RE: Porsche LMP1 confirms 4-cyl hybrid

[J-P]

Clivey said:

J-P said:

Not all 4 cylinders sounds naff

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cf_NH8yoCgY

Of course; you're right. The problem is that most new FI 4-cylinder cars are designed with economy in mind and end-up sounding dull.

J-P said:

Also - why is it that when we enthusiasts discuss multi-cylinder engines, we aren't including 4 cylinder engines in that description? Surely anything with 2 cylinders or more qualifies as multi-cylinder?

Again; can't argue!

FI 4 cylinder rally cars sound pretty good? Especially boxer ones. To be honest I don't think I've heard a bad sounding petrol race engine? Bike engines sound pretty awesome and are inline 4s by and large.

[Clivey]

J-P said:

FI 4 cylinder rally cars sound pretty good? Especially boxer ones. To be honest I don't think I've heard a bad sounding petrol race engine? Bike engines sound pretty awesome and are inline 4s by and large.

And there's the distinction.

[XJ Flyer]

So in addition to having to drive from Calais to Le Mans without exceeding 130 kmh on a clear autoroute assuming we get there without getting nicked one of the top class LMP entries will be a 4 cylinder hybrid.That's in addition to the ASton and Corvette GT cars not being able to use their optimum engines in the form of a possible 7 litre V12 and V8.The French really are having a laugh and I certainly won't be wasting my money.

[OvalOwl]

TransverseTight said:

Actually we are all wrong. It's a 23h45 min sprint. It's visibly noticeable that they have a gentlemanly wind down on the last 2 laps / 15 minutes as they get themselves into position to come over the line together. ;-)

Last year was Audi, Toyota, Audi, Toyota, Audi so there must have been some agreement in the garages not to go full blat till the chequered flag. Was the best race I've seen since, er, 2012 when IIRC Peugeot were 12 seconds behind the lead Audi with less than half hour to go.

And Audi and the Pug were going at it max chat till, oh at least the Porsche Curves on the final lap.

This year we were denied the GT Pros going at it in the final hour by some LMP2 machinery being pointed at the armco in a torrential rain shower and the ensuing Safety Car.

[Dusty964]

XJ Flyer said:

So in addition to having to drive from Calais to Le Mans without exceeding 130 kmh on a clear autoroute assuming we get there without getting nicked one of the top class LMP entries will be a 4 cylinder hybrid.That's in addition to the ASton and Corvette GT cars not being able to use their optimum engines in the form of a possible 7 litre V12 and V8.The French really are having a laugh and I certainly won't be wasting my money.

So, the whole weekend revolves around not being able to speed on the way there, one entry being a 4 cylinder, and 2 others not using the engines you would like them to?

[XJ Flyer]

Dusty964 said:

XJ Flyer said:

So in addition to having to drive from Calais to Le Mans without exceeding 130 kmh on a clear autoroute assuming we get there without getting nicked one of the top class LMP entries will be a 4 cylinder hybrid.That's in addition to the ASton and Corvette GT cars not being able to use their optimum engines in the form of a possible 7 litre V12 and V8.The French really are having a laugh and I certainly won't be wasting my money.

So, the whole weekend revolves around not being able to speed on the way there, one entry being a 4 cylinder, and 2 others not using the engines you would like them to?

As I said the whole event over the years has mostly revolved around a 'good run' on clear French roads,of which being strictly limited to 130 kmh is a joke,and then expecting to see some decent machinery in an endurance race .When what we've got now is just neutered celebration of the eco car cause both in terms of the run there and the 'race'.While that may be fine for some people it shouldn't be any big surprise that it's not to others who preferred the better days.

[Red Firecracker]

It's very dangerous to assume that what the event means/meant to you is what it means/meant to other people.

Thankfully, there are still people who enjoy it.

[Some Gump]

Red Firecracker said:

It's very dangerous to assume that what the event means/meant to you is what it means/meant to other people.

Thankfully, there are still people who enjoy it.

I wrote a reply to XJF then didn't bother. However, it was basically:
1 - If a bunch of foreigners came over here we'd expect them to obey our laws. It is only correct that we abide by whatever laws the French have - after all they're nice enough to us to let us enjoy their country.
2 - The French didn't make a rule that makes a 4 cyl engine. The Germans (Porsche) decided the the quickest way to do 24 hours was a 4 cyl hybrid. They were equally free to use a V12, a quad rotary or steam, but put sporting achievement above what 1 bloke on the internet wanted. can't lame the French though.
3 - For many, Le Mans is inpriational because it's the cutting edge of technology. If one wants to see old technology and enjoyment is based purely on volume, then I suggest that XJF's attention might be better suited to something like NASCAR, Aussie V8 supercars or whatnot. They're really loud, and sometimes they even crash. Mind, the Yanks and Aussies aren't paticularly keen on letting you speed through their countries as you deem fit either, so maybe you should write something derisory about them in advance.

TL;DR? Le Mans is a better event without any daft "us and them" bks with the French. IMO noone will miss you in June.

[Red Firecracker]

Quite. But then again, I'm one of those boring sods who is looking for ways to get live timing in my Tribune seat. Difficult to speed down there in a camper van as well!

[J-P]

Clivey said:

And there's the distinction.

Indeed - and as this is a petrol driven race car - it will have a petrol race engine, which is likely to sound good! Certainly, at this stage (i.e. when nobody has heard it), it's somewhat premature to say in absolute terms that it will sound either good or bad but I'm willing to reserve judgement until I've heard it.

On a slightly separate note, I think Le Mans is fascinating. Loads of different types of cars, awesome tech, some big names battling it out. I think it's the most interesting motor race you can watch - way more interesting than F1, which seems to be all about who can afford Adrian Newey?

[zebedee]

XJ Flyer said:

So in addition to having to drive from Calais to Le Mans without exceeding 130 kmh on a clear autoroute assuming we get there without getting nicked one of the top class LMP entries will be a 4 cylinder hybrid.That's in addition to the ASton and Corvette GT cars not being able to use their optimum engines in the form of a possible 7 litre V12 and V8.The French really are having a laugh and I certainly won't be wasting my money.

And there will be no McNish to cheer on either!

[Rick_1138]

At least in that pic, it appears Mark is able to enjoy a bacon roll or 2 after the gaunt look he had as an F1 driver, especially in his cheeks

Hope he enjoys his time at Porsche. Looking forward to my usual Eurosport 24 hr marathon

[Some Gump]

I read today it was a v4, but have previously understood it to be an inline 4.
Anyone know the definate answer?

[rogerhudson]

XJ Flyer said:

So in addition to having to drive from Calais to Le Mans without exceeding 130 kmh on a clear autoroute assuming we get there without getting nicked one of the top class LMP entries will be a 4 cylinder hybrid.That's in addition to the ASton and Corvette GT cars not being able to use their optimum engines in the form of a possible 7 litre V12 and V8.The French really are having a laugh and I certainly won't be wasting my money.

Go to the classic Le Mans weekend to see some really great cars in action.

[Red Firecracker]

Racecar Engineering suggest a V4;

http://www.racecar-engineering.com/cars/porsche-91...

[XJ Flyer]

rogerhudson said:

XJ Flyer said:

So in addition to having to drive from Calais to Le Mans without exceeding 130 kmh on a clear autoroute assuming we get there without getting nicked one of the top class LMP entries will be a 4 cylinder hybrid.That's in addition to the ASton and Corvette GT cars not being able to use their optimum engines in the form of a possible 7 litre V12 and V8.The French really are having a laugh and I certainly won't be wasting my money.

Go to the classic Le Mans weekend to see some really great cars in action.

+1

I've preferred to go to that since it started with even the spectator regime being more acceptable such as in the case of being able to use the old Hanaudieres bar/cafe to spectate on the Mulsanne whereas it's closed off in the case of the 24 hours race.It would be even better if they'd raise the age cut off to include Group C cars.Which just leaves the problem that Les Flics will still be out to get us on the way there and back.lol

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yr37dvMvVgs

[AlexS]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

The turbo direct injection petrol engine was racing at Le Mans before it appeared in a road car.