New Electric Concept Claims It Can Beat F1 Cars at Monaco
An ambitious new electric concept car, the Formula DGR Zero, claims it can shatter Formula 1 lap records at Monaco, potentially beating current F1 cars by over four seconds. This collaborative project, spearheaded by racer Lucas Di Grassi, combines powerful electric motors, modular batteries, and active 'downforce on demand' technology to push the boundaries of electric racing performance, with plans for a real-world prototype within two years.
An innovative electric race car concept, the Formula DGR Zero, is claiming it can outpace a Formula 1 car at the iconic Monaco Grand Prix circuit by a significant margin. Developed through a collaboration between racing driver Lucas Di Grassi, Lola Cars, LamTec, Airshaper, and Chris Paul Design, this all-wheel-drive, all-electric concept is currently a simulation but has ambitious plans for a real-world build.
Why it matters:
Formula 1 has long been considered the pinnacle of motorsport performance. A credible electric concept that can challenge and potentially surpass F1 car lap times, especially on a demanding street circuit like Monaco, signifies a major leap in electric vehicle performance and could redefine future racing series paradigms.
The Details:
- Performance Claim: Simulations suggest the Formula DGR Zero can achieve a lap time 4.3 seconds faster than Lando Norris's pole position lap at the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix.
- Power Unit: The car features an all-wheel-drive, all-electric powertrain generating 600kW (804bhp) from two motors.
- Modular Battery System: It utilizes modular 60kWh batteries that can be removed for qualifying to reduce weight, and then reinstalled for races, optimizing for different performance requirements.
- Active Downforce: The concept draws inspiration from the McMurtry Spéirling, incorporating an active suction system for 'downforce on demand.'
- This system aims to deliver extreme performance with relatively low energy consumption.
- Initial assumptions suggest 1.5 tons (15 Kilonewtons) of downforce, though developers believe it could achieve more. With removed battery modules, Di Grassi claims the car could be 11 seconds faster than F1 due to reduced weight (approx. 200kg) and optimized downforce.
- Aerodynamic Design: The car's design prioritizes function, featuring wheel covers specifically engineered to enhance aerodynamic efficiency and mitigate spray in wet conditions.
- Collaboration: The project is a joint effort between Lucas Di Grassi, legendary manufacturer Lola Cars, technology company LamTec, aerodynamic specialists Airshaper, and Chris Paul Design.
What's next:
While currently a concept, there are concrete plans to bring the Formula DGR Zero to fruition within the next two years. This project aims to inspire future generations of electric racing cars and firmly establish the performance potential of electric powertrains against traditional internal combustion engines in motorsport. If realized, it could set new benchmarks for speed and efficiency in racing.