2011 TopCar Porsche Panamera Stingray GTR

 TOPCAR presents a new tuning program for the Porsche Panamera, which was called “Stingray GTR”.

We’d like to remind you that the company had already produced aerodynamic body kit Porsche Panamera Stingray before. This body kit was made to enhance the shape of a standard car.
Later, the company TOPCAR received a lot of clients’ requests who would like to have more aggressive and “charismatic” car.

Therefore, the company TOPCAR decided to create an entirely new and “all-sufficient “car based on the Porsche Panamera. This time we outstepped a simple design improvement of the factory model. Most of body elements have been re-created. It includes front and rare bumpers, bonnet, front and rare fender extenders, front and rear doors, side skirts. That’s the reason why you can’t call the Porsche Panamera Stingray GTR a classic aerodynamic body kit. It is essential to highlight that the car has become much wider. Extended wings, advanced air vents, sharp outlines of blade front bumper and bonnet, strongly-marked rear diffuser and spoiler on the boot lid, all this created absolutely new aggressive style. Rear doors and wings are visually combined. Now, to open the back door, you need to press a small button and the door opens automatically.

All new bodywork components made from carbon fiber and Kevlar by company TOPCAR itself.

Porsche Panamera Stingray GTR is a limited range, which includes only 25 cars. Each car in the range will have its special features and be unique in one’s way.

The exterior styling costs from 45,000 Euros.

It’s obvious that our tuning program involves both design and variety of other technical improvements. The programs to higher engine performance are available for Turbo version cars. A new sport air filter, intake manifold, motronik and valved exhaust system increases car power by 600 hp. Moreover the power might be increased by 700 hp in case sophisticated modification of the engine.
It is also possible to insert sports brake system Brembo.

Company TOPCAR offers its clients improving of car interiors according to individual design project and customer’s particular preferences.

Currently we’ve already received four orders for the Porsche Panamera Stingray GTR.

Source: TopCar Press Release

Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS in Cabriolet and Coupe Image Gallery and Video

Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is widening the top end of its Carrera model line and pairing up each of the two 911 Carrera GTS with an all-wheel drive twin. That means that the 911 Carrera 4 GTS Coupé and Cabriolet will combine the 408 hp (300 kW) top of the range engine of the Carrera GTS family with the intelligent, all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM). Driving dynamics are not the only source of attraction. Economics are as well. Thanks to Porsche Intelligent Performance the new all-wheel 911s consume no more than the equivalent Carrera 4S version, the Coupé remains at 11.0 l/100 km (25.7 mpg imp.) and the Cabriolet at 11.2 l/100 km (25.2 mpg imp.) respectively based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). Moreover both of them boast an even more comprehensive standard equipment package compared with the Carrera 4S models.

The 911 Carrera 4 GTS power unit has its origins in the 3.8-litre, six-cylinder Carrera S engine. A wholesale revamping of the intake duct added 23 hp (17 kW), taking the power output to 408 hp (300 kW) at 7,300 rpm. The special aspiration system not only improves peak power output but flexibility and power development as well thanks to a more generous torque curve in the lower and middle engine speed range. 320 Newton metres kick in from as low as 1,500 rpm; the six-cylinder engine delivers its rated torque of 420 Nm in the broad engine speed range from 4,200 rpm and 5,600 rpm. The sports exhaust system fitted as standard ensures a distinctly sporty sound. It invests the new Carrera 4 GTS with an unmistakable acoustic signature and the rear view of its tail pipe with its unique black surface design lends it a unique character.

At full power the Carrera 4 GTS Coupé sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.6 seconds, the Cabriolet in 4.8 seconds. The Carrera 4 GTS is fitted as standard with a six-speed manual transmission but the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) seven-speed is available as an option if desired. The PDK shaves an additional 0.2 seconds respectively off the acceleration times from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph).

In the Carrera 4 GTS as well, PTM all-wheel drive stands for Porsche’s typical driving pleasure with even more driving stability, traction and agile handling. The PTM achieves this by directing the optimal proportion of the engine torque to the front wheels via a multiple-plate clutch. What’s more, just how single-mindedly the Carrera 4 GTS is designed for driving dynamics is evident from the use of a standard limited-slip differential. This mechanical rear differential lock contributes to the driving dynamics of the electronically controlled all-wheel drive system.

Visually, the new Carrera 4 GTS models with all-wheel drive differ in points of detail from earlier variants with rear-wheel drive: In addition to the type name on the doors and rear lid, the distinguishing characteristic of all models with all-wheel drive is the additional reflective stripe between the taillights. What the Carrera GTS models have in common is the 911’s wide body, otherwise reserved for the all-wheel version of the 911s, and the rear axle track width that goes with it. In numerous other details as well the GTS models differ both visually and technically from the other Carrera models. For example, they run on 19 inch RS Spyder wheels in black with central locking and gloss-lathed rim flanges fitted with 305/30 ZR 19 tyres on the rear axle.

Additional visual features include the Sport-Design front apron with black painted spoiler lip and special side skirts, also in black. Driver and passenger are accommodated on sports seats. Typical of the GTS, the emphatically sporty black Alcantara covering on centre panels, steering wheel rim, gearshift and handbrake lever, door handles and door storage box lid and extension are offered as standard in addition to a range of leather upholstery options.

The 911 Carrera 4 GTS Coupé, including country-specific equipment and VAT at 19 per cent, is offered in Germany at a price of 111,956 euro, the Cabriolet costs 122,071 euro. Both models will be on sale in Germany from July 2011.

Source: Porsche Press Release

2011 Porsche Cayman S Black Edition Images and Video

The next step up from the Cayman S is known as the Cayman S Black Edition: Starting in July 2011, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is bringing the mid-engine coupé to market in a special edition limited to 500 units boasting even better performance and especially lavish equipment specification. The Cayman S Black Edition is powered by a 3.4 litre six-cylinder boxer engine with power output increased by 10 hp (7 kW) to 330 hp (243 kW) at 7,400 rpm (an additional 200 rpm). The maximum torque remains unchanged at 370 Newton metres at 4,750 rpm.

The extra power feeds directly through into the performance of the all black two-seater. The acceleration times from nought to 100 km/h (62 mph) are improved by a tenth of a second to 5.1 seconds with the six-gear manual transmission and to 5.0 seconds with the optional Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) respectively. A mere 4.8 seconds are required if the Launch Control is activated on the Sport Chrono package, available as an option. The Cayman S Black Edition’s top speed is two kilometres per hour (1.24 mph) faster than that of the Cayman S – 279 km/h (173 mph) with the manual transmission and 277 km/h (172 mph) with the PDK respectively.

The Cayman S Black Edition is not just more sportily agile in terms of its longitudinal dynamics but laterally as well. Among other factors, this is attributable to the Boxster Spyder wheels in black, which with a diameter of 19 inches are not just one inch bigger than the standard Cayman S wheels but are also half an inch wider than the optional 19 inch wheels on the Cayman S. The tyre sizes fitted are 235/35 ZR 19s on the front axle and 265/35 ZR 19s on the rear axle.

With its comprehensive and particularly high-quality equipment, the Cayman S Black Edition also caters for exceedingly exacting demands. For example, Bi-Xenon headlights with dynamic cornering lights and LED daytime running lights are just as much part of the basic specification as are automatic anti-dazzle interior and exterior mirrors with integrated rain sensor. Driver and front seat passenger sit on black partial leather seats with Porsche crest on the headrests; climate control ensures a comfortable temperature. The driver pilots the Cayman Black Edition by means of a Sport Design steering wheel, the cruise control makes driving at constant speed a more comfortable and economical experience.

The colour scheme of the limited edition sports coupé is consistent to the smallest detail: the dashboard trim is black as are the gear lever/selector trim and the instrument dials in the instrument cluster. The door entry guards emblazoned with the lettering “Black Edition” are made of stainless steel; the glove compartment lid bears the badge proclaiming the limited edition status. Equipped with Sound Package Plus, the Cayman S Black Edition’s infotainment systems are controlled via Porsche Communication Management (PCM). This also includes, for example, the navigation module and universal audio interface (AUX, USB, iPod). Mobile phone integration is already enabled. In all, the Cayman S Black Edition features the Porsche Comfort, Infotainment and Design packages, offering a price reduction into the bargain.

With country-specific equipment, the Cayman S Black Edition costs 67,807 euro in Germany including VAT.

Source: Porsche Press Release

2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 Video and Images Officially Revealed

The 911 GT3 RS, one of Porsche’s most popular, coveted and successful track-inspired production cars, has been given a final, thrilling injection of thoroughbred motorsport technology resulting in the 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0. Limited to 600 vehicles worldwide, the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 brings together in a sports car the attributes that have made the Porsche 911 GT3 a consistent winner on the race track.

The motorsport-derived 4.0-liter engine, already the highest displacement 911 engine ever, also features the highest per-liter output — 125 horsepower (hp) per liter — from a naturally aspirated Porsche flat-six engine. The engine uses forged pistons, the connecting rods are fashioned from titanium, and the crankshaft has been lifted unchanged from the 911 GT3 RSR race car. It achieves its maximum power of 500 hp at 8,250 rpm. Maximum torque of 339 ft/lbs is reached at 5,750 rpm.

The 911 GT3 RS 4.0 offers truly impressive performance, lapping the famed Nürburgring-Nordschleife in 7 minutes and 27 seconds. Available exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 sprints from 0 to 60 mph in only 3.8 seconds, and with its gearing designed for the race circuit it reaches the 124 mph mark on the race track in under 12 seconds.

The 911 GT3 RS 4.0’s outstanding driving dynamics come from numerous, meticulously coordinated details. In addition to using suspension components typically encountered in motor racing, weight reduction is also of supreme importance. Equipped as standard with lightweight components such as light but strong carbon fiber sport bucket seats, carbon fiber front fenders and luggage compartment lid, and weight-optimized carpets, the two-seater’s ready-for-action weight is just 2,998 lbs with a full fuel tank. The 911 GT3 RS 4.0’s power-to-weight ratio is 5.99 lbs/hp.

This limited edition 911 is painted Carrara White as standard and emphasizes its proximity to motor racing by its dynamic appearance. Signature characteristics are the wide track, the low vehicle position, the large rear wing with side plates, central twin tailpipe, and the aerodynamically optimized body. Air deflection vanes mounted on either side of the front bumper – called ‘flics’ or dive planes – make their first appearance on a production Porsche. They create increased downforce on the front axle, and together with the steeply inclined rear wing, provide aerodynamics on par with its performance capabilities. As a result, at the 193 mph top track speed, aerodynamic forces exert an additional 426 lbs of downforce, thus pushing the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 onto the road.

With a manufacturer’s suggested retail price starting at $185,000 (excluding destination), the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 goes on sale in the United States in late 2011.

About Porsche Cars North America

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga. is the exclusive U.S. importer of Porsche sports cars, the Cayenne SUV and Panamera Gran Turismo. Established in 1984, it is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Porsche AG, which is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, and employs approximately 220 people who provide parts, service, marketing and training for 196 dealers. They, in turn, work to provide Porsche customers a best-in-class experience that is in keeping with the brand’s 63-year history and leadership in the advancement of vehicle performance, safety and efficiency. At the core of this success is Porsche’s proud racing heritage that boasts some 30,000 motorsport wins to date.

Source: Porsche Press Release

2011 Porsche Panamera S on 22″ Modulare C11

Here is a 2011 Porsche Panamera S with 22″ C11 wheels, with a satin black center and chrome lip.  The wheels are 22×9.5 front and 22×11 rear, mated to Pirelli 265/30/22 and 315/25/22.

 The rear wing shown on the car is also available, it fits all Panamera models except the Turbo.  Please inquire for more details and specs.

Visit www.ModulareWheels.com for more information

Source: Modulare Wheels Press Release

2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S Edition 918 Spyder

Today is the day that Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, puts on sale the 918 Spyder super sports car with its innovative plug-in hybrid drive. Production development is proceeding apace in the wake of the outstanding customer response to the concept car unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show 2010. Thanks to its unique hybrid technology, the 918 Spyder is estimated to consume a mere three litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (94 mpg imp.) based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). Its V8 engine delivers more than 368 kW (500 hp), assisted by two electric motors with a total of at least 160 kW (218 hp). The 918 Spyder is available for immediate order priced from 645,000 Euro – subject to VAT and country-specific charges.

To ensure a 918 Spyder’s exclusivity, the two-seater is limited to no more than 918 units. The earlier a customer orders his vehicle, the earlier it will be delivered, as production is initialised in the same sequence in which orders are received. Production of the 918 Spyder is scheduled to commence on 18 September 2013 – 9/18 in US date convention – in a quasi manufacturing operation at Porsche’s main plant in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. Delivery of the initial vehicles will commence in November 2013.

The design’s DNA is derived from the Carrera GT and Porsche 917 sports car as well as the RS Spyder and is very closely modelled on the 2010 concept car. Unlike the concept car, however, the production version of the two-seater, based on a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic monocoque, features a manual roof system with removable roof panels that can be stowed in the front luggage compartment.

The 918 Spyder is driven by a unique type of plug-in hybrid system. It comprises a high-revving V8 engine with a displacement exceeding four litres and output of more than 368 kW (500 hp). The mid-engine power unit is based on the racing engine of the successful Porsche RS Spyder, which provided impressive proof of its efficiency with its multiple victories in the Michelin Green X Challenge in the American Le Mans Series, the Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Power transmission to the rear wheels is by means of a compact, seven gear Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK). This is complemented by two electric motors – one each on the front and rear axle – with a joint mechanical output of at least 160 kW (218 hp). This configuration offers an innovative, variable all-wheel drive with independent control of the propulsion force on both axles. The energy storage unit is a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery that can be charged from a conventional domestic power socket, delivering a range in excess of 25 km (16 miles) in the NEDC on purely electric power. The charging time depends on the country-specific mains network, being approximately three hours in Germany, for example. A quick charging option is planned to reduce charging time yet further.

The 918 Spyder’s combined total fuel consumption in the NEDC (ECE-R 101) is anticipated to be 3.0 l/100 km (94 mpg imp.), equating to CO2 emissions of 70 g/km (112 g/mile). Despite that, the super sports car offers performance of the highest order. It accelerates from a standing start to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a maximum of 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of more than 320 km/h (199 mph). That means the Spyder will be able to manage a lap of the Nürburgring Nordschleife in less than seven minutes and 30 seconds – trumping the Porsche Carrera GT, which needs seven minutes and 32 seconds. The top speed on purely electric power is 150 km/h (94 mph).

To shorten the time the customer has to wait for the 918 Spyder, Porsche is offering everyone placing an order the exclusive opportunity to acquire a 911 Turbo S “Edition 918 Spyder”, also limited to no more than 918 units. Visually, both inside and out, the special edition is inspired by the 918 Spyder’s characteristic individual features. That includes the distinctive acid green features such as the specific and part-embroidered model logos and seams, the instrument cluster needles, the specific PCM screen and illuminated door entry guards. The limited edition badge on the glove compartment lid bears the same number as the 918 Spyder the customer has ordered. The 911 Turbo S “Edition 918 Spyder” can also be ordered in the same colour.

Both the technology and basic equipment of the new 911 Turbo S “Edition 918 Spyder” are based on the 530 hp (295 kW) 911 Turbo S. In the case of the special edition, the already comprehensive standard equipment is complemented in particular by an enhanced leather interior, a special instrumentation version and additional carbon elements both inside and out.

The 911 Turbo S “Edition 918 Spyder” is being offered to coincide with the commencement of sales of the 918 Spyder with deliveries starting in June 2011. The Coupé version of the special edition costs 173,241 Euro in Germany and 184,546 Euro as a Cabriolet – including VAT and country-specific equipment items respectively.

Source: Porsche Press Release

NEW RECORD for Porsche set by Evolution MotorSports. Must see Video!!

Goliad, TX - Evolution MotorSports (EVOMS), based in Tempe, AZ has set a NEW RECORD for a fully street weighted and street legal Porsche 997.1 at Twin Turbo 234.6MPH. MAYHEM, as it is known, is a 2007 Porsche 997.1 twin turbo with the company’s EVT1500 Performance System. The EVT1500 was piloted by EVOMS European partner from Greece, Mike Paridis. 

The record was set in the standing mile at the event TEXAS MILE held March 25-27, 2011 in Goliad, TX. The event is sanctioned by NASA of Texas and is documented as the record for cars that are categorized as “modified street cars”. Defined as full interiors, stereo/navigation systems with the only additions being for safety; roll cages, fire extinguishers, etc. 

Todd Zuccone, founder and president of Evolution MotorSports said, “Now we have another reason the so called ‘tuners’ of the USA market will not compete with my company. There were noticeably none of the typical Porsche tuning shops at this years Texas Mile. So, we now plan to take our record setting Porsche to Europe to see who will step up.”  
 

 

John Bray, Senior Engine builder for the EVT1500 says, “Zuccone and I have been a team for 8 years and we have shared this singular vision for at least 6. I can not wait to see MAYHEM demonstrate to the Europeans what us Americans can do with a Porsche.” 

Zuccone goes on to state that the methodical pace of the company’s Research and Development has allowed years of step by step improvement to lead to this record setting speed. Founded in 1997, Evolution MotorSports has developed hundreds of engine improvements for the 996TT, the 997TT and now the 997.2TT with it’s EVT650 Performance System announced in mid 2010.

Mike Paridis, founder of Exelixis in Greece, EVOMS partner and pilot of the EVT1500 says, “Todd Zuccone’s team allows innovation to come from both inside his company and his external partners. Everyone has played a critical role and I am proud to be on the EVOMS team.”

The EVT1500, or “MAYHEM” began life as a twin turbo Porsche 997 in 2007. It was acquired by Todd Zuccone of Evolution MotorSports with 6 miles on the odometer for the sole purpose of Extreme Testing. Development has always been the goal; development of horsepower and torque to top speed testing for all Evolution MotorSports Performance Systems and upgrade components for Porsche. When the car had been in the EVOMS shop for less than 24 hours it began its transformation with a simple ECU performance flash. Since that day, it lives as a Research and Development platform for John Bray and the other EVOMS engineers. Chasing speed and endurance records every time is is on the track.

The EVT1500 Performance System sells for $220,000. (does not include the car) The engine is an EVOMS built 4.0-liter twin turbo with horsepower of 1485 and Torque of 1320. This upgrade also includes all of the needed safety components, suspension upgrades, transmission modifications and all other needed aspects of the car to match the performance of the engine. The cars post a 2.5 second time in 0-60 and runs the ¼ mile in excess of 160 MPH. The complete car weighs approximately 3200-3600 pounds depending on options.  

Evolution MotorSports also features performance upgrades for Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes, VW, Audi as well as a full line of upgrades for all late model Porsche’s including the new 2012 Panamera turbo.

About Evolution MotorSports, Inc.

Founded in 1997, Evolution MotorSports has been the leader in after market tuning of high performance automobiles with notable marquees of Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, VAG and many others. From casual-street to aggressive-track, Evolution MotorSports’ research and product development has become the standard by which all high performance automobiles are judged.  View the company websites at www.EVOMS.com and www.EVOMSit.com 

Evolution MotorSports is the exclusive N. American partner for Gumpert GmbH. Roland Gumpert is the designer of the Gumpert apollo, one of the fastest street production cars in the world. Visit the Gumpert website for N. America at: www.GumpertRacing.com

2011 Porsche Panamera Turbo S

With its new top model in the Gran Turismo model line, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is raising the bar for sporty four-door cars in the luxury class by yet another notch. The new Panamera Turbo S is a unique combination of performance and efficiency, driving dynamics and comfort. The 4.8 litre, V8 biturbo charged engine delivers 550 hp (410 kW), ten percent or 50 hp (37 kW) more than the already very powerful engine in the Panamera Turbo. By the same token, the torque also increases from 700 to 750 Nm. In the “Sport” and “Sport Plus” mode of the standard Sport Chrono Package Turbo and during kick-down in normal mode, the eight cylinder engine delivers fully 800 Nm with the so-called overboost function.

The power pack is behind the new top-of-the-range Panamera’s record sprint times. Thanks to Launch Control, 100 km/h (62 mph) is reached in 3.8 seconds; the top speed is 306 km/h (191 mph). Despite the increased performance, fuel consumption remains at the moderate level of the Panamera Turbo – yet another example of “Porsche Intelligent Performance”. In the NEDC the Gran Turismo covers 100 kilometres (62 miles) on 11.5 litres of fuel. Fuel consumption falls to 11.3 litres per 100 km (25 mpg imp.) when fitted with the 19 inch, all-season tyres with optimised rolling resistance developed for the Panamera by Michelin.

The increased performance compared with the Panamera Turbo can be attributed to two main enhancements: Improved turbochargers with titanium-aluminium turbine wheels and modified engine control. The use of the innovative titanium-aluminium alloy reduces the weight of the turbine and compressor wheel. This results in a lower moment of inertia and thus in improved and more agile engine responsiveness.

Even for a top luxury class model, Porsche’s new top-of-the-range Panamera boasts an extraordinarily comprehensive equipment level. In keeping with the sporty concept of the high-performance Panamera, it features the most important driving dynamics control systems as standard. For example, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), an active roll stabilisation system, nips in the bud the vehicle’s tendency to lean when cornering, thus enhancing agility and comfort in equal measure. Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) applies a variable torque split to the rear wheels combined with an electronically controlled rear differential lock, thus ensuring superior traction and therefore greater agility in every driving situation. The steering system uses the speed-dependent Servotronic. The Sport Chrono Package Turbo, which tunes the suspension and power unit, making them even sportier by pressing the additional “Sport Plus” button, is also fitted as standard, as is the sports exhaust system for an even more emotional engine sound.

The sporty character of the new Panamera Turbo S is apparent not just in its performance but is also reflected on the exterior. The 20-inch Turbo II wheels with increased rear axle track width, side skirts from the Porsche Exclusive range and the adaptive extending four-way rear spoiler in the exterior colour ensure particularly sporty performance and look. The fusion of exclusivity and sportiness is conveyed in the interior by the bi-colour leather finish, fitted as standard. The new combination of black/cream is offered exclusively for the new Panamera Turbo S with agate grey/cream also being added as an exclusive combination from the autumn.

The Panamera Turbo S costs 167,076 euro in Germany, including VAT and country-specific equipment. Deliveries start in June 2011.

Source: Porsche Press Release

Kennedy Performance 2008 Porsche 997 Twin Turbo

Kennedy Performance is proud to offer this beautiful 997 Twin Turbo 2008 with 20″ Kennedy Performance Racing Type-RS Triple-Stage Powder Coat wheels.

Brand New Kennedy Performance Type-RS 3-Piece Forged Design! These are the nicest wheels available for your Porsche 911/ 997 Widebody, bar none! Enjoy the staggered fitment with the extra-wide 12″ rear which houses a 325 width tire! Each wheel is tailor-made to your Porsche’s exact specifications so the wheels seamlessly clear the large Factory Porsche OE brakes with No spacers, No hub-centric rings, and No modification required.

Kennedy Performance specializes in custom wheels, body kits, and performance packages for Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley, Porsche, Mercedes-AMG, BMW and more.

Visit www.KennedyPerformanceRacing.com for more information

Source: Kennedy Press Release

Porsche 918 RSR Revealed

Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is continuing to extend its performance and high efficiency competence via intensive development work in the field of hybrid technology. With the Porsche 918 RSR, the manufacturer of sporty premium vehicles is presenting a high-end synthesis of 2010’s successful hybrid concepts. The two-seater mid-engine coupé 918 RSR clearly reveals what happens when the technology fitted in the 911 GT3 R hybrid and the design of the 918 Spyder are transferred to a modern, innovative super sports car.

With its highly-efficient flywheel accumulator, the 911 GT3 R hybrid racing car proved to be an attention magnet during competition racing on the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit, during the American Le Mans Series races (ALMS) in Road Atlanta/USA and the ILMC run in China’s Zhuhai. It demonstrated its massive performance potential under realistic motor racing conditions against top competitors. The 911 GT3 R Hybrid, referred to internally as the “Race Lab” actually surpassed the high expectations of Porsche Motorsport. Competitiveness, high reliability and exemplary fuel efficiency combined with top performance underscored the Porsche technicians’ basic idea of generating additional power in an intelligent manner. The 911 GT3 R Hybrid obtains its additional power from its own vehicle dynamics when braking. Porsche is now transplanting this technology into the mid-engine coupé 918 RSR, the motor sports version of the 918 Spyder concept car.

From the tradition established by classic Porsche long-distance race cars such as the 908 long-tale coupé (1969) and the 917 short-tail coupé (1971), the Porsche designers created a link to the postmodernism of the “form follows function” philosophy. In the 918 RSR, the lines’ elegant flow is dominated by muscular wheel arches, dynamic air intakes and a pulpit-like cockpit. A visible fan wheel between the ram air intake tubes and a rear spoiler with RS Spyder dimensions additionally emphasise the racing laboratory function. The new “liquid metal chrome blue” colour which has been created underscores the sculptured curves of the forms, whilst the typical Porsche hybrid orange colour on brake calipers and the body’s longitudinal stripes lends remarkable touches.

Motor racing technology also dominates within the particularly light, torsionally stiff carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque. The V8 engine is a further development of the direct injection engine from the successful RS Spyder race car and now offers an output of precisely 563 hp at 10,300/rpm in the 918 RSR. The electric motors on the two front wheels each contribute 75 kW, i.e. a total of 150 kW, to the peak drive power of exactly 767 hp. This additional power, which is generated during braking, is stored in an optimised flywheel accumulator.

In the 918 RSR, the two electric motors offer a torque vectoring function with variable torque distribution to the front axle. This additionally increases agility and improves steering response. Mounted upstream of the rear axle, the mid-engine is integrated with a racing transmission also based on the RS Spyder race car. This further developed six-speed constant-mesh transmission with longitudinally mounted shafts and straight-toothed spur gears is operated using two shift paddles behind the racing steering wheel.

The vehicle’s functional equipment underscores its puristic motor racing character. Whether it be the characteristic doors which open obliquely upwards, the air intake in the roof between the wing doors, the quick-action locks on the front and rear CFRP lids, the two roof-mounted aerials for pit radio and telemetry, the RS Spyder-like small, lateral front flics or the air splitters beneath the front lip or no-profile racing slicks on 19″ wheels with central locking, the vehicle can be clearly recognised as an experimental racing laboratory.

In contrast to the 918 Spyder concept car, unadorned racing atmosphere predominates in the interior of the 918 RSR. The figure-hugging bucket seat’s brown leather covering cites the history of the gentleman driver; the gear flashes on the racing steering wheel and a recuperation display on the steering column in front of the display screen supply the pilot with information. Instead of the futuristic, ergonomically avant-garde centre console with touch-sensitive user interface from the 918 Spyder concept car, the 918 RSR’s cockpit is split by a minimalistic console with rocker switches. Instead of a second seat, the flywheel accumulator is positioned to the right of the console.

This flywheel accumulator is an electric motor whose rotor rotates at up to 36,000 rpm to store rotation energy. Charging occurs when the two electric motors on the front axle reverse their function during braking processes and operate as generators. At the push of a button, the pilot is able to call up the energy stored in the charged flywheel accumulator and use it during acceleration or overtaking manoeuvres. The flywheel is braked electromagnetically in this case in order to additionally supply up to 2 x 75 kW, i.e. a total of 150 kW, from its kinetic energy to the two electric motors on the front axle.

This additional power is available for around eight seconds when the system is fully charged. In the successful 911 GT3 R Hybrid, this additional power can also be used as a consumption aid depending on the racing situation, e.g. to delay pit stops or reduce the fuel tank volume and therefore the weight of the vehicle.

With the new 918 RSR racing laboratory, Porsche is now elevating this motor racing hybrid concept to an experimental level. In the 918 RSR, “Porsche Intelligent Performance” equates to research into methods for further sustainable efficiency improvement under the intensified conditions of the race track, lap times, pit stops and reliability – a metier in which Porsche has been demonstrating its success for over 60 years.

Finally, the starting number, 22, pays homage to the anniversary of a further triumph. Back in the days when overall victories in Le Mans were not yet an entirely routine matter within the Porsche racing department, the pilots Dr. Helmut Marko and Gijs van Lennep were the first to cross the finishing line in 1971’s 24-hour classic. The distance record set by their Porsche 917 short-tail coupé – 5335.313 kilometres (3315.21 miles) at an average speed of 222.304 km/h (138.13 mph) – did not remain unbeaten for an eternity, but for exactly 39 years until 2010. At the time, the 917 in the Martini colours was also an experiment and far ahead of its time: a magnesium space frame set new standards in Porsche’s lightweight construction domain.

Source: Porsche Press Release

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