In 2014, Porsche is returning to the top class of endurance racing after an absence of 16 years. Consequently, the engineers had to develop the new Porsche 919 Hybrid from scratch. The new WEC regulations for LMP1 race cars gave them an unusual degree of freedom, while focusing on such technologies with great future potential such as hybridisation, engine downsizing and a systematic approach to lightweight design. Instead of pure power, the focus is now on clever ways to enhance fuel efficiency: only those with fuel-efficient cars are competitive. For a long time now, Porsche has called this ‘Porsche Intelligent Performance.’
The 919 Hybrid is the most complex race car that Porsche has ever put on wheels. It benefits from the know-how that Porsche acquired in producing the 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid super sports car, as well as the hybrid versions of the Panamera Gran Turismo and all-wheel drive Cayenne. At the same time, the LMP1 racer – as a unique test laboratory that is subjected to the unrivalled innovative and competitive pressures of motor sport – has maximum relevance when it comes to the future of sports cars.
Source; Porsche
