Porsche has always been at the forefront of innovation in the world of motor racing. An excellent example of this is the development of turbo technology, which was showcased when the 911 Turbo, Porsche’s first turbocharged series model, was introduced in 1974. With a power output of 260 PS, it was incredibly powerful for its time. The foundation of this cutting-edge engine can be traced back to racing, where supercharging technology was first utilized in the Porsche 917/10. Today, the latest 911 variant boasts a system output of up to 398 kW (541 PS).
The 911 Carrera GTS, another turbocharged model, stands out for incorporating a T-hybrid system for the first time. Porsche’s engineers leveraged their experience gained from motorsports, particularly the three consecutive wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the 919 Hybrid from 2015 to 2017. Porsche aims to achieve its 20th overall victory in Le Mans with the 963-hybrid prototype through the transfer of knowledge and technology from the racetrack to the road.
Porsche’s turbo technology journey begins
In 1970, following their victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the 917 KH, Porsche set their sights on dominating the North American CanAm series. To compete with the large American cars, plans were made for a 16-cylinder power plant, along with the idea of utilizing an exhaust turbocharger for the necessary performance boost. This led to the development of a boost pressure control system on the exhaust side to manage pressure levels effectively, allowing for improved responsiveness and performance.
The introduction of a small turbo on each cylinder bank for the 917/10 Spyder in 1971 marked a breakthrough, resulting in a significant increase in power to 850 PS. Porsche went on to dominate the CanAm series with wins in 1972 and 1973, showcasing the prowess of turbo technology in motorsport.
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Turbo engines redefine Le Mans
Following the success in CanAm, Porsche continued to incorporate turbos in their racing cars, including the iconic 911 Carrera RSR Turbo 2.1 at Le Mans in 1974. This turbocharged model paved the way for the introduction of intercooling in the 911 Turbo, enhancing its power output to 300 PS.
The 936 series achieved back-to-back victories at Le Mans in 1976 and 1977, solidifying Porsche’s dominance with turbo engines. The eventual introduction of the 935 model further exemplified the successful implementation of turbo technology in customer racing.
Racing innovations influence production vehicles
Porsche’s success at Le Mans continued with the 956 and 962 C racing prototypes, which showcased advancements in aerodynamics and efficiency. Technologies like the Motronic engine control unit and the Porsche dual-clutch transmission PDK made their way from the racetrack to production vehicles, emphasizing Porsche’s commitment to innovation.
The 962 C engine also powered the TWR Porsche WSC Spyder to victory at Le Mans in the mid-90s, while the 911 GT1 demonstrated the integration of turbocharging in series production. These successes underscored Porsche’s dedication to using motorsport as a testbed for technological advancements.
Porsche 963: A new era of hybrid engineering
Porsche’s latest endeavor, the 963 hybrid prototype, integrates a V8 engine with turbochargers and a hybrid system to deliver remarkable performance. With a total output of around 515 kW (700 PS), the 963 aims to secure Porsche’s 20th Le Mans victory, showcasing the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of sports car engineering.