Porsche High-Performance Driving Handbook

by Vic Elford

Overview

It’s been more than a decade since the first Porsche High Performance Driving Handbook set the standard for getting the most out of a Porsche. If driving techniques haven’t changed since then, technology definitely has. This book, by the world’s foremost expert, takes that new technology into account as it gives readers the latest information on how to drive a Porsche to its limit.

Once upon a time, the Can Am and Trans Am race series changed their rules because Vic Elford and his Porsches were winning too often. Here Quick Vic shares his insights into ride control systems, new tire compounds, and Tiptronic and Direct-Shift Gearbox transmissions, all of which have transformed the experience—and the challenge—of driving a Porsche.

As he discusses recent models, ranging from new generations of the 911 to the whole-cloth inventions of the Boxster, Cayenne, Cayman S and Carrera GT, modern images and historical photos immerse the reader in both the history and the evolving technology that Vic Elford knows like no one else.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780760327548
Publisher:	Motorbooks
Publication date:	06/15/2008
Edition description:	Second
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	8.10(w) x 10.50(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Born and raised in England, Vic Elford was one of the drivers who put Porsche on the racing map. He was the first to win the Monte Carlo rally in a Porsche, then, a week later, won the 24-Hour sports car race at Daytona. He raced Porsche 910s and 917s in both the Can Am and Trans Am series (they changed the rules in both series because he and his Porsches won too often), plus a slew of other marques in Formula 1, Indy and even stock car racing. He's still winning vintage car races today. If anyone understands how to apply high-performance driving skills to Porsches, it's Quick Vic. Elford resides in Plantation, Florida.

Table of Contents

About the Author

Foreword (by David Hobbs)

About David Hobbs

Preface

Chapter 1:  Comfort

Chapter 2:  Balance

Chapter 3:  Smoothness

Chapter 4:  The Cars

Chapter 5:  The Equipment

Chapter 6:  The Tires

Chapter 7:  Accelerating and Gear Changing

Chapter 8:  Braking and Heel-and-Toe Gear Changing

Chapter 9:  Cornering

Chapter 10: Sliding, Skidding, and the Art of Car Control

Chapter 11: Driving in Unusual Situations

Chapter 12: Accident Avoidance

Chapter 13: Competition Driving

Chapter 14: Putting It All Together

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“This is a must read for any Porsche owner interested in either motor racing history and/or the finer points of high performance driving.” – Jon Jones, Cimarron Trail PCA Newsletter

   

“There is a wealth of information between these covers both historic and technical and I’s bet the novice as well as the seasoned veteran would thoroughly enjoy Elford’s slant on it all. It gets four stars from me.” – Mark Stubbs, Shenandoah PCA Newsletter

Larry Printz of The Virginian Pilot (circ.: 175,005) loved the book saying, “This book is a must for those who drive Porsches.”

Sports Car Market (circ.: 31,500) said “Elford’s book is different because so much of the book is made of stories from his past, which are used to illustrate concepts. The stories are reason to read; that you might be smoother and faster in a car by the end of the book is just a bonus.”

The Porsche enthusiast website 993c4s.com (views per month: 30,000) said “The Porsche High Performance Driving Handbook is the perfect companion gift for the new Porsche owner. The book’s conversational style makes it seem as if one is sitting with the racing legend, taking in technique secrets and enjoying unbelievable stories of his days on the track (and off). Do you know anyone who is interested in becoming a better driver? This is the book to get for them.”

Porsche Club of America chapters reviewed the booksaying:

“This is a must read for any Porsche owner interested in either motor racing history and/or the finer points of high performance driving.” – Jon Jones, Cimarron Trail PCA Newsletter

 “There is a wealth of information between these covers both historic and technical and I’d bet the novice as well as the seasoned veteran would thoroughly enjoy Elford’s slant on it all. It gets four stars from me.” – Mark Stubbs, Shenandoah PCA Newsletter

 “This is a great book for any Porsche driver not just those adrenaline crazed few that want to go fast around a track. After reading this, I have got to get me some of that.” – Richard Davis, War Whoop (Official publication of the War Bonnet Region of the PCA)

 Bear Facts, the official newsletter of the PCA Polar Chapter and Tobacco Roads (official publication of PCA North Carolina, Palmetto Pipes the official newsletter of the PCA Palmetto Chapter and the Silver Sage Region PCA Newsletter also reviewed the book.

“Written by the first driver to win the Monte Carlo Rally in a Porsche, this book is a must for those who drive Porsches, whether on the track or on the street.” –Larry Printz, The Arizona Republic

“His book covers driving techniques that he learned from rallies and road racing. Techniques are well-illustrated with easily understood descriptions.” – Bob Schmitt, Porscheklatsch

 “This book belongs on every Porsche driver’s book shelf if you want to become a better driver. I periodically pull down my copy and re-read it just to reacquaint myself with techniques I may have forgotten or still have trouble with.” - David Witteried, Winding Roads

 

 

 “Understanding Vic’s instructions and explanations of driving skills and car technologies and set-up requires no additional books or guides. Vic is clear, concise and his explanations seem so intuitive that you can go out immediately and practice what he has just taught. If you love your Porsche and would like to be able to experience the capability of the breed to its fullest, I highly recommend this book.” – Tom Holmes, Der Auspuff

Editorial Reviews

This is a must read for any Porsche owner interested in either motor racing history and/or the finer points of high performance driving.” – Jon Jones, Cimarron Trail PCA Newsletter

“There is a wealth of information between these covers both historic and technical and I’s bet the novice as well as the seasoned veteran would thoroughly enjoy Elford’s slant on it all. It gets four stars from me.” – Mark Stubbs, Shenandoah PCA Newsletter

“This book is a must for those who drive Porsches.” – Larry Printz of The Virginian Pilot

“Elford’s book is different because so much of the book is made of stories from his past, which are used to illustrate concepts. The stories are reason to read; that you might be smoother and faster in a car by the end of the book is just a bonus.” – Sports Car Market

“The Porsche High Performance Driving Handbook is the perfect companion gift for the new Porsche owner. The book’s conversational style makes it seem as if one is sitting with the racing legend, taking in technique secrets and enjoying unbelievable stories of his days on the track (and off). Do you know anyone who is interested in becoming a better driver? This is the book to get for them.” – The Porsche enthusiast website 993c4s.com

“This is a great book for any Porsche driver not just those adrenaline crazed few that want to go fast around a track. After reading this, I have got to get me some of that.” – Richard Davis, War Whoop (Official publication of the War Bonnet Region of the PCA)

“Written by the first driver to win the Monte Carlo Rally in a Porsche, this book is a must for those who drive Porsches, whether on the track or on the street.” – Larry Printz, The Arizona Republic

“His book covers driving techniques that he learned from rallies and road racing. Techniques are well-illustrated with easily understood descriptions.” – Bob Schmitt, Porscheklatsch 

“This book belongs on every Porsche driver’s book shelf if you want to become a better driver. I periodically pull down my copy and re-read it just to reacquaint myself with techniques I may have forgotten or still have trouble with.” - David Witteried, Winding Roads

“Understanding Vic’s instructions and explanations of driving skills and car technologies and set-up requires no additional books or guides. Vic is clear, concise and his explanations seem so intuitive that you can go out immediately and practice what he has just taught. If you love your Porsche and would like to be able to experience the capability of the breed to its fullest, I highly recommend this book.” – Tom Holmes, Der Auspuff

From the Publisher