Porsche 918 Concept Hybrid Spyder

Hot on the heels of Porsche's hybrid GT3 R racer, the sensational 918 Hybrid Spyder has crawled out from under the blankets at Geneva today. Mating a mid-mounted race bred 3.4 litre V8 with a pair of front axel mounted electric motors, this sleek answer to Audi's R8 and e-tron supercars, places Porsche at the forefront of high performance hybrid technology.

Each electric motor produces 109hp which, when used in conjunction with the 500hp RS Spyder derived naturally aspirated V8, results in 718hp! With all that power but still capable of returning 78mpg and 70g Co2/km the 918 Spyder secures the future existence for high powered, highly efficient supercars. Smaller in body than a Carrera GT, the 918 possesses Boxster proportions, albeit capable of a very un-Boxster-like 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds and 194mph.

Resembling an intimidating hungry shark, Porsche designers have adopted styling cues direct from Porsche royalty, the Le Mans winning 917. Brimming with exciting new detail, the 918 is not shy in admitting a racy appearance. Side exit exhausts sit menacingly close to futuristic new wheels hiding electric motors and ceramic brakes. Let's just hope they put it into production.

Porsche have released a slick new video entertaining the idea that they designed the technology for this car over 100 years ago. So, are you still happy with your McLaren MP4 order Sir?

Source: Autoblog

Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid

Based on the current 911 GT3 R Porsche have annouced the arrival of their new Hybrid race car. Powered by the same rear mounted 480 hp 4.0 litre flat six the R Hybrid also carries two electric motors up front powering the front wheels. Located in the passenger floorwell sits a flywheel capable of spinning up to 40,000rpm which stores kinetic energy from braking. Once full energy is stored an extra 120kw is directed to the front wheels, (the equivalent of 160hp). Available in six to eight second bursts the technology is similar to the KERS system used by the Williams F1 team and would provide a useful overtake power surge or improved fuel economy.

Entered into the Nurburgring 24 Hours in May, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid will act as a running 'racing laboratory' car in order for a more refined, full-on assualt at Le Mans in 2012.

Very forward hybrid thinking from Porsche I feel. Expect hybrid Porsche road cars by 2015 then.

Source Autoblog & Next Autos