Cupra continues its development of the electric TCR

The Spanish brand has successfully completed its first tests with the Cupra e-Racer, the first touring car for the TCR.

Published on 01/08/2018 à 11:00

⁰ View comments)

Cupra continues its development of the electric TCR

Since its revelation to the public last winter (see Ah n°2155), the project had fallen back into the shadows, to the point that the seriousness of the approach could be called into question. However, it is very real, Tourism is succumbing to the electric trend. Developed by Seat's Competition department, the Cupra e-Racer completed its first test session near Zagreb (Croatia) with the help of engineers from electric hypercar manufacturer Rimac.

The driver Jordi Gené was able to reach the limits of the CUPRA e-Racer at the Castellolí circuit, in Barcelona, with the result being incredible. @Cupraracing pic.twitter.com/t4f1J9AkPw

— FormulAutoTrend (@formulautotrend) July 31, 2018

Despite the summer heat, the four electric motors held up regardless of the speeds adopted. “Our fear regarding the complex integration of the various electrical components quickly turned into optimism,” relates Xavier Carrasquilla, head of technical research at the Spanish manufacturer. This is a first step towards the revival of motorsport”, just that ! The batteries provide continuous power of 300 kW, with an announced peak of 500 kW (i.e. 408 and 680 horsepower), only delivered to the rear axle.

Satisfied with this first full-scale test, Cupra conducted other tests last week in Spain, on the private Castelloli circuit, which has a greater difference in altitude. For the occasion, the former Seat driver in WTCC Jordi Gene was behind the wheel. “The acceleration is impressive (despite the 1 kg of the car, including 350 for the batteries alone). The braking still needs to be fine-tuned. » The e-Racer paves the way for other manufacturers to get involved in the future E-TCR championship, announced by Marcello Lotti in the second half of the 2019 season.

Thermal fans can rest assured: this competition launched by the promoter of the TCR brand should not replace the WTCR and its national versions. Cupra hopes to present this model dynamically as part of the TCR Europe final on October 20 and 21 in Barcelona (Spain).