Porsche reveals hybrid GT3 racecar

Porsche's GT3 R Hybrid will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

Porsche has lifted the covers on a hybrid version of its killer GT3 race car.

The GT3 R racer will be officially revealed at next month's Geneva Motor Show.

The company's hybrid drive technology - developed for racing - uses an electric front axle drive system with a pair of 60kW electric motors adding a boost to the car's already stroppy 353kW flat six engine.

Rather than weighty batteries - like those used in hybrid road cars like the recently-recalled Toyota Prius - it uses an electrical flywheel generator.

The 40,000 rpm generator is charged whenever the brakes are applied, and stores power as kinetic energy. This 120kW of power can be released for approximately six to eight seconds after each charge, converting previously wasted energy into a valuable boost out of corners or when passing.

Porsche reckons the system will also save fuel, cutting down on fuel weight and pit stops.

The car will be seen in the flesh at Geneva, and will then take be tested in Nurburgring endurance races, culminating in the 24 Hour Nordschleife race on May 15 and 16.


Also set for a reveal at Geneva will be a new 911 Turbo S, which will make previous high tech goodies that were only box-tick options standard equipment.

The new model 911 Turbo S, packing a twin-turbo six cylinder boxer, ups the power output by 30kW and makes an impressive 700Nm of torque.

The terrifyingly-titled Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe - Porsche's double clutch seven-speed gearbox - is fitted, tied to traction-managed all-wheel drive.

With the company's trick Torque Vectoring system, including a mechanical diff lock on the rear, and standard launch control, it rockets to the legal limit in 3.3 seconds, doubling that in 10.8. Top speed is 315km/h, just a touch under 'official' supercar status.

Stopping from three times the legal limit is made a great deal easier with ceramic composite brakes, also standard.

It will be available in coupe and cabrio forms in August, from $342,000 and $357,000 respectively.

- NZ HERALD STAFF