Porsche “Semper Vivus” | On Display at the Porsche Museum
Porsche Semper Vivus
The World's Oldest Hybrid Car, 111 Years Later, Recreated for Exhibition
Ferdinand Porsche: Pioneer of the Hybrid System Exhibition
In Stuttgart, Germany,PorscheThe Porsche Museum is hosting a special exhibition, "Ferdinand Porsche: Pioneer of the Hybrid System," from Tuesday, May 10th to Monday, June 13th, featuring a recreation of the world's first full hybrid car, the "Lohner Porsche 'Semper Vivus.'"
By Tomomi Yanaka
An Exhibition Showcasing Dr. Porsche's Foresight
The world's first hybrid car was designed by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche in 1900. It featured an advanced system, prescient of modern hybrid and electric vehicles, where a gasoline engine and two generators functioned as a charging system, simultaneously supplying electricity to motors integrated into the wheel hubs and a battery. It was exhibited at the Paris Exposition that year, and in 1902, Lohner began mass production as the "Lohner Porsche."
Over 111 years later, Porsche has perfectly recreated the Lohner Porsche based on contemporary documents and blueprints. With the cooperation of Porsche Engineering and others, they pursued originality down to the finest details and driving performance. The recreated Lohner Porsche 'Semper Vivus' was also displayed at this year's Geneva Motor Show in March, garnering significant acclaim.
The special exhibition also features the De Dion-Bouton engine and wheel hubs that powered the Lohner Porsche's generator. Furthermore, there will be opportunities to witness it in motion. On Saturday, May 21st, and Sunday, May 22nd, a Lohner Porsche driving demonstration will be held. Seeing a car over 100 years old, heavy and without power steering, in motion will allow visitors to directly witness the foresight of Dr. Porsche and the brilliance of his technology.
In addition to the Lohner Porsche, the exhibition showcases other fascinating vehicles designed by the young Dr. Porsche, as well as Porsche's hybrid bicycle and the drivetrain of the Cayenne Hybrid. It offers insight into Porsche's philosophy towards technology, from Dr. Porsche's revolutionary inventions to today's hybrid cars.
You can also see the Semper Vivus in action in the following video distributed by Porsche.
Porsche “Semper Vivus”｜Porsche “Semper Vivus”
Body Dimensions | Length 3,390 x Width 1,880 x Height 1,850 mm
Wheelbase | 2,310 mm
Engine | Inline 2-cylinder, De Dion-Bouton engine
Max Output | 2.5 hp (1.85 kW)
Max Output (Motor) | 2.7 hp (2 kW)
Special Exhibition "Ferdinand Porsche: Pioneer of the Hybrid System"
Period | Tuesday, May 10th – Monday, June 13th
Opening Hours | 9:00 – 18:00
Admission Fee | Adults: 8 Euros; Children up to 14 accompanied by an adult: Free
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