BMW’s hybrid for Formula 1

To race fans, we may be seeing the earliest stage of a new trend in auto racing…hybrid technology. But in this case it's not to improve fuel economy but enhance the cars performance in a way that's more environmentally friendly.

Just announced yesterday, BMW Motorsports is developing a hybrid drive to be used on it's Formula 1 car. BMW hopes to develop the technology for auto racing with the use of regenerative braking, capacitors and lithium ion batteries. The power generated while braking during a race can be stored either in the capacitors or batteries. This stored energy is then released when needed to electric motors working in conjunction with a traditional power plant. An ingenious way to boost your cars power simply and with minimal impact.

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2JayZee - 6/3/2008 1:16:24 AM

+2 Boost

KERS is a gimmick, get off the cool-aid.

The system in the Supra HR-V is 3x more advanced than this will ever be, meddling of the FIA allowed.

F1_Driver - 6/3/2008 11:39:55 AM

+1 Boost

If you've got a lead foot, anything is a gimmick.