The automotive landscape is changing. Hybrid technology – which is often associated with mild vehicles such as the Toyota Prius – is making its way into more and more applications. In fact, many manufacturers are now incorporating hybrid technology into some of the world’s most potent automobiles. Would you believe a 2011 BMW Active Hybrid 7 sedan actually accelerates faster than a 1998 Ferrari 456M GTA (0-100 km/h: 4.9 seconds versus 5.5 seconds)?
Now, auto racing is going through its own revolution.
Porsche had the paparazzi on its tail when it introduced the original hybrid race car – the 911 GT3 – in 2010. That mighty hybrid demonstrated its enormous potential when it successfully performed on the race circuit during the American Le Mans Series races (ALMS) in Road Atlanta, USA. Porsche labelled its GT3 as a “racing laboratory” and was understandably anxious to demonstrate its capabilities in serious racing conditions.
Capitalizing on the momentum, Porsche has now launched a sequel to the story by unveiling the new 918 RSR hybrid racing car.
Visually, the RSR is a head-turner. No Surprise. According to Porsche, its designers chose to “create a link to the postmodernism of the ‘form follows function’ philosophy.” (2011). In essence, they chose elegant lines that create a visual profile reminiscent of classic Porsche race cars such as the 908 long-tale coupe of 1969, and the 917 short-tail coupe of 1971.
Conceptually, the RSR hybrid is a “motor sports” version of an earlier concept car - the Spyder. The RSR utilizes the racing technology from the successful GT3. This technology includes a V8 direct-injection engine and two electric motors that offer variable torque distribution to the front wheels. The total peak power is rated at 767 hp. Some of that available power is generated during braking, and is stored in an “optimised flywheel accumulator”. (Contrary to what some may be thinking – the “optimised flywheel accumulator” will not allow the RSR to spin off into outer space. This is just simply Porsche-speak for very cool technology).
Attention racing teams around the world: you have been served notice. Porsche may indeed value the preservation of the environment - as seriously as it does winning races at the track. The vogue-factor of going green has just gone up. So go ahead and paint a race number on the side of your hybrid – and let your green flag fly!
SOURCES
- Porsche AG. "World premiere in Detroit: mid-engine coupé as a technology test bed" published Jan 2011
- carinf.com
- bmw.com
scott sutherland - Scott Sutherland is an award-winning writer located in Vancouver, British Columbia. He has a BA degree in English from the University of ...
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