Porsche names new LMP1 racer

In a press release today Porsche has named its new LMP1 coupe the 919 hybrid. "The vehicle name 919 hybrid follows on from the tradition of the Le Mans-winning 917, but it is also with a view to the 918 Spyder and also acknowledges the company's embarkation into the hybrid future," explained Porsche research and development boss Wolfgang Hatz, the board member responsible for motorsport.

Porsche briefly showed the 919 at its Night of Champions event in Germany on Saturday night, but did not reveal technical details. That means it has yet to confirm the configuration of gasoline-powered turbo engine in the car, which is understood to be a V4.