Former F1 Driver Unveils Electric Concept Car '11 Seconds Faster' Than F1
Former F1 driver Lucas Di Grassi has revealed the DGR-Lola, an electric concept car designed with Lola Cars that simulations claim could lap Monaco 11 seconds faster than a current F1 car. Featuring active aerodynamics, modular batteries, and twin-turbine suction, this project aims to prove the superior speed and efficiency of electric racing technology, potentially inspiring the future of motorsport.
Former Formula 1 driver Lucas Di Grassi has unveiled an electric concept car, the DGR-Lola, which simulations suggest could be an astonishing 11 seconds faster than a current F1 car around the Monaco circuit. Designed with the backing of Lola Cars, this ambitious project aims to push the boundaries of electric racing technology and prove its superiority over traditional F1 machinery.
Why it matters:
- Di Grassi's DGR-Lola challenges the conventional wisdom about the ultimate speed potential of electric racing, directly comparing its capabilities to Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport.
- This project serves as a significant inspiration for future electric racing car designs and could accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies like active aerodynamics and modular battery systems in motorsport.
- With Formula 1 itself introducing active aerodynamics next season, the DGR-Lola's design offers a glimpse into what might be possible when these technologies are pushed to their extreme.
The Details:
- Design Goal: The DGR-Lola project, undertaken by Lucas Di Grassi during his Formula E off-season, aimed to demonstrate the ultimate potential of current materials and technology in electric vehicle design.
- Key Features: The concept car incorporates several cutting-edge features:
- Active Aerodynamics: The car utilizes sophisticated active aero systems to optimize downforce and reduce drag.
- Extreme Low Drag: Designed for minimal aerodynamic resistance, enhancing straight-line speed and efficiency.
- Modular Battery Design: A 60kWh modular battery provides power, allowing for flexibility and potential weight optimization.
- Open Software Integration: Enables advanced control and adaptability for performance tuning.
- Twin-Turbine Suction: For modular downforce generation, capable of producing significant downforce (assumed at 1.5 tons, with potential for up to 2 tons).
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Two motors generate 600kW (804bhp) of power.
- Performance Claims: Simulations at the Monaco circuit show:
- The DGR-Lola could be up to 11 seconds quicker than an F1 car.
- It is approximately ten times more efficient than current F1 cars around Monaco.
- It can match F1 qualifying pace for 12 laps and F1 race pace for 15-20 laps.
- Collaborators: Lola Cars provided support and facilities, with additional assistance from Sebastian Lamour's LamTec for CAD, Chris Paul Design for renderings, and Airshaper for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) runs.
What's next:
Di Grassi's ultimate goal is to build this car within the next two years, moving from simulation to a tangible prototype. If successful, the DGR-Lola could redefine benchmarks in electric motorsport and influence future F1 technical regulations, especially concerning active aerodynamics and power unit efficiency. This project aims to inspire future generations of electric racing cars and firmly establish electric vehicles at the forefront of motorsport performance.