Vonnen Performance's Add-on Hybrid Modules for 991 and 981
Daily Slideshow: Hybrid power that goes in the direction of other cars like the LaFerrari, P1, and 918.
Building What Porsche Won't
Rumors of a hybrid Porsche 911 have floated around for years. And yet, at least for now, such a car doesn't exist. But if you're the anxious type who wants hybrid electric power on your 911, there is now a way. Thanks to Vonnen Performance, converting your 981 Boxster/Cayman or 991-gen 911 into a hybrid can be done with a rather ingenious aftermarket kit.
Simple yet Effective
The way that Vonnen completes this seemingly daunting task is rather ingenious, in fact. They replace the stock flywheel with an electric motor, mount an inverter on top of the engine, and then install a battery pack in the trunk.
Read and React
The system then plugs into the car's ECU via a CAN bus connection. That way, it can observe what is going on, monitoring things like throttle input, speed, and RPMs. The electric motor then unleashes power accordingly. For example, when you step on the gas, the hybrid motor sends power to the crankshaft-mounted motor, which gives it more rotating force.
More Power, Little Extra Weight
The result of that simple setup is a whopping 175 hp and 150 lb-ft increase over stock. And unlike many other hybrid systems out there, Vonnen's setup adds a modest 120 pounds in weight.
Addition Through Subtraction
So how, exactly, does Vonnen's kit achieve so much with so little? Well, for starters, ditching the stock flywheel helps offset the addition of the other components. The car also loses its stock starter, which is no longer needed as the hybrid system now starts the car. The 12-volt battery is also removed and replaced with a smaller, lighter unit.
No Cutting Required
Even better, you don't have to cut up your car or make permanent modifications to install Vonnen's hybrid system. Well, unless you want to put it in an all-wheel-drive 911. In that case, the driveshaft must be cut down to compensate for the 25-millimeter gap created by the installation of the motor.
Modest yet Amazing
Extra cooling is required as well, of course. Thus, Vonnen has to install separate liquid cooling systems for the battery and electric motor. But this is all part of that modest 120-pound weight increase, which makes it even more impressive. On top of all that, the system even features regenerative braking.
Future Shock
The only downside to all of this goodness? Vonne's kit will set you back a rather pricey $75,000. But on the bright side, that includes installation. And they're already planning a Stage II upgrade that promises to double the output of this one. Adding 350 electric horsepower to a 991 Turbo? Sounds like a riot to us but we fear what that level of upgrade will cost.
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