While carbureted pushrod V8 engines still provide the power in some racing series, Porsche is providing American Le Mans Series fans an early look at some of the most innovative technology in global motorsports today, the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid 2.0.

Already in its second generation, the new Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid 2.0 features a flywheel hybrid and electric front wheel motors. Since its 2010 introduction, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid has undergone further development and compared to its predecessor, its weight has been reduced from 1,350 to 1,300 kilograms.

The car will race “Unclassified” as GT rules have not yet been homologated for hybrid systems.

The Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid 2.0, with two 75 kilowatt electric motors on the front axle supplementing the 465 hp four-litre, six-cylinder power unit at the rear, particularly embodies the philosophy of “Porsche Intelligent Performance”. The electric energy is generated during braking and stored in an electric flywheel.

During acceleration, this energy is automatically delivered to the front wheels, supporting the combustion engine. This leads to a reduction in fuel consumption and increases the cruising range on the circuit.

Drivers Romain Dumas and Richard Lietz can manually utilize the stored energy with a boost-paddle on the steering wheel for overtaking.

“The Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca layout with a series of up and downhill passages should actually suit our 911 GT3 R Hybrid,” says driver Romain Dumas.

Earlier this summer, Porsche excited the Porsche faithful, and race fans worldwide, with the news that Porsche will return to LMP1 prototype competition at Le Mans in 2014.

Porsche has made no further announcements regarding details of the car or power source.

Observers expect that within the next five years Le Mans will begin to limit the amount of energy available to entrants. If so, a flywheel hybrid would be an interesting and highly innovative option.

At the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, the orange and white Porsche race car achieved the same quick lap times as its top rivals while using considerably less fuel.