Porsche recalls 917 legacy by naming new LMP1 racer the 919 hybrid

Porsche has acknowledged the legacy of its successful 917 racer of the 1970s by naming its new LMP1 coupe the 919 hybrid

The name also gives next year's World Endurance Championship racer a synergy with its 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid supercar, which is about to go into production.

Porsche research and development boss Wolfgang Hatz, the board member responsible for motorsport, said: "The vehicle name 919 hybrid follows on from the tradition of the Le Mans-winning 917, but it is also with a view to the 918 Spyder and also acknowledges the company's embarkation into the hybrid future."

Porsche briefly showed the 919 at its Night of Champions event in Germany on Saturday night, but did not reveal technical details.

That means it has yet to confirm the configuration of petrol-powered turbo engine in the car, which is understood to be a V4.

It has already confirmed that one of the 919's two hybrid systems is an exhaust-driven Motor Generator Unit Heat system akin to those that will be used in Formula 1 next year.

The car remained in the camouflage livery in which it has been testing since June.

Porsche said the car had made real progress during the final day of testing at the Algarve circuit at the beginning of last week, when Mark Webber got his first taste of the Porsche P1.

shares
comments

Webber on going back to Le Mans

Porsche completes LMP1 line-up with Marc Lieb and Brendon Hartley

Can Peugeot turn its style into substance at Le Mans?

Can Peugeot turn its style into substance at Le Mans?

Plus
Plus
WEC
Gary Watkins

Can Peugeot turn its style into substance at Le Mans? Can Peugeot turn its style into substance at Le Mans?

How Ferrari’s threat is growing against Toyota approaching Le Mans

How Ferrari’s threat is growing against Toyota approaching Le Mans

Plus
Plus
WEC
Spa-Francorchamps
Gary Watkins

How Ferrari’s threat is growing against Toyota approaching Le Mans How Ferrari’s threat is growing against Toyota approaching Le Mans

Why Cadillac can make amends for its previous Le Mans failures

Why Cadillac can make amends for its previous Le Mans failures

Plus
Plus
Le Mans
Garage 56 Sebring testing
Gary Watkins

Why Cadillac can make amends for its previous Le Mans failures Why Cadillac can make amends for its previous Le Mans failures

The chasm Toyota’s rivals must bridge before Le Mans

The chasm Toyota’s rivals must bridge before Le Mans

Plus
Plus
WEC
Portimao
Gary Watkins

The chasm Toyota’s rivals must bridge before Le Mans The chasm Toyota’s rivals must bridge before Le Mans

How Toyota rendered its Le Mans agony a distant memory

How Toyota rendered its Le Mans agony a distant memory

Plus
Plus
WEC
Gary Watkins

How Toyota rendered its Le Mans agony a distant memory How Toyota rendered its Le Mans agony a distant memory

Why the WEC should make space for modern garagistes in 2023

Why the WEC should make space for modern garagistes in 2023

Plus
Plus
WEC
Gary Watkins

Why the WEC should make space for modern garagistes in 2023 Why the WEC should make space for modern garagistes in 2023

Autosport writers' most memorable moments of 2022

Autosport writers' most memorable moments of 2022

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Autosport Staff

Autosport writers' most memorable moments of 2022 Autosport writers' most memorable moments of 2022

Is Qatar the price motorsport fans have to pay?

Is Qatar the price motorsport fans have to pay?

Plus
Plus
WEC
Gary Watkins

Is Qatar the price motorsport fans have to pay? Is Qatar the price motorsport fans have to pay?

Subscribe