Automotive

Porsche chases Le Mans glory with evolutionary 919 Hybrid

Porsche chases Le Mans glory with evolutionary 919 Hybrid
The new Porsche 919 Hybrid
The new Porsche 919 Hybrid
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The 919 Hybrid is targeted directly at Le Mans glory
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The 919 Hybrid is targeted directly at Le Mans glory
The Porsche 919 Hybrid is powered by a V4-turbo engine and electric motor
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The Porsche 919 Hybrid is powered by a V4-turbo engine and electric motor
The 919 Hybrid has been developed with two aerodynamics packages
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The 919 Hybrid has been developed with two aerodynamics packages
The nose of the 919 has been optimised for better aero balance
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The nose of the 919 has been optimised for better aero balance 
The 919 Hybrid name isn't exciting, the car absolutely is
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The 919 Hybrid name isn't exciting, the car absolutely is
The 919 Hybrid uses a new aerodynamics kit, with less downforce than last year
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The 919 Hybrid uses a new aerodynamics kit, with less downforce than last year
Porsche says its new electric systems make the 919 easier on its tires
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Porsche says its new electric systems make the 919 easier on its tires
We're not sure if the headlights on the 919 are big enough
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We're not sure if the headlights on the 919 are big enough
The shark fin on the 919 is part of the new aero package
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The shark fin on the 919 is part of the new aero package
The 919 is chasing another win at Le Mans
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The 919 is chasing another win at Le Mans
The lights on the 919 are set up for flat-out running in the depths of Le Mans night
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The lights on the 919 are set up for flat-out running in the depths of Le Mans night
The 919 Hybrid is able to harvest energy under acceleration
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The 919 Hybrid is able to harvest energy under acceleration
The new Porsche 919 Hybrid
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The new Porsche 919 Hybrid
Porsche says the new 919 is easier on its tires than before
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Porsche says the new 919 is easier on its tires than before
The complex aero on the 919 Hybrid is evident from this angle
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The complex aero on the 919 Hybrid is evident from this angle
View gallery - 15 images

F1 might be the pinnacle of world motorsport, but World Endurance Championship racing has it covered for excitement. Every team competing in LMP1 class uses a different engine layout, pitting hybrids against naturally-aspirated brutes. Having won Le Mans last year, Porsche has unveiled its more powerful hybrid entry for the 2017 title fight.

Although it looks relatively similar to the car it replaces, Porsche says between 60 and 70 percent of the 919 Hybrid is new for 2017. Both cars share the same basic monocoque, but everything from the hybrid boost system to the aerodynamics package is has been redone.

"The basic concept of the 919 Hybrid still offers scope to optimise the finer details and further boost efficiency," says Andreas Seidl, Team Principal. "The monocoque has remained unchanged since 2016, but the optimisation potential of all other components was analysed and, in most cases, adjustments made accordingly."

New technical regulations have taken away some of the aerodynamic freedom enjoyed by teams last year, cutting downforce in an attempt to make cars slower (and safer) through the corners. The team in Weissach has developed two aero packages for the 919 Hybrid; one designed specifically for the long straights of Circuit de la Sarthe, and another setup for tight, twisty circuits.

Porsche says the new 919 is easier on its tires than before
Porsche says the new 919 is easier on its tires than before

Both setups benefit from a new nose, complete with the biggest set of headlights we've ever seen. Apparently, the aerodynamics of the outgoing car were being thrown out of balance as the nose collected spent rubber from the track surface, so the shape has been revised to account for this buildup over the course of a race. Eagle-eyed viewers will see the taller, wider, longer wheelarches up front, along with new ducting along the side of the car.

As you might imagine, the new 919 also benefits from a set of powertrain upgrades. Power still comes from a turbocharged V4 engine, hooked up to an energy-harvesting hybrid boost system. The petrol engine makes just under 500 hp (368 kW) and powers the rear wheels exclusively, while the lithium-ion battery powers a 400 hp (294 kW) electric motor on the front axle.

Energy is recovered under braking, but the battery is also replenished from a small turbine fitted in the exhaust system. This turbine – capable of spinning at up to 120,000 RPM – feeds a generator, which in turn tops up the battery.

The 919 Hybrid name isn't exciting, the car absolutely is
The 919 Hybrid name isn't exciting, the car absolutely is

Unlike F1, the World Endurance Championship encourages teams to push the boundaries when it comes to in-car electronics. This year, Porsche says its traction control and hybrid management systems have been optimised to make tires last longer – crucial, given new WEC regulations leave teams three fewer sets of tires to play with over a race weekend.

The new 919 Hybrid was unveiled at Monza, and will be on show in WEC Prologue testing tomorrow.

Source: Porsche

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2 comments
2 comments
SpasibaWanto
Who gonna put this car for their PC wallpaper ?
watersworm
Hybrid is the future of cars, not anly for Le Mans Race. I love the idea of turbine in exhaust system, wait and see !