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Another naked Porsche 911 GT3 RS caught in Stuttgart parking garage

With its reveal not expected until the Geneva Motor Show in April, we have to wonder why there'd be a rode-hard-put-away-wet 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS sitting out in the open, completely uncovered. It's one thing to be caught out on the street or in triplicate at a Swedish gas station, but it's another thing to be on what looks like daily driving duty – there's a child's seat in the passenger's throne. Instagram user Johan9ff snagged it, and in response to a query in German as to how, he answered in German (per Google Translate) that he found it in a parking garage in a fitness center in the Stuttgart suburb of Killesberg. Based on its muddy front lip and bug-spattered paint job, the coupe has been naked out on the street and traveling quickly. Out of its camouflage it looks just like we've been led to expect based on the patent photos and the recent winter spy shots, but this time we get an up-close view of the vents over the front wheels. We have one word to say about them: filthy. And if you're wondering about those turbo-like vents on the rear haunches, no, this isn't a GT2 – Porsche has said there won't be a GT2, the current race-certified GT3 RSR has those vents (occasionally found on the previous version as well), and the GT3 RS has already been leaked in scale-model form. This is it. Based on comments left on Porsche forums, production will be limited by the number of orders – the new engine won't meet European regulations coming into force, so it won't be manufactured after this year. Deliveries are said to start at the beginning of summer; those who bought the 918 Spyder will get first dibs, and you can be certain there won't be enough of these to go around. Speaking of that engine, it's said to be good for somewhere between 510 to 525 horsepower, a PDK transmission getting power to staggered wheels, 20-inchers in front, 21-inchers in the back. Johan9ff has slowly been posting Instagram photos of the beast, we're hoping he got at least one of the interior. Those seats looks mega. Bring on Geneva. Featured Gallery 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS News Source: Johan94ff via Instagram Spy Photos Porsche Coupe Luxury Performance

Porsche rules out Macan, 911 hybrids

Believe it or not, between the 918 Spyder, the Cayenne and the Panamera, Porsche offers more plug-in hybrid models than any other brand. Yes, Porsche. But don't expect that trend to continue. At least, not in the immediate future.
According to Top Gear, the E-Hybrid powertrain in the Cayenne and Panamera is too big to fit into the smaller Macan. A future hybrid system could be small enough to fit, but with the current technology still fresh, that'd still be some ways down the twisting road.
It stands to reason, then, that if the system wouldn't fit in the Macan, it wouldn't fit in the Boxster or Cayman, either. But what of the 911? Surely Porsche would like to stick it to BMW and its new i8, and proved it could do a hybrid 911 when it rolled the GT3 R Hybrid (pictured) out onto the race track over four years ago. But Zuffenhausen is reportedly in no rush to put that idea into production - not for the current 911 and not for the next one, either.

Mark Webber gets early clearance for Porsche departure

If there's no rest for the wicked, there's surely even less rest for the wickedly fast. And make no mistake about it, Mark Webber is wickedly fast. He may not have proven able (or given the opportunity, depending on who you ask) to emerge from Sebastian Vettel's shadow after six seasons partnered with the multiple world champion at Red Bull Racing, but he's still won nine Formula One grands prix, to say nothing of the sports car races he won with Mercedes in the late 90s. But now he's leaving F1 to anchor Porsche's new LMP1 program, and according to the latest reports, he's departing Red Bull for Porsche sooner than expected.
Typically an F1 driver is obliged to stay with his team until the end of the calendar year - not just the end of the racing season - helping out with things like promotional events and fine-tuning next year's car. But news.com.au reports that Red Bull has given him early leave, so once the racing action in Brazil is done on Sunday, he's departing straight for Porsche's racing headquarters in Wiessach, Germany.
It won't be Webber's first visit to the facility, having already swung by to have his new seat fitted. But his early arrival will undoubtedly help him and Porsche get up and running ahead of schedule. The move may have been facilitated by a new sponsorship deal that could see Webber carry Red Bull with him to Le Mans, so don't be too surprised to see the energy drink company's logo on the side of the new Porsche once the new racing season gets under way next year, whether in concert with or instead of the anticipated revival of the Martini Racing livery.