Formula E Electric Race Car To Debut At Frankfurt

The all-electric Formula E race car will make its global debut at this year's Frankfurt Auto Show, one year before the first race of the inaugural FIA Formula E season.

Built on a Renault-derived chassis that's been tweaked by Spark Racing Technologies, the Formula E racer is powered by electric motors from McLaren and ride on Michelin-supplied tyres. 

Officially called the Spark-Renault SRT_01E Formula E, it will form the basis for every one of the 40 cars in the Formula E grid next year. It's not yet clear if there will be any scope for teams to deviate from the Spark-Renault's pattern.

Performance numbers will be announced at Frankfurt, but according to the FIA the Formula E cars will be able to accelerate to 100km/h in three seconds, and will have a maximum speed of 220km/h.

Compared to a modern F1 car those numbers may not seem especially exciting,  but as all Formula E races will be conducted on street courses, it's arguable that higher speeds won't be necessary.