“For the first time, an electrically-powered series production vehicle circles the Nürburgring Nordscheife in under eight minutes. The record for the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive in 7:56.234 minutes on the Nordschleife shows the special position of our innovative and unique drive solution. With the extremely efficient battery technology deriving from Formula 1, four electric motors positioned close to the wheels, the individual wheel torques “AMG Torque Dynamics”, the SLS eSound and our ambitious “AMG Lightweight Performance” design strategy, the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive generates a breathtaking sensation unlike any other model out on the road”, according to Tobias Moers, Head of Overall Vehicle Development and member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Stunning specs
The SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive, with which Mercedes-AMG set up the record on the 20.832 kilometres long traditional race track in the Eifel, corresponds to the series version, which celebrates its launch in June 2013. The currently strongest AMG high-performance car has four electrical motors with a total output of 552 kW (751 hp) and maximum torque of 1000 Nm. The gullwing car is therefore advancing to become the strongest and fastest electrically-powered series production vehicle in the world. The SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in a mere 3.9 seconds and can reach a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive celebrates its sales launch in June 2013. The purchase price for Germany (incl. 19% VAT): 416,500 euros.

An overview of the most important data:
SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive
Max. output 552 kW (751 hp)
Torque 1000 Nm
0-100 km/h 3.9 s
Top speed 250 km/h*
Range 250 km (according to NEDC)
Battery energy content 60 kWh
Battery voltage 400 volts
CO2 emissions 0 g/km

*Electronically limited

The new partnership with Williams Advanced Engineering will complement the vast range of technical expertise already being used by Spark Racing Technology, which includes a consortium consisting of McLaren, Renault and Dallara. McLaren Electronic Systems will supply the transmission, electronics and powertrain for the car, while Technical Partner Renault SAS will use its vast technological expertise to optimize the electric and electronic layout and performance of the powertrain. Meanwhile, leading Italian firm Dallara will produce the chassis with tyres being supplied by Tyre Partner Michelin.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Spark Racing Technology to introduce our battery technology into their cars for next year’s FIA Formula E Championship,” said Kirsty Andrew, Head of Commercial Operations, Williams Advanced Engineering. “This is an exciting new racing series that will play a key role in highlighting the growing relevance of technologies originally developed for motorsport to the wider world. Energy efficiency is an important issue for Williams and whilst our work in this field is now spanning a number of market sectors beyond racing, motorsport will always be the ultimate proving ground for our technologies. Electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly important part of the automotive industry and Formula E is the perfect opportunity for Williams to validate the latest developments in battery technology.”

Frédéric Vasseur President of Spark Racing Technology added: “I am delighted to welcome Williams into our new project. The vast experience from Williams and especially from Williams Advanced Engineering in the field of hybrid systems and electric engine power, guarantees quality. Spark Racing Technology is extremely proud to bring together some of the biggest names in motorsport and expects no less from Williams as they accompany us in the highest level of the first championship for electric cars.”

In addition, all ultra advanced technology of Japan has been concentrated and developed into the further development of the EV Racing car that far surpasses conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. With such a specific evolving project which is continuously refined through extreme racing, many challenges and issues were solved and have achieved excellent results.

Improved
The ’2013 Monster Sport E-RUNNER Pikes Peak Special’ race car is an all-improved version based on last year’s model. Improvements have focused primarily on reliability and the reduction of vehicle weight every single vehicle component has been reviewed and revised. resulting in a much lighter and durable package.

SIM-Drive Corporation (Head Office: Kawasaki, Kanagawa), provider of additional engineering support to the team, introduced a 4 wheel independent control system, a controller that realizes optimal drive power distribution and reduction of energy consumption. Furthermore, new regulations introduced this year now permit the use of racing slick tires. The Team is pleased to announce their new tire supplier for 2013; GiTi Tyres (Head Office: Singapore) have cooperated and worked closely with the team developing tires for exclusive use at this year”s Pikes Peak event.

By considerably reducing the 2013 Monster Sport E-Runner’s weight, reviewing, upgrading and the application of new technology to specific drive-train parts and the addition of custom designed GiTi tires for this event, the team’s target time is now 9 minutes 30 seconds. The 2013 Pikes Peak International Hillclimb is sure to be the most exciting challenge and ultimate showcase for Electric Vehicles in motorsport to date.

Once again this year, alongside the challenge of the race, The Association for the Promotion of Electric Vehicles (APEV) will be actively working towards the preservation of the global environment and the proliferation of EV (electric vehicles) throughout the World.

A video from last year:

“Testing of the GreenGT H2 racing version will continue until 5 June. The performance achieved on the track is in line with test bench results, and this confirms the validity of GreenGT’s bold choice in taking this innovative path that holds great hope for the future of clean mobility,” the statement reads.

Fine tuning the high power hydrogen fuel cell is in conflict with the on-track endurance test programme, which is an essential requirement for participating in a demanding race like the 24 hours of Le Mans. Therefore GreenGT has decided, in agreement with ACO, not to occupy Box 56, as it would be entitled, in 2013.

It is just the beginning
“The GreenGT H2 is already showing great potential and has great scope for improvement. However, the complexity and cost of this unique model requires the use of extremely rigorous methods and very time-consuming new procedures. We are only at the beginning of this adventure, and it is essential for us not to cut corners and continue the development of that highly effective demonstration of hydrogen technology which is the GreenGT H2,” says Jean-François Weber, Managing Director and Head of R&D of GreenGT.

World tour
Instead of participating during the 24 hours of Le Mans, GreenGT will soon announce a worldwide demonstration tour which will take place during the same week as the prestigious race. An unranked presence at the start of a World Endurance Championship race this year will also not be ruled out.

In front of more than 400 guests and selected media, the agreement was signed during the prestigious closing ceremony of the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) attended by the Vice Mayor together with Ms Qiu Hong, Assistant Minister of Commerce of China and Alejandro Agag, CEO of Championship promoter Formula E Holdings (FEH). Also present was Steven Lu, Team Principal of China Racing, one of two Formula E teams to have already committed to the Championship together with Team Drayson Racing, with each fielding two drivers as part of a 10 team line-up.
Beijing, the capital of the People’s Republic of China, joins a list of nine cities to be announced for the inaugural season – including London, Los Angeles and Bangkok – with the remaining city to be revealed shortly, ahead of the final calendar being presented to the FIA at the September 2013 World Motor Sport Council.

During the press conference, the Vice Mayor expressed her most sincere welcome for the FIA Formula E Championship adding: “Beijing is one of the leading cities in the world to promote electric cars and we would like to take this opportunity to showcase this to the world. The City of Beijing plans to have 50,000 electric cars on the streets by 2015, while across China the government has set a target of producing and selling 500,000 energy-efficient and alternative-energy vehicles per year by 2015, and five million vehicles by 2020.”

“We are honoured to be here today and very grateful to the Vice Mayor and to the Chinese authorities for their generous hospitality and enthusiastic welcome,” said Alejandro Agag. “With Beijing being one of the most populous cities in the world, it is the perfect place to highlight the benefits of zero emission electric cars and we’re delighted that Ms Cheng Hong shares this commitment – highlighted by the fact that the Formula E project was one of a select few out of thousands to gain her approval.”

Steven Lu added: “We are delighted to start this partnership with FEH for the coming Formula E Beijing race. Our experience and credibility will ensure the success of this green racing series in the capital of China. The support we’ve received from the Beijing Sports Bureau and the local ASN have given us even more confidence to deliver a world-class electric car championship in 2014. It will be our home race for the Formula E China Racing team and we will try to make local fans proud and excited about electric cars. I believe this is the best platform to promote electric vehicles in Beijing.”

Routes for the race are currently being finalised but as with all Formula E events, it will take place through the city streets, incorporating many of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks and providing a great spectacle for the people of China (see artist’s impression).

The attempt will be made in the sub-1000kg class by entrepreneur, racing driver and former UK science minister Lord Drayson who will drive a low-drag version of the Drayson B12 69/EV electric Le- Mans Prototype flat-out along Elvington’s 1.86-mile runway.

Lord Drayson will aim to better the current record of 175mph set by Battery Box General Electric in the United States and which has stood since 1974. This record has held firm for nearly 40 years due to the immense technical challenge of running an electric vehicle consistently and reliably at such speeds when weighing less than 1000kg.

Lord Drayson, CEO and co-founder of Drayson Racing Technologies, commented: “It is not the outright speed that is impressive about this record attempt, but the engineering challenge of accelerating a 1000kg electric vehicle to such a high speed and sustaining that speed over a measured mile, before stopping safely all within a relatively short distance then turning round and doing it again within an hour. It’s a tremendous technical challenge but we believe it’s about time someone moved this record on to demonstrate just how far EV technology has come.”

Research and development
Drayson Racing Technologies is a research and development business, pioneering the development of sustainable technologies in the challenging environment of motorsport. With the electric land speed record they intend to showcase what is possible with an electric drivetrain and underscore Britain’s leadership position in the burgeoning EV industry.

The Drayson B12 69/EV was not originally conceived as a land speed car. Having raced the Lola chassis in sports car championships around the world powered by a second generation bio-fueled Judd V10 engine, Drayson Racing Technologies took the decision to explore the potential of the electric drivetrain and use the familiar Lola chassis as a starting point. This provided the team with a considerably tougher engineering challenge than starting from a ground-up design – particularly in packaging the drivetrain to maintain the rigidity and crash safety of the original car.

In its current iteration, the Drayson B12 69/EV represents the pinnacle of what an electric racing car can achieve in terms of performance. To challenge for the record some changes have been made to the set-up of the car and drivetrain that are consistent with racing at a low downforce circuit. This will give the B12 69/EV the traction to achieve maximum acceleration in the short distance available, sustain maximum speed over a measured mile and stop safely.

Lord Drayson: “The reason we are doing this is to showcase the maximum level of EV performance at the moment – and in a real racing car rather than a teardrop-shaped land speed record car. We are also demonstrating the future potential of technologies like wireless charging in speeding the adoption of high performance EVs. It’s a great way to build up to the Formula E championship that we are competing in from 2014 and will demonstrate that Britain is at the forefront of this vital technology, which I believe represents the future of the automobile.”

Drayson B12 69/EV Specification:
Chassis:
• Carbon Lola LMP1 chassis

Power:
• 640 kW, 850 Bhp

Mechanical:
• 4 Axial Flux Motors (2 per rear wheel) with integrated transmission • Single speed and independent drive
• Stress bearing battery and gearbox housings

Battery:
• 30 kWh
• Encased in a carbon battery cell integrated into the chassis to become a structural component. The battery is designed to be modular offering a range of power, capacity and weight configurations.

Control:
• Cosworth ECU platform with DRT control algorithms

Active Dynamics:
• Brake energy regeneration, Torque Vectoring and Traction Control

Active Aerodynamics:
• Active dive planes, rear wing and gurney flap.

Brakes:
• Front-380mm Carbon Disks, 6-pot calipers and carbon pads • Rear -355mm Carbon Disks, 6-pot calipers and carbon pads

Weight:
• 1095kg without a driver
World Land Speed Record Set-Up:

Chassis:
• Low-drag bodywork configuration

Power:
• 480 kW, 600 bhp

Battery:
• 20 kWh lightweight, high-power configuration

Weight:
• Sub 1000kg without a driver

Alongside the Vantage GT3 charger Aston Martin’s mould-breaking Hybrid Hydrogen Rapide S – designed and built with the support of hydrogen specialists Alset Global and based on the manufacturer’s new four-door, four-seat sports GT – achieved its ambitious goal of completing the world-famous 24-hour race. The car brand entered the history books with its zero CO2 emissions hydrogen-powered qualifying lap.

“This is a historic day for two reasons,” explains Jose Ignacio Calindo, CEO of Alset Global. “Besides being the first hydrogen-powered race car to compete and undertake zero CO2 emissions laps in an international event, it has showcased the most practical technology available to fundamentally address the challenge of global emissions without disrupting the automotive industry.”

The #005 V12 Vantage, which encountered a minor electrical issue in the first few hours of the race, charged on through the second section putting in consistently quick laps in the close-to-production specification car. However, its charge was not enough to make up the lost time and the team finished fifth in class.

Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez, who drove several stints in the Hybrid Hydrogen Rapide S over the course of the race, said: “This year’s race here at Nürburgring has been a celebration of all the things that Aston Martin stands for: power, people and dedication! Record-breaking hydrogen success incorporating the very latest V12 engine technology, a race-leading performance for the GT3, strong laps from the V12 Vantage and the global unveiling of the stunning CC100 Speedster Concept – created in the spirit of our most famous race car ever, the classic DBR1 – have ensured Aston Martin is once again taking a leading role here. Our centenary celebrations continue, of course, and now we look forward to more success on track at Le Mans.”

Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3
For the race, Aston Martin Racing works driver Pedro Lamy (PT) qualified the Bilstein V12 Vantage GT3 in second position overall. The five-time N24 winner set a blistering time of 8:18.362, stopping the clock just 1.1 seconds behind the pole position winner.

After taking the race lead in the second hour Lamy‘s team-mates Darren Turner (GB), Stefan Mücke (D) and Allan Simonsen (DN) each led at points as the rain and fog worsened until, finally, the event was red flagged at 22:30 hrs.

The green flag finally waved again at 08:00 hrs on Monday 20 May with Aston Martin Racing still leading the race. In persistently wet conditions, the drivers struggled for grip and the V12 Vantage GT3 gradually lost its advantage over its rivals. A brush with the barriers in the difficult early laps affected the car’s handling for the remainder of the race, curtailing any chance to push hard in the improving conditions. Thereafter, the team wisely settled for a safe finish and was delighted to bring the car home in tenth place overall.

John Gaw, Team Principal at Aston Martin Racing comments: “The team did a fantastic job this weekend and we couldn’t have done it without our partners from Bilstein. Our car performed perfectly on the Michelin slicks and, in the dry, we recorded some of the very fastest lap times of the race. In the wet we struggled with grip, but this is something we will work on together ahead of next year’s race.”

Darren Turner adds: “Wow, another amazing Nürburgring 24 Hours! As ever, it’s been a whole host of ups and down. It was a great job by Pedro in qualifying and to lead the race up until the red flag was very exciting and showed exactly what the Vantage GT3 can achieve. Coming back next year we need to work on our wet weather pace but, overall, I’m very proud of the team. As always, it’s been a pleasure to drive with Pedro, Stefan and Allan and the boys did a great job in our pit stops.”

Aston Martin will next race at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the third round of the FIA World Endurance Championship, which Aston Martin Racing is currently leading with its #97 Vantage GTE.

More than 200 guests attended the reception, also held in honour of His Majesty the King’s 86th birthday, hosted on the eighth floor of the ZEN Shopping Mall by leading Thai DJ and model Nattaseat Poonsupmanee. Taking centre stage at the ceremony was the fully-electric Formula E car making its first ever appearance in Asia and introduced with a visually-stunning VDO presentation.

Earlier this year, FEH presented the FIA with a preliminary list of eight cities – London, Rome, Los Angeles, Miami, Beijing, Putrajaya, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro – all selected to host races for the inaugural season. A total of 10 races are scheduled for 2014 with Bangkok adding its name to the list of candidate cities for the remaining two slots.

Since launching in August 2012, FEH has received formal letters of interest from 23 cities across five continents with the final calendar being presented to the FIA for its approval at the September 2013 World Motor Sport Council.

“We are delighted to be here in Bangkok today and are very thankful to the Thai authorities for their enthusiastic welcome,” said Alejandro Agag. “We have been very impressed with Thailand’s commitment to cleaner energy and sustainable motoring, as well as their rising motorsport programme, and a Formula E race through this amazing city would provide a great spectacle together with a considerable boost to tourism.”

Pol. Maj.Gen Lattasanya Piansomparn said: “In 2012, total production, local sales, and exports of cars, reached new highs, close to 2.5 million cars and breaking a record that had stood for more than 50 years. The heavily promoted Thai car industry was on the way to becoming one of the top 10 car producers in the world. The government policy is to force Thailand as the ASEAN hub of automotive production and announce a new master plan for the automotive industry from 2012 to 2016, formulating development strategies for sustainable growth of the industry, especially the global trends focusing on clean energy.

“This reflects the vision of Thailand’s automotive industry and if Thailand is one of the cities’ selected to host the FIA Formula E Championship, it will create a great opportunity for the future automotive industry cooperation and Formula E production base in Thailand. Formula E now is the latest innovation and technology of automotive industry. The future automotive trend is electric energy. Moreover, the best benefits for Thailand are; the cutting edge of technology, increased employment opportunities and an increase in labour skills at an international standard.”

Mr. Chiruit Israngkun Na Ayuthaya added: “The FIA Formula E Championship in Bangkok city will help economic growth (GDP) and generate tourism revenue for the country, especially MICE industry and motor sports economic activities.”

Formula E is a new FIA championship that brings electric vehicle racing to the people, as city centres around the world play host to an electric energy World Championship designed to promote interest and investment in electric vehicles and sustainable motoring.

Formula E car
“The new Formula E car – the Spark-Renault SRT_01E – represents the future of motorsport,” announced Formula E Holdings. The car is capable of reaching 0-100kph in less than three seconds and is currently under construction by Spark Racing Technology with Renault Technical Partnership, headed up by Frédéric Vasseur, who will produce 42 cars for the first season. Leading Italian firm Dallara will produce the chassis while tyres will be supplied by the Championship’s Official Tyre Partner Michelin.

Renault
The agreement was signed by Patrice Ratti, Renault Sport Technologies Managing Director and as a Renault SAS representative, Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E Holdings and Frédéric Vasseur, President of Spark Racing Technologies.

“Renault has demonstrated a unique commitment to zero-emission mobility, with a range of four cars available for sale. Renault in Europe, and the Renault-Nissan Alliance worldwide, has gained a position of EV sales leader. Formula E is an exciting opportunity to demonstrate the excellence and the reliability of our EV solutions,” said Philippe Klein, Executive Vice President, Corporate Planning, Product Planning & Programs of Renault Group. “We believe that motorsport is an efficient manner to promote the efficiency of new technologies, and we’re eager to use that single-seater in FIA Formula E championship to show our technology is the best.”

TAG Heuer
TAG Heuer Professional Timing, the timekeeping division of the renowned Swiss brand, will provide all live timings for the Championship’s inaugural season, which will take place on 10 street circuits worldwide including London, Rome, Los Angeles, Miami, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Beijing. TAG Heuer will also be the exclusive watch brand to appear on track signage at all cities around the world.

Stephane Linder, new TAG Heuer CEO as of June 1, added: “TAG Heuer draws inspiration from the technology, design and artistry of professional motor racing to produce the world’s most precise, reliable and thrilling timepieces. Formula E promotes interest and investment in electric vehicles and sustainable motoring. We look forward to participating in this noble and exciting endeavour, as we share its values: innovation, performance and sustainable development. And, at the core, a deep and abiding love for the world’s fastest sport.”

Alternative motorsport company eO is creating a fully electric supercar to attempt a record breaking ascent to the Pikes Peak summit in Colorado, USA. The ambitious rookie entry at the world famous hill climb competition on June 30th will be piloted by the Baltic touring car champion Janis Horeliks.

This year Pikes Peak is about to see the 91st gathering of daring drivers to climb the 20 km course to the summit at 4300 meter above sea level. Over years, the entire length of the run has been gradually paved, bringing about the dominance of tarmac specification cars. The 2013 edition will feature an epic battle between the current record holder Rhys Millen, legendary Tajima Nabuhiro, aka Monster, the TMG EV P002 and the 9-time world rally champion Sebastien Loeb in a 4×4 twin-turbocharged Peugeot 208.

So far no electric car has won the event outright but they are becoming a force to be reckoned with. As lithium ion batteries and electric motors shrink in size and grow in power, competitive results can be achieved over the short and twisty distance. And compared with internal combustion engines, electric motors suffer no power loss at high altitude where the air is rare.

Utilising years of experience in motorsport engineering, eO has designed a tubular spaceframe prototype with a bought-in carbon fibre body kit. The PP01 chassis features an innovative 400 kW all-wheel electric drive architecture which makes it a worthy contender.

“We know our technology is capable of breaking the current Pikes Peak record,” says eO chief engineer Andris Dambis, “but there is an incredibly tight field battling it out this year. We therefore acknowledge the unpredictable nature of the event but nevertheless aim to showcase previously unseen electric vehicle capabilities. That is the spirit at eO.”

Indeed, the company is already well known for its ambitious electric motorsport projects. eO’s electric off-roader built in 2011 has completed 18 000 km in three continents, including the gruelling Dakar rally. Venturing into sprint racing forms part of the company’s long term strategy to develop high performance technologies for niche electric vehicles.

A thorough testing programme with eO PP01 is planned for May ahead of shipping the vehicle to Colorado in early June.