Porsche decided to keep the production version of the 918 Spyder under wraps for now showing off instead the motorsport-inspired 918 RSR Coupe Concept at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. Combining hybrid racing technology with a dramatic looking coupe body style, the RSR is every bit as impressive as the design study showcased last year at Geneva. For its motivation, the 918 RSR relies on a V8 gasoline engine delivering 563HP and a pair of electric motors producing a combined output of 204HP. Check out our gallery with live pictures from the Detroit show after the break or click here for more details on Porsche's conceptual racer.
Porsche's return to the Detroit Show after a four year-absence is marked with the introduction of a new racing concept based on the company's 918 Spyder from last year's Geneva Salon. The 918 RSR is a two-seat mid-engined coupe, and according to Porsche, it demonstrates what happens when the technology fitted in the 911 GT3 R Hybrid race car and the design of the 918 Spyder concept are combined together.
The motorsports version of the 918 Spyder concept car gets a V8 engine based on the RS Spyder race car's 3.4-liter unit tuned to deliver 563HP at 10,300 rpm, and is linked to a six-speed racing transmission with shift paddles that feeds the rear wheels.
A pair of electrics motors mounted on the two front wheels each contribute 75 kW (102 hp), or a total of 204HP, lifting the combined output to 767HP. The German maker notes that the extra power from the electric motors is available for around eight seconds when the system is fully charged.
As with the 911 GT3 R hybrid racing car, the additional power from the electric motors, which is generated during braking, is stored in an optimized flywheel accumulator.
In the 918 RSR study, the two electric motors also offer a torque vectoring function with variable torque distribution to the front axle, which increases agility and improves steering response.
Aside from the coupe configuration with the fixed roof and the characteristic doors which open at an angle upwards, the 918 RSR also features an added air intake in the roof between the wing doors, a special aero package that includes air splitters beneath the front lip and a huge rear wing, plus slick tires on 19-inch wheels with single centre locking nut.
The interior of the road-spec 918 Spyder has also been modified and comes with a single figure-hugging bucket seat, while the passenger seat has been replaced by flywheel accumulator.
We already know that Porsche plans to debut a new model at the rapidly approaching North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit next week, but the problem is that the German sports car maker is keeping its cards close to its chest about the type of vehicle it will unveil.
Adding to the many rumors already circulating on the internet, Bloomberg today reported that the model in question will be a racing coupe version of the 918 Spyder hybrid concept that was first shown at last year's Geneva Show.
Citing two people with knowledge of the matter, the news agency said that the car will be a two-seater concept coupe featuring a 600-horsepower V8. We'll remind you that the 918 Spyder, which was recently approved for a limited production run, gets a 500HP 3.4 liter V8 electro-enhanced by way of motors that add another 160 kW (218 hp).
We'll monitor the story and post an update if anything new arises, but for now, check out some renderings of a competition 918 made by a member of the Teamspeed forums in the video below.
It's not every day that you find a Porsche Carrera GT engine up for sale on eBay, or anywhere else for that matter. This particular example of Porsche's 5.7-liter V10 thoroughbred engine with an output of 612 bhp at 8,000 rpm and maximum torque of 590 Nm (435 lb-ft) at 5,750 rpm, is said to have clocked a mere 6,000 miles or just under 10,000 km.
It's not clear from the seller's description if the ten-cylinder powerplant comes alone or together with the 6-speed manual gearbox, but the starting price is set at US$103,000 and the 'Buy it Now' price at US$128,000 [~€96,000]. Our question is simple; if you had the money to buy the V10, what car would you use it on? Voice your thoughts in the comments section after the jump.
Kubatech, a self-proclaimed engine software expert from Mechernich, Germany, has introduced a new Stage II tuning kit for the Porsche Carrera GT, which adds an extra 48 hp (36 kW) and 52 Nm (38 lb-ft) of torque. The German firm achieved this by modifying the engine management system and fitting a new Cargraphic sport exhaust system.
With 612 hp (456 kW) delivered by the 5.7-liter V10, the Carrera GT is anything but underpowered, still who can resist a nice, round figure like 660 hp (492 kW)? The Stage II kit also helps increases the GT's top speed, from the standard model's 330 km/h (205 mph) to 343 km/h (213 mph). The company also states that the 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint has been reduced, but didn't release any numbers.
Kubatech will charge you €10,699 (or US$14.837) for this modification, which is usually completed in 2 to 3 working days.
On a lunch break? Then you've got enough time to watch a couple videos about the recent Carrera GT celebration at Silverstone, where Porsche invited some owners out for a day at the track.
Fair warning: they're videos showcasing the Porsche Experience at Silvestone Circuit, meaning they're a little one-sided (not that I can see anything wrong with the car).
In the videos you'll get a brief history and overview of the car, an interview with Tony Hatter (one of the Carrera GT's designers), a close-up look at the chassis, and owners' opinions on their cars.
A 1977 Porsche 911 Convertible with the front end of a 928, the rear of a 959 and the sides of a Carrera GT (or at least parts that imitate those cars)? Welcome to the "sinful" world of customized sports cars. If your stomach is up to it, there's more beauty to found in the modded Porsche's two-tone interior.
We find it hard to believe that any of you will actually be interested in the Porsche, but just in case, the car is for sale on Craigslist in Portland for a mere $12,995.
The most exclusive Porsche of the past decade or so may have gone out of production in 2006, but the tuning industry isn't about to let go that easily. Austrian tuning house Koenigseder has just presented its new performance package for the Porsche Carrera GT that consists of a full bodykit, alloy wheels and a more sonorous exhaust system for the 612-horsepower strong 5.7-liter V10 engine that has been left intact.
Included in the aero kit are a newly designed front bumper that kind of reminds us of the Lamborghini Reventon, a new rear bumper with a larger diffuser and extra air vents, an awkward looking, giga-sizes fixed rear wing that puts to rest the factory pop-up spoiler, chunkier side skirts and a newly styled removable roof panel.
