FastMotoring Motor News In Speed
Porsche will return to this year’s N¼rburgring 24 hour race on June 25 with a newer version of its 911 GT3 R Hybrid that is more powerful yet lighter and more fuel efficient than its predecessor. The 2011 edition of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid generally remained the 2010 model layout. However, The hybrid racer powertrain has been upgraded comprises of a 470HP 4.0-liter 6-cylinder boxer engine at the rear and 2x electric motors driving the front wheels.
The 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid, the output of both electric motors has increased from 60kW (80HP) to 75kW (100HP) each, meaning there are additional 150kW (200HP) from the electric motors itself.
According to Porsche, the extra power is automatically activated through use of the throttle pedal and can be very useful when overtaking. Porsche has also optimized the hybrid system with the electric flywheel accumulator that stores energy now housed with the other hybrid components in a carbon fibre safety cell on the passenger’s side.
Porsche claimed that the new GT3 R Hybrid has reduced drag and lowered its fuel consumption after removing the large cooling louvres in front of the rear fenders. The louvres are no longer necessary after the optimisation of the hybrid system’s high voltage components. Moreover, the 2011 911 GT3 R Hybrid managed to reduce the weight by 50kg from 1,350kg to 1,300kg.
The emphasis of our work was on improving efficiency, says Hartmut Kristen, head of Porsche motorsport. That means we want to keep the lap times consistent with 2010 but use less energy, hence less fuel. In this way, we support future developments of road-going, sporting hybrid vehicles.
Other changes for the 2011 model include the thoroughly updated cockpit as most of the displays and controls have moved to the steering wheel. According to Porsche, drivers can operate the rest of the functions via backlit buttons now situated on the centre console.
Photo Gallery: 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid
