With the Porsche 919 hybrid, the company has figured out how to give a distinct nod to the past while fueling up for the future. And by future, I do mean that hybrid powertrain. While hybrids were initially disregarded, it is now safe to assume that they are becoming quite commonplace. 
The Porsche 919
Porsche chose the lavish Geneva Motor Show to launch the 919 hybrid. The Porsche 919 is set to celebrate the brand’s return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans and shift gears toward a highly competitive racing season. The adrenaline accompanying the launch of this model is contagious, and they are billing the 919 as the carbon incarnation of all that is Porsche along with other bold statements.
The Porsche 919 hybrid at a glance:
- It took under 3 years to build this…shall I say…hyper-hybrid? It is the end result of the dedication of over 200 engineers and industry experts.
- The engine: A turbocharged V4 petrol pushes out over 500 horses. The lithium-ion battery and electric motor tack on another 250 horses.
- It boasts dry-sump lubrication, making it ideal for sport.
- Constant-velocity sliding tripod universal joints.
- Rear wheel drive, all-wheel drive via KERS on front axle.
- CFRP clutch.
- Want one yet?
The attractive Le Mans Prototype class LMP1 Porsche 919 hybrid is coming to a race near you this season. The clip above gives some insight into the plans for the racer.
With the 919 hybrid Le Mans car Porsche plans to dominate in the endurance sector. According to Porsche AG chairman Matthias Muller: “In 2014, it will not be the fastest car that wins the WEC Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, rather it will be the car that goes the furthest with a defined amount of energy. And it is precisely this challenge that carmakers must overcome. The 919 Hybrid is our fastest mobile research laboratory, and the most complex race car that Porsche has ever built.”
Look for the Porsche 919 this April during the FIA World Endurance Championship prior to Le Mans.
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