Porsche Literature - 917

Porsche 917

Un mito della competizione automobilistica

1969: la 917 viene messa in vendita con tanto di brochure per i rivenditori come fosse una semplice utilitaria. Un paio di esemplari, fra le quali quella famosissima del "Conte Rossi" della Martini & Rossi, furono anche omologate stradali. Brochure non nostra Download pdf

PORSCHE APPROACHES THE HIGHER LIMIT OF CYLINDER CAPACITY

Since 1967 the limit of the cylinder capacity for the World Championship Endurance races has been 3000 c.c. for sports prototypes and 5000 c.c. for homologated sports cars with a minimum production of 25 items in twelve consecutive months.

Previously, the cylinder capacity of 5000 c.c. was fully utilized only in sports cars with engines of American origin. At the 1969 Geneva Motor Show, Porsche will be the first European automobile factory to present a large-volume sports car, the type 917, which is to be homologated by the F.l.A. (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) at the beginning of the current racing season for the classic endurance races.

The 917 has the largest cylinder capacity and is the fastest Porsche which has ever been built. Particularly remarkable is the fact that it is not an experimental model but a real production car. This, because on March 31 st 25 cars will be finished and ready to race.

With a top speed of over 320 KPH, a maximum performance of 520 HP, and a body designed in accordance with the latest aerodynamic principles, the 917 ranks among the high points of the 1969 automobile year.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VEHICLE

Body and Frame

The Porsche type 917 is a 4.5 litre, 12-cylinder sports car. Its multibular spaceframe consists of light precision metal tubes, which are screwed on engine, rear and front axle. The inflexible body parts are fixed to the frame by glass fibre mats and polyester resin.

For race tracks with a top speed of more than 240 KPH, the 917 will be delivered with an lengthened "high-speed" tail. The wings at the rear of the car serve as stabilizers for high-speed driving.

Front Axle and Steering

Independently suspended front wheels; coil springs; double-working shock absorbers and horizontal stabilizers. Direct working rack and pinion steering.

Rear Axle

Individual and independent suspension, coll springs: double-working shock absorbers and horizontal stabilizers.

Brakes

Dual circuit hydraulic disc brakes. All four brake discs are internally ventilated and provided with cool air through tubes.

Gearbox

Fully synchronised gearbox with 5 forward gears and 1 reverse. Gearbox and limited slip differential in one case. Optional gear ratios are available not only for the transmission, but also the ring-and-pinion gear.

Engine

The air-cooled 12-cylinder OHC engine has a cubic capacity of 4495 c.c. The crankcase, the cylinder heads and the cylinders are of light metal. The cylinder bores are hard chromed.

The crankshaft consists of two forged parts. Main bearings are plain bearings. Connecting rods are of forged titanium.

Overhead valve arrangement with, cylindrical cam followers and two overhead cams each. The cam is gear-driven.

Three electrical fuel pumps force the fuel into a 12-piston-double line pump. Transistorized ignition system, dual circuit coil ignition.

Dry sump engine lubrication. Horizontally arranged cooling fan, fan-wheel driven over a shaft by valve gear.