EXCLUSIVE. Test of the Porsche 919 Hybrid for the 70th anniversary of Porsche

This Friday, June 8, Porsche celebrates its 70th anniversary. The height of propriety, the German manufacturer gave us a unique gift by inviting us to drive a three-time world champion, winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, recently retired. And because this type of mission does not allow for improvisation, the immersion was total.

Published on 08/06/2018 à 13:32

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EXCLUSIVE. Test of the Porsche 919 Hybrid for the 70th anniversary of Porsche

“Weissach, Germany, Wednesday May 23, 2018, 11 a.m. In exchange for my smart-phone, a badge with my name is given to me at reception. He authorizes me to enter the holy of holies, the center of development Porsche. (...) Before taking control of the most successful LM P1 prototype of the last four years, Porsche ensured that preparation worthy of the name was provided. »

This is how our exclusive test of the Porsche 919 Hybrid begins. Over nine pages, the editor-in-chief of your favorite magazine dissects in detail the unique experience of driving a 1 horsepower LM P1 prototype.

It is electric

Thanks for being with us and bringing our #919tribute home safely

Good job @abms_reporter @autohebdo @autozeitung @BBC_TopGear @DickieMeaden @evomagazine @harrismonkey @ rtl2 #matthiasmalmedie @MotorTrend @RandyPobst @sportauto
and VOX auto mobil pic.twitter.com/yv15B1kCgM

— Porsche LMP1 Team (@Porsche_Team) 30th May 2018

A day of training in the German simulator, accompanied by briefings with various engineers, was necessary to obtain authorization to drive such a car on the Motorland Aragon circuit (Spain).

Photo gallery of the test

The following week, head to the track located in the Spanish desert for ten unique laps. CARhebdo was also the only French media on site. “My heartbeat is slow, but brutal. In radio, Olivier (Champenois, operating engineer) gives me the first instructions – Contact… Ignition On… Hybrid On – then gives me the order to start the 4-cylinder 2.0 turbo. His awakening is accompanied by vibrations in my spine…”

From the first accelerations, I am amazed by the extreme sensitivity of the accelerator. The subtlest pressure is accompanied by a leap forward which cools the desire to put one's foot in the sheet metal.

How is a 1 horsepower LM P1 driven? What sensations can we feel? What time did AUTO achieve?hebdo in the simulator and on the circuit, facing references Marc Lieb and Neel Jani? Find out in issue 2166 of AUTOhebdo, on sale on newsstands and in digital version.