More downforce for the Porsche 919 Hybrid
Porsche took its time to introduce the second of the two aerodynamic packages that are allowed by the regulations for the 2017 season. Initially, the focus clearly was on minimizing drag for the Le Mans high-speed circuit. From the fourth round onwards, the Porsche 919 Hybrid now produces a lot more downforce. The new bodywork is ideally suited for higher cornering speeds.
The Porsche 919 Hybrid has been widely reworked for the 2017 championship. 60 to 70 per cent of the car’s components are new developments while the power train in principle remains the same. The innovative hybrid race car develops a system power of around 900 HP (662 kW) that comes from a compact two-litre turbo charged V4-cylinder (nearly 500 PS/368 kW) and two different energy recovery systems – brake energy from the front axle combined with exhaust energy. The combustion engine drives the rear axle while the electro motor boosts the front axle with an output of more than 400 PS (294 kW). The electrical energy that comes from the front brakes and the exhaust system is temporarily stored in a liquid-cooled lithium ion battery.
The Porsche LMP Team before the Nürburgring race
Andreas Seidl, Team Principal: “For the 2017 WEC, we have once again extended the limits of what is technically possible and Toyota did the same. Despite comprehensive new restrictions from the regulations, lap times have improved. But also reliability issues of both manufacturers at Le Mans showed that we all went to the limits. After winning Le Mans, we went straight to a very positive three-day performance test in Barcelona. We feel well prepared for the six-hour race at the Nürburgring. The 919 Hybrid will appear with a new front and a changed rear section. Our new high downforce aero looks good. Now it has to prove its performance on the race track.”
