PAPER 7 Automakers vie for Le Mans with Different Solutions

Racing continues to be the singular, preeminent source of powertrain development for automakers worldwide. Engineering teams rely on motorsports for the latest prototype testing and research. Endurance racing provides the harshest and most illuminating stage for system design validation of any motorsport competition. While advancements throughout the 20th Century brought about dramatic increases in engine power output, the latest developments from endurance racing may be more impactful for fuel efficiency improvements. Hybrid powertrains are a critical area of research for automakers and are being tested on the toughest of scales. Prototype Powertrain in Motorsport Endurance Racing brings together ten vital SAE technical papers and SAE Automotive Engineering magazine articles surrounding the advancements of hybrid powertrains in motorsports. The book also includes a history of endurance racing from the World Sports Car Championship through the 24 Hours of Le Mans to the World Endurance Championship written by the author. The goal is to provide the latest concepts being researched and tested on hybrid systems that will influence vehicles for years to come - appealing to engineers and enthusiasts alike.