Formula E, a proposed new series featuring all-electric race cars, got a substantial boost Wednesday when the Andretti Autosport team said it would join the program...
Formula E proposes to hold street races starting next year in 10 cities around the globe, including Los Angeles. It would use electric cars that are roughly similar in size and shape to those in the IndyCar series.
Andretti Autosport is the first U.S. team to join Formula E and the third overall. The others are Britain's Drayson Racing and China Racing...
Other than being the biggest name to join FIA Formula E, I believe this is the first American team to join any of the Formula racing series since Penske competed in F1 in the 70s.
Last edited by ∞∞∞ on Mon Aug 12, 2013 1:53 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Grizalltheway wrote:Sounds pretty cool. The acceleration electric Formula 1-type cars produce must be ferocious.
As of now, we know the new car will accelerate in less than 3 secs. In comparison, Formula 1 cars take 2.1-2.7 secs depending on the conditions and tires. So acceleration numbers will definitely be comparable.
The 270-horsepower SRT_01E was designed and built by Spark Racing Technologies. Renault is a technical partner, along with Williams Advanced Engineering. McLaren Electronics Systems is provider of the electric motor, gearbox and electronics, giving the new endeavor the involvement of three active Formula 1 participants.
The monocoque carbon fiber-and-aluminum chassis was designed by Italian racing car builder Dallara Automobili, which also builds the latest-generation IndyCar chassis.
The racecar, which features an extensive use of composite materials, sprints from zero to 62 mph in an estimated three seconds, although final performance figures have not been verified.
The Spark-Renault SRT_01E features a power-saving mode with a "push-to-pass" system temporarily allowing maximum power for a limited time. The push-to-pass system generates 90 hp.
The racecar has an overall length of 196.8 inches and an overall weight of 1,763 pounds. "I congratulate all partners involved in the production of the fully-electric SRT_01E car — it is a fantastic achievement," said Jean Todt, president of sanctioning body Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile. "The innovative technology deployed follows the best environmental practices, highlighting the potential of the Formula E Championship to spark a revolution in the development of new electromobility systems, not just for motorsport but also for everyday use."
Formula E plans to have wireless recharging pads throughout the courses by season 2 (like F-Zero!).
BERLIN — A dynamic wireless recharging technology expected to substantially alter the nature of electric-powered auto racing will be adapted into the new Formula E series, possibly by the second year of competition in the new series.
∞∞∞ wrote:Formula E plans to have wireless recharging pads throughout the courses by season 2 (like F-Zero!).
BERLIN — A dynamic wireless recharging technology expected to substantially alter the nature of electric-powered auto racing will be adapted into the new Formula E series, possibly by the second year of competition in the new series.
93henfan wrote:Going to a race and hearing nothing but some road noise as the cars roa.... er, whisked by would be really weird. Yuck.
You should be able to hear the electric motors whining...probably..and some brakes
"What I'm saying is: You might have taken care of your wolf problem, but everyone around town is going to think of you as the crazy son of a bitch who bought land mines to get rid of wolves."
∞∞∞ wrote:Formula E plans to have wireless recharging pads throughout the courses by season 2 (like F-Zero!).
BERLIN — A dynamic wireless recharging technology expected to substantially alter the nature of electric-powered auto racing will be adapted into the new Formula E series, possibly by the second year of competition in the new series.
"What I'm saying is: You might have taken care of your wolf problem, but everyone around town is going to think of you as the crazy son of a bitch who bought land mines to get rid of wolves."