“What’s the difference between Formula One and
Indy?” If you’ve ever been asked that, it’s probably because, to the untrained eye, the cars look mostly the
same – much as they do in Super Formula, Formula 2, or… well, any other
single-seater, open-wheel racing series.
Despite updates along the way, that’s largely been
the case in Formula E as well, but it won’t be for long. After releasing
initial teaser images earlier today, the series organizers have now revealed
the first full images of their next-generation electric racing car before it’s
unveiled in full at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
And as you can see, it looks suitably futuristic –
as would befit the fully electric racer of tomorrow. Set to form the backbone
of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship from the next/fifth season onwards, the
Gen2 electric racer looks more like something that Batman would drive than what
we’ve come to expect to find on racing grids the world over.
Just look at the angular rear wing and diffuser, the
continuous horizontal surface extending from the nose around the “engine
cover,” the partially covered wheels, and of course the halo device over and
around the cockpit. Of course, the matte black and neon blue livery doesn’t
hurt, either.
Contrary to most designs – which are submitted by
chassis constructors and either approved or rejected by the FIA – this one
stems from a more involved process initiated by the motorsport governing body,
bringing engineers and designers in to work on the project.
The recipe will be supplied to individual
manufacturers who’ll built them around their own powertrains, taking a big leap
forward in terms of manufacturer participation over the incremental ramping up
of involvement that’s prevailed until now.
