TOKYO: Porsche has introduced new model 919 Hybrid, retains the 2.0-litre V4 turbocharged petrol engine of its predecessor which will challenge rivals in 2015 world championship.
The second generation is a step on from last year’s 919 which saw the German marque return to the track after a number of years’ absence. The 2014 model won one race and made the podium on five occasions to mark its return to endurance racing.
The new model is currently in Abu Dhabi for further testing at the Yas Marina Circuit ahead of its debut at Silverstone in April for the first race of the FIA WEC season. Nico Hulkenberg will be behind the wheel at Spa and Le Mans but Porsche has not yet confirmed any of the other drivers on its team.
The second generation 919 Hybrid retains the 2.0-litre V4 turbocharged petrol engine of its predecessor, which is equipped with two energy recovery systems and an electric motor to drive the front wheels, while the back is powered by the engine. Efficiency is the key to success in the endurance class and the tweaks made to the model are set to make improvements on last year’s car.
Porsche brought the new 919 out of the workshop for its first test runs at its own Weissach test track before Christmas and further refinements will be made based on its performance at Abu Dhabi.
The introduction of the 919 Hybrid last year was Porsche’s first foray into sports prototype vehicles since 2010’s RS Spyder. The 919 follows the 918 production sports car which was initially unveiled in 2013 and harks back to the glory days of the 1970s’ 917.
