The 917 was a phenomenal race car that debuted in 1969. It went ahead on to win 19 gold medals at the Le Mans 24 Hours. It ran on a Type 912 engine that allowed it to get from 0-62 mph in just 2.3 seconds, making it one of the most powerful race cars ever built. Porsche recently unveiled a modernized design of this nearly-forgotten race car.
The 917 Concept Racer
In 1969, Porsche revealed the first example of the 917 race car. It was dubbed the 917-001 and was finished in red and white. Porsche recently surprised its fans with a modern design of the 917 race car to mark 50 years since it was originally introduced. The automaker plans to showcase the concept car later this year at the Porsche Museum. It will pay tribute to the first ever Le Mans winner and the 917KH Coupe.
Photos Courtesy of Autoblog.
A Hint of What's to Come
Porsche has restored the first 917 to make it roadworthy. It's not only pleasing to the eyes but also provides a hint of what the automaker might have stored for its fans. The concept features aerodynamic touch-ups that re-imagine what an original model would look like if it was produced today. There's a spoiler towards the rear that complements the generous curves that run from the front to the back wheel arches.
Photo Courtesy of Autoblog.
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First time in Public
Interestingly, the design of the 917 concept was developed back in 2014. This was way before Porsche joined LMP1, something it pulled out of in 2017. The concept has never been revealed to the public until now. The design was carried out by a small team of engineers. Porsche has confirmed that it will remain a concept and will not see production anytime soon. It, however, provides an idea of the direction Porsche might take with their future hypercars.
Photo Courtesy of Autoblog.
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Recreating History
Michael Mauer, Design Chief at Porsche, recently said in an interview with Autocar that the team might borrow some of the design cues going forward. As a designer who is future-oriented when it comes to hypercars, Mauer isn't so sure. The goal is normally to create history, not look into it. Only time will tell if Porsche will actually bring some aspects of the 917 concept to life.
Photo courtesy of Car Magazine.
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An Electric Option
While speaking in the same interview, Porsche's CEO, Olive Blume, mentioned that an electric hypercar will have to wait if the team ever decides to venture in that direction. This is because battery performance is yet to get to a point where it meets current targets, especially for a hypercar. There are opportunities that exist with hybrid technology as well. The decision, however, will be made when the time is right.
Photo Courtesy of Autoblog.
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A Completely Different Direction
Going forward, it is unlikely that Porsche will pursue the beauty that you see in the images above. Upcoming models are expected to be very futuristic, with fossil fuel-free powertrains. Even though Porsche loves appreciating its history, this makes it quite automatic for the automaker to go a completely different direction. However, Mauer still believes that there might be a chance to look back and draw some inspiration from Porsche's sports car roots.
Photo Courtesy of Autoblog.
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Celebrating its Exemplary Performance
The original 917 race car won 19 gold medals at the Le Mans 24 Hours. Porsche plans to display 10 original models alongside the concept to pay tribute to the legendary performance of the 917. Combined, the power output on display will be over 7,795 horsepower. The exhibition is set to run from the 14th of May to the 15th of September this year.
Photo Courtesy of Car Magazine.
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More to Come
Porsche is expected to release more details about their future plans for the 917 concept at the exhibition. The team looks like they are still unsure of what to do with the 918 successor. According to Blume, the powertrain could either be hybrid or fully electric. All in all, we have no quarrel with the concept as it provides great inspiration for car designers.
Photo Courtesy of Autoblog.
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