A major upgrade from the 2016 version, this new 919 Hybrid answers to the changes made to the technical regulations in effect as of the first of this year. They include some aerodynamic restrictions aimed at limiting the speed of LM P1s at Le Mans.

The engine remains the same as in previous years, with a 2-liter V4 turbo paired with an 8MJ hybrid system, identical to the one used by its big rival Toyota.

Like the Japanese manufacturer with its new TS050 HYBRID, Porsche specified one feature at the testing sessions at Monza, "low downforce," choosing not to be precise about which aero kit will be utilized at the kickoff of the season at Silverstone (April 15th and 16th).

For the third year in a row, the chassis is the same even though the car itself is is "60 to 70% new," according to Technical Director Andreas Seidl. "The basic concept of the 919 Hybrid still has a lot to offer. It allows us to refine the details and reinforce the efficiency of the whole. The monohull remains the same as 2016, but the optimization potential of all other components was analyzed and, in most cases, adjustments were made accordingly."

Porsche signficantly overhauled its driver line-ups over the winter as only Neel Jani (33) has kept his spot in the word champion car. He will be joined by Audi transplant André Lotterer  (35) and winner at the 2015 24 Hours Nick Tandy (32).

Also a winner at the 2015 edition of Le Mans, Earl Bamber (26) will lend a hand to Timo Bernhard (36) and Brendon Hartley (27) as the replacement for newly retired Mark Webber.

Photo: Copyright - Porsche