Last updated on April 22nd, 2020 at 11:35 am
Cupra's e-Racer is an all-electric race car that is set to compete in the new ETCR race series in 2020. The car has a top speed of 167mph, reaches 0-62mph in just 3.2 seconds and delivers 670hp of power despite featuring a 400kg+ battery pack.
The car that was previously untested recently completed its first full-speed laps around the Montmeló Circuit in Barcelona. At the wheel, Mattias Ekström. A seasoned veteran in karting, rally and touring car driver, who now drives for Cupra drove the vehicle around the circuit.
On his initial impressions of the e-Racer Ekström commented: “It felt really good, especially when reaching full power coming out of the slow corners on the circuit. I really enjoyed the first lap. The second also went well, although I began to notice that I was forcing the rear tyres. I still need some time to get used to the sound of the engine; it's much quieter than any other I've driven before, and I'm a very emotional driver. In addition, I have to pay close attention to energy management in each lap; that's essential with an electric race car, almost as important as its speed.”
In preparation for the new ETCR race format, the race car driver is working alongside a team of engineers and technicians to fine-tune the e-Racer. The car is different from anything Ekström has driven before, as it doesn't have a gearbox. Instead, the car has four engines that reach up to 12,000 revs all of which operate on one single gear. As a result, the powertrain delivers 300 kW of continuous power and reaches a peak of 500 kW.
It's an exciting time for electric race cars, as many manufacturers are heavily investing in the e-racing category. I can't wait to see the Cupra e-Racer zip around more race tracks. It'll be worthwhile keeping a close eye on the ETCR race series – will it manage to attract a crowd? Only time will tell.