Articles by Richard Berry in Detroit

The gorgeous new coupe, which is expected to eventually spearhead Porsche's return to the Le Mans 24-hour race, is the first of more than 50 unveilings at the North American International Auto Show today and tomorrow. It also moves the 918 a step closer to full-scale production.  Porsche has already confirmed a limited-edition run of 918 plug-in hybrid roadsters, but the RSR picks up the same racing V8 engine with a new flywheel-based kinetic energy recovery system. Developed by Williams Grand Prix and raced last year in a Porsche 911 at the Nurburgring 24-hour race, the technology involves storing power from its own dynamics when braking. This power is sent to the RSR’s front axle where the wheels have their own electric motors, both of them producing 75kW each. That’s an extra 150kW added to the already whopping 420kW produced by the 3.4-litre V8 – a total of combined output of 570kW.    The 918 celebrates the 40th anniversary of the classic Porsche 917's first victory at Le Mans but is presented in Detroit in the German company's new motorsport colours, with silver bodywork and twin orange GT stripes over the upper bodywork. It is described as a "race lab" by Porsche chairman, Matthias Muller.  "At the same time, it demonstrates the passion of our engineers and designers for developing the world's most advanced - and best looking - sports cars," he says. Built around an ultra-light, carbon fibre-reinforced plastic monocoque there’s no doubt the 918 RSR’s destiny is the race track with wing doors, an air in-take in the roof, aerials for pit radio and front winglets.  Inside the interior is the way a race car should be – practical and clean. The brown leather “gentleman driver” seat is as luxurious as it gets.  Apart from the RSR, Muller promises a number of new models from Porsche led by diesel and hybrid versions of the four-door Panamera.  "We are working non-stop on our future product strategy. We also have a few surprises up our sleeves when it comes to our sports cars," Muller says.