Audi Heads into New Formula E Season with a New e-tron
The automotive world recently reeled from the debut of the incredible Audi e-tron all-electric SUV, but the automaker is making more waves with its revolutionary electric vehicle technology. The Audi Formula E team has partnered with Virgin Racing to produce the innovative FE05, a state-of-the-art racer unlike anything else on the track.
The ABB FIA Formula E Championship racing series launched with a worldwide tour in 2014. It is sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (International Automobile Federation in English). The races pit ten teams of two drivers each on temporary circuits built on city streets in world capitals on every continent. Stylistically, the cars look very similar to Formula One cars with sleek lines, aerodynamic curves, and massive wings. However, these cars are 100% electric with zero emissions.
Many parts of the cars are identical for every team, but teams make their cars unique in the drivetrain, which consists of the motor, inverter, gearbox, components of the rear suspension, as well as the corresponding software. In the previous season, the Audi team’s FE04 (pictured below) won the title in New York, and this latest generation looks to continue that success with incredible new technological advances.
We retained the basic concept with one gear and at the same time refined the details and manufactured all of the parts.
- Tristan Summerscale, Formula E project leader at Audi
This latest generation weighs less than a ton (1984 lbs including the driver), and it can launch from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour (62.1 mph) in a face-melting 3.1 seconds. Not only is the new FE05 (pictured top) 10% lighter, it also loses the rear wing. Instead, the team has captured downforce through a large diffuser at the rear of the race car.
When I head out onto the racetrack with the other cars, I feel like I’m in a science fiction movie. Compared to its predecessor, the new model has a considerably more aggressive design.
- Daniel Abt, Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler team driver
Another unique feature of the Formula E racing series is the power restriction. All teams must use identical McLaren lithium-ion 52 kWh batteries. The motors are built individually by each team and are permitted to produce up to 340 horsepower. During the race, the cap is at 272 horsepower, but this year, drivers can get temporary power boosts throughout the race. When driving through an “activation zone” in the track, they can access up to 306 horses, and fans can get involved by voting in online polls to grant drivers a temporary “FanBoost” to the maximum 340 horses.
The fifth season will offer thirteen races in twelve major cities around the world. Starting with the opening round in Ad Diriyah, the race will obliterate city streets in Marrakesh, Mexico City, Hong Kong, Rome, Paris, Monaco, and Berlin, ending in a doubleheader in New York City in July.
This latest example of Audi all-electric innovation only adds to the futuristic landscape currently emerging from one of the world’s most forward-thinking automakers. Recently, Audi introduced the all-electric e-tron SUV and the ground-breaking PB 18 supercar concept (both pictured below). All of these vehicles represent Audi’s vision of a future combining cutting-edge performance technology with peerless luxury, all to make the world of mobility more efficient and cleaner.
If you’re ready to step into the future of Audi, Audi Silver Spring is ready to show you the way. Contact our sales staff to learn about our efficient, powerful, and always stunning lineup of Audi models. Good luck to Daniel Abt and Lucas di Grassi (pictured top) and the Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler team in the new season of Formula E racing.
Image Credit: Audi