While the plans for team MS Amlin Andretti did not go according to plan at the ePrix of Buenos Aires with the two drivers being left with no points, the BMW i8 Safety Car again caused a sensation. As in Marrakesh, the plug-in hybrid sports car was also in Argentina with a strikingly shaped rear spoiler, which is supposed to provide more pressure on the rear axle. For all those who don’t remember, until recently, the BMW i8 Safety Car was still traveling without the additional aerodynamic element.
The extravagant rear wing is mounted directly on the carbon cover which has always been installed on the safety car instead of the standard rear window. Under the additional ventilation openings, two large fans are placed, which help regulate the inside temperature. The i8 Safety Car’s performance on the track is much more demanding than the standard vehicle due to the use of the race track with a high full-gas content and the drivetrain trimmed further towards performance. On the front axle, a large front splitter provides an increase in the contact pressure.
READ ALSO: We drove the BMW i8 Safety Car
In addition to the top performance of at least 380 hp and the unmistakably modified aerodynamics, the BMW i8 Safety Car carries a few hidden technology updates that are officially required only for racing. It is, however, an open secret that BMW i is using the safety car’s applications for the testing of components for the BMW i8 facelift. This is how the prototype already operates with the inductive charging system, which, from the facelift, will enable cordless charging.
The extent to which the remaining components, such as the significantly improved suspension, the Michelin performance tires or the more powerful braking system, are also suitable for use in the standard vehicle can not be stated with certainty at the moment. What is clear, however, is that the safety car is designed to provide a basis for a possible BMW i8 S with a more dynamic positioning – whether these are ultimately also used and transferred to the series is another question.
[Source: Bimmertoday]
