Porsche unveils the 99X Electric Gen3, a single-seater designed for the next season of the Formula E world championship, which begins in January in Mexico City.
As in all motorsport disciplines, Formula E is constantly changing its regulations. The cars entered in competition must then meet new criteria, aimed at making them more efficient but also and above all more ecological. Because we remember, Formula E is an event bringing together only 100% electric single-seaters and taking place on circuits installed in several major cities around the world.
A new release
Last April, the FIA unveiled its all-new Gen3 single-seaterwhich is none other than the 3ᵉ generation of cars entered in Formula E.
All competitors will then be almost identical and will display more or less the same technical data sheet. Nevertheless, if all teams must use the same batteries and chassis, they can modify the rear engine, the gearbox or even the software part as they wish. For now, only Porsche has unveiled the design of its own, called 99X Electric Gen3.
Shorter than the old version with a wheelbase revised downwards to better adapt to urban circuits, this one sports a black and red livery as well as much more angular lines than the previous generation.
The weight has also been reduced by about fifty kilos, despite the arrival of an all-new front engine. This new version is of course more ecological, while this 99X Electric Gen3 notably uses recycled carbon, from Gen2 cars which are no longer used today.
Motorsport.com also reports that some components have been made from linen and sustainable materials, while batteries supplied by Williams Advanced Engineering will be recyclable. As the press release from Porsche explains, the cells must indeed be reused or recycled after each lesson. All these requirements and innovations should make it possible to reduce the carbon footprint of the production of this single-seater by 10% compared to the old one.
Sharp increase in performance
Porsche has also collaborated with Hankook to equip its single-seater with tires made from recycled materials, as Formula E explains in a statement. In addition, the rubbers will be transformed after each race to make new ones.
Like all the single-seaters entered in the next season of the Formula E world championship, the 99X Electric Gen3 sees its power goes from 250 to 350 kW, the equivalent of 470 horsepower. Everything is then produced by an electric motor installed on the rear axle, while a second is located at the front, thus playing a major role in the recovery of energy.
This is therefore increased to 600 kW, double that of Gen2, allowing 40% of the energy used during braking to be recovered. That’s not all, because charging has also been optimized and now saves 4 to 5 kWh in just 30 seconds. This new generation of the single-seater signed Porsche will make its first laps during the 9ᵉ season of the Formula E world championship which will start on January 14, 2023 with the Mexico City E-Prix.
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