The 2017 ePrix in New York City took place this weekend and BMW-backed MS Amlin Andretti has scored back-to-back points finishes. The first FIA-sanctioned motor race in the “Big Apple” was a thriller, with action throughout the field on every lap, making for exciting first races in NYC. The safety car for this race, as well as for all the championship, is the BMW i8 Safety Car which received a refresh in early 2017, followed by a livery update in New York.
The special i8 now features a tri-tone paint job which emphasizes the branding of BMW’s i sub-brand. Along with the interesting livery, the i8 Safety Car stands out with several updates to its exterior, like the 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. On the front axle, a large front splitter provides an increase in the contact pressure.
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. BMW is also said to be testing some of the features that might end up in the upcoming BMW i8 S.
