MOTORSPORT: Porsche reveals 2017 Le Mans hopeful
WEC 919 Hybrid LMP1 set to be faster, more efficient but won't have Aussie Grit behind the wheelPorsche has unveiled its new challenger to defend its World Endurance Championship (WEC) and Le Mans 24 Hours titles.
Called the 919 Hybrid LMP1, the new Porsche prototype racer comes powered with a heavily updated 2.0-litre V4 petrol engine that is twinned with an 8MJ hybrid system -- copying last year's Toyota LMP1 car.
Like last year’s WEC challenger, the advanced hybrid consists of a rear axle being driven by the 2.0-litre turbo that, alone, can generate a heroic 368kW -- making it, per-litre, the most powerful Porsche engine ever.
On the front axle, meanwhile, is an electric motor that can supply an additional 294kW on demand.
In total, the Le Mans racer achieves a total power output of more than 662kW (900hp).
Clawing back energy to boost efficiency and power the front motor, are two systems -- a braking energy recovery system that, despite its name, can recover energy during acceleration and braking and an exhaust energy recovery system.
Both charge a lithium-ion battery pack.
Together, the latest-generation of hybrid is claimed, by the German car-maker, to be the "most efficient combustion engine in the history of Porsche to date".
Said to be 60-70 per cent all new compared to last year’s racer, the 919 Hybrid remains based on the same carbon-fibre monocoque introduced two seasons' ago.
What has changed, says Porsche, is every single area of the car has been optimised, including the car's advanced aero -- not that the car launched over the weekend was sporting it.
So far, Porsche has only shown its 919 in low-drag guise during testing at the French Paul Ricard race circuit.
Another big change is who will drive the 919 for the 2017 season.
Both world championship winners Romain Dumas and Marc Lieb have been dropped from the team and Australian superstar, Mark Webber, retired.
Now driving the #1 car is ex-Audi racer Andre Lotterer, 2015-winner Nick Tandy and Neel Jani -- the only driver retained from last season.
In car #2 is former Porsche 2015 Le Mans winner, Earl Bamber, who will be teamed up with Timo Bernhard and Brendon Hartley.
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