Breaking news
DTM
DTM reveals "revolutionary" concept for 1000bhp electric cars
The DTM has presented a futuristic vision for a "revolutionary" new touring car series that could run in support of the German category.
Tom Errington
Edited: Jan 24, 2024, 3:12 AM
Copy link
Share on Viber
While the DTM is currently evaluating hybrid technology that is expected to be a spec component for the 2022 season, the series has now unveiled a concept for cars "powered by battery or hydrogen fuel cell technology" that could produce a "1000bhp car capable of speeds of 200mph".
The figures represent a significant upscale in power compared to the 2019-spec Class One-engined DTM cars that produce 600bhp and a top speed over 120mph.
The DTM currently has a mandatory pitstop in its racing format for tyre changes, but the DTM's vision for this series is that the 40-minute race would have a pitstop to recharge.
This would be done by "large industrial robots" that would change the tyres and remove and replace the battery or hydrogen tank.
The DTM believes this series would provide "manufacturers with an unprecedented opportunity to design and develop its own high-performance electric vehicles of the future".
“This is a courageous and innovative concept”, said DTM boss Gerhard Berger. “You have to look far ahead if you want to shape the future of motorsports and offer racing with alternative drive systems that inspire the fans.
"It is obvious that manufacturers who want to become involved in motorsport are increasingly focusing on alternative drive concepts.”
A release from the DTM outlined a three-step "pathway to the future" that outlines the criteria for such a series to exist.
Technical feasibility is one of the steps, which is the balance between "achievable" technology and the requirements of the racing series, with the DTM keen not to sacrifice the racing product purely for technology.
Financial viability and fan, manufacturer and sponsor interest are the other two steps the DTM believes is critical to such a series.
A statement from the DTM added: "The racing series outlined today would function as a testing ground for manufacturers, as well as a development accelerator for technologies relevant to production cars.
"The time is right, and the appetite is there to make that change."
Berger added that a "truly new and inspiring concept" to shape the future of motorsport had been lacking.
“You have to look far ahead if you want to shape the future of the sport,” said Berger. “Although hybrid and electric vehicles have established a foothold in the market, I think that a truly new and inspiring concept has been lacking up until now.
"In addition to millions of motorsport fans worldwide, we’re now talking with a large number of automotive companies and suppliers who would like to become more involved in motorsport.
"With this project, we want to demonstrate that we’re open to what the future holds and that we have something new to offer the world’s manufacturers.”
Industrial robots will effortlessly remove and replace the car’s underbody battery pack during the mandatory pit-stops
Photo by: ITR eV
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article R-Motorsport confirms split with DTM partner HWA
Next article New DTM electric series "completely different" to FE
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Tom Errington
Eaton "got it wrong" with initial W Series criticism
W Series
W Series
Eaton "got it wrong" with initial W Series criticism
Hamilton still revisits texts from "great pillar" Lauda
Formula 1
Formula 1
Hamilton still revisits texts from "great pillar" Lauda
DTM finalising hybrid powertrain spec for 2022 debut
DTM
DTM
DTM finalising hybrid powertrain spec for 2022 debut
Latest news
Max Verstappen on GTWC Europe debut: “We’re here to win”
GT World Challenge Europe Endurance
WCEE GT World Challenge Europe Endurance 3 h
Max Verstappen on GTWC Europe debut: “We’re here to win”
How to watch NASCAR at Phoenix II: Weekend schedule, start time, entry list, TV
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Phoenix II
3 h
How to watch NASCAR at Phoenix II: Weekend schedule, start time, entry list, TV
Ryan Ellis signs multi-year NASCAR O'Reilly deal with Alpha Prime Racing
NASCAR O'Reilly
NOAP NASCAR O'Reilly
Phoenix II
3 h
Ryan Ellis signs multi-year NASCAR O'Reilly deal with Alpha Prime Racing
Ayao Komatsu: Rafael Camara chosen for F1 2027 seat on speed, not Ferrari links
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Singapore GP
10 h
Ayao Komatsu: Rafael Camara chosen for F1 2027 seat on speed, not Ferrari links
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe