Audi e-tron FE04 unveiled – first works Formula E car

Audi was the first in a string of German manufacturers to make a wholesale move to Formula E, and now it’s pulled the wraps off its first race car as a works team. The e-tron FE04, which will be campaigned in the 2017/2018 season, is set to make its debut at the season-opening Hong Kong race on December 2.

Sporting a new white, black and green livery, the e-tron FE04 features a powertrain – including the electric motor, transmission, parts of the suspension and the respective software – that is developed in-house. The transmission is a single-speed unit built for high efficiency, and engineers have also focused on the design of the motor-generator unit for greater efficiency.

“Together with our technology partner Schaeffler, we have developed a completely new powertrain,” said Audi Motorsport boss 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.”

Team Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler will retain its current driver lineup, including world champion Lucas di Grassi and Daniel Abt – between them they’ve achieved 24 podiums, six victories and four pole positions. The team also announced its new team principal, three-time Le Mans winner Allan McNish.

Ingolstadt will be joined on the grid by BMW in the 2018/2019 season, as well as Mercedes-Benz the year after. Audi also won’t be the only Volkswagen Group brand to tackle Formula E, as Porsche will also enter the sport in 2019 after pulling out of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and Le Mans.

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