Porsche revealed the 2017
919 Hybrid, at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza. The new racer carries a range
of updates in aerodynamics, chassis and the combustion engine, among others.
Following the new technical regulations of the 2017
FIA WEC which demand a reduction of the downforce of the LMP1 prototypes for
safety reasons, Porsche created two brand new aero packages for the 919 Hybrid.
The hybrid powertrain continues to employ a 2.0-litre
V4 engine with just under 500 hp and a 400 hp electric motor, and features two
different energy recovery systems - a braking energy recovery system on the
front axle plus an exhaust energy recovery system-, making the 919 Hybrid the
only prototype that recovers energy from accelerating and braking.
The new Porsche 919 will compete again in the
highest energy efficiency class, meaning that the racecar can use 8 megajoules
of recovered energy over one Le Mans lap, subject to the restriction that it may
only consume a maximum of 4.31 litres of fuel to do so. Both consumption
figures are closely monitored after each lap.
Porsche’s new LMP1 racer with starting number 1 will
be driven by Neel Jani, André Lotterer and Nick Tandy. The sister car with starting
number 2 will be driven by Timo Bernhard, Earl Bamber and Brendon Hartley.
