Video: The Porsche F1 engine that never raced
Porsche has been at or very near the pinnacle of motorsport for decades. No manufacturer has more wins at Le Mans, with 19 victories to Porsche’s name, and in 2019 it joined the Formula E grid. But the German manufacturer’s racing fortune could have been so different, both in Formula 1 and later Le Mans with the incredibly successful Porsche 919 Hybrid LMP1 programme.
Powered by a 2.0-litre, 500PS V4 coupled with a double hybrid system, the 919 Hybrid took three World Endurance Championship titles and three Le Mans victories in four attempts.
Towards the end of this programme, the engineers began experimenting, creating an engine that could pass as an F1 variant. And that V6 powertrain would have been ready for 2021, had it not been for parent group Volkswagen Audi Group finding itself in trouble and shelving the project.
However, work on the engine continued, as did the Porsche rumour mill. With an established engine, and an eye to return to Le Mans, in today’s elevenses Drivetribe asks whether we could soon see Porsche at the top of the Le Mans podium once again...
Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Onboard a ten‑tenths 911 RSR duel
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