Porsche has done it. Cracked a new world record at the Nurburgring, setting a lap in just 5:19.546 in the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo. This is the fastest ever lap recorded at the notorious German circuit.
The incredible time was piloted by two-times Le Mans winner Timo Bernhard from Germany, who must have withstood incredible g-forces during triumphant lap. What did it take to surpass the previous record? Well, the previous record has actually stood for some 35 years.
In 1983, Stefan Bellof lapped the 20.8km circuit in 6.11:13. It was achieved in a Porsche as well, a 956 C racing car. Like the 956 C, the new 919 Hybrid Evo is designed for World Endurance level of racing, and features a dramatic, aero-focused body.
More specifically, the Evo is a development of the Le Mans prototype which has won the Le Mans 24 Hour race three times, from 2015 to 2017, consecutively. It’s also taken the FIA World Endurance Championship three times in a row, with manufacturer’s and drivers’ titles. Speaking about the lap, Bernhard said:
“This is a great moment for me and for the entire team – the 919 programme’s icing on the cake. The Evo was perfectly prepared and I have done my best on this lap. Thanks to the aerodynamic downforce, at sections I never imagined you can stay on full throttle. I’m pretty familiar with the Nordschleife. But today I got to learn it in a new way.”
Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged V4 engine that produces an unbelievable 537kW. This is paired with electric motors that add 328kW. All wrapped up in a lightweight body that leaves an overall weight of just 849kg, with crazy aero and advanced temporary all-wheel drive system, it’s probably no wonder it has broken the record. See below for the specs on the car. We’ll be sure to keep this story updated with any video footage that we find. UPDATE: Video below 🙂
Technical specifications Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo – (919 Hybrid WEC)
Monocoque:
Composite material structure consisting of carbon fibre with an aluminium honeycomb core. The cockpit is closed.
Combustion engine:
V4 engine (90 degree cylinder bank angle), turbocharged, 4 valves per cylinder, DOHC, 1 Garrett turbocharger, direct petrol injection, fully load-bearing aluminium cylinder crankcase, dry sump lubrication
Max. engine speed: ≈ 9,000/min
Engine management: Bosch MS5
Displacement: 2,000 cm3 (V4 engine)
Output:
Combustion engine: 720 hp, rear axle (< 500 PS)
MGU: 440 hp, front axle (> 400 PS)
Hybrid system:
KERS with a motor generator unit (MGU) mounted on the front axle; ERS for recuperation of energy from exhaust gases. Energy storage in a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery with cells from A123 Systems
Drive system:
Rear wheel drive, traction control (ASR), temporary all-wheel drive at the front axle via the electric motor when boosted, hydraulically operated sequential 7-speed racing gearbox
Chassis:
Independent front and rear wheel suspension, push-rod layout with adjustable dampers and Pitch Link System with actively controlled lockout system (no actively controlled lockout system in the 919 WEC version)
Brake system:
4-wheel brake-by-wire system (front-rear brake-by-wire system), monoblock light alloy brake calipers, ventilated carbon fibre brake discs front and rear.
Variable control of wheel torques to optimize the car balance (variable control of torque distribution front to rear)
Wheels and tyres:
Forged magnesium wheel rims from BBS; Michelin Radial tyres, front and rear: 310/710-18
Weight: 849 kg (888 kg including driver ballast)
Length: 5,078 mm (4,650 mm)
Width: 1,900 mm
Height: 1,050 mm
Fuel tank capacity: 62.3 litres
