2018 Audi Steps Up To Formula E With E-Tron FE04

The high-tech slab of open-wheel speed machine you see before you is the Audi E-Tron FE04, the Four Ring brand’s very first all electric race car. The FE04 just made its big debut in Neuburg, Germany, and will be used in Audi’s re-doubled efforts in the all-electric Formula E race series. That makes Audi the first German brand to enter the Formula E fray with a full factory-backed effort. Audi says the FE04 will be used as a test bed for new and upcoming technology that will eventually trickle down to its production vehicles, raising hopes that battery motivation alone will be enough to whet the appetites of future Audi performance enthusiasts.

“Following quattro, TFSI, TDI, hybrid drive and many other innovations, our single-seater race car is a portent of our product offensive in the field of electric mobility that we are ringing in with the Audi e-tron in 2018,” says Peter Mertens, Member of the Board of Management, Technical Development at Audi AG. The brand says it’s planning on offering as many as 20 new battery-assisted models, including both hybrids and all-electric models, by the year 2025. While the FE04 will use a spec chassis, per regulations, the FE04 is still an opportunity for Audi to develop it’s know-how with a new electric motor, transmission, and some suspension bits, as well as the software needed to run it all. Look for the FE04 to make its competition debut in Hong Kong this coming December, with pre-season testing taking place in Spain.

Continue reading for the full story.

2018 Audi Steps Up To Formula E With E-Tron FE04

Specifications

Make: Array
Model: 2018 Audi Steps Up To Formula E With E-Tron FE04
[do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Any Other Technical Bits?

Audi didn’t mention too much in terms of specifications and details, but we do know it’s developing a brand-new powertrain and drivetrain to take on the competition. The transmission will be a single-gear unit, while the housing for the powertrain will be all carbon fiber.

Audi is partnering with the German-based Schaeffler Group when it comes to the technology development front. Although Audi and Schaeffler have enjoyed a working relationship over the course of past Formula E seasons, the FE04 is Audi’s first full-fledged factory effort, and thus, it represents a renewal and deepening of that previously mentioned relationship.

Why Formula E?

The all-electric series is pretty much the most natural place for Audi to go right now. Following the disastrous Dieselgate scandal and Audi’s subsequent withdrawal from Le Mans, the “cleaner” Formula E series makes the most sense. Throw in the fact Germany is mulling an outright ban on the internal combustion engine, and battery-powered racers are just about the only option for competition-driven tech development.

Motorsports fans will be quick to remember Audi as the team to beat at Le Mans, with racers like the R18 absolutely dominating year after year. And while it’s a shame to see the brand pull out over a scandal, it’s an interesting development to throw all that go-faster know-how at a completely new sport. After all, the FE04 is Audi’s first open-wheel single-seater, and although Audi’s hybrid tech offers a little bit of guidance, there’s still quite a bit of catching up to do.

Who Will Drive And Who Will Lead?

Luckily, Audi is tapping some pretty big names to help along the way. Taking the wheel of the FE04 will be Lucas di Grassi, winner of the championship title this year and pilot of the number 1 vehicle. His teammate will be Daniel Abt, who will race the number 66 car. Both will use black, green, and white livery, with Abt’s 66 car getting additional red marks to help fans figure out who’s who. This will be the fourth season for both drivers. The team principle will be Allan McNish, former Formula 1 star, long-time Audi factory driver, and three-time Le Mans winner.

With a roster like that, Audi certainly has decent odds for success. Whether it’ll pan out with a win remains to be seen.