Porsche 919 Hybrid: Cutting-edge technology benefits production cars

Matthias Müller, Chairman of Porsche AG: "Crucial in the development of the Le Mans prototype were the newly created and revolutionary racing rules for this class as they relate to energy efficiency. In 2014, it will not be the fastest car that wins the World Endurance Championship 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."

The exceptional efficiency of the Porsche 919 Hybrid is the result of a carefully balanced overall concept. The sum of all of its individual components forms an effective unit: from the combustion engine to the energy recovery systems, chassis and running gear, aerodynamics and driver ergonomics. The combustion engine is a compact V four-cylinder petrol engine that also serves as a load-bearing member in the chassis. It is a frontrunner of the future-oriented downsizing philosophy features two litres of engine displacement, direct fuel injection and mono-turbocharging, the engine that turns at speeds up to 9000 rpm. The compact engine outputs around 500 hp.

In addition, the Le Mans prototype has two energy recovery systems. Fundamentally new here is a system that recovers thermal energy from exhaust gases via an electric generator driven by the exhaust gas stream. The second hybrid system has the functionality familiar from the 918 Spyder. Here, a generator on the front axle utilises braking phases to convert kinetic energy into electric energy. Lithium-ion batteries serve as the energy storage medium. When the driver needs this energy, an electric motor drives the front axle. This makes the 919 Hybrid an all-wheel drive vehicle temporarily.

A new Porsche team of over 200 employees was formed to develop and implement the Le Mans prototypes at the development centre in Weissach. Friedrich Enzinger, Head of LMP1: "Within two and one half years we built the infrastructure, assembled our team and put this highly complex race car on wheels. We have the greatest respect for the lead our competitors have in racing experience. Our objective in the first year is simple: to finish races and be competitive."

Romain Dumas (France), Neel Jani (Switzerland) and Marc Lieb (Germany) will share driving duties in the Porsche 919 Hybrid with starting number 14. Car number 20 will be driven by Timo Bernhard (Germany), Brendon Hartley (New Zealand) and Mark Webber (Australia).

The 919 Hybrid. Our new LMP1-prototype for the FIA WEC and the 24h of Le Mans. The result of 2 years of hard work and preparation for our Mission 2014. The identity of this Porsche is unmistakeable: it's based on everything we've learned about motorsports in over 60 years. Learn more: http://www.porsche.com/mission2014

We chat with Mark Webber and take a look at the Porsche 919 Hybrid and the Porsche 911 RSR.

After a 16-year absence, Porsche is back in the racing car line up for LMP1, the highest class, with the 919 Hybrid. Learn more about its identity in this clip.

In the LMP1-class of the FIA World Endurance Championship 2014, it is all about bringing optimal energy efficiency together with maximum performance. Take a look at our technology concept of the Porsche 919 Hybrid in this clip.

Porsche's new 919 Hybrid during testing for the World Endurance Championship at Circuit Paul Ricard in France. April 2014.

At the UK preview evenings of the new Porsche Macan, three special guests illustrated, without doubt, that every Porsche has a race car at its heart. Lined up with the breathtaking 918 Spyder are the 917, the first Porsche to win at Le Mans, and the 919 Hybrid , the car for our return to top-class endurance racing.

Why has Porsche been competing in motorsports for more than 60 years? Why are we starting a new "Mission" in Le Mans this year?

To gain what is most important to us: "experience" - that can be felt in every Porsche.

The Porsche spirit originates on the racetrack. In our race cars, in motor sports, in Le Mans. And it lives on in all our sports cars. Mission 2014. Our Return.