Porsche 919 Hybrid LMP1 prototype for WEC 2014

Porsche 919 Hybrid LMP1-05

Porsche is returning to the top category of the famous endurance race classic at Le Mans and the World Endurance Championships (WEC) with its newly developed 919 Hybrid. The LMP1 prototype, designed for extreme efficiency, is said to be the most complex race car that Porsche has ever built.

The 919 Hybrid serves as a research platform for fundamental technology to be used in future production models, with its combination of two different energy recovery systems and a downsized turbo engine.

The drive system is based on a compact and lightweight 2.0 litre four-cylinder engine. It performs load-bearing functions within the chassis based on its V-construction, which also offers thermodynamic advantages. The petrol engine, which reaches a maximum speed of around 9,000 rpm, features direct injection and a single turbo.

Porsche 919 Hybrid LMP1-10

There are also two different energy recovery systems at play. Fundamentally new is the recovery of thermal energy from exhaust gases. An electric generator is used here, powered by the exhaust gas stream.

The second hybrid system is similar to that in the Porsche 918 Spyder road car. Here, a generator on the front axle utilises braking phases to convert kinetic energy into electric energy, which is stored in water-cooled lithium-ion battery packs.

During acceleration, the front generator is operated as a single electric motor and drives the front wheels via a differential. This gives the 919 Hybrid a temporary AWD system of sorts, because the ICE directs its power to the rear axle.

Porsche 919 Hybrid LMP1-04

The WEC enters a new era this season. LMP1-H prototypes will now be rated in direct relationship to energy efficiency. Permitted fuel quantity per lap is down by around 30%, while the amount of energy from the obligatory hybrid systems has been significantly increased.

This shifts technology into the limelight, tech that can be useful for future production vehicles. This relevancy is the reason for Porsche’s return to the pinnacle of sports car racing.

But can Porsche’s rookie race car beat the formidable Audi R18 e-tron quattro? It’s a tough ask, but anything is possible in this season of change. WEC 2014 starts on April 20 at Silverstone.

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • Mark Webber on Mar 11, 2014 at 9:51 am

    The rules of winning the LMP1 in Lemans or any major endurance races are the same, good fuel efficient, reliable, good aerodynamics sometime you fast a team of good drivers to make a difference. In this case they have Mark Webber…

    Porsche is well known for their racing pedigree, I am sure it won’t takes them too long before this car is making its way to the podium. Watchout Toyota & Audi…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • racefan on Mar 11, 2014 at 11:05 am

    The rules to winning this are – good car, good crew(incl drivers) and good strategy. Audi beat Peugeot with good team and strategy but Peugeot had the better car. Porsche may have a good car (we’ll have to see) but the team will be inexperienced compared to Audi and Toyota. Can’t compare with the old Porsche teams. Different generation of people already

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
    • Bruno on Mar 11, 2014 at 3:55 pm

      Man! it’s useless if your strategy good but don’t have the super efficient technologies to help you win the race. Audi just got lucky when the Peugeot suffered mechanical issues during their final 2 Lemans 24 HR outings.

      Just see how fast Toyota learnt and able to match the Audi pace last year in both Lemans and WEC races. Yes, Audi won cause of good experience and reliability otherwise Toyota were quite evenly match.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • racefan on Mar 11, 2014 at 11:13 pm

        Audi raced against Peugeot from 2007 to 2011. 5 meetings. only 1 win by Peugeot in 2009. Audis winning streak were no fluke. The Pug 908 were clearly quicker cars against the Audi R10, R15, R15+. Only the R18 was more evenly matched.

        Audi won FOUR out of FIVE meets against Peugeot due to clever strategy calls and better pit turn-around times and a little luck.

        The R18 win against 908 in 2011 was clearly down to strategy.

        By strategy I mean generally minimizing time in pits by running more fuel stints per fuel stop and especially in the R10,R15, stretching fuel consumption at the expense of power because the Audi’s were clearly slower than the Peugeot.

        Audi beat Peugeot by good team experience and STRATEGY, except in 2010 when they inherited the win due to Peugeots mechanical failures. So you are right, Audi was lucky.. ONE out of FIVE times.

        Toyota FAILED to beat Audi both in 2012 and 2013 because SPEED alone doesn’t win at Le Mans. EXPERIENCE and STRATEGY are the other key ingredients!

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  • Paulz on Mar 11, 2014 at 3:12 pm

    Although Porsche and Audi came from same big old family but the revolution of inspire design and reliability cars concept is definite legend…but Toyota is no longer stranger to Le Mans series, this could end up in triple threat arena.

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  • Sorry Audi fan. TOYOTA won the initial 2 WEC races in 2014. Porsche 919 set the fastest time at round 2, Spa. So where is the briliant Audi strategies?

    It’s confirmed Audi R18 can’t match the Toyota pace.
    If Toyota have a mechanical and accident free races.Ho.. ho.. ho… Audi have no chance mate…

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