2015 Porsche 919 Hybrid Hits the Track

Extensive testing began on the 18th January for the Porsche 919 Hybrid Le Mans prototype at the Abu Dhabi (pictured in Germany) Yas Marina Circuit. This second incarnation of the 919 Hybrid will mark the beginning of the 2015 motorsport season for the German manufacturer.

There was an initial roll out for the new racer on 15th December 2014 near Stuttgart, but there will more thorough tests for performance and endurance ahead of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) at Silverstone on 12th April to kick off the start of the season.

Despite keeping the name of the 919 Hybrid, Porsche promise the new version is a “comprehensive evolution” compared to the previous model of 2014. The front has been redesigned and now has a horizontal front intake. There is also a series of fins just behind the driver’s compartment. Porsche returned to top tier endurance racing last year with the 919 showing competitive pace. The car even held first at Le Mans before having to retire due to a broken antiroll bar.

Porsche are yet to release performance figures but it will still be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged V4 engine, alongside an electric motor which powers the front wheels. Two energy recovery systems also feature.