By Aaron Bearden, Contributing Writer
The next generation of ABB FIA Formula E Championship race cars has been revealed.
Formula E unveiled the car digitally on Tuesday morning, following a swath of teaser images that had been released over the past week.
The machine will be utilized for competition in the 2018-19 season.
“This car represents the future of racing,” Formula E Founder & CEO Alejandro Agag said in a series release.
The car – currently dubbed ‘Gen2’ – is anticipated to foster the next chapter for the all-electric series. This includes a massive change to the race format itself – Formula E officials claim the car’s improved battery will prevent teams from having to make mid-race car swaps, instead allowing them to complete the entire race with one machine.
While improved performance is the vehicle’s greatest perk, it also stands in stark contrast visually to the machines that are currently being piloted on the tour.
The new race cars have the FIA-mandated ‘Halo’ protection system for the cockpit, a safety feature that’s been met with controversy in other sectors of motorsport. Gone is the traditional rear wing assembly, replaced by a large diffuser. The front wheels are also covered in a style more akin to an LMP1 car than the current offering, and the vehicle’s wings are angled much more aggressively.
The machine is produced by Spark Racing Technologies, and is powered by a new McLaren Applied Technologies battery. Competing manufacturers will be allowed to build the common package of specification parts related to the car, which will be homologated and made to house their own powertrains.
“When we started Formula E, our goal was to break the mold and challenge the status quo – bringing a revolution to motorsport,” Agag said. “This next generation car represents that revolution.
“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.”
The car is the first ever to be created by the FIA, which crafted the concept in unison with a group of leading designers and engineers worldwide. The physical car will be formally launched by the FIA at the March 6 Geneva Motor Show, where its full technical specifications will be revealed.
“Today we show for the first time the design of the next FIA Formula E Championship’s generation car, and I’m sure that everyone will be very excited by how futuristic and advanced it is,” FIA President Jean Todt said. “I’m very proud that the FIA has been at the forefront of this car’s development.
“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.”
The cars will see their first action later this year at the beginning of Season Five.
https://twitter.com/FIAFormulaE/status/958308832446357506?s=17
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