X

Formula E cars undergo rhinoplasty for third season of all-electric racing

The front is reminiscent of the front wing for the RoboRace series, and its top portion helps separate it from other FIA Formula series.

Formula E is unlike any other FIA Formula series. Now, it's separating itself further with one serious addition to its front end, which should not only give the car a bit of character, but it might help with the aerodynamics, too.

Ahead of its third season, Formula E added a second tier to its front wing. Look at IndyCar or Formula 1, and you'll see that most open-wheelers stick with a single-tier wing, featuring loads of complicated (and expensive) aerodynamic bits. The only other two-tier wing that immediately comes to mind is on the RoboRace concept, although the Formula E version is a bit toned down.

Formula E isn't your average open-wheel series. The cars are fully electric, so instead of stopping halfway through the race to refuel, drivers pull into the garage, jump into a fully charged second car and take back off. Save for some electric whine and transmission noise, the cars are damn near silent.

It's also picking up some big names, despite being a relatively new series. Jaguar is using Formula E to stage its triumphant return to motorsport, and Faraday Future is partnering up with a team to introduce its name into a new arena. Formula E will also host RoboRace, a fully autonomous racing series. Talk about being on the cutting edge.

formula-e-new-look-2.jpg
Formula E
Watch this: AutoComplete for July 28, 2016: Consumer groups call for Mercedes to pump the brakes on 'Drive Pilot' system
Andrew Krok Reviews Editor / Cars
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.
Andrew Krok
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.

Article updated on July 28, 2016 at 11:20 AM PDT

Our Experts

Written by 
Andrew Krok
CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review the products and services we cover. If you buy through our links, we may get paid. Reviews ethics statement
Andrew Krok Reviews Editor / Cars
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.
Why You Can Trust CNET
174175176177178179180+
Experts Interviewed
030405060708091011121314+
Companies Reviewed
108109110111112113+
Products Reviewed

We thoroughly evaluate each company and product we review and ensure our stories meet our high editorial standards.