Audi unveils the e-tron FE04 Formula E racer

Earlier in the year, Audi announced it would be taking full ownership of its Formula E team, where it’s spent the past three years sponsoring Abt Schaeffler. For season four, Audi Sport will champion its very own electric racer: the e-tron FE04 you see above, featuring some tech that'll be deployed in future road-cars (including the Audi e-tron SUV due in 2018). 

The e-tron technology is part of Audi’s future for the brand and will make up some of the 20-plus electrified models in the product range expected before 2025. So, this single-seater racer gets an electric motor-generator paired with a high-efficiency transmission that comes with just one gear.

“After nearly 40 years of being successfully active in motorsport on the highest level, Audi now becomes the first German automobile manufacturer to compete in Formula E in order to test and advance the development of new technologies for production,” says Peter Mertens, Member of the Board of Management, Technical Development, AUDI AG.

In Formula E, teams share a common chassis but develop the motor, transmission, suspension and software, giving Audi the perfect chance to work on and perfect its future powertrain. 

“Together with our technology partner Schaeffler, we have developed a completely new powertrain,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Dieter Gass. “You can immediately tell this by looking at the new carbon housing of the powertrain. The car also sounds different because we’re pursuing new avenues in technology.”

Previous Audi Formula E champion Lucas di Grassi will be taking to the track in the FE04, which will sport a fetching new livery of white, metallic green and black, while youngster teammate Daniel Abt will be behind the wheel of a machine highlighted with red to distinguish the two cars. 

The 2017/2018 season kicks off in Hong Kong on December 2, but the e-tron FE04 will be seen in testing in the following weeks. 

Is electric the future of motor racing? Let us know you thoughts…