Hybrid factor - Part 1

With much more demand for cleaner and renewable energy resources, motorsports take a special role in these changes, especially because of the point that much of the technology that enters in the circuits sooner or later goes to the streets.

Here, I will talk a little about some of these technologies we see on the track, and the ones involved behind them.


KERS
Main users - Formula One teams

The KERS name means Kinectic Energy Recovery System, that delivers some extra power to the engine for a certain amount of time, which uses braking to recover the battery. It was firstly-tested in 2008 F1 season, and its first use was in 2009, although few teams used the system entirely in the season. Because the high costs that involved the system that time, as contradictions with the rules made all teams accord to not use it in 2010. From 2011 onwards, with new regulations, the F1 teams agreed to use KERS again, and for 2014, the system will be more elaborated than the 2013 one, giving more time and power.

Sportscar hybrid systems
Main users - Audi, Peugeot, Porsche, Toyota, Honda

Well, let's start with Porsche. 2014 will see the return of Porsche as an LMP1 contender in Le Mans with a hybrid prototype. But their hybrid attempts aren't limited to the coming LMP.

The 911(997) GT3 R Hybrid was released in 2010, and featured a KERS system developed by WilliamsF1 Team, with energy regeneration through braking. But unlikely the F1 KERS, that stores the energy in batteries, the 997 stored the energy in a flywheel, that given propulsion to two front electric engines that took care of the front wheel drive, while the rear drive was at charge of the 465 bhp flat-six.

This car had as main conquers a VLN win, and a good run in the ALMS in Monterey, running as unclassified. The car didn't scored a qualify time, but even with this, in the race the GT3 R Hybrid finished ahead all the other GT cars.

Photos: AutoBlog/Wikipedia