Nissan to produce Formula E powertrains for McLaren Racing
CEO Ashwani Gupta and says the partnership with McLaren will be 'powerful'
The collaboration follows McLaren's takeover of Mercedes' championship-winning team
Nissan will supply powertrains for McLaren for the ninth season of Formula E, following the confirmation that the British firm will compete in the sport for the first time.
The collaboration also follows Nissan’s acquisition of the e-dams Formula E team, and means the Japanese firm will both compete in the sport and supply powertrains for another firm.
Nissan boss Ashwani Gupta said the partnership with Mclaren will be “a powerful one”. It will develop Gen3 powertrains, which are said to improve efficiency and raise the top speed of the racing cars to over 200mph.
The new racers produce around 470bhp and are specifically tuned for racing on street circuits. The FIA says they represent the pinnacle of high performance, efficiency and sustainability.
“The pioneering spirit and drive to innovate are characteristics Nissan and McLaren Racing share, making them an ideal partner for us in Formula E and as we continue to electrify our vehicles,” Gupta said.
McLaren’s inaugural entry into the competition meanwhile comes following its acquisition of the Mercedes-EQ Formula E team.
Mercedes quit the sport last year to focus on road development, despite having won the series last season.
“As we are shaping the team for its first season as McLaren in Formula E, we are naturally seeking the best partnerships and opportunities on every front – with the technical aspect being one of the key areas,” said Zak Brown, McLaren Racing CEO.
“Nissan have proven their knowledge, craft and commitment over the last four seasons in Formula E, and heading into the Gen3 era, we have full confidence that the collaboration will bring both parties much success. This will be a true partnership that will drive both the team’s performance and the development of the Nissan Formula E powertrain technology.”
It has been specifically tuned for racing on street circuits, and the FIA says it represents the “pinnacle of high performance, efficiency and sustainability”.