Month: February 2023

Lots of kilometres driven, plenty of data and experience gained, but no countable result – ABT CUPRA leaves Saudi Arabia with disappointing results in the second and third rounds of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship season. Kelvin van der Linde finished 16th and 18th on his debut in Formula racing, while teammate Nico Müller retired on both Friday and Saturday.

“We are disappointed with our performance here in Saudi Arabia, as we had hoped for a clear upward trend after the season opener,” said team principal Thomas Biermaier. “The list of issues and tasks we need to work through is getting longer, but the short gaps between races remain – it’s becoming increasingly clear that this season will be a major challenge. Not only for us, but also for the two sister cars of the Mahindra team, as we have seen here once again.
”
ABT CUPRA is competing as a customer team with Mahindra Racing cars this season. Saturday’s race was tackled by Kelvin van der Linde and Nico Müller from the back row of the grid. Both paid attention to their energy management and tried to hold their own in the field. While Müller slid into the track barrier during an overtaking maneuver on the 25th lap and had to retire, van der Linde brought his car back to the pits without a scratch, just like the day before. The 26-year-old South African joined the team at short notice and replaces regular driver Robin Frijns, who injured his hand in an accident in Mexico.

“I would like to thank the whole team for their trust and patience,” says van der Linde. “Even if we don’t see any countable results, we have created a good basis for our next race weekend on which we can build.” The first of the two night races on Friday evening was a premiere of a very special kind: Kelvin van der Linde completed the first race in a formula car in his career on the tight and demanding circuit. And he did it with flying colors: starting the race from 19th place, he stayed out of all the scuffles, got better accustomed to the challenges of Formula E from lap to lap and ultimately finished his debut race in 16th place. “Compliments to Kelvin not only for his performance here in Diriyah, but also for his diligent preparation over the past week and a half,” says Thomas Biermaier.

Nico Müller was already one of the unlucky drivers on Friday. In free practice, the Swiss lightly touched a wall. A minor slip with major consequences: After an enormous effort by the entire ABT team, the car was ready for the race, but Müller had to skip qualifying and start the race from last position. Already on the way to the starting grid, Müller reported strange noises via radio and had to retire in the race after 13 laps due to further damage. “I feel particularly sorry for the two slip-ups for the guys who worked so hard,” said Müller. “And of course the missing laps also hurt us.” There isn’t much time before the next Formula E appearance: after intensive data analysis and the all-important preparation in the simulator, the team is already off to India at the beginnin
of the week after next, where Formula E will be staging a race for the first time. The financial metropolis of Hyderabad will be the venue for the fourth of a total of 16 rounds in the ninth season on February 11.

With the T7 Multivan and ID. Buzz, Volkswagen has practically reinvented the VW bus for private customers and brought it even closer to the passenger car. For craftsmen, retailers and the like, however, other priorities apply, which is why the T6.1 remains in the range. However, it can no longer be ordered as an e-transporter: This is because after around 4,500 units had been successfully produced in series for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, this project was completed as planned and the agreed volume had been reached. In general, however, e-vehicles are becoming more and more interesting for companies – also in view of possible driving bans for combustion engines in inner cities. Although the purely electrically driven ID. Buzz is available as a cargo version, but anyone looking for maximum storage space or a flexible base for special bodies cannot do without the T6.1. And this is where the Bavarian experts for alternative drives come in with an innovative idea: the conversion of existing vehicles to battery-electric drive.

“This measure is not only particularly sustainable because it produces significantly fewer CO2 emissions than building a new vehicle, but also has numerous advantages for customers,” explains Eric Plekkepoel, CEO of ABT e-Line GmbH. Unlike the ABT e-Transporter 6.1, which was only offered in certain body variants, almost all models can be converted: whether long or short wheelbase, with high roof or without, platform models or chassis with special bodies. The base vehicle only has to be a diesel with DSG gearbox. The technical key data correspond to those of the ABT e-Transporter 6.1. Its range is between 105 and 138 km (according to WLTP) – depending on the body and weight, this may vary slightly during conversion. This also applies to the consumption, which was between 27.0 and 35.8 kWh/100 km for the complete vehicle, depending on the version. Thanks to the relatively compact battery with a capacity of 37.3 kWh (gross), the vehicle’s usability remains unrestricted. The peak power of the drive is 83 kW and the maximum torque 200 Nm. Combined with the top speed limited to 90 km/h, optionally 120 km/h, this results in economical consumption. The complete charging time is around 5.5 hours at a 7.2 kW wallbox, and at a fast charging station (CCS) with 50 kW this is achieved in around 45 minutes at 80 percent.

The conversion is particularly interesting for vehicles with expensive conversions or superstructures such as refuse trucks, tippers, refrigerated trucks or cherry pickers. In the case of VW T6.1 vehicles that need a replacement engine anyway due to a defect, the decision to convert to e-drive can also be an easy one. Or, of course, if the ID. Buzz Cargo is too small or not versatile enough and other electric transporters fall through the cracks because they are not VW. Since the delivery times for new electric vehicles are generally long and even more time losses have to be reckoned with in the case of special bodies, there is another advantage of the ABT solution: the ability to deliver quickly. “The conversion is carried out by us in just a few days,” says Plekkepoel: “If a suitable vehicle for the conversion is not available, the second-hand market is an interesting option with quick availability.”

ABT CUPRA XE to compete with Klara Andersson and new design
Seven weeks before the season opener in Saudi Arabia, ABT CUPRA XE has set the course for its third season in Extreme E: Rising star Klara Andersson will compete alongside the now five-time Dakar winner Nasser Al-Attiyah. The CUPRA Tavascan XE, with which the pair sensationally won the season finale in Uruguay in December, will receive a spectacular new design. Already this weekend, fans and media will experience Klara Andersson in the new car at the Race of Champions in Sweden.

“The fantastic season finale with the triumph of Klara and Nasser makes you want more –
that’s also why it was clear to us that we would continue our involvement in Extreme E. I am particularly pleased that together with CUPRA we now form an electrifying team in both Formula E and Extreme E,” says Hans-Jürgen Abt, CEO of ABT SE. The goals are clearly defined: “After a learning year and a season with the first successes, we always want to fight for victories in 2023 and ultimately also race for the title.”

While Nasser Al-Attiyah, who won the famous Dakar Rally for the fifth time a fortnight ago, is entering his second full season with ABT CUPRA, Klara Andersson is moving from being a substitute driver to becoming a permanent team member. The 22-year-old Swede already made a strong impression in her two appearances at the end of last season with a podium finish, a victory and many spirited manoeuvres. “I am happy about the trust of the crew, CUPRA and the whole team,” says Andersson. “Nasser and I were already on the same wavelength during our first weekends and also had a lot of fun – it’s nice that we now have the whole season ahead of us.”

The new season sees the team’s car sporting an updated livery to match the team’s Formula E car, UrbanRebel and CUPRA e-Racer: a multi-layered and chameleon-like body colour that combines a deep purple and neon yellow. The all-electric off-road racer hints at the design language of the future Tavascan production car, the brand’s second all-electric model, which is being developed in Barcelona and will be launched in Europe and overseas in 2024.

“The Extreme E organisers are doing a lot to develop the series on and off the track. We are looking forward to playing our part in the future,” says Thomas Biermaier, Team Principal and CEO of ABT Sportsline. “After two years full of ups and downs, we now want to be consistently at the top. With Klara and Nasser, we have the ideal team on board. Anyone who has ever seen the two of them together on the track knows how concentrated they are and how much fun they have working together. I am sure that we will see this spirit in good results.”

ABT is writing a new chapter in its long motorsport history this weekend: for the first time, the company is competing as a private team in an FIA World Championship. Although ABT is still the most successful team in the series with 47 podium finishes in seven years, the season opener is under different auspices this time: In its comeback after a year’s break, the team is going to compete against strong manufacturer competition. ABT relies on Robin Frijns and Nico Müller at the wheel as well as the powertrain from partner ZF in Mahindra Racing’s M9Electro race car.

The season opener at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez on January 14 (2 p.m. local time)
also marks the start of a new Formula E era: In the so-called Gen3, completely new singlespec cars will be used which, with up to 350 kW, are more powerful than ever before. After the usual exciting qualifying, which will be held in duels, the race will take place in the early afternoon over 36 laps, thus lasting about three quarters of an hour.

This is good news for lots of motorsport fans: ABT Sportsline has officially applied to return to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in 2023 and enter two new-generation Gen3 cars as a customer team. ABT was already part of the Formula E family for the first seven years and is still the most successful team in the all-electric racing series, which made its debut in 2014, with 47 podium finishes and 1,380 points. After a one-year break, preparations for the comeback are now in full swing.
“Formula E has always had a big place in our hearts and we have never made a secret of the
fact that we want to be back,” says Hans-Jürgen Abt. The managing partner had already taken a risk in 2014 and led ABT into Formula E as the first German team. Once again, the aim is now to put together a perfect package, together with Head of Sports Marketing Harry Unflath and CEO Thomas Biermaier. “After the internal kick-off, we are now talking to our current and potential partners. The goal is to bring a strong team to the championship, both on and off track.”
The first prerequisite for the comeback is a place on the grid. “We have always been in contact with Formula E and the FIA, had many discussions and have received great support from the whole team around Alejandro (Agag), Alberto (Longo), Jamie (Reigle) and Frédéric
(Bertrand),” says Thomas Biermaier. The result: ABT has expressed its intention to take over the twelfth license for Season 9. ABT has also been able to win over one of the manufacturersregistered with the FIA as a partner for the acquisition of the powertrains for the Gen3 era of Formula E and will announce this cooperation shortly.
Place on the grid, race cars – race drivers. “As far as our two drivers are concerned, we have
very clear ideas,” says Thomas Biermaier. “We will probably start as underdogs, unlike last
time as a factory team. That’s why it’s all the more important that we have quick and clever
drivers in the cockpit, who fit in well with us. The first talks are exciting and very positive, so
I’m sure we’ll have our team together soon.”
“I am delighted to welcome ABT back to where they belong in the ABB FIA Formula E World
Championship,” says Alberto Longo, Co-Founder and Chief Championship Officer, Formula E.

“ABT is a proven success story in Formula E with record-setting points and podium finishes so their return after a season out to be part of the Gen3 era is positive for fans and the sport.”
Formula E CEO, Jamie Reigle, echoed the positive sentiment for ABT’s return and what it
signals: “Formula E is the pinnacle of all-electric motorsport so it’s natural that teams and
manufacturers leading the electric mobility revolution want to be part of the championship.”

Webcon is delighted to launch its eagerly awaited linkage set to suit the Weber 40IDA3C and
46IDA3C fitted to flat 6 Porsche engines.

The kit has been 100% crafted in the UK and is the most comprehensive Porsche linkage kit available. In addition to the cross bar, brackets and reverse lever the kit also includes crossbar studs and nuts, a reverse lever pivot pin, clips, M4 grub screws, and cross bar ball ends. The linkage kit works perfectly with Webcon’s own intake manifold sets as well as with genuine Weber 401DA3C and 46IDA3C carburettors.

LW4340 is available from stock and is priced at £357.50 plus VAT.

For further details contact Webcon UK on +44 (0)1932 787100 or visit www.webcon.co.uk

When fitting an aftermarket EFI system controlling the idle air is critical. However there are very few, top quality remote idle air assemblies available.

Webcon is therefore pleased to announce the launch of its own manufactured, universal external idle air motor and housing.

The housing is beautifully CNC manufactured in the UK from billet aluminium and is finished with a black anodised coating containing Webcon’s own OEM quality, four pin idle stepper motor.

Universal mounting is made easy with the provision of 2 x M7 mounting holes

WID060 is available from stock priced at £76.95 plus VAT.

For further details contact Webcon UK on +44 (0)1932 787100 or visit www.webcon.co.uk

Mini Spares is pleased to announce the release of its new radius arms, which are stronger than the original Rover arms.

The arms are sold on an outright basis (no deposit or exchange is required) making them ideal for overseas customers and those wishing to have the new part to hand before disassembling the suspension!

Part numbers are as follows:
NAM7162 – New Radius Arm – Dry Suspension R/H £189.00 inc VAT
NAM7163 – New Radius Arm – Dry Suspension L/H £189.00 inc VAT
The dry suspension radius arms come with bushes already fitted but without pin and washers etc so kit GSV1125 is also required at £11.40 inc VAT.

Also available with a spindle kit included are
NAM7162KIT – Radius Arm New Dry R/H With Spindle Kit Outright Sale £200.40 inc VAT
NAM7163KIT – Radius Arm New Dry L/H With Spindle Kit Outright Sale £200.400 inc VAT

Mini Spares still offer refurbished arms on an exchange basis. Order as part numbers TRA32 and TRA33.

For more details contact Mini Spares on
+44 1707 607700 or visit their website: www.minispares.com

M-Style is delighted to be able to offer this stunning kit to transform the look of the BMW G82 M4. The result is a much needed aggressive look with added carbon fibre.

The kit is made in the UK by CT Carbon using high quality PRE-PREG carbon fibre that matches the finish and quality of the genuine BMW factory products that are already on the car.

The kit consists of:
• Front Splitter – one piece design
• Side skirt extensions – which are a two piece design with a full length replacement lower half of the skirt that comes with under skirt splitters
• Boot Spoiler – aggressive ducktail look
• Rear Diffuser – three piece design which replaces all of the factory-fitted black parts on the car and will accommodate the same size exhaust tips as the original as well as working perfectly with the CTSP Titanium and SS system.

Price: £2,499.00 inc. VAT. (Fitting in M-Style’s Romford workshop + £240.00 inc. VAT).

­For further details e-mail info@mstyle.co.uk or call 0208 598 9115

Whenever suspension companies produce a kit for a specific vehicle the estate version tends to get forgotten. However, that’s not the case with GAZ. The company is now offering dampers to fit the unique suspension of both the regular Ford Sierra Estate (6/1984 on) and the XR 4×4 Estate (1986 on).

GAZ fully adjustable GT dampers enable the damping bump and rebound rate to be adjusted to suit the conditions, load and driving style. They have adjustable damping rates which can be altered by means of an easily accessible knob on the side of the units.

GAZ dampers feature a zinc plated body to keep them looking good and working well for long into the future.

All units are individually tested before leaving the factory and are covered by a two year warranty.

The dampers can be ordered as part number GT7-4779 and retail at £81.35 each + VAT.

For further details visit the GAZ website: www.gazshocks.com