Opel GSE Formula E Team Tests Wind Tunnel for GEN4 Era Precision
Opel's Formula E team is using wind tunnel testing to master the new GEN4 era's higher speeds and dual aerodynamic configurations.
- 600 kW (816 hp)
- under 2 seconds
- 0.29
What Happened
With the new GEN4 era of Formula E starting next season, the Opel GSE Formula E Team is preparing by testing the Opel GSE 27FE race car in the wind tunnel. The next-generation vehicles will be significantly faster, with an output of 600 kW (816 hp) and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in under two seconds. For the first time, Formula E will feature two different aerodynamic configurations: one for low drag in races and another for high downforce in qualifying. The team is using the wind tunnel to obtain precise measurements that cannot be achieved on the track.
600 kW (816 hp)
Up from 350 kW (476 hp) in the previous generation.
“The GEN4 era is taking the importance of aerodynamics to a whole new level. That's why we want to understand very precisely how the different configurations behave and how we can use the data obtained in the best possible way for further development and subsequent setup.”
- Lowest possible air resistance for efficiency
- More downforce for fast laps
Why this matters
Understanding aerodynamics is crucial for performance in Formula E; wind tunnel data helps teams optimize balance and efficiency for race and qualifying setups.
Terms in This Story
- Downforce
- The aerodynamic force that pushes a car onto the track, improving grip and cornering speed.
- Drag coefficient (cW)
- A measure of how aerodynamic a vehicle is; lower values indicate less air resistance.
- Wind tunnel
- A facility that simulates airflow over a vehicle to measure aerodynamic forces.
- GEN4
- The fourth generation of Formula E race cars, featuring higher power and dual aero configurations.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.