Early Morning World Premiere in Detroit: Porsche 918 RSR Racing Lab - COMPLETE VIDEOS

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SEE ALSO: 2011 Detroit Auto Show Press Pass Coverage

DETROIT - January 10, 2011: At the first event of the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, attended by bleary eyed auto execs and journalists, Porsche revealed its 918 RSR - a high-end synthesis of successful Porsche hybrid concepts: a medium-sized coupe with kinetic energy storage.

Click PLAY to watch the complete Porsche Press Conference

The V8 motor with direct petrol injection is a development of the successful racing motor from the Porsche racing car RS Spyder, and now, in the 918 RSR, it performs at 10,300/min. Electric motors on the front wheels each deliver an additional 75 kW, adding up to 150 kW, for a total drive performance of 767 horsepower.

This additional power is obtained during braking and stored in a kinetic storage unit or flywheel. In the 918 RSR, the flywheel unit is located on the passenger side and is an electrical machine, the rotor of which can move at up to 36,000 RPM to conserve energy. When the kinetic storage unit is loaded, the driver can press a button to release that energy and apply it to acceleration or overtaking manoeuvres. This "Porsche Intelligent Performance" signifies further research of methods for sustainable improvement of efficiency under stricter conditions.

Click PLAY to watch the Porsche 918 RSR feature video