Porsche 918 RSR
On the Porsche Racing Laboratory at Detroit, Porsche car maker has finally and unveiled a new racing car it’s Porsche 918 RSR. The new 918 RSR Racing Lab concept is inspired by models like the 908 long-tail coupe (1969) and the 917 short-tail coupe (1971).
The manufacturer of Porsche 918 RSR sporty premium vehicles is presenting a high-end synthesis of successful hybrid concepts. The two-seater mid-engine coupe 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.
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 coupe Porsche 918 RSR, the motor sports version of the 918 Spyder concept car.
The 918 RSR is a hybrid racing car that combines a V8 motor with a direct petrol injection engine and two electric motors on the front wheels. Each of these motors delivers an additional 75 kW, adding up to 150 kW. The whole engine setup delivers a total of 767 HP. The engine is mated to a six-speed constant-mesh transmission with longitudinally mounted shafts and straight-toothed spur gears.
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. The new concept is dominated by muscular wheel arches, dynamic air intakes, and a pulpit-like cockpit. It is painted in a new “liquid metal chrome blue” color combined with typical Porsche hybrid orange color on the brake calipers and the body’s longitudinal stripes.
The interior is also dominated by a racing theme. The bucket seat is covered in brown leather, and yes, we only said “seat” because the second seat has been replaced by the flywheel accumulator positioned to the right of the console. The new 918 RSR concept takes the 918’s design language a step forward. It is defined by muscular wheel arches, dynamic air intakes, and a pulpit-like cockpit.