The ABB FIA Formula E Championship has presented the first images of its new car; the car itself will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
The new model, currently called the “Gen 2 car,” will run the entire race on single battery; the mid-race car changes used on pit stops for the first four seasons of the all-electric car championship will become a thing of the past.
The new car sports an illuminated halo above the cockpit that affords more protection while still allowing spectators to see the driver. It employs a large rear diffuser rather than a traditional rear wing and a one-piece front bodywork section with covered front wheels.
Formula E management has been working closely with Spark Racing Technologies, Dallara, Michelin and McLaren Applied Technologies on the new car since 2016.
Current Formula E champion Luca di Grassi told autosport.com that the new car with its more powerful battery (estimated at 250 kw, or 335 horsepower) will be capable of 300 kph, compared to 140 kph for the current car.
BMW motorsport director Jens Marquardt says, The design of the car for Season 5 is revolutionary and exceptional. The car looks futuristic, which no doubt will make it a real eye-catcher. The exterior of the racing car for our factory entry in the race series as of next season is a highlight in itself. We are responsible for the inner values—meaning the BMW eDrive powertrain. Development is still in full swing and on schedule.”
BMW and its Formula E partner MS & AD Andretti, along with other teams, will begin testing the new car in late March.—Brian S. Morgan
