Peugeot gave the 908 HYbrid4 its world debut at Geneva this year. Since then, the dual powered Le Mans racer has undergone a shakedown at private PSA Peugeot Citroën venue, and more recently, hit the track for the first time. It was at Estoril, Portugal, for testing.
The car completed a little more than 300 km in the hands of Peugeot drivers Nicolas Minassian, Stéphane Sarrazin and Alexander Wurz. ”Our aim wasn’t to put a lot of kilometres on the clock, but to verify that all the chief functions performed,” said Peugeot Sport’s Technical Director Bruno Famin.
”It was important to analyse the data of each run to be sure we understood the results before moving on to the next step. The system functioned well and responded as predicted, which was very satisfying. At the same time, we started to make a few adjustments to the car’s basic set-up. It worked well, so that’s very positive,” he added.
The system employed by the 908 HYbrid4 recovers and stores the kinetic energy generated under braking, before feeding it back into the driveline during acceleration. This significantly improves the efficiency of the powertrain, says Peugeot. The diesel engine is a 3.7-litre V8 HDi FAP unit with 550 hp. It is aided by a short power boost of 60kW (80 hp) for a few seconds when it the system is activated.
Recovered energy (500kJ between two braking phases) is stored in lithium-ion batteries before being automatically released to power the rear wheels under acceleration (there is no “push to pass” function, however). It will also be possible to run in electric only mode along the pit-lane and it is this mode that will be used for the car’s homologation.
It won’t compete in Le Mans anytime soon, though. “We have no intention of rushing things. We are still on a learning curve and the endurance testing will come later,” Famin said.
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Seems like Le Mans 24 Hours now is a racing platform for manufacturers to showcase their green tech; hybrid this, diesel that..maybe time has changed …but guess I’ll just stick to the more exciting 1980s Le Mans..
3.7 liter 550HP i jizzed
Le Mans has always been the playground for manufacturers so its not surprising to see an influx of them again and especially when F1 doesn’t give them the returns they seek. Le Mans is more suited for manufacturers because the emphasis is on machinery and new technologies than can be applied to road cars. There will be a few more manufacturers making interesting Le Mans related programmes I’m sure.
True. F1 is entertainment for rich blokes. LeMans ftw~
Like your direction. For me LeMans has always been the Pinnacle of motor racing. Simple fact is this the cars run on similar speeds as the F1 cars but for 24 hours. Not to forget the budgets they have to work in and the constant drive to push the barrier on how to get faster without compromising durability.
Its more relevant to the automotive world compared to F1. One may argue that F1’s development has been restricted in recent years as its more of the Aero race now. With the infighting among the top teams on old tech[avaition] that only now is relevant due to the the Aero race. Its so far beyond the automotive trend that its becoming like what WWE is now. Started with real wrestling in the 70’s and now its pure fiction.
I wont be surprised if we see the KERS or and extended version of it in cars soon. Would love to have a 60HP boost on demand..haha
agreed but sad that the endurance races do not get much tv time compared to f1