The world’s first fully electric touring car, the Cupra e-Racer (pictured above) has made its track debut around the Montmelo Circuit in Barcelona.
The 670HP electric racer is set to compete in a new ETCR race series next year and completed its first full-speed laps in the hands of 2016 FIA World Rally Cross champion Mattias Ekstrom.
Despite having a 450kg battery pack, the e-racer can reach a top speed of 270kmh and goes from 0-100kmh in 3.2 seconds. Batteries aside, the car resembles existing touring cars — albeit with more power, all delivered in near silence.
Ekstrom, who has had more than 25 years’ experience in different touring car, rally and karting competitions, is developing the Cupra e-Racer as an official driver. Getting used to the differences presented by an electric racer was high on his priority list. Its four engines combined reach 12,000 revs compared to 6500 on a petrol-powered race car — delivering 300kW of continuous power, which reaches peaks of 500 kW via a single gear.
‘‘What I’m really looking forward to is being able to control and harness all the car’s power. I think the biggest challenge is getting used to driving with no gearbox and without the roar of the engine as a reference for knowing, for example, how fast to go when taking curves,’’ he said.
- by Catherine Pattison
Photo: Supplied
