Electric vehicles are rapidly proving their prowess in hillclimb events, with recent records at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Pikes Peak being dominated by EVs. A prime example is a modified BMW i4, named “Elsa,” built by Engage Racing in Romania. This formidable machine, designed with the assistance of BMW Group Romania and other sponsors, is poised to take on Pikes Peak in 2025.
Elsa started life as a BMW i4 M50, a dual-motor EV boasting 536 horsepower and 586 pound-feet of torque. In its stock form, the i4 weighs around 4,890 pounds and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a reported 3.7 seconds, though independent testing has clocked it at a quicker 3.3 seconds. Engage Racing has managed to strip out 440 pounds, bringing the car closer to the two-ton mark, which could push its 0 to 60 mph time below three seconds.
The most striking feature of Elsa is its aggressive aerodynamic kit. A massive front splitter, wide side skirts, a large rear diffuser, and an imposing rear wing have been added to improve downforce. The car’s suspension has also been upgraded with stiffer, lower springs and shocks, ensuring better handling and minimizing body roll, particularly during high-speed cornering.
Inside, Engage Racing has focused on weight reduction by removing much of the interior and all sound insulation, while retaining the i4’s signature curved screens. The car will shed even more weight when its front and rear glass are replaced with race-spec polycarbonate.
Engage Racing plans to debut Elsa in the Romanian hillclimb and time attack championships this year to fine-tune the car before taking on the prestigious Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2025. The team is also eyeing a potential lap attempt at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, further solidifying Elsa’s status as a top-tier electric racing machine.
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