Up close with Porsche 918 RSR Hybrid

A year ago Porsche’s 918 surprise at the Geneva Motor Show blew us away. Looking small and dainty but extraordinarily desirable it was pitched as a Carrera GT replacement. Yet it didn’t quite have the commanding presence of the GT, even if it’s spec and integration of hybrid technology made it worthy. If it’s 7:30min Nürburgring lap time is anything to go on, then it certainly qualified on speed and agility. Something about the folded paper look, lack of roof and delicate detailing of the show car made us want to put some horny rims on, install a loud exhaust and wake up the neighbours.

Now exhibited in racing trim at the 2011 Geneva Show, that desire is mostly answered. the fixed roof, arch-filling racing slicks, additional carbon aerodynamic aids and orange “racing” decals vaguely recalling Gulf Oil sponsorship of the past, give it a butchness it was otherwise lacking. If Batman turned up in this beast, Gotham City would stand back and know what was coming. If Batman had turned up in the 918 “prototype”, he’d have Robin mince out slyly, while he conducted proceedings from his iPad3.

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But look at the interior; there’s nowhere for Robin’s posterior! No, that’s not a nuke planted by the joker; Instead there’s the hybrid electrical-flywheel drive transplanted from the racing success of Porsche’s 911 GT3R. Kinetic energy created under braking is released to supplement the acceleration from the hot V8. What’s great to see though, is all the little styling details of the Spyder show car have been retained on the racer, making this car the best of both worlds. Yellowwheels was not at the Detroit Show in January for it’s US debut and was dying to see it in the flesh – we were not disappointed.

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