Porsche 918 RSR

Inspired by the historic long-distance race cars such as the 908 long-tale coupé (1969) and the 917 short-tail coupé (1971), the 918 RSR has a flowing design dominated by muscular wheel arches, dynamic air intakes and a pulpit-like cockpit.

A visible fan wheel between the ram air intake tubes and a rear spoiler additionally emphasize the racing laboratory function.

The new “liquid metal chrome blue” color underscores the sculptured curves of the forms, whilst the typical Porsche hybrid orange color on brake calipers and the body’s longitudinal stripes also hints at the Porsche racing cars of the past.

The main technical features include a stiff carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque and a V8 engine that is a further development of the direct injection unit from the RS Spyder race car.

In this version the engine is capable of 563 hp at 10,300/rpm, and is combined with two electric motors on the front wheels, each delivering 75 kW for a total output of 767 hp.

This additional power, which is generated during braking, is stored in a flywheel accumulator.

The mid-engine is integrated with a six-speed constant-mesh transmission also based on the RS Spyder race car.

The flywheel accumulator

Inside the 918 RSR has an essential racing atmosphere with a brown leather bucket seat. The passenger seat is replaced by the flywheel accumulator.

This flywheel accumulator is an electric motor whose rotor rotates at up to 36,000 rpm to store rotation energy.

Charging occurs when the two electric motors on the front axle reverse their function during braking processes and operate as generators.

At the push of a button, the pilot is able to call up the energy stored in the charged flywheel accumulator and use it during acceleration or overtaking manoeuvres.

The flywheel is braked electromagnetically in this case in order to additionally supply up to 2 x 75 kW, i.e. a total of 150 kW, from its kinetic energy to the two electric motors on the front axle.

This additional power is available for around eight seconds when the system is fully charged.

(Source: Porsche)