Porsche builds 911 hybrid version 2.0

Porsche’s efforts to introduce hybrid models to its range isn’t restricted to its road cars. And having come close to a dream victory with its first 911 hybrid at last year’s Nürburgring 24-hour race, the German firm is back with thoroughly upgraded model.

Porsche’s goal with the version 2.0 hybrid is for it to lap the Nürburgring in the same time, but use less fuel than before. So taking the lessons learned from the first 911 hybrid, the new car features hybrid components which are 20 per cent lighter, helping to lower the car’s weight from 1,350 to 1,300kg. 

Like last time, the 464bhp 4.0-litre flat six engine is supplemented by a flywheel hybrid system. So while the rear wheels are driven by the engine, a pair of electric motors drive the front wheels for seconds at a time. 

These are activated automatically by the throttle, or by the driver at appropriate times, such as when overtaking, leaving slow corners and even for reducing oversteer with a quick blast of power to pull the car straight.

For 2011, the motors have been upgraded from 80bhp to 101bhp each, giving a total of 202bhp extra to call upon in addition to the engine. The flywheel remains located where the passenger seat would be. It spins in a carbon fibre safety cell at up to 40,000rpm, and is recharged every time the driver brakes.

To compliment the upgraded hardware, Porsche has redesigned the car’s body by removing the huge vents in front of the wheelarches to make it more aerodynamic and moved controls and the info display onto the steering wheel to improve ergonomics.

This year’s Nürburgring 24-hour race takes place on 25-26 June.

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