Last year, the 919 Hybrid claimed victory at the coveted Le Mans 24 Hours and the overall World Endurance Championship.
So, ahead of the car’s third year of racing, Porsche has detailed the innovative V4 engine that powers its successful racer.
The 919’s turbochrged 2.0-liter V4 pumps out well over 500 hp, despite its compactness and incredible lightness. As with all other LMP1 race cars, it also includes a powerful electric motor that drives the front wheels and brings total output near the 900 hp mark.
As one might expect, the development of the turbo four has helped in the creation of the automaker’s new range of turbocharged six-cylinder engines for the 911 and the new turbo flat-fours of the 718 Boxster. That’s due to the experience gained in the punishing environment that is endurance racing, even though its unusual V4 is very different from the production cars’ boxer layout.
Porsche has yet to reveal the 2016-spec 919 Hybrid, which will make its competitive debut at the 6 Hours of Silverstone on April 17. Over the next seven months, it will compete in a further eight endurance races, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 18-19.
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