American Le Mans Series

Porsche to run on ethanol-mixed fuel at Lime Rock

© Planetlemans - Marcel ten Caat

As part of its ongoing environmental protection efforts hallmarked by its array of fuel-efficient production vehicles, Porsche will introduce an ethanol-mixed fuel in its powerful Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) RS Spyders for the July 7 American Le Mans Northeast Grand Prix at Connecticut’s Lime Rock Park. The four Porsche prototypes, entered by Penske Racing and Dyson Racing, now use the same E10 Ethanol fuel mixture as the GT2 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR race cars also entered in the 2-hour and 45-minute contest. The Porsche Cayenne S and Turbo that serve as the official rapid response vehicles of the American Le Mans Series also run on an ethanol-mixed fuel.
"We applaud ALMS for their pioneering commitment to raising ecological awareness among automotive enthusiasts," said Peter Schwarzenbauer, president and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. "This initiative falls in line with the practices we have already established with our standard production models."

Porsche’s complete line of 2008 production cars are all equipped to handle the E10 fuel required by ALMS. The 911, in particular, is a highly fuel-efficient sports car among others in its class, with an extraordinary gas mileage of 26 mpg on the highway and 18 mpg in the city. Additionally, the Cayman and
Cayenne S are both certified as ultra-low emissions vehicles.

"It is widely reported by the U.S. Department of Energy that the use of ethanol fuel can have huge energy and greenhouse gas emission reduction benefits," noted Schwarzenbauer. "We are committed to make continuing efforts toward the success of this worthy global cause and encourage our customers to use this fuel when possible. The concerted use of ethanol-mixed fuel in the 911 and other Porsche models is one small, but effective means of protecting the environment."

Credit: Porsche North America