Schaeffler automotive may not be a well-known brand outside of Germany, but the technology firm has been a supporter of Audi’s racing activities for many years. The Audi 4e Performance Concept is a result of that cooperation.

From the start

Schaeffler has been active in FIA Formula E, the world’s first electric racing series, from season one. It is a major sponsor of the Audi Sport ABT Formula E team.

The firm also sponsors Audi’s RS5 competing in the German touring car series (DTM).

Race tech

An idea conceived by reigning Formula E champion Lucas di Grassi and Prof Gutzmer resulted in the car you see here. Dubbed the Audi Schaeffler 4e Performance Concept, it has a 220 kW electric motor at each wheel. The production monocoque features the electric motor units from the open-wheel racer as used in Formula E.

Each motor is connected through a spur gear unit. Two motors share one gearbox housing to create an electric twin axle drive. The battery driving these motors has a capacity of 64 kWh. Overall power is rated at 880 kW which makes the car capable of a 0-200 km/h time of under seven seconds.

“For Schaeffler, this vehicle is a test laboratory on wheels thanks to its free scaling options for the drive power,” director of special projects motorsports at Schaeffler, Simon Opel said.

Check out an all-electric, home-built hot-rod by clicking here.

To highlight its increased performance Schaeffler has installed a bespoke bodykit with flared front and rear wheel arches on the Schaeffler Audi 4e Performance Concept a new front fascia, and stripped out the interior.

“In the same way as Schaeffler has contributed its technical expertise to Formula E from the very beginning, it also plays a pioneering role and is a partner for components and complete system solutions when it comes to applying electric mobility to volume production vehicles and putting them on the road”, says Prof. Peter Gutzmer, CTO of Schaeffler.

Learn more about the Audi 4e Performance Concept here: