Le Mans: the differences between the LMP1 cars explained
Posted on 13-06-2014 at 11:04 by autoblogger – 41 Comments”
This year, the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the sign of the return of Porsche to the Circuit de la Sarthe. The Stuttgarters want to the hegemony of Audi break. But don’t underestimate also Toyota does not. The Japanese brand also showed last year a formidable opponent that Audi multiple times and managed to beat during the races for the World Endurance Championship (WEC).
Yet this year things are different. And that’s not just because of the return of Porsche. The regulations are substantially changed, causing all three of the manufacturers for participation in the top Le Mans Prototype class (LMP1) is a completely new car had to design.
The choice of Audi, Toyota and Porsche for the layout of the powertrain is driven by the variations which the regulations provide. The starting point of these rules is the amount of electrical energy that a car per round, you may consume. There is a choice of four categories between 2 and 8 megajoules per lap. In each of those four comes with a certain amount of fuel, and which is measured every three rounds on average. Exceeding consumption will be duly punished.
The regulation makes it possible to keep a balance between fuel and electric engines. More fuel and less electrical or vice versa. As a result, the technical differences between the three top teams is very big.
Newcomer Porsche has chosen to heavily lean on the electric motors. Why has Porsche the 919 is a 2 litre V4 turbocharged engine to over 500 hp mounted, combined with a system that not only the braking energy on the front axle retrieve, but also the exhaust gas flow is utilized. This is done by means of an additional turbine at the point where otherwise the wastegate would sit. That turbine generates electricity on a package of lithium-ion batteries. Porsche has in the design phase, however, looked to a KERS system and a flywheel, but that fell off. A few years ago, experimented for a Porsche with a hybrid 911 with a vliegwielconstructie that as a kind of oversized tumble dryer on the bijrijdersplek was.
Gallery: Porsche 919 Hybrid 2014
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Toyota has the technical setup of his car has been thoroughly changed. Previously, went in the TS-030 the often of the V8 and the electro-power fully to the rear wheels. This year, the Japanese have opted for a more complex system in the TS-040. The front wheels do now too, and are powered by a separate electric motor. The 3,7-litre atmospheric petrol engine with 520 hp to the rear axle to be assisted by another electric motor. Toyota gives the braking energy back to the system via capacitors. The two electric motors together deliver 480 hp, so the car as a whole with 1,000 horsepower at its disposal. With this set-up falls Toyota in the category of 6 megajoules per lap.
Gallery: Toyota TS040 HYBRID
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Gallery: Toyota TS040 HYBRID technique
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Audi seems to be the R18 at first glance, the least changed. The V6 diesel with a single turbo has been increased from 3.7 to 4 litres. It is important that the boost pressure from this year higher. So far was that for diesel engines is limited to 2.8 bar and now may that up to 4 bar. The result is 537 hp and 800 Nm of torque. The electric motor on the front axle receives its power as of old, through a flywheel that store the energy during braking. Audi has chosen the 2 megajoule class.
Gallery: Audi R18 e-tron quattro livery
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In comparison with last year, the cars are 10 inches narrower and two inches higher. Also the bands are narrower. The entire package of changes leads to the fact that Audi and Toyota, completely new cars have been required to develop.
Due to the large differences in characteristic between the cars, none of the three LMP1-toppers the biggest favourite. Audi, of course, can boast more than a decade of Le Mans experience. But this year it is already the third time that Toyota is participating. And don’t forget that the Japanese were already on the French classic, ventured, in 1998 and 1999 with the Toyota GT-One either TS-020. With 16 victories, is Porsche the most successful manufacturer at Le Mans. That list of achievements is, however, no guarantee for success in the first year that the Germans the thread again to pick it up.
Audi was in each case as sporty to Porsche to welcome you with this video. With three promising teams at the top of the field, how different also, promises in any case an exciting match.
With thanks to Robert van den Oever and Maarten van der Pas for the above mentioned guest stars!
NOTE: Now is the qualification behind the back. Toyota on pole and Porsche in second place. Audi is not easy to get to the thirteenth LMP1 victory in fifteen years time fishing with their first car on place 5 but the crash of Loic Duval is also not particularly helpful have been of course.
PositieTeamStartnummerTijdGap
1Toyota Racing73:21.7890.000
2Porsche Team143:22.146 +0.357
3Toyota Racing83:22.523+0.734
4Porsche Team203:22.908+1.119
5Audi Sports Team Joest33:23.271+1.482
6Audi Sports Team Joest23:24.276+2.487
7Audi Sports Team Joest13:25.814+4.025
8Rebellion Racing123:29.763 +7.974
9Rebellion Racing133:31.608+9.819