TOP 5: Electric cars for club competition – Torquecafe.com

Last week, Motorsport Australia published its new rules for electric vehicles to participate in local motorsport competitions.

In particular, the new guidelines laid down the different requirements for ‘Series Production’ and ‘Competition’ EVs, which got us thinking about which current production EVs would be good to hit the track.

READ MORE: Electric Vehicle Regulations Released by Motorsport Australia

Motorsport Australia’s regulations currently focus on “Autotest, Speed ​​and Suitable Rally/Road Events”, but cover any electrified vehicle, including all-electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid models.

While there are obvious complexities with EVs around charging, safety and range, there are also some clear advantages to the competition. Electric cars typically accelerate violently and despite being heavier than similarly sized models, they tend to drive well because the extra weight is usually mounted low in the car.

Here are our picks of the currently available EVs or hybrids that we want to hit the track with. But this is just the beginning, more and more car brands will introduce powerful EVs in the future. This includes the will of Ferrari and Lamborghinic all the way to Hyundai and kia†

Porsche Taycan Turbo S

Let’s start with the obvious choice for a gas-free trackday special. Every model Porsche builds is designed to feel at home on the track, even the all-electric Taycan. We already did a track test in the Taycan Turbo S and were amazed at how it performed itself on a track.

TRACK TEST: 2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo S review

With an output of 560 kW and a torque of 1050 Nm there is no doubt that the Turbo S would be fast on the straights, but the way it handled itself in the corners was what really amazed us.

This would surprise many people if you took it to your next track day, quietly faster than many purebred petrol sports cars.

Pole star 2

The Volvo spin-offs first Australian car would be a great option if you’re looking for something quick and fun for your next gymkhana or track day.

When we tested the Polestar 2 earlier this year, we were impressed with its performance thanks to the twin electric motors pumping 300 kW and 660 Nm. However, since we last drove it, Polestar has introduced a software upgrade that boosts performance to 350 kW and 680 Nm. It also means that it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds, and it does so with ease thanks to all-wheel traction.

ROAD TEST: 2022 Polestar 2 rating

Even if you want to take it with you on longer events, the Polestar 2 ‘Long Range’ is equipped with a battery with a theoretical range of up to 480 km.

BMW i4 M50

The first electric BMW to wear an ‘M’ badge is an obvious choice for this list. The i4 M50 is basically the 4 Series Gran Coupe with the petrol engine removed and a few electric motors installed.

These new engines give the M50 400 kW and 795 Nm, which is a bit more grunt than the M3 Competition, so that nothing but 375 kW/650 Nm from its turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine. This helps the M50 run from 0-100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds, ensuring that you are competitive in a competitive autokhana or even on a track day.

ROAD TEST: 2022 BMW i4 M50 review

And while it may not be a specific ‘M’ model in the same vein as the M3/M4, it’s all packed into BMW’s impressive 4 Series chassis, so handling is sharp enough for the track.

Kia EV6 GT Line

This is the most powerful car the South Korean brand has ever offered in Australia, with 239 kW and 605 Nm of power – and this is just the beginning. In 2023, Kia will introduce the EV6 eGT that will unleash 430 kW and 700 Nm.

ROAD TEST: 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line review

But even in its current form, the EV6 GT-Line would be a fun and competitive machine in several Motorsport Australia events. And not just short sprints, the EV6 is built on the Hyundai-Kia Group ‘e-GMP’ architecture shared with the Genesis GV60 tested by Hyundai in Targa Tasmania this year for a possible future participation in a multi-day road rally.

Ferrari 296 GTB

Motorsport Australia’s new regulations also cover hybrids, so we were able to sneak in this Italian stallion. The newest member of the Ferrari family is powered by an all-new 487 kW 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, supported by a 122 kW electric motor. Although it only adds 25 km of electric driving, the combination of V6 and electric motor means that the 296 GTB has a combined power of no less than 610 kW and 740 Nm.

READ MORE: Why the Ferrari 296 GTB will redefine the brand

Ferrari is also not the only manufacturer of supercars to take the hybrid path. The obvious rival to the 296 is the new McLaren Arturawhich is powered by its own V6 petrol-electric hybrid producing 500 kW and 720 Nm.