Westfield iRACER EV Under Development [Videos]

Will compete in the EV Cup

Westfield Sportscars has announced plans to join the EV Cup with the new iRACER.

Designed to compete it the world's first ‘green' racing series, the iRACER features Lithium Phosphate batteries, a tubular chassis, and lightweight body panels. Thanks to the iRACER's advanced design, over half (roughly 100 kg) of the batteries can be stored beneath the floor to lower the car's center of gravity.

Power comes from two electric motors which produce 80 kW (107 hp) and 1000 Nm of torque. This allows the 600 kg (1,323 lbs) iRACER to accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds, before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 110 mph.

If everything goes according to plan, the iRACER will be able to travel up to 55 miles (under race conditions) on a single charge. When the batteries are drained, a three phase generator will recharge them in approximately two hours.

According to Dr. Paul Faithfull, Technical Director of Westfield Sportscars, "We are excited by the prospect of racing against other electric vehicles at circuits across Europe and beyond. EV Cup represents a great opportunity for us to develop vehicle technology on the back of this direct competition, a way to benchmark and to show that electric racing can be as dramatic and exciting as conventional motorsport."

Source: evcup.com

WESTFIELD SPORTSCARS JOIN EV CUP

Westfield Sportscars join EV Cup with their innovative electric race car, the iRACER.

Westfield's iRACER is a track focused electric vehicle designed and engineered to support a growing demand for zero emission sports cars. With a target total weight of 600kg, powered by two motors delivering 80kW, the final vehicle will have a sub 5 second 0-60mph time, with an electronically limited top speed of 110mph.

Using an intelligent and flexible design, over half (approx. 100kg) of the state of the art Lithium Phosphate batteries will be stored under the floor to lower the centre of gravity. For a greater range and for better weight distribution, additional batteries can also be positioned towards the front of the vehicle. While this flexibility presents a number of practical and financial benefits, it also offers an additional competitive element for optimal vehicle setup for different circuits on the EV Cup calendar.

Westfield's iRACER joins an already exciting SportsEV class line up. Dr. Paul Faithfull, Technical Director of Westfield Sportscars, "we are excited by the prospect of racing against other electric vehicles at circuits across Europe and beyond. EV Cup represents a great opportunity for us to develop vehicle technology on the back of this direct competition, a way to benchmark and to show that electric racing can be as dramatic and exciting as conventional motorsport."

Says Managing Director Sylvain Filippi: "Westfield's iRACER is another example of the excitement behind performance electric vehicles, this time, open top and very lightweight. We look forward to working with Westfield and witnessing the success of their iRACER."

The iRACER is the result of a collaborative project between Westfield Sportscars, and Niche Vehicle Network partners Potenza Technology, Delta Motorsport, RDM Automotive, and Coventry University. Funded through an Advantage West Midlands programme, the vehicle has been styled by upcoming designer Elliott Hawkins from the Royal College of Arts.

Westfield's iRACER is a track focused electric vehicle designed and engineered to support a growing demand for zero emission sports cars.


Westfield iRACER Specs

General:

  • Kerb Weight - 600kg
  • Length - 3600mm
  • Width - 1635mm
  • Installation - Rear, rear wheel drive
  • Bodywork - Lightweight and recyclable

Technical:

  • Drive motor - Oxford Yasa Motors, 80Kw, 1000Nm @ the wheels
  • Battery - 170kg, Lithium Phosphate

Performance:

  • 0-60mph - under 5 seconds
  • Top speed - 110mph (electronically limited)
  • Range - 55 race miles on a single charge (extendable)
  • Recharge - 2 hours charge time from three phase generator

 

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 Kepe Kepe
A modern bath tub with wheels and a spoiler on it? Nice design... 110mph top speed... And a 55 mile range. They better hope the races aren't too long and the tracks are curvy. Electric cars just aren't quite there yet to take over the world of petrol-driven cars. Diesel hybrids look very interesting at the moment (BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics concept).
January 5, 2010 3:28 pm
 joshg_5 joshg_5
I agree with everything you just said. You saved me time from writing a very similar comment. This car is only going for half an hour in race conditions. And yes, electric isn't yet a viable way of efficient racing.
January 5, 2010 6:55 pm
 Captain Scarlett Captain Scarlett
Although I do agree with the above comments I also realize that this is the future or at least a part of it.
January 5, 2010 9:03 pm
 CDspeed CDspeed
I'd rather buy a Tesla roadster. The Tesla is faster and lasts longer.
January 5, 2010 10:28 pm
 bmwaddict bmwaddict
How come electric engines have such high torques?
January 6, 2010 10:37 am
 Kepe Kepe
Because they generate power and torque all the time. A reciprocating petrol/diesel engine only generates power and torque when the fuel and air mix burns in the cylinder. And a regular engine is only able to turn about 30-40% of the energy contained in the fuel in to kinetic energy that moves the car. The rest of the energy in the fuel is turned in to heat which doesn't make the car move.
January 6, 2010 12:45 pm