In a press release earlier this week, Porsche Motorsport announced that the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid Version 2.0 will make its racing debut on the West Coast, September 17 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Even though this particular Porsche is not eligible for championship points, as the hybrid technology is not yet part of the GT program, the next test is planned for the ALMS race at the 2.23 mile course featuring the famous Corkscrew Turn.
Along with the release came the cutaway above (you can click on the image for a larger version) and the explanation below. I’m a huge fan of the 911 GT3 R 2.0 Hybrid so I always like to see more of the technology explained and illustrated. The rest of the info from the release is below for your enjoyment and information. For even more pictures be sure to check out the gallery on the FlatSixes.com Facebook page. If you do jump over to look at the pictures, please be sure to take a minute and “like” our page too! We post lots of photos and information on Facebook that never make it to the site.
The Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid 2.0, with two 75 kilowatt electric motors on the front axle supplementing the 465 hp four-liter, six-cylinder power unit at the rear, particularly embodies the philosophy of “Porsche Intelligent Performance”: The electric energy is generated during braking and stored in an electric flywheel. During acceleration, this energy is automatically delivered to the front wheels, supporting the combustion engine. This leads to a reduction in fuel consumption and increases the cruising range on the circuit. Moreover, drivers can manually utilize the stored energy with a boost-paddle on the steering wheel for overtaking. The 911 GT3 R Hybrid has undergone further development since 2010, and compared to its predecessor, its weight was reduced from 1,350 kilograms (2970 lbs.) to 1,300 kilograms (2860 lbs.).
Two Porsche works pilots, Romain Dumas (France) and Richard Lietz (Austria) will share the cockpit of the orange and white racer from Weissach
Dumas has already driven the world’s most innovative GT vehicle last year at the “Petit Le Mans”, the ALMS race at the Road Atlanta circuit. Lietz piloted the Hybrid-911 at the 24 hour races on the Nuerburgring in 2010 and 2011 as well as at various other long distance races.
“I’m very much looking forward to demonstrate the capabilities of this very special car at race speed to the spectators in California. Many Porsche fans live on the west coast, and some of them have already discovered the advantages of the hybrid system at the wheel of a Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid,” said Romain Dumas. “I’m very excited, because Laguna Seca is one of the most challenging race tracks on earth. Its layout with a series of up and downhill passages should actually suit our 911 GT3 R Hybrid.”
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[Source: Porsche Motorsport]