Despite claims to the contrary just a few days ago, plans are now emerging for a hybrid Porsche to be built on the 911 platform. And this is not any old half-cocked hybrid, either. Nope, Porsche are embracing the technology at full tilt by sticking a 120kW electric-gizmo-thingy in the passenger seat of the über track-only GT3 R. Let’s not forget the old-skool internal combustion power already found in the GT3 R offers some 360kW.
KERS may have been a flash in the pan in Formula One, but Porsche is adopting a similar approach with the GT3 R Hybrid. The heart of the system sits beside the driver and derives enough energy under braking to power a flywheel at speeds of up to 40,000rpm. That energy is released to two motors powering the front wheels giving a 120kW boost, offering increased acceleration out of corners and enhancing overtaking opportunities. The power boost will last for 6–8 seconds and is activated by a button on the steering wheel. On paper, it’s a pretty neat solution when you think about it.
Nothing concrete has been released by Porsche at this stage—the GT3 R Hybrid is scheduled for a public debut at the Geneva Motor Show (4–14 March). The car’s race debut is set to follow soon after at the gruelling Nürburgring 24 hour race in May. Porsche currently enjoys a four-race winning streak at the event. It is understood Porsche also hopes to use hybrid race technology at Le Mans from 2012.
[Source: Autblog via InsideLine]
2 replies on “Porsche GT3 R Hybrid heading to Geneva”
It seems that calling this “mid engine like” is the first small step in the marketing campaign to move the 911 platform to mid-engine layout. Adding a bunch of weight in the front to equalize the axle weights is nothing like the effect of an actual mid-engine design. Increasing the polar moment in such a way is quite the opposite, in fact.
[…] yesterday’s post about the GT3 R Hybrid comes this official release from Porsche, including high res images which […]