Porsche unveils new World Endurance Championship 919 Hybrid race car

Porsche presents its new 919 Hybrid race car for the upcoming World Endurnace Championship (WEC) season.

Strong development characterises the new 919 Hybrid's technology. The powertrain have become even more efficient, the aerodynamics even more specific for the various race tracks and the weight of single components reduced further.

"The over 900bhp strong Le Mans Prototype is ready for the title defence," said Fritz Enzinger, Vice President LMP1.

For the 2016 Porsche 919, the basis of the chassis structure remains unchanged, as does the hybrid drive concept with its 2.0-litre V4 turbocharged petrol engine and the two different energy recovery systems (braking energy from the front axle and exhaust energy). 

The two energy recovery systems of the hybrid drive have been improved in terms of efficiency. For 2016, the components of the electric drive have also become even more powerful and efficient. That applies for the optimised electric motor at the front axle, the power electronics and the new generation of lithium ion battery cells in the in-house developed battery. A new front axle allows for more set up options, while the intense tyre development with partner Michelin made a refined overall set up for the new 919 Hybrid possible.

For the first time, Porsche fully exploits the WEC regulations by deploying three different aerodynamic packages to make the car best suited to the respective race tracks. In 2016, the 919 Hybrid will start the season running a high downforce package. It will be tackling Le Mans with an extremely low downforce configuration and will have another high downforce package for the following six WEC races.

The changes to the aerodynamics were driven by further improvements in efficiency and more stable handling in different driving situations. Influences such as side winds, changes in balance under cornering as well as yaw and roll angles have been further reduced.