The FIA Formula E Championship series has officially unveiled its electric race car, helping to add a dose of "speed" to the start of this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Race fans, tech geeks and environmentalists stood shoulder-to-shoulder for the unveiling of the Spark-Renault SRT 01E fully-electric Formula E car. Former F1 driver Lucas di Grassi showed off the car's specs in a public demonstration, performing spins and sharp turns in the car.
"When you drive electric cars specifically, the torque, how fast is the response from the track to the motor, and the amount of torque it generates, even if the horsepower is not as high as a combustion car, is much more precise."
In addition to the car's environmentally-friendly credentials, it's capable of reaching speeds of more than 150 mph, and has a torque inducing 0-60 time of under three seconds, all almost without making a sound.
The race series, which is backed by motorsports governing body Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), will be for racing cars powered exclusively by electric energy, involve 10 teams with 20 drivers and take place on special tracks in the hearts of international cities.
Formula E has declared itself as an "open" championship, and other car designers and constructors are being encouraged to build their own Formula E car. The FIA said it hopes the competition to make a faster, more efficient electric car will push forward development of electric vehicles for general use in cities, like Los Angeles, which suffer the effects of pollution from the internal-combustion engine.
"Formula E wants to have more electric cars in cities around the world," said Alejandro Agag, CEO of FIA Formula E Championship series. "We want to promote electric cars, to change the perception of electric cars, and to show them racing, we think it's going to change that perception."
The 47th annual CES, which will be held from Jan. 7-10, will attract thousands of exhibitors and is expected to be attended by more than 150,000 people. The event is used by the industry each year to showcase upcoming advancements in technology in products ranging from cars to giant televisions, and offers a glimpse into the future of technology today.