Cupra e-Racer: Ekström has to rethink 🎥
UNDER CURRENT Mattias Ekström was Nico Müller's DTM teammate at Abt-Audi in 2016 and 2017. Now the Swede is setting new priorities. In Spain, he undertook the first test drives with the Cupra e-Racer. To demonstrate the vehicle's development, Ekström tested the e-Racer at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona. With more than 25 years of experience in a wide range of competitions [...]
Ekström tested the e-Racer at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona to demonstrate the vehicle's development.
With more than 25 years of experience in a wide variety of competitions in touring car, rally and kart racing, Mattias Ekström is one of the world's most versatile racing drivers. He is currently taking on one of the biggest challenges of his career: as an official brand ambassador and Cupra driver, he is helping to develop the Cupra e-Racer.
Fine tuning for the e-Racer
Ekström is working closely with the team of engineers and technicians to put the finishing touches to the world's first all-electric touring car, with which he will compete in the new ETCR racing series in 2020.
Although the huge battery makes the vehicle 400 kg heavier than its gasoline-powered TCR counterpart, the e-Racer's four electric motors provide decent dynamics. With the equivalent of 680 hp (500 kW; rated power 670 kW), it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h in 8.2 seconds. The top speed is 270 km/h.
Conversion
Even an experienced driver like the two-time DTM champion has to get used to these driving dynamics and the development of performance.
Mattias Ekström: "Until now, I was used to assessing how fast I could tackle a corner, for example, based on the engine sound. The first lap was a dream. The second lap was good, too, although I then noticed that I was putting too much strain on the rear tires. I still need some time to get used to the sound of the electric motor. I also have to remember to keep an eye on energy management on every lap, because that's almost as important as the revs in an electric race car."
Eyes set on victory
How does it feel to be involved in the development of the world's first all-electric touring car?
Mattias Ekström: "I hope to use my experience and feedback to give helpful tips on how to make the race car even faster and at the same time achieve a more consistent and easier driving feel. Once we're into the racing season, our eyes have to be on winning. That's why we need good preparation."
What is the objective?
Mattias Ekström: "I always want to win at all costs. And that's why I feel the same way about the Cupra e-Racer as I do about the other race cars in which I've competed. My dream is to win and become world champion. I want to drive onto the podium of global motorsport with Cupra.
