Peugeot 908 discussion

[cdsvg]

I had a quick skim through the press release, and they mention this:

”At Peugeot Sport, we have a dyno that allows us to test the complete engine, gearbox and transmission assembly. This is particularly practical since it functions just as it does when fitted to the car. The hybrid system forms an integral part of the powertrain. This test work continued through 2011 up to the car’s first shakedown run in September and its first real track test a few days ago.”

It sounds to me like the hybrid system is integral to the drivetrain, ie, functions on the rear axle, as in F1. Maybe reading too much into that though.

[gwyllion]

Peugeot already confirmed that the KERS of the 908 HYbrid 4 is connected to the rear wheels: http://www.peugeot-sport.com/en/endu...-hybrid4-.html

Hybrid system
Power: 60kW (80hp)*
* during energy delivery phases only
Delivery of recovered energy:
- To the rear wheels;
- 500kJ between two braking phases;
- Energy stored in lithium-ion batteries;
- Automatic delivery of energy under acceleration (no "push to pass" function).
It will be possible to use the electric mode only along the pit lane.

It uses the same setup as the 2008 908 HY: http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/car/3...ot-908-HY.html

[kober]

Originally Posted by gwyllion

60kW (80hp), 500kJ

Since W=P*t, the 60 kW of power could be delivered for about 8.33 seconds. And that's between every two braking areas, although it's doubtful that the system will be able to accumulate full 500 kJ of energy in such a short time.

[gwyllion]

For what it is worth. In 2008 Peugeot 908 HY press article stated the following:

In the course of a lap of Le Mans, for example, the system will recuperate energy for between 20 and 30 seconds. This energy can be used:

1. either to deliver extra power thanks to an additional boost of 60kW (80hp) for approximately 20 seconds per lap, either automatically when re-accelerating, or when the driver chooses to make use of it ('push to pass').
2. or to reduce fuel consumption for the equivalent level of performance thanks to the mechanical energy recovered (between three and five per cent).

In 2012 hybrid diesels get a tank of 58 liter and non-hybrid diesels of 60 liter. That means a difference in fuel tank size of 3.3% which the hybrid system has to compensate for (option 2). Obviously they can trade in fuel economy for more power (option 1).

A hybrid system has some disadvantages: the system (batteries, inverter, electric motor) has to be cooled, which means more drag, and the additional weight might influence the balance of the car.

[kober]

Originally Posted by gwyllion

deliver extra power thanks to an additional boost of 60kW (80hp) for approximately 20 seconds per lap, either automatically when re-accelerating, or when the driver chooses to make use of it ('push to pass').

If I'm not mistaken, the latter (i.e. push to pass) is not an option anymore.

[gwyllion]

Correct, rule 1.13 says

"The combustion engine and the electric motor must be controlled by the driver using the accelerator pedal (push to pass buttons forbidden)."

Of course, the effect of a push to pass button can probably be emulated with the throttle pedal. The pedal could for instance give two levels of feedback, namely "full throttle" and "full throttle + KERS".

[deggis]

Originally Posted by Simmi

Does anyone think they will stick with this livery next year? I really hope so.

Originally Posted by CTD

Since Blue is the french racing color, i do not think we will see an all white and black livery, even tough it would be nice and would tie the 905 closer with the 908.

Plus, Toyota will likely have something white if the illustration is any indication...

[gwyllion]

Video interview with Famin and Minassian about the hybrid 908: http://www.peugeot-sport.com/en/endu...in-908-hybrid4

The weight distribution is worse, but they hope that this can be compensated by the extra acceleration.

[The Badger]

Well , one thing is for sure . After being the first drivers to test this technology , Minassian and Wurz are staying put .

[CTD]

Originally Posted by gwyllion

Video interview with Famin and Minassian about the hybrid 908: http://www.peugeot-sport.com/en/endu...in-908-hybrid4

The weight distribution is worse, but they hope that this can be compensated by the extra acceleration.

That is something that Peugeot could manage to change through development.
But if not, the Peugeot is becoming more and more a dragster than a car good around the corners.

[Livininthinair]

I like the black and white livery much better, makes the shape of the 908 look alot more sleek. I also doubt this will be the final livery - but they should think about it to highlight the difference between the 908 and the 908HY.

[CTD]

Originally Posted by Livininthinair

I like the black and white livery much better, makes the shape of the 908 look alot more sleek. I also doubt this will be the final livery - but they should think about it to highlight the difference between the 908 and the 908HY.

It's Peugeot...
They choose to field their brand new car with a livery very similar to the previous year, a design similar to the previous year and exactly the same name.
It's more likely that the HYbrid4 will have the same livery than not.
(But they are french so - pretty unpredictable )

[Plex]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZrKY...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPsCc...eature=related

Hybrid tested....

[deggis]

Nice vids. I guess made by Peugeot.

[cdsvg]

Originally Posted by Plex

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZrKY...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPsCc...eature=related

Hybrid tested....

Nice to see plenty of testing photos and videos being released.

Take a look at the number of engineers involved in the first video. Puts into perspective I think the vast gap between peugeot/audi and the best of the rest. It really does seem F1-level stuff.

[deggis]

The second video cuts off in the middle of the onboard... I guess that is still the full video.

[cmk]

http://www.speedcafe.com/2011/10/21/...ran-de-ferran/

Buried in this article about De Ferran @ the V8Supercars Gold Coast 600 is a mention that he is replacing Lucas di Grassi at the last minute because di Grassi is testing for Peugeot.

Am I just behind the times or is this news to all?

[Simmi]

Originally Posted by cmk

http://www.speedcafe.com/2011/10/21/...ran-de-ferran/

Buried in this article about De Ferran @ the V8Supercars Gold Coast 600 is a mention that he is replacing Lucas di Grassi at the last minute because di Grassi is testing for Peugeot.

Am I just behind the times or is this news to all?

That's certainly news to me. Interesting stuff.

[Simmi]

To take the Di Grassi thing a bit further Alex Wurz tweeted this a bit ago:

But mayb I'm tired because @LucasdiGrassi wanted to kill me on bike yesterday. He drove like its a shoot out for a @peugeotsport race seat!

So sounds quite possible they are evaluating drivers. Kimi has had a run, I wonder who else is in the frame?

[vlad1977]

Originally Posted by Plex

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZrKY...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPsCc...eature=related

Hybrid tested....

In the first video at 2:03, there are some people in white T-shirts with the HONDA logo on the T-shirt arm and the Estoril logo on the front. Are they Estoril track officials?Is HONDA a track sponsor?
If they are track officials, probably they were there to here what to do in case the car stops on the track. Safety is an issue with KERS.

[AndrewF31]

Yup, they're track officials and marshalls from the Motor Clube of Estoril.

You don't see anyone parked around the track in the videos but I guess they were on call in the paddock in case of need. Lucky guys.
One of the few non-Peugeot personnel to get a close look at the car.

[CTD]

I wonder if there will be extra training sessions for Marshall's at next year Le Mans?.
The hybrids (and electric car, if chosen) will be a completely new challenge for them, and new equipment might also be needed.
For an example is the danish fire brigade not allowed to go anywhere near a crashed Hybrid/electric until it's proper grounded, for their safety. (a good tip is not to crash in a hybrid/electric )

[Simmi]

Rubber gloves will no doubt be distributed to the each post.

[CTD]

Originally Posted by Simmi

Rubber gloves will no doubt be distributed to the each post.

They'll have to be thick as hell. Remember Rubber only creates non conducting space, so electricity can still jump through the cloves like it was air

[Pandamasque]

Is KERS delivering power to the rear or front wheel on this car?