Audi has presented the brands first ever all-electric racing car in Neuburg, Germany.
Audi say the e-tron FE04 Fomula E racer represents the company’s transformation from a classic automobile manufacturer to a forward-looking mobility provider.
Earlier in the year, Audi announced it will have more than 20 electrified models in its range before 2025, including plug-in-hybrids and fully electric cars.
“After nearly 40 years of being successfully active in motorsport on the highest level, Audi now becomes the first German automobile manufacturer to compete in Formula E in order to test and advance the development of new technologies for production,” said Peter Mertens, Member of the Board of Management, Technical Development, Audi AG.
“Following quattro, TFSI, TDI, hybrid drive and many other innovations, our first single-seater race car is a portent of our product offensive in the field of electric mobility that we are ringing in with the Audi e-tron in 2018.”
Audi has developed the powertrain consisting of the motor, transmission, parts of the suspension and the respective software.
“Together with our technology partner Schaeffler, we have developed a completely new powertrain,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Dieter Gass.
“You can immediately tell this by looking at the new carbon housing of the powertrain. The car also sounds different because we’re pursuing new avenues in technology.”
Current series champion Lucas di Grassi and youngster Daniel Abt will pilot the Audi e-tron FE04 will when it makes its racing debut at the Formula E season opener in Hong Kong on December 2, 2017. The team will be lead by former Formula 1 and Endurance racer Allan McNish.
This Friday and Saturday, Audi is presenting the FE04 with Daniel Abt at the wheel during the E-Mobility Play Days at the Red Bull Ring in Austria.
Subsequently, from Monday to Thursday, the Audi team will travel to Spain for the only official Formula E pre-season test.
