrictor drops that to about 350 hp. Beyond that are a new rollcage, gear ratios, suspension, fuel tank, underfloor protection and just about everything else. Said the man who built it, it cost "a lot, and it's still costing." But Harris says even though you "have to have your wits about you," it's a hoot to drive. And this is one of the few times you'll hear the phrase "What a tool!" used as a compliment. Check it out in the video above. News Source: Chris Harris on Cars via YouTube Motorsports Porsche Coupe Off-Road Vehicles Racing Vehicles Performance Videos fia rally WRC chris harris porsche 997

Porsche 918 Spyder recalled over bad wiring harness

An investigation of customer concerns has led to a global recall of the Porsche 918 Spyder, including 223 units in North America. The carmaker said that a carbon fiber component can damage a radiator fan wiring harness, so it is contacting owners directly to have their cars brought in for a service inspection. The issue affects cars built through the end of April 2015; cars built after that use a revised design. Dealers will remount the wiring harness, a process that should take half a day. You'll find more information in the press release below. Related Video: Porsche recalling 918 Spyder models for service inspection Precautionary recall: affected customers will be contacted directly Atlanta. Porsche has issued a global recall for 918 Spyder models that have already been delivered. This precautionary recall for a service inspection affects 223 vehicles in the United States. This is because the electric wiring harness for a radiator fan in vehicles manufactured up until the end of April 2015 could be damaged by a carbon-fiber component. The wiring harness will be examined and optimally remounted in the work shop. The cause was identified following a detailed examination of inquiries. Corrective measures have subsequently been taken in manufacturing. The owners of the affected vehicles will be contacted directly by Porsche Cars North America. The service visit, which will be free of charge, will be arranged as quickly as possible and the inspection will likely require the vehicle to be left in the shop for half a day. Featured Gallery 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder: First Drive View 51 Photos Image Credit: Copyright 2015 Porsche / AOL Green Recalls Porsche Safety Convertible Hybrid Luxury Performance porsche 918 spyder

Horn, Hackenburg, Hatz to be fired as VW diesel scandal deepens

Volkswagen will sack three more high ranking executives, including the head of its US division, as the company's diesel scandal deepens. Reuters reported Thursday morning that the executives are: Michael Horn, who has led VW's US operations since January 1, 2014; Ulrich Hackenberg, who oversaw Audi's research and development; and Wolfgang Hatz, who was in charge of R&D for Porsche. A VW spokesman wouldn't comment in response to an Autoblog email. The moves come in the wake of longtime VW chief executive Martin Winterkorn stepping down on Wednesday. Volkswagen's board said at the time that it expected more personnel changes to follow. Volkswagen's board is scheduled to meet Friday, and Porsche CEO Matthias Muller has reportedly been named as Winterkorn's successor. The German auto giant was plunged into crisis last Friday when the EPA charged that the company manipulated software in its diesel-powered cars to pass US emissions tests. About 482,000 vehicles in the US are affected, and VW estimates 11 million around the world could have the rigged software. The revelations have prompted outcry from governments and regulatory agencies, and in the US, Volkswagen could face a fine of up to $18 billion. The departure of Horn, Hackenberg, and Hatz is a stunning downfall for three of the company's top and most visible executives. Horn had led US operations for less than two years, taking over from Jonathan Browning, who was well-respected but failed to reach VW's ambitious sales targets. Before overseeing Audi R&D, Hackenberg was hailed as a visionary for work in developing VW's modular architectures, which allow the company to save time and money by building many vehicles off the same chassis. Hatz had led Porsche R&D since 2011 and also was in charge of engines and transmission development for all of Volkswagen. Related Video: News Source: ReutersImage Credit: Getty Images Government/Legal Green Hirings/Firings/Layoffs Audi Porsche Volkswagen Emissions Diesel Vehicles vw diesel scandal vw diesel ulrich hackenberg michael horn wolfgang hatz