The Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid has a unique powertrain – definitely not a conventional hybrid. There is, of course, the usual Porsche rear engined setup, with a 480-horsepower 4.0-liter flat-six.

This time though, it works in concert with two electric motors that power the front wheels as well, becoming an all-wheel drive system.

What sets the 911 GT3 R Hybrid apart is the way electric power in the car is utilized. With the advantage of being a one-seat race car, the passenger seat area is made to house a flywheel. It is designed to harnesses the large amounts of energy the 911 GT3 R creates during braking.

It can spin at over 40,000 rpm. Once there is a certain amount of electric energy is stored,  over 120 kilowatts – about 160 horsepower – is available to the driver in six to eight second boosts.

A button mounted on the steering wheel activates the system. This is our kind of hybrid! The 911 GT3 R is running the ‘Ring getting ready for the race with AT&T Williams Formula 1 pilot Nico Hülkenberg at the helm.

The car is a racing vehicle that Porsche intends to put into long-distance races as a test of how the hybrid technology works in a racing application. The standard powertrain GT3 R was revealed in November for the Los Angeles International Auto Show.

The 911 GT3 R Hybrid has the usual Porsche rear engined setup, with a 480-horsepower 4.0-liter flat-six. This time though, it works in concert with two electric motors that power the front wheels, providing an all-wheel drive system.

Perhaps the most unique thing is the way electric power in the car is utilized. Being a race car gives the 911 GT3 advantages other cars don’t have. The usual passenger seat area instead houses a flywheel that harnesses the large amounts of energy these race cars create when braking.

It can spin at over 40,000 rpm. Interestingly, once there is a certain amount of electric energy is stored,  over 120 kilowatts – about 160 horsepower – is available to the driver in six to eight second boosts.  A button mounted on the steering wheel activates the system.

Sound interesting? It does to us too. Porsche has released a video of the car in action below. Stay tuned for more as the Geneva Motor Show approaches.

This car follows Porsche’s last entry in this category, the 911 GT3 Cup. Porsche says the focus of the new GT3 R model was “easier” handling and better drivability.

The GT3 R’s naturally-aspirated 4.0 liter (size increased over the standard) makes 480 brake horsepower and is mated to a sequential six-speed “dog” gearbox. The 480 bhp power output is an increase over the 450 bhp on the GT3 Cup.

Look at those headlights! They look like ones used on older 911s. The changes that focused for “better drivability” mainly include an anti-lock braking system, traction control and an “e-gas with throttle blip function” – these are changes Porsche says makes the car more appropriate for an amateur racing driver.

I’m not sure an “amateur racing driver” would be buying one of these, but I digress. The new 911 GT3 R is set to make its debut at the Birmingham Motor Show on January 14th, 2010.

The GT3 R is built by Porsche’s Motorsport Department at the Weissach Development Centre and will be delivered in spring of next year. Base price? Big surprise (not) – but it isn’t cheap: the Porsche 911 GT3 R comes in at 279,000 euros ($415K USD at current exchange rates). The three pictures shown are the only ones released by Porsche for now.