Next-gen Formula E race cars teased

Formula E and the FIA have released the first teasing images of the new battery-electric racers that will compete in the 2022-23 season.

Replacing the current Gen2 car that was introduced back in 2018, the all-new replacement is claimed to have styling inspired by the "aero-efficient delta wing of a fighter jet".

Thought to have a wider rear axle, it's been tipped the FE racers will borrow much from the radical DeltaWing race car that raced at the Le Mans 24 Hour race back in 2012.

Up front, it looks like the third-gen all-electric single-seater will also ditch its wheel fairings that have allowed aggressive racing, with current cars able to withstand substantial contact without punctures.

A large rear wing will also be introduced, reflecting the far higher speeds the new FE racers will be able to reach on straightaways.

Claimed to be "the world's most efficient racing car", the Gen3 FE car will be capable of recovering at least 40 per cent of its energy via regenerative braking – a significant boost from the current 30-35 per cent recovery rate.

Featuring a dual-motor set-up that incorporates a 250kW motor on the front axle and a more powerful 350kW unit at the rear, regen is claimed to be so powerful engineers have done away with conventional hydraulic rear brakes.

When introduced, the Gen3 racer will have a theoretical top speed of more than 200mph (322km/h) – although few of the street circuits employed by the race series will feature straights long enough for the maximum speed to be reached.

Thought to feature smaller dimensions compared to the current car, a weight saving of around 120kg is also rumoured for the new racer.

Designed to incorporate "lifecycle thinking", sustainability has been a key part of the latest car's development, with 26 per cent of sustainable materials used in the new Hankook tyres, while the motor features a 90 per cent motor-to-energy efficiency.

Set for delivery to teams in the first quarter of 2022, the Gen3 racer has been heralded as the fastest, lightest, most powerful and efficient racing car ever.

Commenting on the new car, FIA president Jean Todt said: "The new Gen3 Formula E single-seater is a car created at the intersection of high performance, efficiency and sustainability.

"The work accomplished by the FIA’s teams together with Formula E, since the launch of the discipline eight seasons ago, tirelessly seek to drive innovation and further the development of sustainable mobility.

"I have no doubt that this new single-seater will elevate Formula E to the next level."