Quote:
Originally Posted by RedBaron
I still do not understand why they put a V4 engine in a race car. Was it to save space for all of the electrical junk?
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Not exactly sure. In the February Christophorus (Porsche) magazine, the head of the 919 program cited reasons of using the motor as a stressed member and certain "thermodynamic benefits." The exhaust flow powers not only a turbocharger, but also some sort of a "dynamo" for energy recovery (Christophorus is more marketing than technical). Perhaps location of those ancillary components is benefitted from the engine's V-configuration.
The rules don't specify cylinder count, displacement, or fuel type. But depending on the power of the hybrid system, there are varying amounts of fuel the car can consume per lap. More available hybrid power, less fuel allotment.