- 906
The new race car is the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid and is based on the 911 GT3 RSR. Unlike conventional hybrids such as the Toyota Prius, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid uses a system similar to the F1-style Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) in which an electro-mechanical flywheel is used to store kinetic energy created under braking. The flywheel, which spins at speeds of up to 40,000 rpm and is located where the front passenger normally sits, can then be tapped to release its stored kinetic energy in the form of electricity, into a pair of 80 horsepower electric motors mounted on the front axle and driving the front wheels, while the gasoline engine powers the rears.
The system works in conjunction with the car's 480 horsepower naturally-aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine and provides a maximum eight-second burst of propulsion to the front wheels at the push of a button, delivering the boost necessary to maximize exit speed from a corner or to pass another car. - Motor Authority
"After its debut in Geneva the 911 GT3 R Hybrid will be tested in long-
distance races on the Nürburgring. The highlight of this test programme will be the 24 Hours on the Nordschleife of Nürburgring on May 15th and 16th. The focus is not on the 911 GT3 R Hybrid winning the race, but rather serving as a spearhead in technology and a “racing laboratory” providing know-how on the subsequent use of hybrid technology in road-going sports cars. - Porsche PR
