The 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans is almost upon us (and I hope they got security on this racing event because of...well, you know), and before we get ready for this summer's endurance event, it might be best to look back at last year's winner at Le Mans, which is by no means a surprise for racing fans many since its return two years ago.
Yes, the arrival of the #19 Porsche Team 919 Hybrid on Forza Motorsport 6's Porsche Expansion pack, available now, is a surprise feat for players just to get to know more about this particular LMP1 Porsche that dominated last year's Le Mans against Audi's dominant R18 e-tron quattro. So, what's it all about?
Since 2014, Porsche returns to Le Mans with their first ever 919 Hybrid, an LMP1 prototype made to compete at the FIA World Endurance Championship. For the 2015, the 919 was been heavily revised with new body parts, allowing it to weigh 870kg (calculated without driver or fuel). With the new upgrades, the 919's subclass has been promoted from 6MJ to 8MJ.
Like the 2014-spec, the 919 features a 2.0L fuel-injected V4 engine with li-ion battery for energy recovery in mid-mounted longitudinal configuration. The hybrid powerplant is capable of producing 900HP of power output and 1,100lb-ft of torque, while mated with a 7-speed hydraulically-activated sequential gearbox with rear-lock differential. It features a bodywork blend of carbon fiber and aluminium as well as independent multi-link pushrod suspension.
At the 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans, the #19 Porsche Team 919 Hybrid, driven by Earl Bamber, Nico Hulkenberg, and Nick Tandy, emerged as the winner, dethroning Audi's reigning R18 e-tron quattro by a margin. At the 2015 FIA WEC season, thanks to the performance done by the #17, #18, and #19 919 machines, the team emerged as the constructors' champion of the 2015 season.
If you were like one of the many notable drivers behind the wheel of Porsche's Le Mans-winning machine even those who are involved in Formula One such as Mark Webber or Nico Hulkenberg, then you're very pleased about getting the chance to drive the 919 round the track, especially when you're polishing up your driving skills at your next e-sports event involving LMP1 machines like this in the game.
As you get behind the wheel of last year's champion, you will experience that driving this LMP1 prototype can be somewhat tricky at first but with enough practice, the 919 will be a capable LMP1 prototype that can take on whatever it stands on its way, especially Audi's R18 e-tron. Most of the players who spent countless days perfecting their racing techniques with the 919 Hybrid will realize just how great the LMP1's potential is, especially taking on the e-sports world or getting ready for the real Le Mans race this summer.
Speaking of potential, let's try compare the 919 Hybrid against other LMP1 competitors. There's the Audi R18 e-tron quattro that was an unbeatable force at Le Mans until the 919 beat it last year, and then, there's the TS030 HYBRID, the one that won the 2014 WEC season.
This should be a fun experiment to conduct and with Le Mans is upon us, now's the better time to do it, putting Le Man's finest to the test and see if the 919 has a possibility to score another win at this year's Le Mans.
And now, the results...
919 - 3:43.654
R18 - 3:44.604
TS040 - 3:44.895
So, in theory, the 919 Hybrid from Porsche may have a better chance to score another win at this year's Le Mans but with everything changed for the 2016 season, looks like there's a slight chance that Audi's new and improved R18 may strike a revenge hit against Porsche or should Porsche defend its honor with its slightly revised 919 Hybrid. Whatever what will expect for this season, it would be difficult to place your bets whether if Porsche defend its Le Mans honor or will Audi plots vengeance against Porsche this season...or rather there could be a third option coming up but oh well.
It feels good to be part of the Porsche 919 Hybrid experience at Forza Motorsport 6's Porsche Expansion, available now. If you haven't got your hands with this expansion, now's the time to do it and if you have it, you can experience Porsche's Le Mans-winning machine at the comfort of the living room. It maybe tricky to drive at the beginning but it can be the ideal LMP1 prototype to drive in this game that can adapt through various situations on track. Hope this isn't the last time fans will meet up with the 919 Hybrid.
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