Auto Express have gotten hold of photos of what appears to be a Porsche 911 Hybrid in testing.

Luke Madden writes:
Here’s a shocking revelation – it’s an electric hybrid version of the Porsche 911!

With the announcement of hybrid versions of the Cayenne and the Panamera, it was only a matter of time before the brand’s performance models received the same treatment.

These photos show a 911 prototype with an interesting bulge on the bonnet carrying a lightning bolt sticker. Our photographers noted that the prototype seemed unusually quiet as it pulled away.

The position of the bulge suggests the electric motor will be located at the front of the car, powering the front wheels whilst a boxer engine at the rear will drive the back wheels.

This technology could offer the option of a front-wheel drive, all electric vehicle or, when performance is needed, a four wheel drive petrol-electric hybrid.

Porsche purists may be sceptical as weighty batteries in the front will balance out the trademark rear-heavy 911, however, a high-mpg, high performance supercar may prove to be a winning formula.

As regulations on CO2 emissions become ever stricter, the hybrid 911 could open the floodgates for other high-performance hybrids. Competitors such as Ferrari are rumoured to be working on a hybrid version of the recently announced 458 Italia.

via Porsche 911 hybrid | Auto Express News | News | Auto Express.

I’m not entirely sure why companies are diving at hybrid concepts when it has been shown that the CO2 and power output of Hybrids such as the Prius and Insight can be matched or bettered by diesel engines.  I expect the main reason for us seeing this hybrid before a 911 diesel is the perceived image. I don’t think that diesels have yet escaped the dirty, noisey, farm machinery stereotype that has plauged them for so long. When compared to the current trend for space aged, eco warrior hybrid engines and drive train its obvious which would be easier to market.

Its a shame really as I think it would be a better idea to use tried and tested diesel technology now and spend the big money researching hydrogen fuel cells, batteries, electric drive trains and transmissions.

Speculation

There had previously been speculation of an RX-8 redesign based on one of the recent Mazda concepts called Nagare, recent information suggests the new RX-7 will be based on the Taiki concept (See gallery) and will be powered by Mazda’s new Renesis rotary engine codenamed 16X. Looking at the futuristic Taiki concept I doubt there is much that will remain of the trimaran rear end with its enclosed wheels. The front end also looks a little too “retro muscle car”, but I can see where the general idea is. In my opinion the Mazda Ryuga Concept is possibly the closest to what I’d imagine a concept RX-7 looking like.

Power

The RX-7′s 16X Renesis rotary engine will be a two rotor 1.6 liter (rotary engines have recently only been 1.3 litres) with direct injection and a turbo charger to produce in excess of 250bhp. Mazda claim the increase in displacement will deliver more torque and improved fuel economy with lower emissions. The engine itself is lighter and physically smaller than the current 1.3 liter Renesis engine despite it having more displacement.

Opinion

I’m looking forward to this one, I’m also glad that Mazda are hanging in there with the rotary engine. The RX-7 has used a rotary engine since its first appearance way back in 1978. I’m not sure how Mazda plan to market the RX-7 alongside the RX-8 which is set to continue, aside from the fact that the RX-7 is expected to be smaller and lighter. Both are four seaters in a 2+2 arrangement, i.e. two adults and two children (or insanely short adults), time will tell how Mazda plans to market these. So long as the new RX-7′s design doesn’t suck I can see it being very popular, in fact, I’d probably buy one.

Gallery

The Basics

Let’s go through a quick run down of the specs:

• 6.0l W12 (12 Cylinder) Twin Turbo
• 650PS (641bhp) & 553lb-ft of torque
• 0 to 62 in 3.7 seconds
• Claimed top speed of 202mph
• Wheels and tyres are 235/19″ front and 295/19″ at the back
• 70mm Lower
• Rear Wheel Drive
• Wide arch kit

GTI W12 Engine

The new GTI is powered by the same 6 litre W12 engine as found in the VW Phaeton but has been fettled and breathed on to produce an extra 200PS (197bhp) and 147lb-ft of torque. The engine block is made from aluminium to reduce weight and with the W configuration (think two V6 engines side by side) the W12 is compact as well, measuring only 51cm deep, 71cm wide and 72cm high. For all its compact size, the VW engineers still decided to mount the engine in the back seat making the GTI W12 mid-engined, with all 641bhp going to the rear wheels via a six speed automatic transmission.

GTI W12 Body

At 6.2 feet tall and 4.7 feet wide the GTI W12 has an imposing presence. The car is 160mm wider than a standard GTI and sits 70mm lower with massive 19″ alloys (235 fronts & 295 rears) tucked under the flared arches of the wide body kit. Large side inlets feed air to the engine compartment to keep it cool and the roof is constructed from carbon fibre with and forms an integrated rear diffuser, this provides a the down force needed to provide the rear wheels with grip at speed and avoids the need to fit a large rear wing.

GTI W12 Gallery