This past weekend Porsche fans got to see the debut of the LMP1 Porsche 919 Hybrid. It was put through its paces at the iconic Monza circuit in Italy over the two days of testing. 2017 will be the fourth year in a row that the 919 will be competing in the LeMans Prototype category in the WEC (World Endurance Championship).

Only three things stood out from the test weekend. First was the great man Mark Webber unveiling the new 919 instead of wearing his helmet and race suit. The second was the latest version of the 919 looks much better than its predecessors "Thank you Porsche designers". The third was the fantastic power figures from its tiny engine.

Hypercar and supercar owners will cry themselves to sleep when they read the next few sentences. The 919 Hybrid will go from 0 - 100 kph in 2.2 seconds and it can also do 0 - 200 kph in 4.8 seconds. To do these kinds of numbers, it has to produce more power than a Formula 1 race car. It has a combustion engine producing around 500 hp that’s powering the rear wheels, but it’s also working in unison with an electric motor driving the front wheels that make around 400 hp. With its two engines working together that’s a total of 900 hp.

Now what’s impressive is its combustion engine is a 2.0 litre turbocharged V4, yes that’s correct the engine is a four-cylinder, and it's pushing out 500 horses. The 919 Hybrid has a minimum weight of 875 kgs. So, the 919 will be using that package at this year’s LeMans 24 hour and throughout this year’s WEC. Hopefully, there will be some good results for Porsche and its fans.

The only shame with the LMP1 category is it seems to be reducing each year. This year there will be only two manufacturers racing, Porsche and Toyota. Last year Audi pulled out at the last minute after 18 years of racing. So hopefully next year and beyond more manufacturers will come and compete in LMP1