Porsche GT3 R Hybrid Targets U.S.

After the 911 GT3 R hybrid’s impressive showing at the opening of the Nürburgring Long Distance Championship on March 27, 2010, Porsche is targeting the US. According to a Porsche press release, automaker Andy Schupak and Porsche representative Steve Janisse are in discussions with the American Le Mans Series in the hopes of bringing the 911 hybrid to North America.

Porsche’s 911 GT3 R hybrid employs electric motors connected to the front wheels. Driving the motors is an electro-mechanical flywheel coupled with an energy storage system. As the vehicle brakes, those motors produce the power that spins the flywheel. As the flywheel spins at 40,000 rpm, it generates the energy required by the front motors and returns it on demand. The Williams Formula One team developed the system and then licensed it to Porsche.

The hybrid’s competition debut resulted in a better than expected sixth place finish. Supported by the Porsche factory, the 911 GT3 R was fielded by the Manthey Racing team. Joerg Bergmeister, defending American Le Mans Series champion, drove the vehicle. Martin Ragginger and Richard Lietz joined him. The primary purpose of their participation was to become conversant with the vehicle’s nuances in preparation for the 24 Hours of Nurburgring in May.

Other 'green' porsche cars:

Porsche 918 Spyder
Electric Porsche Boxster Conversion