Speaking in a company press release, Famin and test drivers Stéphane Sarrazin, Nichiolas Minassian, and Alexander Wurz, discussed 908 HYbrid4 and its test results.
“Our aim wasn’t to put a lot of kilometers on the clock, but to verify that all the chief functions performed,” said Bruno Famin. “The system functioned well and responded as predicted, which was very satisfying. At the same time, we started to make a few adjustments to the car’s basic set-up.”
The 908HYbrid4 was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March of this year but work had been underway on the vehicle since 2008. The first version was track-tested on England’s Silverstone racetrack, with Nicholas Minassian at the wheel then also.
“I had the good fortune to drive the original demonstration hybrid car in 2008 and I am proud to have been the first person to drive the 908 HYbrid4,” Minassian commented.
“It’s extremely interesting to work on a project of this scale which no doubt paves the way for the future of motor racing. As a driver, it’s very rewarding to be in a position where you can learn and play a part in the development of new technologies.”
The 908 HYbrid4 uses regenerative braking to store power for electric motors which augment the turbocharged 3.7-liter diesel V6. The electric motors add an extra 80 bhp to the rear axle, unlike Porsche’s Hybrid GT3 which switches to All-Wheel-Drive mode when the front-mounted electric motors kick in.
“You can feel the extra power,” said Stéphane Sarrazin. “It will be up to us to harness or adapt it in the most competitive way possible. We will need to strike the right balance. It was interesting to work with the engineers to identify the ideal compromises and, of course, get acquainted with the system, since the project is only in its early days.”
“A new phase will also begin when we start to fine-tune not only the system but also the handling of the car. We have no intention of rushing things, however. We are still on a learning curve and the endurance testing will come later.”
The 908Hybrid4’s auxiliary power system has been developed in conjunction with the engineering team at PSA Peugeot Citroën responsible for Peugeot’s road-going diesel hybrids, the 3008 HYbrid4 and the new 508RXH. Diesel hybrid technology plays an important part in the company’s plans for meeting ever more stringent fuel and emissions regulations
Bruno Fain explained, “We received advice and guidance [from Peugeot Citroën Group’s engineering specialists] in a high number of areas. As far as the electric motor is concerned, we have also learned a great deal ourselves, and that has led to a genuine two-way exchange. We are consequently making mutual progress thanks to our respective experience of what is similar technology.”
