Green technology motorsport firm Drayson Racing, the brainchild of former British science minister Lord Paul Drayson, is out to break some records using an electric version of a race car originally developed for the American Le Mans Series.
Using its B12 69/EV Le Mans prototype, Drayson Racing will attempt to set a new land speed record for an electric race car in the sub-1000 kilogram (2,200 pounds) category. The current record of 175 mph was set by Battery Box General Electric back in 1974.
Note, the world land speed record for an electric car was set by French firm Venturi in 2010 and stands at 307.7 mph.
Drayson Racing’s new challenge is just the latest to be undertaken by the pioneering electric motorsport firm, which has been at the forefront of sustainable racing since 2007 and was first to sign up for the new FIA Formula E Championship.The B12 69/EV is based on a Lola chassis and was originally powered by a bio-fueled Judd V-10 engine. To challenge for the record some changes have been made to the setup of the car. In particular, the aerodynamics was modified to improve downforce.
Power comes from four electric motors, two at each of the rear wheels, and these are paired with single speed transmissions. Peak output is 480 kilowatts (643 horsepower). Providing the current is a 20-kilowatt-hour battery encased in a carbon battery cell integrated into the chassis.
Drayson Racing’s attempt will take place at an airfield in Yorkshire, England on June 25, 2013.
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