When Formula E first launched, there’s was obviously a lot of excitement, the all-electric cars were new and different. While new categories trying to be the future of motorsport don’t arrive everyday, it was hard to say the cars looked impressive. In a battle between engineers who prioritized aerodynamic efficiency and designers helping make the category more marketable, a better balance is being found. Recently we’ve seen futuristic car designs from Faraday Future, from Aston Martin / Red Bull, Formula E needed to lift its game.
With the introduction of a new, more aggressive and visually pleasing front wing, the cars are taking a bold step forward. The Formula E cars for the 2016/17 FIA Formula E Championship, will feature the new front wing. Unlike F1, where aerodynamics is a key differentiation between teams, in Formula E components are often standardised.
The new two-tier wing makes the fully-electric more aggressive and perfectly unique to any other racing car in the world. The problem with upgrading the front end, it makes the rear end look a little dated. Lets hope other areas of the cars get the same level of attention soon, so the car can look more like a vehicle from the imagination of a concept car designer and less like a utilitarian battery pack on wheels.
Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag, said,
“Formula E aims to be different, and this new front wing creates a look that’s different to every other car out there. I think this is a great addition to our car and further emphasises the fact that this is a modern, forward-thinking championship that is taking a completely different approach to all other racing series.”
FIA President Jean Todt, said
“The FIA Formula E Championship is not just a great environment in which to develop a completely electric powertrain with new battery technologies, but it is also a platform for experimenting with innovative solutions when it comes to designing single-seater racing cars.”
Reigning Formula E champion Sebastien Buemi (Renault e.Dams), added
“I like the look of the new front wing – it looks a little bit more futuristic, and from inside the car you can see the top part of the wing, so visually for the driver there is also a small change. We want Formula E to look different and be different, and the new wing is a good way of showing that. I don’t think it will make too big of an impact on aero which isn’t in the ethos of this championship – but it’s a good way to show visual development heading to Hong Kong for the start of season three.”
The first public appearance for the new-look Formula E car will be at the opening group test at Donington Park on August 23.
More information at Formula E.
