Autocar are reporting that German car giant Volkswagen are to make a push for all-electric Supercars in the World Rallycross and Global Rallycross Championships in the not so distant future.
VW are believed to be very interested in pushing forward a move to promote all-electric Supercars to compete in both the World Rallycross Championship and the Global Rallycross Championship. The car maker are behind the idea to be introduced into the RX discipline because of the short, frenetic racing and because it is now the perfect arena to demonstrate advances in electric powertrain technology.
Volkswagen are pushing for regulations to be developed for all-electric Supercars, as a way to show off the advancing capability of the technology. The company currently competes in Rallycross with factory-developed Beetles powered by four-cylinder, 1.6-litre engines producing around 550bhp, as well as with the amalgamated team of Volkswagen RX Sweden; which will field two VW Polos in the 2016 World Rallycross Championship.
Could we be moving towards the end of 600BHP engines like the one pictured (above)? © VW Sweden/ERC24
The firm’s head of technology, Franck Welsch, revealed that he was keen to see race organisers adopt an all-electric format, either alongside the top category or in place of it:
“I can certainly imagine a championship done with all-electric cars,” he said. “The races are around six minutes long, which allows for short, intense bursts of competition and then charging.
“Today these cars are super-powerful, have torque from hell and use all-wheel drive. Electric drivetrains could deliver that.”
“If the championship moved that way it would be perfect for us. We are already in discussions with organisers to that effect.”
So what are you thoughts RX fans?
Youngster Daniel Holden debuting the VW Beetle Supercar built by veteran Per Eklund. © JKR/ERC24
Top Photo: Marklund Motorsport showing its VW Polo Mk5 Supercar in action. © JKR/ERC24