The Rimac's new project imagines a future where racing cars that are good for the environment are not just a far-off idea but something that happens. It combines new ideas, being eco-friendly, and the ongoing thrill of racing in a way that creates a story of hope and big dreams. Inspired by the 100th birthday celebration of Le Mans in 2023, and because people love fast cars so much, a student of Pforzheim University came up with a cool project. He wanted to show what racing could be like in the future. The main reason for this project is the urgent need to come up with new and better ideas, especially when thinking about how racing affects the environment. He asked a big question: Why do we keep racing cars so fast when they cause a lot of pollution, especially when the cool stuff we learn in racing doesn't seem to help regular cars on the road?
This project wants to talk about two big things: making racing better for the Earth and coming up with new ways to do it. By telling a story about a future where racing is exciting but also kind to the planet, the designer hopes to convince people that it's time for a change in how we do racing by putting out a statement, "Let's make racing cool and caring for the environment at the same time!"
Rimac's Venture into WEC and Formula E
We witness Rimac's bold announcement during the hundredth year of Le Mans – the creation of their own racing department. Two distinct design concepts emerge as Rimac embarks on a journey into the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and Formula E, demonstrating prowess in eco-friendly racing. Despite initial challenges at Le Mans, Rimac's latest electric hypercar prototype, the Maestral, secures a historic victory, marking the first-ever win at Le Mans with an all-electric vehicle.
Carved by wind
Inspired by Rimac's latest car, the Nevera, named after a Croatian sea storm, the primary goal of the design was to make the car look as if it was shaped by the wind. This involved incorporating sharp and precise edges along with voluminous body parts. The WEC prototype was created with a dual focus – combining the functionality of performance-driven engineering with an aesthetic approach.
Rimac's design language is inherently functional, emphasizing aerodynamic efficiency to the maximum. Reflecting on the heritage of Group C and hypercar racing, there was an equal emphasis on creating an emotionally appealing design to garner popularity for Rimac's electric vehicles. The WEC hypercar prototype serves as a glimpse into the potential future of cars, aligning with the increasing importance of a sustainable approach to motor racing. Rimac, known for its innovative engineering, utilized its extensive experience in crafting powerful electric cars to quickly establish itself on the podium and ultimately secure its first victory at Le Mans in the second season. This success highlights Rimac's ability to blend functional design with performance excellence, contributing to the evolving landscape of sustainable and competitive motor racing.
Rimac aimed to rival the glory of Formula 1
The second phase of the project shifts its focus to the world of open-wheel racing in Formula E. Choosing to participate in the Formula E series, which, while gaining traction, still plays second fiddle to the more established Formula 1 Championship, the primary goal was to infuse emotion into electric racing. The aim was to make Formula E more appealing and demonstrate that it can be just as thrilling as its Formula 1 counterpart, which boasts a rich history and a massive global following.
To achieve this, the design approach for the Formula E car was centred around creating a unique visual identity. The emphasis was on emotionalizing electric racing, incorporating basic geometric shapes and integrating Rimac's distinctive design theme. The result is a distinctive blend of Formula 1 and Formula E aesthetics, showcasing a harmonious synthesis of tradition and innovation.
Opting for a centred driver position and prioritizing aerodynamics for maximum balance and efficiency during races. Every aspect of the car's body was perfectly designed to channel air effectively, optimizing aerodynamics for superior performance and ensuring an extended battery life – a critical factor in the demanding high-power races typical of Formula E.
Conclusion
The ideas in the project show that it's possible to have racing that lasts a long time, is good for the environment and is still fun in today's world. It's a made-up story that gives us a positive look into a future where racing cars that are good for the Earth happen. The story imagines a time when racing is both new and good for the environment, mixing cool new ideas, taking care of the planet, and the excitement of racing cars.
About Designer
Nicolas Lindsay was born in Stuttgart and therefore always had a strong connection with automotive history discovered his passion for design at an early age further influenced by popular culture. After completing high school with a focus on art he decided to pursue his passion and study Transportation Design at Pforzheim University. After nearly completing his studies in Pforzheim he is excited to be joining SEAT/CUPRA as a design intern to gain his first impression of professional life and is looking forward to more experiences to come.
Visit his profile here
