PORSCHE 911 GT3 R Hybrid | The Wave of Hybrid Technology Reaches Racing Cars
CAR / NEWS
April 8, 2015

PORSCHE 911 GT3 R Hybrid | The Wave of Hybrid Technology Reaches Racing Cars


PORSCHE 911 GT3 R Hybrid


The Hybrid Wave Reaches Racing Cars


PorschePorsche will present the 911 GT3 R, a GT machine based on a production car equipped with an innovative hybrid system, at its world premiere during the Geneva Motor Show, which opens on March 2nd.


Photos: Porsche Japan




Two Motors Mounted on the Front



The hybrid technology adopted for this model was developed exclusively for racing and is said to be distinct from the configuration and components of conventional hybrid systems. The front is driven by two motors, each producing 60 kW, assisting the 4-liter flat-six engine mounted on the rear of the 911 GT3 R, which generates 480 ps. Unlike typical hybrid vehicles that use batteries, an electrical flywheel power generator, located next to the driver's seat, supplies power to the motors.

This flywheel generator boasts a maximum rotational speed of 40,000 rpm. During braking, the two motors on the front axle act as generators, storing energy in this flywheel generator.








Supplying Up to 120 kW of Power



The energy stored in the flywheel can be used when needed, such as when exiting a corner or during an overtake. In this mode, the flywheel generator decelerates the vehicle electromechanically, and the kinetic energy is used by the two front motors to supply up to 120 kW of output. This power boost can be used for approximately 6 to 8 seconds.

This hybrid system not only provides greater power but also improves fuel efficiency, thereby enhancing overall racing competitiveness by, for example, reducing the amount of fuel carried or the number of pit stops.

After its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, the car will be tested in the practical environment of Nürburgring endurance races, and the data gathered will also be applied to future hybrid technologies in road-going sports cars.



BRAND HISTORY
PORSCHE (Porsche) is overwhelmingly supported by skilled individuals worldwide as a representative German sports car brand. Its origins date back to 1931. Ferdinand Porsche, a genius who distinguished himself as an automotive engineer from his twenties, established "Porsche Design Studio" in Stuttgart, Germany, after serving as technical director at Daimler, and became independent. From then on, he was entrusted with the development of various cars by automobile manufacturers. Among these, the "Volkswagen Beetle," which greatly contributed to motorization as Germany's "people's car," is particularly famous.

The first sports car to bear his name was the "356," which appeared in 1948. Since then, Porsche has released sports cars such as the "911," "924," and "928," while also focusing on motorsport. For instance, they have achieved brilliant racing records, including 16 victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, considered the world's most grueling race, and three series championships as an engine supplier in F1. It goes without saying that their technological prowess and dedication to driving continue to live on in their products today.

Currently, all of their models boast high popularity, including the "911," which has maintained a high reputation as a top-tier sports car even 45 years after its debut, the open-top sports car "Boxster," its coupe version "Cayman," and the premium sports SUV "Cayenne."