Tesla Model S racing series

Credit: Tesla/autogazette.de

We’ve all seen the endless parade of Tesla Model S cars at the drag strip on YouTube. Now get ready for Tesla Model S circuit racing – the Electric GT World Series.

For now, it will be a one-model series – Tesla Model S P85+. All teams are required to enter two cars. This may be following the Formula One model – two cars, two drivers from each team, but is more likely to be following the Formula E model – two cars for each driver, with a car swap around half way, to avoid charging or battery swapping. It’s worth noting, though, that the Tesla Model S was designed to permit battery swapping.

Modifications will be permitted to aerodynamics, suspension, brakes & weight. Motor, control software & battery will be stock, apart from battery cooling.

Battery cooling? While the battery cooling system of the Model S is adequate for any legitimate road use, or even drag racing, sustained high power demands lead to the battery overheating, & reduced power mode. This has been demonstrated at the Nurburgring race circuit. Text & video at:

https://jalopnik.com/heres-what-a-tesla-model-s-can-do-around-the-nurburgrin-1600644908

Another possibility is that battery temperature may become another parameter to be balanced against speed, as happens in other forms of motor racing with brake wear, tyre wear, fuel consumption & engine durability.

Long term, the plan is to open up the series to other makes, but for now, there's nothing that can keep up with a Tesla Model S.

http://arstechnica.com/cars/2016/03/tesla-model-s-electric-gt-racing-series/

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2016/03/the-electric-gt-world-series-will-use-teslas-model-s/

http://www.slashgear.com/tesla-model-s-sedans-to-finally-race-each-other-in-new-ev-series-12431258/ / Tesla Model S racing series Electric GT World Series grid modified Model S zero-emissions GT road car based racing championships begin 2017 car grid Tesla Model S P85+ new championship Electric GT World Series seven-race season 2017 races Europe America Asia organisers tracks used Barcelona Spain Donington UK Mugello Italy Estoril Portugal 10 teams team two modified Tesla Model S P85+ road cars power unit control software unchanged standard road car 416hp horsepower 601Nm torque changes aerodynamics suspension brakes more suitable for racing car's weight reduced tearing out unneeded upholstery battery's cooling system improved drivers foot on the throttle longer Agustin Paya professional racing driver promoter Electric GT World Series P85+ rear-wheel-drive newer P90D all-wheel-drive chosen more suitable for racing easier to fix in a pinch drivers prefer RWD track future Formula E plan Electric GT World Series allow range different cars grid Tesla Model S one of the best cars ever made best 100 percent electric cars luxurious super tourer made for racing weight distribution low centre of gravity considerable mass more than two tons allows unbelievable cornering speed unending torque add up great racing car testing Barcelona Catalunya F1 Circuit Madrid Jarama circuit Model S GT champion Electric GT pull in the punters Formula E engine noise Model S much larger battery Formula E cars car-switching battery back swapping races last more than 100 or 150 miles Tesla racing exciting techies Teslaphiles tune in favourite car electric race car racing car lithium ion LiIon battery charge recharge range /