Formula E has today digitally unveiled its all-new season five Formula E car, ahead of the full reveal in March.
The all-electric racer will signify the start of a watershed moment for the championship with the car having the capacity to last the entire race duration, negating the need for driver car changes, as well as almost twice the power of the current racer. It’s also the first car from a major championship to show a Halo incorporated into the design – orchestrated by the FIA in-line with new safety measures.
Compared to the current car, the new car bears little resemblance in terms of styling with an all-new, sleek look featuring drag-reducing bodywork, a rear diffuser, no rear wing and a Halo. Indeed, it’s been described by series chief Alejandro Agag as similar to the ‘Batmobile’.
ALEX LYNN: “It’s the perfect car to take Formula E to the next level”
Full spec details of the new racer won’t be revealed until March, when it’s revealed in the flesh at the Geneva Motor Show, but what we do know is this. It’s been built by Spark Racing Technology – the French firm behind the original car – with a working name of the Spark SRT-05. Italian firm Dallara has once again been called upon to build the chasses, whilst the battery is now built by McLaren Applied Technologies, a change from current suppliers Williams.
As a result, energy has increased from 28kw/h to 54kw/h meaning power – in qualifying mode jumps from 200kw to 250kw – the equivalent of 335bhp, up from 270bhp. In race mode that increase goes from 180kw to 220kw.
Virgin Racing driver Alex Lynn commented: “I think the new car personifies everything that Formula E is about; futuristic, fast thinking and cutting edge in the world of motor racing. It’s the perfect car to take Formula E to the next level.”
FIA President Jean Todt, said: “These are very exciting times for Formula E. Today we show for the first time the design of the next generation car, and I’m sure that everyone will be very excited by how futuristic and advanced it is.”
Alejandro Agag, Founder & CEO of Formula E, said: “This car represents the future of racing. When we started Formula E, our goal was to break the mould and challenge the status quo – bringing a revolution to motorsport. 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.”
No data has been released yet on the top speed or 0-60mph time, but we do know it will run on Michelin rubber. Further details, including the full specification, will be revealed on March 6th during the Geneva Motor Show.
Formula E Season 5 car – specification:
Name: Spark SRT-05 (tbc)
Chassis: Dallara
Battery: McLaren Applied Technologies (previously Williams Advanced Engineering)
Energy: 54kw/h (up from 28kw/h)
Tyres: Michelin
Cars per team: 2 (down from 4)
Race power: 220kw (up from 180kw) // 295bhp (previous 240bhp)
Qualifying: 250kw // 335bhp (previous 270bhp)
Top speed: TBC
0-60mph: TBC
