1970 Porsche 917 Explained

Summary

The Porsche 917, a German sports prototype race car, achieved Porsche's first overall wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970 and 1971. Powered by a type 912 flat-12 engine ranging from 4.5 to 5 liters, the 917/30 variant boasted a 0-62 mph in 2.3 seconds and a top speed of 240 mph. Designed by Hans Metzger, it featured a lightweight spaceframe chassis and an air-cooled engine combining two flat-6 engines. The 917 K models were used for shorter tracks, while the long tail bodywork was developed for high-speed circuits like Le Mans. The 917 also participated in the Can-Am series and European Interseries, with a turbocharged version reaching 1100 bhp.

Takeaways

• 🏎️ The Porsche 917 is a sports prototype race car developed by the German manufacturer Porsche.
• 🏁 The 917 achieved Porsche's first overall wins at the 24 Hours of LeMans in 1970 and 1971.
• 🚀 The 917/30 variant could accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 2.3 seconds and had a top speed of up to 240 mph.
• 🔧 It featured a lightweight spaceframe chassis, weighing only 93 pounds, and was pressurized to detect structural flaws.
• 💡 Chief engineer Hans Metzger designed the car, which was powered by a 4.5-liter air-cooled engine.
• ⚙️ The engine was an innovative combination of two 2.25-liter flat-6 engines, later enlarged to 4.9 and 5 liters for more power.
• 🌪️ The 917 K models were used for shorter road courses, while the long tail bodywork was developed for high-speed tracks like LeMans.
• 🔄 After aerodynamic issues, the 917 L was improved, resulting in a stable car capable of speeds up to 246 mph.
• 🐷 There was a unique 'Pink Pig' 917/20, an aerodynamic research version, showcasing Porsche's experimental side.
• 🌐 The 917 also participated in the European Interseries and the Can-Am series, with a turbocharged version, the 917/30, producing 1100 bhp.

Q & A

What is the Porsche 917?

The Porsche 917 is a sports prototype race car developed by the German manufacturer Porsche.

What significant achievement did the Porsche 917 accomplish in 1970 and 1971?

The Porsche 917 gave Porsche its first overall wins at the 24 Hours of LeMans in 1970 and 1971.

What engine type was used in the Porsche 917?

The Porsche 917 was powered by the type 912 flat 12 engine, which came in sizes of 4.5, 4.9, or 5 liters.

What was the 0 to 62 miles per hour acceleration time of the 917/30 cannon variant?

The 917/30 cannon variant was capable of a 0 to 62 miles per hour time of 2.3 seconds.

Who was the chief engineer responsible for the design of the Porsche 917?

The car was designed by chief engineer Hans Metzger.

What was unique about the chassis of the Porsche 917?

The Porsche 917 was built around a very light spaceframe chassis that weighed only 93 pounds and was permanently pressurized with gas to detect cracks in the welded structure.

What was the original engine size and power output of the Porsche 917 in 1969?

The original 4.5-liter engine in the Porsche 917 produced around 520 bhp in 1969.

How was the engine size and power output of the Porsche 917 increased for later models?

The engine was enlarged from 4.5 liters to 4.9 liters making 600 bhp and to 5 liters producing a maximum of 630 bhp.

Which variant of the Porsche 917 was used for shorter road courses?

The 917 K models were generally used for shorter road courses such as Sebring, Brands Hatch, Musa, and Spa.

What special bodywork was developed for the Porsche 917 for the LeMond race?

For the LeMond race, the factory developed special long tail bodywork designed for minimum drag and thus the highest maximum speed.

What was the top speed achieved by the definitive 917 L in 1971?

The definitive 917 L achieved a top speed of up to 240 miles per hour in 1971.

What other aerodynamic research versions of the Porsche 917 were developed?

Other aerodynamic research versions included the pink pig aerodynamic research version 917/20, the turbocharged 917/10, and the 917/30km spiders.