New Electric Open Wheel Series for 2013

[Xpunk75]

This sounds kind of interesting. Just wanted to see what you guys thought about it.

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2...k-in-2013.html

[ECW Dan Selby]

Cars are too chunky and I just can't get excited for a series with no audio I struggle to watch GP3!

Thanks for sharing, though.

Selby

[Yannick]

That's an interesting concept there.

I guess that sport would benefit even further from using homologated solar modules to recharge a limited number of accumulators during the race weekend right at the circuit. That would add a "fuel limit element" to the sport in case of bad weather during the weekend.
Here's hoping this series will survive.

[ptclaus98]

A) This is old news and I'm not sure it's still on.

B) Wrong forum.

[Jonerz]

Wrong forum indeed, but I likely would not have seen a thread in National Single Seaters or wherever...

I think the cars are very attractive, it'll be the lack of exhaust note and the lithium ion batteries as a means of powering cars that turn me off of the series.

Chris

[TrueBlueFlyer]

it would be neat to see the electric racing

a few years back I got a chance to test drive the Mini Cooper E from work and that thing was quick, heavy but nimble... for the marshals though they'd probably need full body armor KERS wear, lol

[nickyf1]

Damnit.

I hoped this was going to be an open Formula, but once again it's another single make series.

Single make electric racing does nothing for me. Competition makes sense because it encourages more development into EV's. I'd prefer to see that.

[wnut]

Originally Posted by nickyf1

Damnit.

I hoped this was going to be an open Formula, but once again it's another single make series.

Single make electric racing does nothing for me. Competition makes sense because it encourages more development into EV's. I'd prefer to see that.

Yup - one make E is a total waste of time and resources, the whole idea should be to develop the electric car technology!

[peckstar]

I wonder if some of you are not thinking properly about this.

We already have car development, we dont need another series that develops a car, so therefore single make makes perfect sense.

What we dont have is an electric vehicle series, So surely a series that develops the movement of vehicle through electricity is what is required.

and it would seem this is what the series is trying to achieve.

however, cant imagine its will be overly exciting

[ptclaus98]

Originally Posted by peckstar

I wonder if some of you are not thinking properly about this.

We already have car development, we dont need another series that develops a car, so therefore single make makes perfect sense.

What we dont have is an electric vehicle series, So surely a series that develops the movement of vehicle through electricity is what is required.

and it would seem this is what the series is trying to achieve.

however, cant imagine its will be overly exciting

We do need a series that develops the packaging and efficiency of electric technologies. As a matter of fact, that is sorely needed. the biggest obstacle of electric tech in road and race cars is the packaging and efficiency, and racing improves the breed.

[petemx5]

How could they consider recharging during a race??? On the other hand, how could they not consider battery replacement during a race, unless they want to run 20 minute races with the last few laps being run at reduced speeds. Should be interesting to see how this unfolds.

[ptclaus98]

Originally Posted by petemx5

How could they consider recharging during a race??? On the other hand, how could they not consider battery replacement during a race, unless they want to run 20 minute races with the last few laps being run at reduced speeds. Should be interesting to see how this unfolds.

Many junior series are looking to do this to better fit into TV windows.

[petemx5]

Originally Posted by ptclaus98

Many junior series are looking to do this to better fit into TV windows.

Well, I guess short sprint races would be intersting, but I would also love to see the development of battery change technology during pit stops.

I know a lot of people think that electric racing would be boring due to the lack of noise. Actually, I think that electric cars moving along at 120 MPH plus make a pretty dramatic sound. Maybe not the same as an ICE but they certainly are not silent.

[Flight909]

Originally Posted by nickyf1

Damnit.

I hoped this was going to be an open Formula, but once again it's another single make series.

Single make electric racing does nothing for me. Competition makes sense because it encourages more development into EV's. I'd prefer to see that.

I agree with you, another sad part of this is that the car is just a normal cumbistion car with electric motor. I think there are many possibility to innovate the car when moving to electric, but it is all lost here.

I think even the Tesla which is just a Elise, no real innovation there. I think there are possibilties to do much more when not having the traditional engine/gearbox. (Although batterys can be difficult).

Regarding batterys, it would be good to have quick/standard change of battery. Only way to make it work for the real cars.

[ramonmann786]

Yeah this will be very appealing to the audience also to the incredible drivers.

[NaBUru38]

Per Autosport:

Organisers presented a preliminary calendar to the sport's governing body, with London being joined by Rome, Los Angeles, Miami, Beijing, Putrajaya (Malaysia), Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro.

It is hoping to add two more rounds to the 2014 schedule ahead of having to submit a final calendar to the FIA for approval at the World Motor Sport Council in September.

Alejandro Agag: "They will all be in city centres, easily accessible by public transport, and will feature some of the most beautiful and well-known landmarks as a spectacular backdrop for the races."

[Lizardfolk]

Originally Posted by nickyf1

Damnit.

I hoped this was going to be an open Formula, but once again it's another single make series.

Single make electric racing does nothing for me. Competition makes sense because it encourages more development into EV's. I'd prefer to see that.

It's meant to be open after the first season. Although they are thinking of limiting the chassis and making it completely open internally. The organizers wanted to emphasize the difference in the internal battery technology of the cars rather than aero efficiency.

Don't know tho, hope they don't fall into the IndyCar cycle otherwise this idea is dead on arrival. The only reason why electric racing will be interesting to anyone is the development of electric car technology

[NaBUru38]

I guess that a decent promoter can attract a huge crowd in a large city's downtown. But how will tune to watch silent 300hp formula cars driven by nonames?

[JagtechOhio]

http://blogs.laweekly.com/informer/2..._formula_e.php