On the one hand this is quite an achievement, but on the other hand it shows that EVs are not (yet) superior to ICEs in every aspect except range.
On the one hand this is quite an achievement, but on the other hand it shows that EVs are not (yet) superior to ICEs in every aspect except range.
I was watching the U9 speed record and the driver only really puts his foot down for 20 seconds or so. I doubt the car can sustain that power for a whole lap without something going wrong - overheating or flat battery or something.
The downforce to weight ratio is quite different between the U9 and Porsche also. Apparently the Porsche weighed 850kg and probably produced as much as that or more in downforce. The U9 is more like 2500kg and not especially downforce orientated.
There's another eclectic design though, the McMurty that laps thing faster than petrol cars due to having a fan up the downforce https://youtu.be/5JYp9eGC3Cc I don't think it has a Nurburgring time yet.
They'll perhaps never be faster due to weight limitations from the battery. Gasoline is just so light compared to batteries, and the car becomes lighter as the lap goes further and gasoline is used.