919 Hybrid Evo
The Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo, unrestricted evolution of championship-winning LMP1 endurance racing prototype created 2018 for Porsche tribute tour after WEC withdrawal, features extensively enhanced powertrain liberating performance from FIA regulations with 2.0-liter turbocharged V4 internal combustion engine upgraded from 500 hp to 720 hp combined with dual electric motor hybrid system increased from 400 hp to 440 hp creating total system output of 1,160 hp (865 kW) representing 53% power increase versus competition-specification 919 Hybrid. Radical weight reduction achieved 849 kg dry weight through removal of FIA-mandated components including headlights, air conditioning, pneumatic jack system, and hybrid system air pump creating 39 kg savings, while unrestricted aerodynamic development increased downforce by 53% and aerodynamic efficiency by 66% through larger rear wing, revised front splitter, and optimized underbody enabling cornering speeds exceeding Formula 1 capabilities at specific circuits demonstrating Le Mans Prototype performance potential without regulatory constraints.
The 919 Hybrid Evo achieved extraordinary performance benchmarks during 2018 tribute tour including Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record of 5:19.546 driven by Timo Bernhard breaking previous 35-year Stefan Bellof record, establishing fastest-ever production-based vehicle Nordschleife lap until 2019. Spa-Francorchamps lap of 1:41.770 by Neel Jani surpassed Lewis Hamilton 2017 F1 pole position time demonstrating LMP1 hybrid technology superiority in unrestricted configuration, with top speed reaching 369.4 km/h during Nordschleife record run showcasing extreme performance envelope. Variable-geometry turbochargers developed by Porsche utilizing 3D-printed components, sophisticated energy recovery systems harvesting braking and exhaust energy through front-axle electric motor and MGU-H respectively, and seven-speed sequential transmission create technologically advanced hybrid powertrain representing pinnacle of Porsche motorsport engineering derived from three consecutive Le Mans 24 Hours victories 2015-2017 and WRC manufacturer championships. Limited demonstration-only status prevents competitive racing utilization, with 919 Evo representing ultimate expression of modern endurance racing technology freed from regulatory limitations showcasing theoretical performance ceiling of hybrid Le Mans Prototype architecture before Porsche Formula E entry concluded internal combustion motorsport participation.