Porsche Type 917

The "Talk" of the Geneva Motor Show 1969.

with 4500 cc - 12 cylinders - 520 HP at 8000 rpm

Porsche is applying new methods in race car production and presents the fastest production car of the year!
With a 12-cylinder engine, a cubic displacement of 4500 cc and performance of 520 HP, the Stuttgart factory is breaking into the phalanx which, with its dimensions, has so far been exclusively reserved for American origin production cars. The 917 model, 25 of which will be finished by March 31st, will range among the toughest competitors in the classic endurance races of this season.

Porsche will combine the opening of the Geneva Motor Show with the presentation of its newest "Creation", the type 917.

Like its forerunners, the type 904, 906, and 910, the 917 is a production car, which was conceived to be entered in races. As with its forerunners, Porsche is constructing only a certain number of the 917 - in this case 25. This, however, is the only similarity, since the 917 is a completely revolutionary car.

For the first time since the days when the Porsche Design Office coneived a 12-cylinder engine for the Auto Union and later for the Cisitalia racing car, and for the first time since- the beginning of production of Porsche in 1949, the firm presents a large-volume 12 cylinder engine with a cubic capacity of 4500 cc. The 917 combines both the decisive Porsche construction experience in air cooled OHC-engines and several modern light-weight metal components.

The maximum performance is 520 DIN HP at 8000 rpm. The maximum torque is 46 mkp at 6800 rpm.

This engine is part of a completely new racing car with a 5-speed-gearbox, a light-metal tubular frame, a modern suspension system and a plastic body designed in accordance with the latest aerodynamic principles of our house.

CHASSIS
Frame: grid frame
Suspension: front independent suspension transversal swinging arm and radius struts rear independent

suspensions transversal swinging arm and longitudinal control arms
Spring suspension: front and rear with progressive coil
and Shock absorbers: springs combined with double effective telescopic shock absorbers
Stabilizers: transversely mounted at front and rear, infinitely variable lever length rack and pinion, transmission 1:11,4 middle, 1 3/4 turns lock to lock
Brake: hydraulic discs on all 4 wheels, double circuit with independent front and rear, adjustable brake power distribution
Wheels: light alloy casting with central lock 15" 0/, rim width at front 10,5", rear 15"
Tires: front 4.25/10.20-15, rear 12,3/26.0-15

TRANSMISSION AND REAR AXLE
Type: 4 or 5 speeds transmission, unitized with differential in a common housing
Number of speeds: 4 or 5 forward speeds, 1 reverse
Synchronization: Porsche ring synchronization 1-4 or 5
Gear ratios: according to circuit
Gearshift linkage: gearshift lever with rod linkage
Differential: spiral bevel gears, limited slip differential
Rear axle drive: double joint axles with lenght-compensation

BODY
Fiberglass body glued to tubular frame, two-seater, two doors hinged at front, entire tail section swings upward for access, closed top, spare wheel in the tail, right hand drive.

DIMENSION
Wheelbase: 2300 mm
Track front: 1526 mm
Rear: 1533 mm
Overall length
Short tail: 4290 mm
Overall length
Long tail: 4780 mm
Overall width: 2033 mm
Overall height: 920 mm
Ground clearance: 100 mm
Min.turning circle: 13 m

CAPACITIES
Fuel tank: 120 ltr.
Oil tank: 20 ltr.
Transmission: 3,5 ltr.
Brake fuild 2 x: 0,3 ltr.

WEIGHT
Ready for driving without
fuel and driver: 800 kg
weight per B.H.P. 1,43 kg/HP

TOP SPEED
short tail version: 300 km/h
Long tail version: 350 km/h

Engine type: 912 (car 917)
Number of cylinders: 12
Bore (mm): 85
Stroke: (mm) 66
Displacement (cc): 4494
Compression ratio: 10,5 : 1
Engine output (HP-DIN): 560
at rpm: 8300
max.medium pressure (kp/cm2) 14,0
max.torque (mkp): 50
at rpm: 6800
Specific output (HP.ltr): 125
Motor weight (kg): 260
Power/weight ratio (kp/HP): 0,464
Type: 12 cylinder-apposed Otto-engine
Cooling: air
Crank case: light alloy (magnesium)
Cylinder: chromal
Cylinder head: light alloy
Valve arrangement: Overhead in "V", 1 intake, 1 exhaust per cyl.
Valve gear: 2 OHC per cylinder bank
Camshaft drive: toothed wheels
Camshaft bearings: plain bearing
Crankshaft: steel, forged
Crankshaft bearings: 8 plain bearings
Connecting rod: titanium, forged
Connecting rod bearings: plain bearings (two oppsite connecting rods each on a bearing)
Blower drive: V-balt
Lubrication: dry sump
Fuel pump: 3 electrical pumps
Fuel injection: Bosch 12 piston double row pump
Electric generator: Alternator 12 V, 60 A
Ignition: dual circuit, transistorized ignition
Ignition order: 1 9 5 12 3 8 6 10 2 7 4 11
Ignition plug: Bosch X 290 P 21
Clutch: multiply discs, dry clutch





February 22, 2012, 9:00 am