VIDEO: Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid

One of the interesting introductions before the Geneva Auto Show was Porsche's announcement of the new 911 GT3 R Hybrid (quite a mouthful there!).

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.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gbwOGOqM_A