The Science Behind Porsche's Record-Breaking V4 Engine (2024)

As enthusiasts of the automotive world, we're accustomed to hearing about V-6, V-8, V-10, and even V-12 engine blocks in our everyday conversations, but V-4 engines might seem a bit more foreign. Despite their existence, it's more typical in the automotive industry to come across inline four-cylinder engines, while V-4 engines remain mainly reserved for high-performance motorcycles.

The prevalence of inline-four engines in cars can be attributed to several factors, including their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and ease of manufacturing, rendering them suitable for a broad spectrum of vehicles, ranging from economical commuter cars to sporty compacts.

While V-4 engines have long been associated with motorcycles, there have been isolated cases where this engine configuration was given a chance in the automotive world. It all began with Ford in the post-war era, followed by Lancia, and ultimately, Porsche emerged as the brand that made the most of this setup.

In recent years, especially, there has been a resurgence of interest in V-4 engines for automotive use, driven by advancements in technology and a growing demand for smaller, more efficient powertrains. Despite being less common, V-4 engines do offer distinct advantages, and this is where Porsche comes into play to showcase its true potential.

Through the development of the V-4 engine introduced in the 919 Hybrid, the German automaker achieved remarkably efficient engine performance, capitalizing on several advantages of employing this engine type in conjunction with a hybrid system. This achievement not only led the company to victory at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans but also shattered the Nürburgring lap record, demonstrating the prowess of Porsche's engineering capabilities in harnessing the potential of V-4 engines in high-performance applications.

Porsche Incorporated The V-4 Alongside A Hybrid System To Maximize Efficiency

The design of the V engine traces back to the early 20th century and has evolved significantly over the years. Initially, this engine type found its niche primarily in motorcycles and small cars. However, with technological advancements and the demand for increased power, V-4 engines began to be utilized in high-end and sports cars as well.

Throughout automotive history, only a few companies have ventured into equipping V-4 engines within the engine bays of their vehicles. Ford, marking the initial foray in the post-war era, supplied engines to Swedish automaker, Saab and also incorporated them into the Taurus.

This was followed by Italian automaker Lancia, seen in models such as the Fulvia. Lancia's case is particularly noteworthy because their angle was so tightly configured that they managed to utilize only a single cylinder head. Lastly, Porsche joined this exclusive club, showcasing their engineering prowess by incorporating a V-4 engine into the 919 Hybrid.

Very Specific Advantages Of The V-4 Catapulted Its Consideration

Amid the automotive engineering arena, Porsche has once again showcased its prowess with the introduction of a turbocharged internal combustion engine, boasting four cylinders, and strategically placed on the rear axle. This innovative powerplant is complemented by a sophisticated energy recovery system, harnessing exhaust gases, and incorporating cutting-edge lithium-ion battery technology for efficient energy storage, subsequently transmitted to the front axle.

The compact size, remarkable stiffness, and impressive fuel efficiency of this engine prompted the German manufacturer to integrate it into the Porsche 919 Hybrid, and later, into the recent Evo version. The inherent advantages of the V-4 configuration made it an ideal choice for powering the 919 Hybrid, allowing for optimal weight distribution and enhanced handling on the track.

With a substantial budget allocated for the development of the 919 Hybrid, Porsche had the resources and expertise to maximize the potential of both the V-4 engine and the hybrid technology, resulting in a formidable race car that dominated the endurance racing scene.

The Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo Puts Up To 1160 Horsepower

The Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo is equipped with a gasoline-powered V-4 engine, boasting a displacement of 2.0 liters and a turbocharger, delivering a maximum power output of approximately 720 horsepower. This potent engine is connected to the rear axle, ensuring formidable performance on the track. Additionally, the race car features a 440-horsepower electric motor responsible for propelling the front wheels. This electric motor obtains electric power through two energy recovery systems, further enhancing the car's efficiency and performance.

The first of these is a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery, which temporarily stores energy harvested from the front axle during braking, as well as energy generated by exhaust gases. This enhanced propulsion system is the most powerful and efficient ever incorporated into previous WEC vehicles, such as the conventional 919 Hybrid.

The world champion engine, with a displacement of just 2.0 liters, stands as the most efficient combustion engine Porsche has ever built, boasting a combined power output of 1,160 horsepower while only weighing 1871 pounds.

Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo Specs

(Data sourced from Porsche)

The designation "919" pays homage to Porsche's illustrious racing heritage, specifically referencing the iconic 917 from the 1970s and the groundbreaking 918, a hybrid supercar that made its debut in 2013.

V-4 Engine: Benefits That Paved The Way For Its Implementation

In the realm of automotive engineering, the compact nature of the V-4 engine offers significant advantages, particularly in terms of packaging. This compact design allows for easier integration into vehicles, resulting in more efficient use of space and a sleeker overall profile.

Furthermore, the V-4 engine's short crankshafts contribute to reducing unwanted vibrations during operation. By setting the engine banks at a 90-degree angle to each other, primary forces during reciprocation are balanced out, leading to smoother operation.

Beyond its compactness, the V-4 engine's stiffness is another notable advantage. This enhanced rigidity allows the engine to serve as a structural member of the car, contributing to overall chassis stiffness and rigidity. In the world of racing, where every ounce of performance matters, stiffness is paramount. By leveraging the stiffness of the V-4 engine, racing teams can achieve greater agility and responsiveness on the track, ultimately translating to improved lap times and performance.

However, There Are Reasons For Its Lack Of Widespread Usage

V-4 engines are considered rare in the automotive world due to their complexity and higher development costs compared to conventional inline engines. Unlike inline engines, V-4 engines typically feature two valve trains, two cylinder heads, and two exhaust manifolds, which adds to their intricacy and manufacturing costs.

The dual nature of V-4 engines contributes to their versatility and performance potential, but it also requires more intricate engineering and precision manufacturing processes. As a result, V-4 engines are often reserved for specialized applications where their unique characteristics, such as compact size and balanced configuration, have a huge impact worth investing in.

Making A Splash: The Impact Of The V-4 Engine On The 919 Hybrid

Indeed, motorcycle enthusiasts are likely much more familiar with V-4 engines, as various manufacturers have offered them throughout history. For instance, the Aprilia RSV4 and the Ducati Panigale V4 are two prime examples of motorcycles equipped with V-4 powerplants. When it comes to cars, as previously stated, only three automotive companies have ever installed them in the engine bay of their vehicles.

Porsche Became The Latest Addition To The Select Club

The latest manufacturer to incorporate a V-4 engine into an automobile was Porsche, notably with their Porsche 919 LMP1 Hybrid and Hybrid Evo race cars. It's important to note that these vehicles are specifically designed for competition rather than mass production for the consumer market.

Porsche's decision to utilize a V-4 engine in the 919 LMP1 Hybrid and Hybrid Evo represents a bold departure from conventional race car powertrain configurations. By opting for a V-4 layout coupled with hybrid technology, Porsche aimed to maximize performance and efficiency on the racetrack while adhering to strict regulations governing endurance racing.

Porsche capitalized on the V-4 engine's blend of compactness and stiffness when designing the powertrain for the 919, and the results speak for themselves.

The Process Yielded Success That Was Reflected On The Track

The compact nature of the V-4 engine enabled Porsche to achieve superior weight distribution and aerodynamics, crucial factors in the competitive world of endurance racing. Additionally, the engine's stiffness contributed to the overall structural integrity of the 919, enhancing stability and responsiveness on the track.

Their success speaks volumes. This assertion is firmly grounded in their current record for the fastest lap at the Nürburgring, clocking in at an astonishing time of 5 minutes and 19.55 seconds. Furthermore, their triumph extends to their three-time championship victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which marked a significant milestone as this engine is the first of its kind (in terms of cylinder count, layout, and displacement) to clinch victory at the prestigious race.

Weissach Once Again Became The Epicenter Of Porsche's Latest Triumph

As is customary with all Porsche models, the 919 Hybrid Evo was meticulously crafted at Porsche's renowned Research and Development Center in Weissach. This facility serves as the epicenter of innovation and engineering excellence for the brand. In the case of the 919 Hybrid Evo's propulsion system, a dedicated team led by Hitzinger collaborated closely with engineers tasked with developing Porsche's production series vehicles.

Insights From This Experience

The V-4 engine, despite its inherent complexity and costliness, and its quite common struggles with balance, has the potential to emerge as a true world-beater if put in the hands of skilled engineers and designers. Porsche, renowned for its prowess in automotive engineering, exemplifies this truth through its adept utilization of the V-4 powerplant.