[Scorcher]

Just a day after the news of BMW F30 3 Series test mule breaking down at the 'ring', Porsche's all new 911 prototye goes up in flames during testing. Has the German marques' reliability gone for a toss?

The 2012 911 was in news earlier when they announced 7-Speed Manual transmission which all the stick shift aficionados were looking forward to.

On the outskirts of Steinegg Germany a Porsche 911 Cabriolet prototype went up in flames during a routine test drive.

The fire originated in the engine bay on this prototype which was specially developed for the Chinese market. According to fire chief commander Klaus Buchinger, "The car has burned like tinder." The car was completely burnt out within 15 minutes.

The exact cause of the fire is not known yet but the vehicle was brought to the Porsche center in Weissach for further examination.

No one was injured.

Source: Worldcarfans

[akj53]

Now what would Tata Nano's detractors say. Such incidents are unfortunate one off incidents and not too much should be read in to these. It can happen due to variety of reasons which I am sure the concerned manufacturer will analyze and rectify the same. No manufacturer can afford to compromise his reputation and and owner / passenger safety.

[Akshay1234]

It must have happened, but those flames look a bit photoshopped to me. Either way, like you said, not good for German reliability.

[NetfreakBombay]

Porsche 911 Cabriolet prototype

"prototype" is the operative word here. This car is not in production yet. Even the BMW that was mentioned was a test vehicle.

[Scorcher]

I understand that it is very premature to judge the vehicle as it is just a prototype and trial and error is the way manufacturers choose to end up with a perfect product.

BUT

It gives me shivers that when a manufacturer tests something what they think is road worthy from their decades worth of experience and it still could have something silly enough to cause such a scenario could be present. I've come across quite a few prototypes/test cars which, even with lunatic levels of complex technology or power, make it to production uneventfully. I would feel more confident in buying such a car rather than one which I knew that had something the manufacturer had overlooked at some point of production. Its all a mental game for at least a minority out there. This incident, I believe, won't do any good for the sales. Take the handful of 458s which was burnt into crisp for example, even hardcore Fezza devotees were reluctant to buy one right until Ferrari announced that the fault has been rectified and proved their way into the sales charts.

That said, even I hope and wish Porsche and BMW end up with exhilarating and safe cars which does roll out in good numbers

[NetfreakBombay]

Originally Posted by Scorcher

It gives me shivers that when a manufacturer tests something what they think is road worthy

Vehicle is not considered road worthy till it passes safety tests. And that includes pushing drivetrain beyond intended performance envelop.

If even a single vehicle burns and ECU data proves that it was driven withing expected parameters, it would mean instant lawsuits in developed markets.

[stanjohn123]

There is only one thing i keep telling myself right now" There was nothing wrong in me getting paranoid while driving the 911 last month" . As few of you know I turned off the car completely while on stand still in a hot summer day while searching for a route through the SAT NAV. This incident has just increased my fear even more

[AltoHoncho]

The vehicle was completely burnt in approx 15 mins... thats very scary, but now Fezzas and Lambos will also compete to beat this time :P !! Was it same reason like the lambo incident in chennai after the race track run?

[mashmash]

Well that's Testing. Push it till it breaks. Full confidence in these brands. Its better for a Test car to burn rather than a In Production car. I am sure this mule did its job and provided the necessary alterations required, to avoid such incidents.

[stanjohn123]

Originally Posted by AltoHoncho

The vehicle was completely burnt in approx 15 mins... thats very scary, but now Fezzas and Lambos will also compete to beat this time :P !! Was it same reason like the lambo incident in chennai after the race track run?

The lambo incident in chennai was different. Some numb skull left the car running over night to empty the fuel tank. Correct me if I am wrong though.

[amrisharm]

Well its better for a "prototype" to go up in flames rather than a newly launched product going up in flames at the hands of a customer. Knowing Porsche, I am sure they will figure things out. After all they are a highly regarded car company for good reason.