STUTTGART, Germany — Porsche said the so-called Version 2.0 of its 911 GT3 R Hybrid racecar is lighter, with more electric power, but the car consumes less fuel while achieving lap times similar to those of its predecessor. The latest edition of the Porsche endurance racer will make its debut in late June at the Nurburgring 24-hour race.
Porsche said it its hybrid system weighs 20 percent less and is more efficient than last year's 911 GT3 R Hybrid, which was unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show and made its racing debut last June at the Nurburgring.
Output of the twin electric motors, which are connected to the front axle, has been boosted from 60 to 75 kW (100 horsepower) each. That extra 200 hp is available in short bursts, via the throttle pedal, to supplement the 470-hp 4.0-liter flat-6 engine in the rear.