The Porsche 919 Hybrid used a V4 engine configuration.
Its combustion engine was a compact 2.0-liter, turbocharged petrol V4 mounted behind the cockpit. Porsche chose an unusual four-cylinder layout for endurance racing, pairing relatively low fuel consumption with the power needed for the FIA World Endurance Championship.
The engine formed part of a broader hybrid system rather than working alone. Energy recovered from braking powered an electric motor on the front axle, while a second system recovered energy from the exhaust. Under acceleration, the car could therefore use electric assistance to create temporary all-wheel drive.
A common mix-up is confusing the engine’s V4 layout with the number of cylinders in the entire powertrain. The petrol engine had four cylinders; the electric motor and energy-recovery systems were separate components. The 919’s V4 powered the rear axle and produced roughly 500 horsepower, while the front electric motor added more than 400 horsepower.