[WEC] Porsche Prototype Discussion

[jimclark]

This is the kinda site I was talking about:

http://www.trackpedia.com/wiki/Main_Page

[Spyderman]

Here is an interesting interview that I came across with Alex Hitzinger back in November 2013: http://overdrive.in/features/intervi...-lmp1-project/

[carbon_titanium]

Originally Posted by TF110

Plenty of layouts there, check them out on this track map-



I wouldnt doubt there is a typo and they were doing 1:43's not 1:53's. Or they aren't running fast as possible or its fabricated.

I was going to post the same pic, however 1.53 is suspiciously too slow but 1.43 is unrealisticly too fast for a testing 2014 lmp1. I adopted this line of reasoning: 2013 lmp2 pole was 1.50.9, considering the development this year surely will be 1.50.0 or maybe faster. Ok, now let's consider differences between lmp2 and 2014 lmp1

tyres: same size but michelin lmp1 compound is better than dunlop lmp2

weight: 900kg vs. 870kg (850kg for rebellion and lotus)

aero: coupè lmp1 have a lower drag design and for sure a more efficent aero than lmp2

power: nissan lmp2 engine developes 500hp with torque peak over 550Nm, I expect nothing less than 520hp from the thermal lmp1 engines, hybrid lmp1 will have peak of over 1000Nm (for gasoline cars, much more for audi) when the hybrid boost is released after a slow corner.

drivers: work drivers > lmp2 drivers

Considering all these factors, is insane to believe that porsche 919 best performance is 1.53. If a 2014 lmp2 could be able to run in 1.50; porsche, toyota and audi should mark at least 1.45 to keep the status quo.

[CyberMotor]

Originally Posted by Spyderman

Here is an interesting interview that I came across with Alex Hitzinger back in November 2013: http://overdrive.in/features/intervi...-lmp1-project/

Good interview. Interesting hearing how Porsche did everything internally, particularly, because they want to be able to use the technology in "other projects". Wonder if this means their production cars and/or other racing projects?

[Richard C]

I think it is highly unlikely that at this point they are trying to set lap times. If anything they are likely purposefully ensuring they are not showing their hand at the moment.

Based upon the article above (granted from late last year), they are not focusing on endurance right now (i.e. running hard for the entire lap, lap after lap in which we would potentially see representative times). I would expect that other methods of data capture are being used rather than relying upon old school sector or full lap times. And given the data they are capturing during testing, they are likely able to simulate hypothetical full or partial lap performance without making it known to the world.

Some of this in my mind parallels the development of the 918 hybrid supercar. Early test drives by journalists in test mules were underwhelming, while the finished car is apparently sublime. I think Porsche worked a plan to build up seamless integration of the petrol and hybrid engines, energy harvesting system, etc. over time by making incremental improvements to each system as well as the integration of the whole as they went. That also likely resulted in a steady march toward faster lap times and a more engaging driving experience. I expect the same will be true with the 919 LMP1.

However, how they match up to the competition will not be known until the flag drops!

Richard

[Spyderman]

http://sportscar365.com/wec/hartley-...-with-porsche/

[Beetle]

Originally Posted by Spyderman

http://sportscar365.com/wec/hartley-...-with-porsche/

Hartley is a cool guy and an incredibly gifted driver. He will do very well... who needs F1 anyway?

[PascaLM]

The 919 will be presented at Geneva between 6th and 16th of Mars. Is there any precise day for its official presentation ? I'm bored seeing it naked.

[gustavobamba]

Originally Posted by PascaLM

The 919 will be presented at Geneva between 6th and 16th of Mars. Is there any precise day for its official presentation ? I'm bored seeing it naked.

My bet is in the 14th of mars… reference on "Mission 2014. Our return"

[MyNameIsNigel]

Originally Posted by PascaLM

The 919 will be presented at Geneva between 6th and 16th of Mars. Is there any precise day for its official presentation ? I'm bored seeing it naked.

I would rather bet for a presentation on March 4th or 5th during the two days reserved to the media.

[jimclark]

Originally Posted by MyNameIsNigel

I would rather bet for a presentation on March 4th or 5th during the two days reserved to the media.

x2

[Spyderman]

http://www.endurance-info.com/fr/and...ont-realistes/

[Spyderman]

http://sportscar365.com/wec/video-an...totype-return/

[Spyderman]

..Possibly Red Bull.
http://www.endurance-info.com/fr/la-...ns-142-heures/

[TheNo1F1Fan]

Originally Posted by Spyderman

..Possibly Red Bull.
http://www.endurance-info.com/fr/la-...ns-142-heures/

As for what?

[BudLightJaguar]

Originally Posted by TheNo1F1Fan

As for what?

I think he meat the colour theme.

But what comes to their engine configuration, it's hard to find any relevance between Porsche and V4. Because V4 reminds me about old Saab 96's they used in European rally scene in the 60's.

[TheNo1F1Fan]

Originally Posted by BudLightJaguar

I think he meat the colour theme.

But what comes to their engine configuration, it's hard to find any relevance between Porsche and V4. Because V4 reminds me about old Saab 96's they used in European rally scene in the 60's.

That colour theme would be very cool.

[Fogelhund]

http://www.porsche.com/microsite/mis...rnational.aspx Countdown to the reveal of the Porsche 919 at the Geneva Auto Show. March 4th, Tuesday, morning.

[Spyderman]

Originally Posted by TheNo1F1Fan

As for what?

From the article:" Rumor reported a possible partnership with a well-known energy drink."

[Spyderman]

Originally Posted by BudLightJaguar

I think he meat the colour theme.

But what comes to their engine configuration, it's hard to find any relevance between Porsche and V4. Because V4 reminds me about old Saab 96's they used in European rally scene in the 60's.

Lets hope the 919 is a little quicker.

[bjohnsonsmith]

Originally Posted by Spyderman

..Possibly Red Bull.
http://www.endurance-info.com/fr/la-...ns-142-heures/

Monster also make an energy drink and have an established association with motorsport.

[TheNo1F1Fan]

Originally Posted by Spyderman

From the article:" Rumor reported a possible partnership with a well-known energy drink."

Really good!

[Spyderman]

Originally Posted by bjohnsonsmith

Monster also make an energy drink and have an established association with motorsport.

True, but the Red Bull rumors have been quite persistent over time. That coupled with Dietrich Mateschitz's comment upon learning of Webber's departure to Porsche (that at least he would remain in the family) and that it is an Austrian company with Dr. Helmut Marco (ex Porsche driver) as an influential figure in the outfit , makes it a more likely choice. Not guaranteed; but more likely.

[bjohnsonsmith]

Originally Posted by Spyderman

True, but the Red Bull rumors have been quite persistent over time. That coupled with Dietrich Mateschitz's comment upon learning of Webber's departure to Porsche (that at least he would remain in the family) and that it is an Austrian company with Dr. Helmut Marco (ex Porsche driver) as an influential figure in the outfit , makes it a more likely choice. Not guaranteed; but more likely.

The Webber factor would make sense, with regards to Red Bull.

[TheNo1F1Fan]

Originally Posted by bjohnsonsmith

The Webber factor would make sense, with regards to Red Bull.

Sounds good.