At the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Porsche unveiled the RSR racing variant of the 918 Spyder. Instead of using plug-in hybrid technology, power for the two electric motors is provided by a flywheel accumulator KERS system that sits beside the driver in the passenger compartment.
The V8 is a further development of the direct injection engine from the RS Spyder race car developing 414 kW (563 PS; 555 hp) at 10,300 rpm. The electric motors each provide an additional 150 kW (200 PS; 200 hp), giving a peak power output of 564 kW (767 PS; 756 hp). The six speed gearbox is a development of the unit from the RS Spyder.
