VW Group tuner and title-winning Formula E outfit ABT Sportsline will take part in a radical new off-road racing series featuring fully electric SUVs.
ABT’s trophy case already includes five DTM titles and a 2016-17 Formula E championship. Now, the company is expecting delivery of one of twelve Extreme E E-SUVs come March of 2020. From that point on, they will begin applying their own mods.
They’ll start by testing and developing their own powertrain, as well as certain areas of bodywork, such as the engine cover, front and rear bumpers, side skirts and lights – in an attempt to replicate everyday car models while also gaining a competitive advantage.
“ABT Sportsline was one of the first outfits to commit to what was a then-new series and concept in Formula E some six years ago, and I’m delighted to welcome them as one of the first teams to join Extreme E,” said Alejandoro Agag, founder and CEO of Formula E, and operating partner of Extreme E.
Once operational, ABT’s Extreme E team will race across five different environments, with group testing to take place mid-way through next year before the opening race in January of 2021.
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“Everyone at ABT Sportsline loves competition, innovation, electric mobility and breaking new ground in the world of motorsport and elsewhere. That’s why we were one of the first teams to join Formula E back in 2013 and also why we chose to become a member of the Extreme E family at this early stage,” added ABT Sportsline CEO, Hans-Jurgen Abt. “We believe in the concept – both in terms of its ideas for racing and its marketing potential off the track.”
As for the vehicle itself, it’s dubbed the Odyssey 21 and was unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this past weekend.
