Formula E’s Second-Generation Electric Racer Looks As Futuristic As It Should


“What’s the difference between Formula One and Indy?” If you’ve ever been asked that (by someone who has no idea about racing), it’s probably because, to the untrained eye, the cars look mostly the same – much as they do in Super Formula, Formula 2, or… well, any other single-seater, open-wheel racing series.


Despite updates along the way, that’s largely been the case in Formula E as well, but it won’t be for long. After releasing initial teaser images earlier today, the series organizers have now revealed the first full images of their next-generation electric racing car before it’s unveiled in full at the Geneva Motor Show in March.


And as you can see, it looks suitably futuristic – as would befit the fully electric racer of tomorrow.

Set to form the backbone of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship from the next/fifth season onwards, the Gen2 electric racer looks more like something that Batman would drive than what we’ve come to expect to find on racing grids the world over.


Just look at the angular rear wing and diffuser, the continuous horizontal surface extending from the nose around the “engine cover,” the partially covered wheels, and of course the halo device over and around the cockpit. Of course, the matte black and neon blue livery doesn’t hurt, either.


Contrary to most designs – which are submitted by chassis constructors and either approved or rejected by the FIA – this one stems from a more involved process initiated by the motorsport governing body, bringing engineers and designers in to work on the project.


The recipe will be supplied to individual manufacturers who’ll built them around their own powertrains, taking a big leap forward in terms of manufacturer participation over the incremental ramping up of involvement that’s prevailed until now.


“This car represents the future of racing,” said series chief executive Alejandro Agag. “The cars will be faster and will have almost double the amount of energy storage capacity and double the range, demonstrating the continuous evolution of battery technology. Together with the FIA, we’ve achieved a great milestone with the introduction of this car and I can’t wait to see it on track.”


“These are very exciting times for Formula E,” added FIA president Jean Todt. “I can’t wait to take the covers off the real car when it will be seen for the first time in Geneva on March 6.” Neither can we.

Carscoops

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Limited Edition Ford GT 'Competition Series' Is All About The Track

Image
Ford's new GT Competition Series was built with weight-saving in mind, but also with an improved center of gravity for better road-holding. Among its features, you'll notice the lightweight carbon fiber racing stripes, A-Pillars and side mirrors, as well as the unique race-inspired Perspex acrylic engine hatch with integrated venting. Thanks to the manual latch and the carbon fiber prop rod, weight near the roof has been reduced, though Ford engineers went even further in their quest to make the car lighter, by making the bulkhead Gorilla Glass behind the driver about half as thick (and as light) as on other models. "The Ford GT has racing in its blood," said Ford exec Raj Nair, while adding that the Competition Series "was developed with the most hardcore track enthusiasts in mind, providing a tailored set of lightweight features and unique livery to match." There are also plenty of remaining performance features from the production car, such as
Read more

Alpine A110 Hits Geneva With Pure, Legende And GT4 Versions

Image
Renault’s reborn Alpine brand has been getting rave reviews for its new A110 and now, as promised, it’s revealed new versions of its coupe at the Geneva Motor Show. Following the success of the sold-out Premiere Edition, the A110 will now be offered in Pure and Legende trims. The A110 Pure is targeted at driving enthusiasts. It features one-piece Sabelt sports seats that weigh barely more than 13 kilograms (28.6 pounds) each and, combined with other weight-saving measures, helps keep the curb weight below 1,100 kg ( 2,425 lbs). It’s not entirely stripped out, though, and still comes with features like air-conditioning and satellite navigation. Buyers can also add upgraded Brembo brakes and an adaptive exhaust system and can upgrade to the adjustable comfort seats. Those come standard on the Legende model, which is geared more towards every day driving and grand touring and comes with leather upholstery. Customers can also choose between two Focal sound systems and two wheel
Read more

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet Is A Crossover For Droptop Lovers

Image
Droptop crossovers have always been rather odd and the T-Roc Cabriolet is no different. It will be the only convertible Volkswagen on sale for the foreseeable future and will celebrate its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Rather than simply removing the roof of the standard T-Roc, Volkswagen has drastically altered the vehicle’s structure and body. In fact, its wheelbase is 37 mm longer than the standard T-Roc while its overall length is up by 34 mm. In addition, the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet features structural strengthening in the underbody, side panels, cross members, doors, and windscreen frame to make up for the lack of a roof. The folding fabric roof developed by Volkswagen retracts in just nine seconds at speeds of up to 19 mph (30.5 km/h) and is similar in operation to the roof of the outgoing Golf Cabriolet. The presence of the soft top reduces trunk space by 161 liters down from the 284 liters of the run-of-the-mill T-Roc. We don’t think bu
Read more