Electric GT

Electric GT

Electric GT

Electric GT

Electric GT

Electric GT

Two things we love here in the four wheels-and-a-motor section of Ars are racing and electric vehicles. The former is just plain fun, the latter is just plain common sense. But there has been relatively little overlap between them, save for Formula E and the occasional entry at Pikes Peak. From November, we can add one more to the list: the Electric Production Car Series from Electric GT. It's a one-make series that will use a grid of identical Tesla Model S sedans converted for track action, and this week Electric GT confirmed the first season will start November 3 in Jerez, Spain, followed by nine other races in Europe.

We first reported on Electric GT back in 2016, when the series planned to use modified Model S P85+s and then again last year, following the news that the cars would now be the more powerful all-wheel drive P100D. Electric GT has stripped more than 1,100lbs (500kg) of weight out of the luxury EVs, ditching most of the interior comforts and replacing them with a stout roll cage. The cars also feature wheel arch extensions to allow for wider racing tires (specially made by Pirelli), as well as a front splitter and rear wing to add some downforce. Additionally, the suspension is now a double wishbone setup with pullrod dampers for better handling, and the cars feature a racing-spec braking system.

Only five of the ten races have actually been locked down thus far. But we know that in addition to the season-opener in Spain, the series will also race at Paul Ricard in the south of France, Silverstone in England, Assen in the Netherlands, Portimao in Portugal, and the Nürburgring in Germany. (No, not the 12.4-mile Nordschleife but the shorter GP circuit.) One thing those tracks have in common is a lack of any real elevation change, presumably to put a little less strain on the cars' 100kWh battery packs.

Don't expect the impressive range of the P100D in normal driving to extend to the track, either. At racing speeds, Electric GT says the cars will have 55 miles (90km) of range. (This is not so different to conventionally powered cars on track, which can struggle to better 5mpg when driven flat-out.) Consequently, the races will be relatively short—just 37 miles (60km); at Jerez that translates to about 14 laps.

One thing to note is that Tesla has absolutely no involvement in the series. Although performance has and continues to be a central part of the brand's identity—I refer you to Ludicrous+ mode or the forthcoming Tesla Roadster 2.0 for proof—it continues to show absolutely no interest in any form of competition, even in this case where a Tesla is guaranteed to win regardless of who's in the driver's seat. I reached out to Tesla for a comment but as yet have not heard back from it.

Listing image by Electric GT