Kiwi ace unveils new electric race car
Kiwi driver Mitch Evans has helped Jaguar Racing launch a new electric race car he is hoping to steer to success in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
The Jaguar I-Type 5 was unveiled in a virtual launch before season seven of the competition gets under way in Santiago, Chile, on January 16.
The single-seater features a new powertrain developed in-house, which will run for the next two seasons.
Jaguar Racing engineers have focussed on efficiency gains, reduced weight and lowered the centre of gravity of the I-Type 5’s powertrain. New suspension will provide greater adjustment from track to track and a more efficient invertor will improve switching speeds and performance.
The state-of-the-art invertor also features 24-carat gold due to its highly conductive properties.
Evans has been with Jaguar Racing since they joined the all-electric championship in 2016. His teammate for next year’s 14 races in 12 cities will be British driver Sam Bird, who has won races in every Formula E season.
“Launch day is always a great landmark for the team as we show the world what we’ve been working on behind closed doors and set our intentions for the season,” says Evans.
“For me it’s a moment to set my own goals for the next season and start the year with positive momentum. This is my fifth season with the team and we are more determined than ever to make this the most successful year we’ve had together.”
Jaguar Racing has also developed a prototype race seat using sustainable materials called Typefibre. It will be tested at speed in different temperatures, loads and environments around the world as part of the team’s Race to Innovate mission – sharing the benefits of race technology with road cars.
James Barclay, team director, says the 2021 campaign will be the first season Formula E boasts world championship status.
“The team have worked harder than ever to create the most efficient, state-of-the-art race car and it is fantastic to be able to unveil it to our customers, fans and partners,” he adds.
“The countdown is now on until we’re back out on track in Santiago and we will be pushing for points, podiums and wins.”
