Porsche is serious about the development of its hybrid technology, which for now is limited to its new Cayenne SUV and 911 GT3 R Hybrid race car. One day, however, we could be seeing the ‘green’ technology filter across more models within the German sports car company’s lineup.

Before that day comes, Porsche will have to continue fine-tuning the technology, which it is doing with recent developments such as the 911 GT3 R Hybrid race car and the recently revealed 918 Spyder concept car.

Last week we saw the 911 GT3 R Hybrid race car compete in the Nurburgring 24 Hours endurance race and the same fate is to apply to the 918 Spyder hybrid supercar, which will reportedly compete in the arduous event next year.

The car is being developed to travel at speeds in excess of 200 mph and according to Porsche a sub-7m 30 second Nurburgring lap time is not too fanciful. Remember, this is faster than the V-10 powered Carrera GT.

If you missed its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show back in March, the 918 Spyder is powered by a 3.4-liter V-8 engine and a hybrid drive system. The end result is a 9,200 rpm redline, 500 horsepower and a claimed fuel economy rating of 78 mpg. The power is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch unit, while the front wheels are driven by a fixed transmission ratio.

[Auto Motor und Sport]