Summary
- Romanian motorsport team Engage Racing builds one-of-a-kind BMW i4 for hillclimbs
- i4 retains original powertrain and battery pack but is 440 pounds lighter than stock
- Custom aero kit includes splitter, side skirts, and massive rear wing
- Interior and sound insulation removed to reduce weight, potentially improving performance
- Engage Racing aims to enter the modified i4 in Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2025
Article
“Hillclimb-Ready BMW i4 by Engage Racing: Lighter, Faster, and Customized for Performance”
Engage Racing, a Romanian motorsport team, has created a unique BMW i4 specifically designed for hillclimbs. This customized i4 retains the original M50 powertrain and battery pack but has been stripped of over 400 pounds of weight, making it significantly lighter than stock. The team plans to take this modified i4, affectionately named “Elsa,” to the prestigious Pikes Peak hillclimb event next year. Electric vehicles have been dominating hillclimbs in recent years, showcasing the potential of these vehicles in motorsport.
Custom Aero Kit and Enhanced Performance
One of the most striking features of the customized BMW i4 is its custom aero kit, which includes a large splitter, wide side skirts, and a massive rear diffuser paired with a sizable rear wing. The suspension has been upgraded with new springs and shocks to lower and stiffen the car, allowing it to corner flat and maximize the effectiveness of the aero components. The original i4 model used for this project is the dual-motor M50 variant with 536 horsepower and 586 pound-feet of torque. Despite the stock weight of around 4,890 pounds, the modified i4 is now lighter, potentially achieving a faster acceleration time of under three seconds from 0-60 mph.
Significant Weight Reduction and Performance Enhancements
The weight savings on the modified i4 were achieved by removing a large portion of the interior and all sound insulation. The addition of lightweight race-spec polycarbonate front and rear glass will further reduce the overall weight of the vehicle. Engage Racing plans to debut the modified i4 in the last stages of the Romanian hillclimb and time attack championships this year as a testing ground before taking on larger events. The ultimate goal is to compete in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2025 and potentially tackle the Nurburgring Nordschleife as well.
Racing Success of Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles have proven to be competitive in racing events, notably in hillclimbs where their instant torque and weight distribution give them an edge over traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. The success of electric cars at events like the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Pikes Peak has prompted teams like Engage Racing to explore the potential of EVs in motorsport. The development of the customized BMW i4 showcases the adaptability and performance potential of electric vehicles in challenging racing environments.
Collaborative Efforts and Sponsorship Support
The creation of the customized BMW i4 for hillclimbing was made possible through collaboration between Engage Racing, BMW Group Romania, and other local and international sponsors. The combined efforts of these entities have resulted in a stunning electric racer, poised to compete at the highest level in hillclimb events. The support from sponsors and industry partners has been instrumental in the development and customization of the i4, highlighting the importance of collaboration in motorsport innovation.
Future Competition and Performance Expectations
As Engage Racing prepares to debut the modified BMW i4 in championship events and ultimately at Pikes Peak in 2025, all eyes will be on the performance and capabilities of this electric hillclimb contender. With a focus on weight reduction, aerodynamics, and performance enhancements, the modified i4 is expected to deliver impressive results on the track. The team’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle performance in motorsport underscores the growing influence and potential of EVs in competitive racing environments.
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