Developed between 2012 and 2013, the 919 Hybrid hit the track for the 2014 World Endurance Championship, marking Porsche’s return to top-tier racing since 1998. With a hybrid drivetrain that included a turbocharged V-4 engine, a rather awkward choice compared to what Audi and Toyota used in their prototypes, the 919 finished the 2014 WEC season third, managing to score only one win at Interlagos. At Le Mans, Porsche had to settle for 11th place. In 2015, the Germans returned with an improved version of the LMP1 and won five out of eight races, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, winning the Manufacturers’ Championship ahead of Audi and Toyota. For 2016, Porsche has revised the 919 Hybrid once again in order to defend its WEC and Le Mans trophies.
Much like all updates for modern prototype race cars, the 2016-spec 919 Hybrid is far from being a radical departure compared to its predecessor. Both the aerodynamic package and the drivetrain are indeed different, but to the extent that they no longer share components with the previous design. With the 919 already a successful race car, Porsche focused on improving efficiency and and reducing curb weight rather than enhancing performance, mostly because new FIA restrictions force Porsche to use around eight percent less fuel and power throughout the 2016 season.
This season, Porsche’s Team will field two 919 Hybrids. Car No. 1 will be driven by 2015 champions Timo Bernhard, Mark Webber, and Brendon Hartley, while car No. 2 will be shared by Romain Dumas, Neel Jani, and Marc Lieb. Is the updated 919 good enough to defend its title? Find out more in our review below.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Porsche 919 Hybrid.
from Top Speed http://ift.tt/1RJ0qbz
via IFTTT
0 comments:
Post a Comment