Porsche 919 Hybrid Racecar Hits 200 MPH During Testing on Monza, Sparks Fly

Nevertheless, before moving forward, we’ll remind you Porsche took a one-two victory in this year’s Circuit de La Sarthe offensive. Moreover, their 919 Hybrid, which received a major overhaul for the 2015 season, became the first and (so far) only racecar to compete in the 8MJ energy recuperation class. To put it shortly, this means the car is a more ferocious hybrid compared to its competitors.

"The 2015 Porsche 919 Hybrid is approximately 85-90 percent completely new, " Team Principal Andreas Seidl said. "We took our time on going 8MJ as we had to validate what we had seen on the simulations. Of course we do not know what our competitors will be like on the all-round pace of the package."

The footage below brings us the 919 Hybrid testing on the Monza track in Italy. The machine climbs as high as 200 mph (320 km/h), while also showing phenomenal levels of grip. The aerodynamics obviously play an important role here, with Porsche engineers introducing a twin exhaust systems that also helps boost the 919’s aero efficiency for 2015.

A certain area of the circuit causes the 919 to rub its rear diffuser agains the asphalt, with sparks flying around on each pass. Since we’re talking about endurance racing here, this bit is almost mandatory.

Then again, you expect this kind of performance when you have a machine that tips the scales at 870 kg (1,918 lbs) and delivers around 900 hp, of which over 500 comes from a turbocharged two-liter V4 engine.

In the energy recovery field, the 919 features front axle kinetic and exhaust gas recuperation, as well as a battery storage system to feed those 400 electric horses.

As for the aural side of the experience, the opinions are split. You can check out the voice of that V4 in the clip below and have your say on the matter.