WORLD CHAMPIONS UNWRAP NEW 919

Ahead of The Prologue at Monza, Porsche launched its updated 919 Hybrid which the German marque hopes will defend its FIA World Endurance Championship Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ titles in LMP1.

The new 919 Hybrid car features a radically revised aerodynamic package, in compliance with new regulations from the FIA placing limitations on downforce, and will be powered by a 2-litre V4 combustion engine, the most efficient in Porsche’s history to date.

This will be combined with an 8MJ hybrid system which recovers energy during acceleration and braking, generating 900 BHP.

Porsche displayed the car in low-downforce spec at Monza alongside other hybrid vehicles from the performance range, demonstrating the transfer of technology from the race track to the road.

TOYOTA BRING NEW TS050 TO MONZA

Toyota Gazoo Racing unveiled the latest evolution of its TS050 HYBRID, which the Japanese manufacturer hopes will return them to the top of the FIA World Endurance Championship for the first time since 2014.

All nine drivers and Toyota senior team management were present as the car was introduced to the world media at Monza, where the official two-day Prologue will be staged this weekend.

A joint effort between engineers in Germany and Japan, Toyota’s new LMP1 challenger has undergone extensive development over the winter to comply with the ACO’s new technical regulations and take the challenge to reigning champions Porsche.

It has already completed over 30,000 km of testing across Europe, including four 30-hour endurance tests, as Toyota target a first victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June especially after last year’s heart-breaking finish.

The car boasts a new 2.4 litre V6 turbo-charged petrol engine, combined with a smaller, lighter, 8MJ hybrid system delivering 1,000 horsepower.

A raised nose and sharp undercuts to the sidepods are among the raft of modifications to the bodywork aimed at improving aerodynamic efficiency.