Formula E car electrifies Las Vegas strip

Electric car racing series showcases Spark-Renault SRT_01E with high-speed display at Consumer Electronics Show

(Pic: Formula E)

(Pic: Formula E)

The FIA-Formula E championship has officially unveiled its Spark-Renault SRT electric racing car on the sidelines of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Former F1 driver Lucas Di Grassi took the car for a spin around the streets of Vegas, taking in the iconic Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino and Caesar’s Palace.

The Formula E championship starts this September in Beijing. The 10-race series will also visit Rio De Janeiro, Los Angeles and Monaco, finishing in London on 27 June 2015.

Last month Leonard Di Caprio became the latest high-profile name to back the series, announcing he would back the Venturi Team.

Virgin owner Richard Branson has also entered a team, saying Formula E would “accelerate” the electric car sector.

The car, which has a top speed of 150mph, has been backed by leading motorsport manufacturers including Dallara (chassis), Williams (battery design), McLaren (powertrain & electronics), Renault (overall system integration) and Michelin (tyres).

“The amount of torque it generates, even if the horsepower is not as high as a combustion car, is much more precise,” Di Grassi said, after the police had escorted him along the Las Vegas strip in the car.

VIDEO: Formula E arrives in the City of Sin

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