In Formula E, the cars are all identical except for one detail. But, a detail of importance since it is about motorization and regeneration. Often, new teams prefer to entrust someone else with the design and manufacture of this engine. Well here McLaren decided to go through Nissan.
As a reminder, Nissan is associated with e.Dams and took over from Renault, which was in the first seasons of Formula E. Since the Renault era, the engine department was looking for a client team to help develop the “powertrains”.
McLaren’s press release says Nissan will supply power for “the entire Formula E Gen3 era”. We should therefore not have a change of engine manufacturer or an internal repatriation of this part while the GEN3 is in the race.
Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, said: “As we form the team for its first season as McLaren in Formula E, we are naturally looking for the best partnerships and opportunities on all fronts, the technical aspect being the “one of the key areas. Nissan has proven its knowledge, craftsmanship and commitment over the past four seasons in Formula E, and as we enter the Gen3 era, we are confident that the collaboration will bring great success.” to both parties. It will be a true partnership that will drive both team performance and the development of Nissan Formula E powertrain technology.”
For Nissan, it will be a real challenge because it is always risky to have a customer team. The risk is that this client team will face better than you even at the level of engine and car exploitation and end up beating you. But, in terms of advertising, supplying McLaren can hardly be refused. McLaren has yet to announce its pair of drivers, but also its sponsors, sorry “commercial partners”.
The GEN3, still developed by the French Spark Racing Technology retains more or less the style of the GEN2 by abandoning the curves that remained. Above all, the rear engine goes from 250 kW to 350 kW and a new engine, at the front, makes its appearance. This 250 kW motor will not be used for traction (not right away?) but for electric regeneration. 600 kW in total of “regen” possible and no rear brake. A demonstration of what electric power can bring to everyone’s car.
The GEN3 will make its racing debut at the end of the year for the launch of Formula E Season 9.
to summarize
McLaren is branching out a bit more into motorsport. The “papaya” team is coming to Formula E next season with the GEN3 single-seater. The latter will have an engine developed by Nissan which continues its own stable. The agreement covers the entire GEN3 era.
