- Faster than ever: 1000bhp car capable of speeds of 200mph
- Manufacturer series with standardised battery/hydrogen fuel cell power system
- Robots change wheels and battery packs during radical pit-stops
DTM promoter ITR has unveiled its spectacular conceptual vision of how touring car racing could evolve, using electric vehicles powered by battery or hydrogen fuel cell technology.
For 35 years, the DTM has thrilled millions of fans across the world, and has become Europe’s premium Touring Car series, developing the touring car template to its most extreme. Today’s cars are far from production-spec, constructed from carbon-fibre, equipped with state-of-the-art aerodynamics and fitted with powerful 600bhp turbo-charged engines.
Now, ITR has turned its focus towards creating a visionary new electric-drive series, which could run alongside DTM, providing manufacturers with an unprecedented opportunity to design and develop its own high-performance electric vehicles of the future.
ITR’s project pushes boundaries: the concept envisages the supply of energy from two different sources – regular battery, already used in many electric/hybrid vehicles, or fuel cell technology, which transforms hydrogen into electrical energy.
Pit-stops would also be revolutionary: large industrial robots would not only replace all four wheels, they would also remove and replace the battery pack or hydrogen tank located in the car’s underbody. Over the course of a 40-minute race, each car would require a mandatory stop for fresh power.
With a high-performance electric powertrain, these futuristic race cars would be capable of power outputs exceeding 1000bhp for brief periods of time, and of achieving top speeds in excess of 300kph (185mph).
