[WEC] Porsche Prototype Discussion

[Spyderman]

I'm still confused by how this was not detected after the hours and hours the engine ran on the test-beds. (if this is indeed the case)

[NelisB]

Originally Posted by Spyderman

I'm still confused by how this was not detected after the hours and hours the engine ran on the test-beds. (if this is indeed the case)

Well look at the problems Renault are having with their engine in F1. That's supposed to be running on a test-bed for a couple of years now and it's not that good to put it mildly.

[Spyderman]

yes...but at least the Renault engine is not vibrating the car to pieces and allowing the drivers to see and breathe.

[NelisB]

Originally Posted by Spyderman

yes...but at least the Renault engine is not vibrating the car to pieces and allowing the drivers to see and breathe.

That's a good point .

[Spyderman]

I now fully understand why Mark Webber keeps saying "ah look...we need more time" whenever he is asked how things are going with testing.
Perhaps he should be saying "ah look....we need a new engine".

[PascaLM]

Originally Posted by Spyderman

I'm still confused by how this was not detected after the hours and hours the engine ran on the test-beds. (if this is indeed the case)

I think they had measured all axial and radial vibrations of the engine on the test bed, covering the range of speeds.
But it's probably difficult to simulate and detect what could be their real effects on the chassis.
Only a big resonance issue can affect pilots in this way.

[Spyderman]

OK thanks!

I suppose now we just wait and see what turns up at the "Prologue".

[PascaLM]

Originally Posted by Spyderman

OK thanks!

I suppose now we just wait and see what turns up at the "Prologue".

Yes, we have to wait and see.
We will know that there is no more vibrations issue if the pilots don't look blurred on pictures as they jumped out of their cars.

[Spyderman]

...and if they are not green and suffering from The DT's (Delirium Tremens)

[vincegail]

nothing to see here....

[The Badger]

They want to get back in shape . Hire Norbert Singer and give him a free hand ..... end of .

[NelisB]

Originally Posted by The Badger

They want to get back in shape . Hire Norbert Singer and give him a free hand ..... end of .

Would love to see that happen. But isn't he a bit retired?

[Victor_RO]

Originally Posted by NelisB

Would love to see that happen. But isn't he a bit retired?

Either retired or working for the ACO at the moment.

[The Badger]

If I was Porsche Id have a heli and a red carpet outside his home in the morning .

[The Badger]

Originally Posted by PascaLM

Their programme and preparation should be as strong as their media campaign.

Im not sure I like the way Porsche are blowing their trumpets .....

[Spyderman]

I think they are being quite realistic (Porsche Motorsport). They know this is a development year. Its the marketing guys that are trying to cash in...and that's nothing new.

[Dimension]

according to sport-auto (german), both audi and porsche have apparantly said that being in the 6mJ class might be a better place to be than the full 8mJ.

Despite the fact that the regulations encourage teams to go into the big 8mJ class, apparently its not really possible to recover that much energy anywhere except on Le Mans with its long and hard braking zones. Meaning that you might actually only benefit in Le Mans, and 6mJ will be more competitive everywhere else.

From the way the article reads, Audi seems to be on the fence about whether or not to downgrade. Toyota apparently will not downgrade because they want to use the hybrid to maxmimum effect for marketing reasons. It didn't say what Porsche thinks about this, but maybe this could be one of the reasons why their car is being redesigned, they my be planning on switching class.

[Simmi]

Originally Posted by The Badger

Im not sure I like the way Porsche are blowing their trumpets .....

With all due respect what have Porsche actually said that you specifically don't like?

Or are you (and others on this thread) criticising them for having the audacity to promote awareness of something they are spending millions on?

Without "the marketing guys" these factories don't go racing.

[Gingers4Justice]

Originally Posted by Simmi

With all due respect what have Porsche actually said that you specifically don't like?

Or are you (and others on this thread) criticising them for having the audacity to promote awareness of something they are spending millions on?

Without "the marketing guys" these factories don't go racing.

I'm also a bit baffled by these complaints. While there would be a lot of style in simply turning up and letting the racing do the talking, I'm not sure that's realistic, or if it's ever been done that way by a manufacturer...

All publicity is good publicity for the WEC.

[NelisB]

Originally Posted by Gingers4Justice

I'm also a bit baffled by these complaints. While there would be a lot of style in simply turning up and letting the racing do the talking, I'm not sure that's realistic, or if it's ever been done that way by a manufacturer...

All publicity is good publicity for the WEC.

Agreed, I'm still wondering sometimes why Toyota don't show the public more of their hybrid racing program.

[GTfour]

Originally Posted by NelisB

Agreed, I'm still wondering sometimes why Toyota don't show the public more of their hybrid racing program.

I guess they're more of the 'letting the racing do the talking' type.

[CyberMotor]

Originally Posted by The Badger

Im not sure I like the way Porsche are blowing their trumpets .....

I've really enjoyed all the buildup, the secrecy accompanied by all the video teasers. It has been fun and really gets the interest up. Can't wait to see it run for real.

As one with experience in both the engineering and sales/marketing worlds, I can see why the engineers are feeling the pressure. I worked in the early days of Personal Computers and our sales guys were out there selling all kinds of crazy promises and expecting us engineering types to deliver. Whenever we asked where the sales guys were getting their ideas, they would pull out a marketing brochure, point and say, "Right here. It's in the brochure!" Just because marketing was saying it and sales were selling it didn't mean it would work as promoted. Therefore, I can understand the engineering guys getting a bit nervous.

The Porsche marketing has been terrific. The engineering, technology and design of the 919 sounds intriguing. But, a V-4??? That choice has always puzzled me. It must vibrate like a chain saw! But, Porsche has had success with a flat 4 so figured they knew what they were doing. Balance, resonance and harmonics always play a big part in all of this.

Can't wait to hear the full story and see the car in action.

[Simmi]

Looks like the marketing guys are the ones holding up their end of the bargain.

[Brake dust]

Despite the fact that the regulations encourage teams to go into the big 8mJ class, apparently its not really possible to recover that much energy anywhere except on Le Mans with its long and hard braking zones. Meaning that you might actually only benefit in Le Mans, and 6mJ will be more competitive everywhere else

Bit surprised by this. Audi always built their car for Le Mans. Still think a Le Mans win trumps WEC.

[CyberMotor]

Originally Posted by Brake dust

Bit surprised by this. Audi always built their car for Le Mans. Still think a Le Mans win trumps WEC.

A Le Mans win followed by losses everywhere else is where WEC trumps Le Mans. Big decisions being made based upon new and untested technologies and rules.