Paring 50kg from a race car is no easy task, but Porsche has managed this feat with its latest 911 GT3 R Hybrid. Called the 2.0, it drops the weight down to 1,300kg from its predecessor's 1,350kg, which should give the 911 racer an edge at its first outing at the Nürburgring 24 Hour race in June.
Along with the lighter kerb weight, the GT3 R Hybrid has improved aerodynamics courtesy of removing the louvers in the wings seen on the original model. This cleans up airflow apparently without compromising engine efficiency.
The 4.0-litre flat-six engine produces 470hp driving the rear wheels and has the help of two 200hp electric motors to drive the front wheels. Updates to the electric motors frees up a further 40hp compared to the earlier GT3 Hybrid racer.
Porsche's head of motorsport, Hartmut Kristen, said: "Our emphasis was on improving efficiency. We want to keep lap times consistent with before but use less energy and fuel. This then supports what we are doing with our road-going vehicles."
The GT3 R Hybrid 2.0 has been announced at the same time as Porsche opens the order book for its 918 Spyder hybrid-powered supercar, which will be delivered to the first customers from November 2013.