Peugeot 908 (racing prototype)

Peugeot
Peugeot 908 at the Le Mans pre-test 2011
908
Production period:	2011
Class :	race car
Body versions :	Coupe
Engines:	Diesel engine : 3.7 liters (405 kW)
Length:	4640 mm
Width:	2000 mm
Height:	1030 mm
Wheelbase :	2950 mm
Empty weight :	900 kg
Previous model	Peugeot 908 HDi FAP

The Peugeot 908 is a sports prototype from the French car manufacturer Peugeot . The car was specially developed and built for the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC).

history

The sports prototype was developed in 2011 on the basis of the predecessor Peugeot 908 HDi FAP .

In the first race of the ILMC, the 12-hour race in Sebring , the two Peugeot 908s took 3rd and 8th place, with the Oreca-Matmut team taking the victory with the previous model 908 HDi FAP. Peugeot finished the second race at Spa-Francorchamps with a double victory. At the Le Mans 24-hour race in 2011 , the three Peugeot works cars that competed took positions 2 to 4 in the overall standings. The best-placed Peugeot 908 was only 13 seconds behind the victorious Audi R18 . In the remaining four races of the ILMC in Imola , Silverstone , Road Atlanta and Zhuhai , Peugeot each won the Manufacturers Cup and Team Cup in the LMP1 class.

technology

Due to the changes in the regulations in 2011, however, a smaller diesel engine than in the previous model was installed. It is a 3.7 liter V8 engine that delivers 405 kW (550 hp). In accordance with the changes in the regulations, a fin was added above the engine cover to prevent the vehicle from rolling over in the event of an accident. In addition, now the same tire size was on the front axle as used at the rear axle, on both axles magnesium wheels were mounted with 14.5 inch wide, with the Michelin - Radial tires were / frosted size 37 71-18. Further modifications to the chassis should improve the drivability of the vehicle.

Peugeot 908 Hybrid4

Peugeot 908 Hybrid at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show

At the Geneva Motor Show 2011, Peugeot presented the hybrid variant 908 Hybrid4 , which also had a 59 kW electric motor that automatically directed its power to the rear axle. Its drive energy was stored in lithium-ion batteries , which could absorb energy of up to 500 kJ during braking. Unlike the KERS system in Formula 1, the system was not activated by the driver at the push of a button, but worked independently. Despite the additional hybrid system, the minimum weight of 900 kg stipulated in the regulations was not exceeded.

The hybrid variant was to be used in the 2011 Le Mans pre-test. On April 11, 2011, Peugeot announced that it would concentrate entirely on using the normal version of the Peugeot 908 due to doubts about the reliability of the hybrid technology. The hybrid version will make its racing debut at the earliest in the final race of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup 2011 in November.

In mid-November 2011, when the racing calendar for the new FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) was presented, Peugeot's chief technology officer, Bruno Famin, commented positively on the start of further races and the like. a. in Brasil. However, he also feared cost increases, the now announced world championship would result in more numerous tests, and logistics problems are to be expected due to the distribution of the races. On January 18, 2012, Peugeot announced that the 2012 team would neither compete in the WEC nor in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The reason given for the immediate withdrawal from long-distance sport was economic difficulties in the European sales market. On March 30, 2012, Bruno Famin announced further information on the discontinuation of the racing program. According to this, the hybrid drive had proven itself in extensive tests and an internal cost reduction plan had been drawn up. For the first five WEC races, including the Le Mans race, two 908 Hybrid4s would have been used at the factory . A new private team would have contested the last three races. However, this plan was rejected by the PSA board at short notice . The 908 Hybrid4 was never used in competition conditions.

Results

year	event	No.	team	chassis	Driver 1	Driver 2	Driver 3	Result
2011	Le Mans	7th	Team Peugeot Total		Alexander Wurz	Marc Gené	Anthony Davidson	4th
		8th	Team Peugeot Total		Nicolas Minassian	Stéphane Sarrazin	Franck Montagny	3.
		9	Peugeot Sport Total		Sébastien Bourdais	Pedro Lamy	Simon Pagenaud	2.

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Tech Specs. (No longer available online.) Peugeot Sports, archived from the original on April 4, 2012 ; Retrieved October 12, 2012 . 
2. ↑ Peugeot: No hybrid test in Le Mans. motorsport-total.com, April 11, 2011, accessed June 19, 2011 . 
3. ↑ Ullrich: "A shame about the Petit Le Mans". motorsport-total.com, November 18, 2011, accessed October 12, 2012 . 
4. Jump up : Peugeot stops Le Mans program. motorsport-total.com, January 18, 2012, accessed October 12, 2012 . 
5. ↑ Peugeot: There was a rescue plan. motorsport-total.com, March 30, 2012, accessed October 12, 2012 .