8. Reader Response Draft 3

Goodwin (2017) states that the 2017 Porsche 919 Hybrid is powered by an upgraded aerodynamic design and a drive system that combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged V4 internal combustion engine with an electric motor. The combination of both electric and chemical energy provides a total output of over 900 horsepower (hp), with approximately 500 hp generated by the engine through direct fuel injection, and more than 400 hp supplied by the energy recovery systems that store energy in lithium-ion batteries and power the electric motor at the front axle. These systems include (1) the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (ERS-K), which recovers nearly 60% of the energy generated during deceleration at the front wheels, and (2) the Heat Energy Recovery System (ERS-H), which generates electrical energy by utilising the heat produced from the exhaust gases (Porsche AG, 2017). This output of over 900 hp, along with regulatory considerations, enables the car to operate efficiently within the 8 megajoules energy regulation (Brownell, 2017). The same author also emphasizes that the fusion of hybrid technology and efficient combustion engine allowed the car to secure victory in prestigious endurance races, such as the 2017 World Endurance Championship and the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The evolution of the Porsche 919 Hybrid LMP1's power unit from 2015 to 2017 highlights Porsche's relentless pursuit of hybrid technology optimization, with annual upgrades to both the internal combustion engine and electric components to boost vehicle performance while simultaneously meeting ever-changing regulatory demands in endurance racing.

According to Porsche AG (2015), the 2015 model introduced the 2.0-liter turbocharged V4 engine that generate more than 500 hp to the rear axle, supported by a hybrid system that contributed an additional 400 hp from the electric motors. This system consisted of (1) the Motor Generator Unit - Kinetic (MGU-K), which recovered energy during braking, and (2) the Motor Generator Unit - Heat (MGU-H), which recovered energy from the exhaust gases, allowing the vehicle to efficiently regain energy. The energy recovery systems allowed the car to store excess energy in liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries, which could be strategically deployed for bursts of acceleration. The 2015 Porsche 919 Hybrid model focused mainly on energy recovery and strategic deployment, making it one of the most advanced and efficient endurance cars of its era.

In 2016, the Porsche 919 Hybrid underwent further improvements by retaining the same hybrid system layout as its foundation while enhancing nearly every individual component. This resulted in a lighter V4 engine, with overall horsepower reduced from over 500 hp to between 480 hp and 495 hp due to stricter regulations aimed at limiting fuel consumption and preventing vehicle speeds from escalating too dramatically (Porsche AG, 2016). Furthermore, the electric motor and battery systems were upgraded to enable even better energy recovery and deployment. This allowed the hybrid components to compensate for the slight reduction in engine power by improving overall efficiency, enabling the car to remain highly competitive in the high-stakes environment of endurance racing. The 2016 Porsche 919 Hybrid model also introduced three distinct aerodynamic packages for different tracks, including a high-downforce package specifically designed for shorter circuits.

By 2017, the Porsche 919 Hybrid had perfected the balance between the vehicle’s efficiency, speed, and power, as discussed in Paragraph 1.

Over the span of these three years, the Porsche 919 Hybrid experienced consistent improvements that enhanced its overall efficiency, performance, and reliability. The 2015 model introduced the advanced hybrid powertrain concept, while the 2016 model refined the car with lighter components and more efficient energy recovery systems. By 2017, the model had evolved into one of the most dominant and sophisticated endurance racers, perfectly integrating both combustion and electric power, as demonstrated by its outstanding performance in the 2017 endurance races.

When comparing the three years, each model represented a significant step forward in automotive engineering, with the vehicle’s hybrid technology and dynamics receiving annual upgrades. The 2015 version laid the foundation with its energy recovery systems, but by 2017, Porsche had achieved the perfect balance between internal combustion engine and electric power, leading to exceptional performance in endurance racing. The journey from 2015 to 2017 underscores Porsche’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of hybrid technology in motorsport, influencing not only the world of racing but also the development of future road cars.

References:

Graham G. (2017). Porsche’s 2017 919 Hybrid In Detail. https://www.dailysportscar.com/2017/03/31/porsches-2017-919-hybrid-in detail.html#:~:text=The%20919%20will%20start%20again,of%20fuel%20to%20do%20so.

Porsche AG. (2017). Porsche 919 Hybrid – The Racing Lab. https://newsroom.porsche.com/en/motorsports/porsche-world-premiere-monza-919-hybrid-2017-le-mans-prototype-13583.html

Brownell, B. (2017). Porsche Officially Unveils The 919 Hybrid For 2017. The Drive. https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/8824/porsche-officially-unveil-the-919-hybrid-for-2017

Porsche AG (2015). 919 Hybrid: Even Stronger In 2015 https://newsroom.porsche.com/en/motorsports/porsche-motorsports-919-hybrid-2015-wec-le-mans-10129.html

Porsche AG (2016). World Debut for the New 919 Hybrid

https://newsroom.porsche.com/en/motorsports/porsche-919-hybrid-wec-season-2016-12380.html