Detroit: Porsche 918 RSR Coupe [videos]

Porsche describes the highly anticipated model as a perfect marriage of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid’s technology and the design of its 918 Spyder.

Porsche today unveiled the 918 RSR Coupe at Detroit’s auto show.

Porsche describes the highly anticipated model as a perfect marriage of the technology of both the 911 GT3 R Hybrid, and the design of its 918 Spyder. The Williams F1 Racing Team developed the KERS (kinetic energy recovery) system for the 918 RSR Coupe. It is a Le Mans racing car. This hybrid setup features a flywheel generator that is placed at the driver’s side, instead of at the passenger seat. The rotor can spin at 36,000 rpm and can store power. Each of the front wheels is equipped with two 75 kW (150kW total) electric motors. These motors can power the front axle and can also be used to reverse braking, generating power for the flywheel. This can then send power back to the front wheel for spot acceleration.

A V8 engine with 563 PS (414kW /555 bhp), at 10,300 rpm, is located to the rear. The maximum output is 767 PS (564kW / 757bhp), which includes electric power. This mild hybrid system Porsche calls Intelligent Performance.

Porsche also equipped the front axle of the 918 RSR Coupe with a torque vectoring system that distributes torque to optimize power transfer.

The 918 RS Coupe comes with a 6-speed constant-mesh transmission with longitudinally-mounted shafts and straight-toothed spur gears.

The car’s exterior is finished in liquid metal chrome blue paint. It features large wheel arches, air intakes, and a fan wheel located between the rear spoiler and the ram air intake tubes.

On the interior it’s the same form-follows-function design. The driver has a brown leather bucket seat. The gear number flashes on his steering wheel, while other displays give relevant information. A modest console in the center has rocker switches.