Porsche 918 RSR (2011) [Reviews]

Dr. Ing. hc F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, continues to expand its operations and effective skills through intensive development in the field of hybrid technology. With the Porsche 918 RSR, a manufacturer of premium sport cars, has a high-end of 2010 a successful synthesis of hybrid concepts. The two-seater mid-engine coupe 918 RSR clearly shows what happens when the technology installed 911 GT3 R and the hybrid design of the 918 Spyder is transferred to a modern, innovative, super sports car.

With its highly efficient storage unit, the 911 GT3 R hybrid race car has proven to be a loving attention during the implementation of competition on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in the race for the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) at Road Atlanta / USA. UU. and race in Zhuhai China ILMC. It has demonstrated its potential for massive performance in real conditions to compete against larger competitors. The 911 GT3 R hybrid, known internally as the "laboratory of the race" has exceeded the expectations of Porsche Motorsport. Competitiveness, high reliability and exemplary fuel efficiency combined with optimal performance underscores the idea that Porsche engineers basic power generation a more intelligent way. The 911 GT3 R Hybrid gets its extra power from its own dynamic of the vehicle during braking. Porsche is now the transplantation technology in the mid-engine coupe Porsche 918 RSR racing version 918 Spyder concept.

In the tradition established by the classic Porsche racing cars like the 908 long distance long story short (1969) and 917 short-tailed (1971), Porsche's designers have created a link to the post-modernist "form follows function "philosophy. The Porsche 918 RSR, flow lines "elegant is dominated by muscular wheel arches, air intake and a cabin chair similar dynamic. A fan wheel visible between the consumption of the ram air tube and a spoiler RS Spyder back the size and more emphasis on the role of the laboratory course. The new "blue liquid metal chrome" color that has been created especially for the sculpted forms, while the hybrid orange typical of Porsche brake calipers longitudinal stripes and admirable button ready.

The technology also dominates racing in the lightweight, carbon fiber reinforced plastic torsion (CFRP) monocoque. The V8 engine is a newly developed direct-injection engine of the successful RS Spyder race car and now has an output of 563 hp at exactly 10 300 / 918 rpm in the RSR. Electric motors of two front wheels 75 kilowatts each contribute a total of 150 kW maximum power drive exactly 767 hp. This extra power generated during braking is stored in battery optimization of the wheel.

The Porsche 918 RSR, the two electric motors provide the function of front axle torque vector variable torque distribution. This increases to greater agility and improves steering response. Mounted above the rear axle, the central engine is integrated with a racing transmission is also based on the RS Spyder racing car. This six-speed transmission takes constant with the trees and the gear tooth longitudinally mounted straight drive is operated by two shift paddles behind the wheel racing.

Functional equipment of the car emphasizes its motor sport purist. Whether it is characteristic that open the doors up and the vents in the roof, between the door wing, very fast to lock on the front and rear lids carbon fiber, two roof-mounted antennas to stand and radio telemetry, RS Spyder and small, side or front Flic air separator under the front lip or no profile racing slicks on 19 "wheels with central locking, the vehicle can be clearly recognized as an experimental laboratory Racing.

Unlike the 918 Spyder concept car no frills atmosphere dominated racing in the interior of the Porsche 918 RSR. The seat is molded brown leather mention the history of hot gentleman driver gear wheel racing and a display of leisure on the steering column in front of the screen provide the pilot information. Instead of the futuristic, ergonomic center console with advanced touch interface of the 918 Spyder concept car, the 918 RSR cockpit ventilated by a minimalist console with toggle switches. Instead of another seat, is the battery of the steering wheel to the right of the console.

This battery is an electric motor driving the rotor of which rotates at up to 36,000 rpm to store the rotational energy. Load occurs when two electric motors on the front axle to change their function during the braking process and act as generators. At the touch of a button, the pilot managed to capture the energy stored in the wheel and charged battery to use it for acceleration or passing maneuvers. The electromagnetic brake inertia in this case also issue up to 2 x 75 kW, corresponding to a total of 150 kilowatts from its kinetic energy to the two motors on the front axle.

This extra power is available in about eight seconds, when the system is fully charged. A successful 911 GT3 R Hybrid, this extra power can also be used to support consumption, depending on the situation of running, for example, delaying a pit stop or reduce the volume of fuel and vehicle weight.

The new Porsche 918 RSR Lab competition, the Porsche is now raising the concept of hybrid race, experimentally. In the 918 RSR, "intelligent performance Porsche" is research on methods to improve efficiency further intensified sustainable under the conditions of the track, lap times, pit stops and reliability - a trade Porsche, which was the demonstration its success for over 60 years.

Finally, since the number of 22, pays tribute to the anniversary of the victory. Back in the days when the victory at Le Mans, all is not yet fully routinely include the Porsche racing department, the pilots, Dr. Helmut Marko and Gijs van Lennep were the first to cross the finish line in 1971, the 24-hour classic . Course record set by the Porsche 917 coupe short tail - 5335.313 km (3315.21 kilometers) at an average speed of 222.304 km / h (138.13 mph) - do not stay undefeated forever, but exactly 39 years to 2010. At that time, 917 Martini colors have been tested and very ahead of its time: the magnesium chassis sets new standards in the space domain lightweight Porsche.