The FIA Formula E series has a tradition of using battery-powered models to serve as the Safety Car for on-track issues. Until now the role has been fulfilled by products from BMW (i8 and Mini). It was announced earlier today that the Porsche Taycan will take over as the new Formula E Safety Car. 

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Safety first

To perform this new role the production Porsche Taycan Turbo S has been fitted with a roll cage and racing bucket seats with six-point seatbelts. Further, wire harnesses for the safety car lighting. Integrated into the bumpers are flashing lights. Long-standing FIA Formula E safety car driver Bruno Correia will be the man at the helm.

The Porsche Taycan Safety car begins its duties at the opening round of the season. The season commences on 28/29 January in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. The 560 kW Taycan Turbo S can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 2,8 seconds. It reaches a top speed of 260 km/h, which makes it quick enough to serve its new role.

“We’re proud that Formula E has entrusted a Porsche with this task – one that is important for the safety of its drivers,” says Thomas Laudenbach, vice President of Porsche Motorsport. “With the Taycan Turbo S as the official safety car, we’re making an important contribution to track safety and also underlining the importance of Formula E for Porsche Motorsport. Although we’re rivals out on the track, we’re spreading this message to the world together. What’s more, we hope that this also enables us to appeal to a younger target audience who are not yet motorsport fans.”

Inclusive

The new safety car flies the colours of all eleven teams competing in the championship. It symbolises the commitment of everyone involved in Formula E. At the same time, it gives a visual expression of social values such as diversity and community. The number 22 acknowledges the 22 drivers competing in the series this season.

Check out the new Formula E Safety Car: