Dunlop's 'Future Race Car' revealed

How far away are racing cars with intelligent tyres, no brakes discs and electric motors only?

It's probably worth pointing out straight off that Dunlop doesn't have a date for the above car competing in motorsport. This isn't a concept or a preview of anything imminent, rather a design project to predict what a race car of a few decades hence may look like.

And from the back...

Sergio Rinland has styled the car, bringing together the opinions of industry experts and motorsport fans. It was clearly a time consuming endeavour because they've forgotten a livery. This is a racing car!

Four elements of the car's design have been detailed, with future tech for the powertrain, adaptive aerodynamics, tyres (of course) and energy recovery systems anticipated. Predictably electric power is being used, with a motor for each wheel and so the possibility for torque vectoring. So far, so predictable, but the supply for these motors looks very futuristic. This design uses a hydrogen fuel cell generator with a small lithium-ion battery 'as a power buffer'. There's the possibility to incorporate induction charging pads eventually, which could work with circuit charging infrastructure. Without having to store energy onboard the cars could be lighter too.

Adaptive bodywork will, in theory, allow the car to change its shape for reduced drag on straights and increased cornering downforce while also managing airflow and cooling. Mirrors are of course done away with.

The LMP of the future?

Unsurprisingly Dunlop believes the tyre technology for the Future Racing Car is far more tangible. It is already developing technology to send tyre info to a car's control systems, meaning suspension, power delivery and braking and can be adapted to utilise the tyres fully. Dunlop also believes the shape, pressure and temperature of future tyres can be controlled, again to benefit drag or grip on straights and tyres.

At present we see quite a few instances of energy recovery systems augmenting braking performance. But the possibility for increased energy storage could do away with brakes altogether, with energy recovered by flywheels.

All a little confusing? See the video for an explanation from the designer himself. And of course feel free to contribute your own opinions on a future racing car too...

Vid here.