Hybrid Porsche makes visit to Washington DC

Porsche and the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patr¢n were guests Tuesday of the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as Washington DC got its first look at Porsche’s 911 GT3 R Hybrid race car, one of the major storylines for next week’s Petit Le Mans powered by MAZDA 2 at Road Atlanta.

The Porsche hybrid represents an interesting first look at the future of endurance racing as manufacturers direct their focus toward energy efficiency and innovative technologies. Its appearance emphasizes the Series’ leadership position in alternative fuels and energies, recognized in 2008 by the DOE and EPA, and SAE International as the only motorsports series that meets all the protocols for green racing.

Porsche’s hybrid will race for the first time in North America during Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, site of the annual 1,000-mile/10-hour endurance classic. The hybrid system collects energy generated under braking and reapplies it at the front wheels via a flywheel, which supports Porsche’s combustion engine. This leads to a reduction in fuel consumption and increases the cruising range. Moreover, drivers can manually utilize the stored energy with a boost-paddle on the steering wheel for overtaking.