After the news that Porsche will go ahead with production of its 918 Spyder concept, and will put three electric Boxsters through testing, Autocar tests the 911 GT3 R Hybrid. It’s interesting to note that Autocar describes it as the rarest and most sophisticated 911 ever built by Porsche, which gives us some indication as to the seriousness of Porsche’s investment in electric and hybrid technology.

The big question for purists though, is whether a hybrid Porsche will ever be as good as an original 911. The 911 GT3 R Hybrid is hugely technological and very powerful with the classic flat six engine giving 480 hp, to which another 160 hp is added to by the hybrid set-up. It’s quite amazing really - it looks like being in a simulator with all the electronics going on but you’re actually flat-out on the track.

Frankly, nothing short of “phenomenal” and “incredible”. The GT3 R Hybrid is a top quality race car, hybrid or not. Check out the video for all the technical details but in the meantime, Porsche has certainly impressed the socks off me.

Continue reading: Autocar tests Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid: video

The Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid and Cayenne S Hybrid get their own video in this “Two concepts, one idea: Efficiency” video from Porsche. Both models’ hybrid systems have been developed through the Porsche Intelligent Performance program. At the 2010 Geneva motor show we also saw the Porsche 918 Spyder Concept which also combines traditional fuel technology with an electric motor. See more of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid and Cayenne S Hybrid models in the video.

Continue reading: Video Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid and Cayenne S hybrid

The Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid will debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, but only as a virtual presence before its real official debut at the Nurburgring 24 hours. The 911 GT3 R Hybrid is purely a race car with amazing power of its own, subsequently increased in an electric motor booster, with energy recovery during braking sent to the front wheels for all wheel drive.

The hybrid version is based on the GT3 R and will also be equipped with the flat six, four-litre engine with 480 hp. The space originally dedicated to the passenger will be replaced by a flywheel which collects and generates the energy saved in braking, which then distributes it to two motors in the bonnet.

The additional power can be measured as 60 kW for each motor, and is activated by pressing a button on the steering wheel. An extra 160 hp is then produced for a time between six and eight seconds. The KERS flywheel system also keeps fuel consumption down, reducing the need for refilling.

Continue reading: Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid