778 HP Tesla Model S Race Car is a True Track Ready EV

The Model S racecar is based on a production-spec Tesla P100DL. Output of the electric motors has been boosted to 778 hp and 734 lb-ft of torque, which has lowered the 0-60 mph time to 2.1s. Thanks to a stripped interior, a touring car-style aero kit, beefed up brakes and lightweight wheels wrapped in sticky Pirelli slick tires, the EV should prove to be rather handy around a race circuit, and initial feedback from test drivers was positive.

Set to start racing next year, the Electric GT Series is the world’s first production-based electric racing series. All competitors will race identical Tesla P100D-based cars on a variety of European racetracks including the Nurburgring GP circuit, Vallelunga and Silverstone. The FIA sanctioned series will contest 10 races in its first season and will be supported by a jointly developed eKarting series and an online-based eSports sim-racing series.

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The first Electric GT Model S was delivered to SPV Racing. The team tested the car at Jerez, a former Formula 1 circuit, before the vehicle was shipped to Barcelona for it to be displayed at an event attended by media and series sponsorship partners.

“This is a very significant day for the championship as we deliver the first race-ready EPCS car to SPV Racing,” said Electric GT CEO Mark Gemmell. “Years of planning and hard work have gone into delivering this championship and today I’m proud to be presenting a real, thoroughbred, race-ready car that will challenge all comers and thrill fans around the world. This is exactly the calibre of race car that will allow us to showcase and to fully engage the potential of the electric future.”

Check out the gallery above to get familiar with the world’s first true racing Tesla in action ahead of the series’ official launch next year. Let’s hope it’s as crashy and entertaining (and safe) as Formula E.

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