Porsche has some serious pedigree at the famous Nürburgring 24 Hours race, which pits teams against the feared corners of the legendary track over an energy sapping 24 hour period. And this year the German manufacturer took the opportunity to field a hybrid version of its 911 GT3 R (see earlier article on the Porsche 911 GT3 R) in the gruelling German marathon motor race. In fact the hybrid-powered sports car was leading for over 8 hours before disaster struck and the car had to leave the race following a loss of power.
Before the cars premature conclusion to the race, the innovative car from the Porsche Research and Development department in Weissach, Germany, clearly proved that the hybrid technology developed by Porsche is very competitive in racing and also offers considerably lower fuel consumption.
After 22 hours and 15 minutes, the leading orange and white-liveried 911 GT3 R Hybrid retired with a problem affecting its combustion engine at the Metzgesfeld stretch of the Nordschleife.
“I heard a loud noise at the rear of the car and suddenly the power went,” said Porsche works driver Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) describing the abrupt end of all hopes for victory. Despite a disappointing race, Chairman of the Board at Porsche AG, Michael Macht, who visited the race on Sunday, came to a positive conclusion: “It wasn’t enough for a win, but the Porsche hybrid technology clearly proved its potential at one of the world’s toughest races. We will continue developing this innovative drive concept. That was certainly not the last race for a Porsche hybrid car.”
Wolfgang Dürheimer, Board Member for Research and Development at Porsche AG, gives an outlook to the future: “The 911 GT3 R Hybrid has proven that highest performance and unique efficiency don’t exclude each other. The vehicle shows the technological path to racing in the future.”
