Porsche introduced the world to the concept of a hybrid car more than 110 years ago with the Lohner-Porsche. Today, Porsche announces the development of a hybrid drive that supplements the already impressive 480 hp of the GT3 R race car. This innovative hybrid drive opens a new chapter in Porsche racing history that encompasses more than 20,000 victories over 45 years.
Developed specifically for racing, the new hybrid system differentiates itself from conventional hybrid systems by way of configuration and components. The front axle of the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid features two electric motors, each developing 60 kW to supplement the 480 hp, naturally aspirated, four-liter flat-six that drives the rear wheels. Instead of the heavy batteries usually found in a hybrid road car, an electrical flywheel power generator is installed inside next to the driver delivering energy to the electric motors.
While no performance figures are yet available for the new Porsche Hybrid, Porsche is quick to stress potential benefits of the electrical flywheel power generator in long-distance and endurance racing in the form of fuel savings and efficiency.
“The flywheel generator is also an electric motor, with its rotor spinning at speeds of up to 40,000 rpm while mechanically storing energy. The flywheel generator is charged whenever the driver applies the brakes, as the two front axle electric motors reverse their role and act as generators. Then, when accelerating out of a bend or while overtaking, the driver can use the extra energy from the charged flywheel generator, sending up to 120 kW of stored kinetic energy to the motors. This additional power is available after each charge for approximately six to eight seconds.”
These extra six to eight second increase the efficiency and, accordingly, the performance of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid. Specifically, a small fuel tank (or less fuel) will result in lighter weight and the added electric power after breaking makes for less frequent pit stops.
After its debut in Geneva, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid will be tested in long-distance races on the Nürburgring. The highlight of this test program will be the 24 Hours on the Nordschleife of Nürburgring, May 15-16, 2010. The focus is not on the 911 GT3 R Hybrid winning the race, but rather spearheading technology as a “racing lab.” The intent is to provide hands-on know-how for the subsequent use of hybrid technology in road-going sports cars.
This video has been sitting in our in-box for the last week or so and we’ve been meaning to spread the love. So, without further ado, here’s a full eight minutes of aural and visual delights for those of you who just can’t get enough of Porsche’s newest race car.
Someone once asked us to detail the difference between a Porsche GT3 and a GT3 RS? Our answer, “The Porsche GT3 is designed for occasional use on the race track while the Porsche GT3 RS is designed for occasional use on the road.” Porsche intends to prove this during the historic Nürburgring 24 hour race this coming May.
In addition to Porsche running their standard contingent of 911 GT3 RSRs – that have dominated their class for the last four years running – Porsche legendary test driver Walter Röhrl will compete in a standard Porsche 911 GT3 RS that any of us can purchase (if you have the money and the skills to handle it) from a local dealer.
“Right from the word go, the new 911 GT3 RS reminded me of race vehicle,” says Röhrl. “No other road-going 911 has ever been as close to a race car as this current GT3 RS. That’s why I’m thrilled to be able to prove that this sports car is up to the challenge of the 24 hour race.” It’s safe to assume the car will be well supported by the factory so if Röhrl runs the course well, and there’s no reason to believe he won’t, this could be a huge marketing coupe for Porsche. On the other hand, if the car has mechanical problems (a lot can go wrong in a 24 hour race) or if for some reason Röhrl isn’t up to the task… Full details below after the jump.
Porsche ambassador and test driver Walter Röhrl (62) will contest the Nürburgring 24 hour race in May 2010. The double world rally champion pilots a standard Porsche 911 GT3 RS. This marks the first time since 1993 that Röhrl competes in Germany’s largest automobile race.
Since 1993, Röhrl has conducted tests in every standard Porsche vehicle on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. “Right from the word go, the new 911 GT3 RS reminded me of race vehicle,” says Röhrl. “No other road-going 911 has ever been as close to a race car as this current GT3 RS. That’s why I’m thrilled to be able to prove that this sports car is up to the challenge of the 24 hour race.”
The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS is powered by a 450 hp, 3.8-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine. The high-revving unit reaches a specific output of over 118 hp per liter. Developed in the motorsport department at Weissach, the 911 GT3 RS is fitted with a particularly short transmission ratio for racing purposes as a standard feature. The dynamic engine mounts featured as standard contribute to improved driving dynamics. Depending on the driving situation, the mounts change in their stiffness and damping effect, improving the connection between the engine and body when driving under racing conditions. The aerodynamics is consequently designed for downforce – another forte for track racing.
“In the last years, Porsche racing vehicles have performed brilliantly at the 24 hour race on the Nürburgring with their speed and extraordinary reliability,” says Hartmut Kristen, Head of Porsche Motorsport. “Four times straight, it was the Porsche GT3 RSR that was the vehicle to dominate the overall classification. I’m very pleased to see one of our Weissach-developed road-going vehicles competing parallel to the thoroughbred racers and proving its suitability for long distance competition.”
The 38th running of the Nürburgring 24 hour race takes place from 15 to 16 May 2010. Every year, this event attracts far more than 200,000 spectators to the Nordschleife.
Keeping the focus on customer racing during the 2010 motorsport season, the new Porsche 911 GT3 R comes delivered to customers ready-to-race and replaces the 911 GT3 Cup S in Porsche Motorsports’ model range. The 911 GT3 R will be raced in [those] series based on international FIA GT3 regulations. In developing the vehicle, the emphasis was placed on improving driveability and making handling easier. The 911 GT3 R features a four-liter six-cylinder boxer engine delivering 480 hp (353 kW). A six-speed sequential gearbox transmits the power to the rear axle. The new 911 GT3 R celebrated its world debut on 14th January 2010 at the Racing Car Show Autosport International in Birmingham (Great Britain).
“Since we first announced our intention to launch the 911 GT3 R, demand has been huge,” says Uwe Brettel, Head of Motorsport Sales. “The number of GT3 R vehicles we had planned for 2010 is almost sold out.” From spring 2010, customer teams around the world will receive their new vehicles. The basic price is 279,000 Euro plus national VAT.
The development of the 1,200 kg lightweight 911 GT3 R is based on the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup presented in September 2009 for one-make cup racing. Thanks to a 0.2-liter increase in engine capacity, the GT3 R delivers 30 hp more than its Cup predecessor. Both race vehicles are based on the extra-wide body of the street-legal 911 GT3 RS.
An anti-lock brake system (ABS), traction control and an e-gas with “throttle-blip” function help pilots familiarize themselves quicker to the new GT3 race vehicle compared to its predecessor, also making it easier for ambitious amateur racers to get used to the car. The flared wheel arches front and rear show the wider track compared to the previous model. The underbody of the vehicle is completely covered and features a rear diffuser. Compared to the forerunner model, the adjustment range of the rear wing has been increased.
The highly developed race suspension can be extensively adjusted: At the front are height-adjustable McPherson struts with variable SACHS two-way shock absorbers and double coil springs (main and auxiliary). At the rear, the GT3 R features a rigidly mounted sub-frame with a height-adjustable multi-arm axle, as well as adjustable SACHS two-way shock absorbers and double coil springs.
2010 Porsche 911 GT3 R Specifications
Bodywork: Weight optimized, increased width of 911 using add-on parts (carbon/kevlar) GT3 RS body; Welded roll-over cage; Bespoke driver ventilation via front cover; Carbon-fibre kevlar add on parts (Bumper panels with front spoiler optimized aerodynamics; Fender and inner wheel arch; Doors with side-screen frame and plastic mirrors; Rear wheel arch extensions; Rear cover with adjustable rear wing; Rear panels); Closed flat bottom with rear diffuser; Improved rear wing adjustment range; Car mounted air-jack system with pressure release valve; Race bucket-seat (driver side only) with fire-resistant up holstered cover; Six-point safety harness (red), adapted for use with HANS; Removable steering wheel (with quick-release coupling); Electric fire extinguisher system; 100 liter fuel cell (FT3 safety tank).
Engine: Normally aspirated engine; Water-cooled six cylinder Boxer engine with four-valve technology; Dry sump lubrication; Multi-point fuel injection (sequential); Bosch MS 4.0 electronic engine management; E-Gas with ‘throttle-blip’ function; Race exhaust system with pre and final silencer and twin end pipes aligned centrally.
Bore: 102,7 mm
Stroke: 80,4 mm
Cubic capacity: 3.996 cm³
Maximum power: 353 kW (480 hp)
Fuel: Super plus unleaded, 98 RON
Electric: Motec Display with integrated data-logging; Motec SLM – multi-function display with integrated gear shift point display; Bosch MS 4.0; Battery: 12 V, 80Ah; 140 A alternator; E-Gas with ‘throttle-blip’ function; Traction control (TC).
Transmission: Porsche 6-speed sequential dog gearbox with active oil cooling and internal pressurized oil lubrication system; Gear ratios:
Drop gear 25/32 1.280
CW & P 09/26 2.889
1st gear 13/41 3.154
2nd gear 17/39 2.294
3rd gear 20/37 1.850
4th gear 23/35 1.522
5th gear 22/28 1.273
6th gear 31/34 1.097
Mechanical locking value 37% drive/52% overrun; Single mass flywheel; Race clutch (5½“ triple plate carbon clutch / hydraulic release bearing); Oil-water heat exchanger; Rear wheel drive.
Suspension:
Front axle: McPherson spring strut type axle with adjustable spring/dampers, adjustable ride height; SACHS dampers (2-way dampers, Through Rod); Twin coil springs (main and helper spring); Spring platform with 3 adjustment positions; Lower front wishbone with integrated camber adjustment; Both anti-roll bar blades adjustable; Strengthened front cross member; Toe-rod length adjustable; Electro-hydraulic servo assisted steering; Forged strut mount.
Rear axle: Multi-link rear axle with rigidly mounted cross member and adjustable spring/dampers, adjustable ride-height; SACHS dampers (2-way dampers, Through Rod); Twin coil springs (main and helper spring); Spring platform with 4 adjustment positions; Forged, two-piece lower wishbone with integrated camber adjustment; Infinitely adjustable strengthened rear toe-rod; Both anti-roll bar blades adjustable.
Brake system: Adjustable via a brake balance bar system; Independent dual circuit brake system; Race ABS fitted as standard equipment.
Porsche just revealed the updated 997 GT3 RS at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The night before the unveiling, Andreas Preuninger, Manager of High Performance Cars for Porsche, gave us* the opportunity ride shotgun as he took the first produced 2010 Porsche GT3 RS out for a ride on the Autobahn. Due to traffic, he was only able to get the car up to 292kph on the unrestricted A5 Autobahn.
The second half of the video, Andreas tells us what went into the development process for the new GT3 RS and what the car is capable of doing with the new technology and performance upgrades from the previous generation. Enjoy!
What’s the difference between a Porsche 911 GT3 and a GT3 RS? The Porsche GT3 is designed for occasional use on the race track while the Porsche GT 3 RS is designed for occasional use on the road. With 3.8 liters, 450 horse power, an 8500 RPM redline, carbon fiber rear wing, titanium exhaust and an optional lithium ion battery, that shaves almost 22 lbs of weight, it’s easy to see why that statement continues to hold true.
Setting the foundation for homologating the race version of the 911 GT3, the 2010 GT3 RS will be introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show September 17-27, 2009 and go on sale in the US sometime in the spring of 2010. Want one of these for your favorite stomping grounds? Be prepared to part with at least $132,800 (and that’s before the optional lithium ion battery). The full release from Porsche is below for your reading enjoyment.
Delivering even more engine power, lower weight and shorter transmission ratios, as well as upgraded body and suspension components than all previous GT3s, the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS sets the foundation for homologating the race version of the 911 GT3 and will be introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show September 17-27, 2009.
The heart of the new, uncompromising GT3 RS is the power unit. Like the engine featured in the 911 GT3, the naturally-aspirated RS power unit now displaces 3.8 liters and delivers even more power, while revving up even faster to its 8500 rpm redline. It now delivers 450 horsepower, 15 more horsepower than its 911 GT3 counterpart. Even with a specific output of more than 118 hp per liter from the six-cylinder boxer engine, the power unit in the new GT3 RS remains fully suitable for everyday use.
The new 911 GT3 RS comes exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox optimized for short gearshift travel, low weight and high efficiency. To enhance the level of performance throughout the entire range of engine and road speed, the transmission comes with shorter ratios than found in the 911 GT3, deliberately conceding an even higher potential top track speed.
Dynamic engine mounts are standard and serve to improve the car’s handling to an even higher level. Depending on driving conditions, the mounts change in their stiffness and damping effect, improving the connection between the engine and the body when driving under very lively conditions, yet allow for more comfortable conditions during everyday street use.
Porsche is also introducing another new option in 2010 for the GT3 RS, a lithium-ion battery. Delivered with the car and, when replacing the conventional lead-acid battery, it reduces the weight by more than 10 kg or 22 lb and is mainly intended for the track.
To further improve its sporting behavior, the new 911 GT3 RS comes with a purpose-built and specially set up PASM suspension, a wider front and rear track and corresponding bodywork.
The front axle comes with nine-inch-wide wheels running on 245/35 ZR 19 sports tires while the rear axle features twelve-inch-wide wheels incorporating 325/30 ZR 19 sports tires.
The new 911 GT3 RS shows its close connection to motorsport through its dynamic looks, in particular by its low ride height, the new, extra large carbon-fiber rear wing and titanium exhaust system.
The 2010 911 GT3 RS goes on sale in the U.S. in early spring of 2010 and will be priced at $132,800.
[Source: PCNA]‘, ‘Introducing the 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS
If a picture is worth 1000 words, how many words is a video worth? Not sure I know the answer, but I do know the teaser video from Porsche, on the all new 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS, is best watched with the volume on high!!!
Email
