Audi Latest To Unveil 2019 Formula E Racer: Meet The E-Tron FE05

Audi has unveiled their newly-developed e-tron FE05 Formula E racer, scheduled to end up with Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler as well British squad Virgin Racing for the upcoming 2018-2019 Formula E season.

This season is the most innovative one yet, as for the first time since the series was launched in 2014, drivers will only use one car per race thanks to batteries that can now last the entire 45-minute race distance. Thus, the mandatory car change has been eliminated.

As for what makes the e-tron FE05 special, it all starts with its drivetrain, which consists of the motor, inverter, gearbox, rear suspension components as well as software – while the rest of the car is identical to that of other rivals on the grid.

The motor generator unit was developed by Audi and Schaeffler and is even more efficient than before.

“We retained the basic concept with one gear and at the same time refined the details and manufactured all of the parts,” stated Audi Formula E project leader, Tristan Summerscale.

This new-generation e-tron FE05 racer comes without a rear wing, where downforce is generated by a large diffuser at the rear.

“When I head out onto the racetrack with the other cars, I feel like I’m in a science fiction movie,” said Daniel Abt. “Compared to its predecessor, the new model has a considerably more aggressive design.”

In this new season, teams are permitted to run 250 kW (340 HP) motors in qualifying, while race output is capped at 200 kW (272 HP). Also new are the so-called activation zones where drivers can temporarily access a higher power mode, worth 225 kW (306 HP). Meanwhile, fans will still be able to support their favorite driver by casting their vote online via “FanBoost”, giving drivers a temporary power boost worth up to 250 kW (340 HP), same as in qualifying.

In a straight line, the e-tron FE05 can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.1 seconds and max out at around 240 km/h (149 mph).

Round one of the 2018-2019 Formula E season kicks off on December 15th in Saudi Arabia.