AUTO RED BOOK REVIEW: 2011 PORSCHE 918 RSR CONCEPT

On The Cover Review: 2011 Porsche 918 RSR Concept

When you go to a major auto show, it is easy to come to the conclusion that cars are morphing into nothing more than appliances.  They’re becoming more and more like drivable PCs or smart phones, and the power trains are maximized more for energy efficiency than any other vector.  To that end, a new concept like the Porsche 918 RSR can blindside you.  This is a serious sports car.  No, it’s a serious race car.  Wide, low, and scary, the 918 RSR Concept is about as far away from a Prius as you can get.  Or is it?  Actually, this car is a hybrid.  That is, it is a hybrid that blasts out a total of 767-hp from a combination of a screaming little 3.4-liter V8 and two electric motors.  Yes, the world is changing, and cars are changing with it.  But at least cars like the Porsche 918 RSR Concept indicate that there is still room for unabashed performance.  It’s just packaged a little different.