2016 Porsche 919 Hybrid Pilots: R. Dumas, N. Jani, M. Lieb Team: Porsche Team Race: 1st overall (LMP1 class) at Le Mans in 2016 Spark - 43LM16 (resin)
Published 07/14/17
The 2016 919 Hybrid is a tweaked version of the car that debuted in 2014. The chassis remains unchanged, and so do the major components of the power train. The engine is the same 2.0-liter turbocharged V4 of 2015, but lighter and more fuel-efficient. However though, it produces less than the 500 hp of the previous year. The power layout is also the same, with the combustion engine powering the rear wheels. The pilot still has on tap an extra 400 hp for the front wheels from an electric motor. What did change was new axles and some aerodynamic bits that now offer greater adjustability. To save weight even the paint scheme was revised, so no more multicolored cars.
The 2016 Le Mans race was not a good race for Porsche up until the very end. The #1 919 had some serious engine troubles during the race, and was not a contender for the podium. The #2 car was doing a lot better, but wasn’t able to get over the lead Toyota TS050 Hybrid. However, when everything seemed lost, four minutes from the end on the home straight the leading Toyota #5 lost all power and had to stop on the track side. With that, 919 Hybrid #2, that was two minutes behind, passed the Toyota and coasted to victory. It was Porsche’s 18th victory at La Sarthe, known as “The Race Toyota Lost”.
Compared to the 2015 car, very little is different, even the livery is similar. But as you see, great craftsmanship from Spark once again. Being critical, even though it’s such a nice model, for a non-Le Mans nut, I guess having only one of them would be more than enough. They do look great, but in my eyes are too similar to justify having both for a regular collector. Unfortunately Porsche hasn’t been very creative with the livery of their cars lately…