The 2014 Geneva International Motor Show is just days away and Porsche has been proactive in revealing the models it will be putting on display at the event.
It will be displaying the most cutting edge of its new technologies including the world premiere of the 919 Hybrid that is set for Le Mans and the latest model to triumph at Daytona – the Porsche 911 RSR.
In addition to showing off the brand’s latest range of technological advances, Geneva will also host the new Macan S Diesel.
First we turn our attention to the 919 Hybrid that will take part in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans race this year.
It will be in the top LMP1 category of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and is prepared for the changes in rules when it comes to fuel efficiency.
The model has seen developments in dual ignition, disc brakes, dual-clutch transmission and powerful hybrid drive ahead of the event.
It will mark the manufacturer’s first appearance in the top class of endurance racing for 16 years, meaning that engineers had to develop the new Porsche 919 Hybrid from scratch.
In delivering the complex race car, Porsche has put as much attention into enhancing fuel efficiency as it has to delivering pure power. The most recent innovations have led the brand to say that the 919 Hybrid marks the future of sports cars.
It is powered by a turbocharged petrol engine, with a flow meter device to limit the amount of fuel flow. This means it can perform at a high intensity without taking in as much fuel.
The inclusion of a carbon fibre monocoque chassis with a sandwich construction has helped Porsche to keep the model under the new minimum specified weight for the competition of 870 kg – a 30 kg reduction on last year.
Mark Webber, former driver for Red Bull Racing in Formula 1, will be one of the drivers taking the wheel of the 919 Hybrid for Porsche in the WEC this season.
Elsewhere, the manufacturer will be unveiling the 911 RSR. The model proved to be successful in the opening of the WEC season at the 24 Hour race at Daytona, with a victory in the GT Class.
It has been built with a bespoke wishbone front suspension arrangement, replacing the outgoing MacPherson spring strut suspension. The gearbox is also a special development from Porsche Motorsport and is twinned with a 470hp four-litre flat six engine.
Weight is minimised with extensive use of carbon fibre, with the front and rear bumpers, front and rear lids, doors, underbody, wheel arch panels, rear wing, dashboard and centre console made of this.
It has seen systematic improvements for the 2014 season, including a new redesigned front end, a new rear wing for optimal aerodynamic balance and stability, and more precise steering response.
According to Porsche factory driver Jorg Bergmeister, the 911 RSR has been changed in a number of aspects.
“The wide rear wheel rims and refined aerodynamics have improved consistency over a sprint. This is undoubtedly the best 911 that I have ever driven. It still always feels like a 911, but it can do practically everything better than the previous model. And on top of that, it is also in my eyes the most beautiful and most spectacular 911 ever,” he said.
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