Julian Turner - Westfield Sportscars Ltd Posted March 1, 2010 Share Posted March 1, 2010 News Release 1st March 2010 WESTFIELD iRACER BREAKS COVER AT GENEVA Westfield Sportscars is proud to announce that its iRACER - an all electric race car destined to form the basis of the world’s first one make electric race car series – is being displayed with its new, dynamic bodywork at the Geneva motor show. Styled by upcoming designer Elliott Hawkins, a graduate from the world renowned Royal College of Arts vehicle design course, the new bodywork is being displayed for the first time at the show. Westfield Managing Director, Julian Turner said: “The look is bold, and is 99% representative of the final production vehicle”. The bodywork uses a range of materials, including composites, aluminium, recyclable plastics and most notably a stretched lycra skin over an aluminium framework to create a lightweight, aerodynamically efficient and low cost body. Project Manager, Paul Faithfull commented: “The use of materials such as fabrics has limited scope for road use, but has major benefits for racing. Imaging being able to change your bodywork in a matter of minutes, with a new body stretched over the framework, changing the colour, sponsors or just effecting rapid repairs. It is also extremely light compared to almost all alternative materials.” The iRACER has been developed by Westfield Sportscars in conjunction with project partners: Potenza Technology, Delta Motorsport, RDM Automotive, and Coventry University following funding from the Advantage Niche Vehicle Programme, managed by Cenex, Centre of Excellence in Low carbon and Fuel Cell Technologies. Operational trials are currently underway on a development vehicle, running two 40kW electric YASA motors (with a peak power output equivalent to 200bhp) delivering 1000Nm of torque, sited in place of the differential, removing the requirement for a gearbox and propshaft, and provide direct drive to each of the rear wheels. The battery pack, incorporating up to 11 48V sealed Lithium Ion Phosphate units, uses an innovative modular design that not only meets stringent safety standards but contributes to handling by lowering the vehicle’s centre of gravity. Under race conditions the operational range is anticipated to be 50-60 miles. Developments scheduled for 2010 include: further dynamic developments using the motors ability to deliver independent control of the rear wheels for improves track-based performance, wind tunnel tuning of the new bodywork, and new noise generation technology to give the iRACER aural drama to match both its looks and performance. 2010 will see iRACER appearing at a number of demonstration events prior to its participation in a one make electric race car series launching in 2011. Ends For more information please contact: Stuart Humphreys at Trimedia on: 0121 265 2777, stuart.humphreys@trimediauk.com Julian Turner at Westfield Sportscars Ltd. (01384 400077), www.westfield-sportscars.co.uk Dr. Paul Faithfull at Potenza Technology Ltd. (02476 561592), www.potenza-technology.com Notes to editors: The Advantage Niche Vehicle Programme is a £2.5 million collaborative research and development programme funded by Advantage West Midlands and managed by Cenex. The programme supports the Niche Vehicle Network, an association of low volume automotive companies based in or around the West Midlands region. For more information go to www.cenex.co.uk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Stanton Posted March 1, 2010 Share Posted March 1, 2010 I bet the MSA will really appreciate and welcome that to the circuit and the full promotion of "green motorsport" and no noise problems ........... even for Castle Combe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cleggy the Spyder Man Posted March 1, 2010 Share Posted March 1, 2010 ok so nobody mention the Sinclair C5 shhh seriousely let's hope this is a success - it's nice to see some innovation Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Loudon - Sponsorship Liaison Posted March 1, 2010 Share Posted March 1, 2010 I like the name iRacer. Perhaps Apple will want to buy it out one day? Good luck with it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete g Posted March 1, 2010 Share Posted March 1, 2010 looks quite good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark (smokey mow) Posted March 1, 2010 Share Posted March 1, 2010 It technically looks good and I'd be very interested to see it run competitively this year in some events and not just for demonstrations. Maybe an appearance for the Curborough Sprint? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman Posted March 2, 2010 Share Posted March 2, 2010 new noise generation technology to give the iRACER aural drama brmm, brmmm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nomexnomad Posted March 2, 2010 Share Posted March 2, 2010 QUOTE new noise generation technology I'm with gadgetman, Whats that then? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peterg Posted March 2, 2010 Share Posted March 2, 2010 it'll be a microphone in the driver's helmet with external speakers so he can go Neeeeeoooooooowwwwww Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman Posted March 2, 2010 Share Posted March 2, 2010 it'll be a microphone in the driver's helmet with external speakers so he can go Neeeeeoooooooowwwwww Already do that, just without the mic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stu999 Posted March 2, 2010 Share Posted March 2, 2010 it'll be a microphone in the driver's helmet with external speakers so he can go Neeeeeoooooooowwwwww Already do that, just without the mic. it will be one of them fake dump valves from Demon Thieves Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markcoopers Posted March 2, 2010 Share Posted March 2, 2010 Will they come with Iracer socks to protect them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dstorey Posted March 2, 2010 Share Posted March 2, 2010 it'll be a microphone in the driver's helmet with external speakers so he can go Neeeeeoooooooowwwwww Already do that, just without the mic. My son has this! Just the ticket Description Trigger your child’s excitement with this Helmet Heroes set and inspire get-up-and-go activity with this role-playing helmet and motorcycle-styled handlebar. Tons of interactive play and excitement in this cool helmet - sirens blare, lights flash and with the hand held steering device you can be a racing car driver or a police officer! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buzz Billsberry Posted March 5, 2010 Share Posted March 5, 2010 Jeeez a racing coffin with wings and slicks whatever next... I'm sure Ernie(Benny Hill) will be turning in his grave Buzz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
machin Posted April 3, 2010 Share Posted April 3, 2010 Will they come with Iracer socks to protect them? Apparently they do; Lycra socks! Joking aside, this is great... shame there aren't photos with the bodywork removed... Any more technical details available? Total Weight? Would be great if Westfield ran this at Curborough.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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