KLEENSPEED Technologies race team took the new EV-X11 to Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA  for two test sessions in early June.  The powertrain and power systems are all-new for 2011 and the race car chassis has been updated, so these first race track sessions were vital to assess the performance of the EV-X11 and track test the new systems. 

The first sessions, Friday, June 10, identified several issues and also amply demonstrated the exciting potential of the new systems.  The EV-X11 was clearly significantly faster than our previous EV race car, and the powertrain improved in all aspects - power, torque, acceleration and range, despite output being limited to 60% of maximum for the trials.  The trials were cut short as some problems arose which prohibited a full session and would require remedy back at the shop.  Nonetheless, Tim Collins piloted the new car to several quick laps, with noticeably better overall performance than last year's car, the WX-10.

KLEENSPEED's tech crew jammed hard over the weekend to revise the new belt drive tensioning system and modify circuits to better control the significant increase in available battery energy.  The team returned to Infineon on Monday, June 13 for another test session.  This time, the EV-X11 was perfect and two complete test sessions were run. 

Power controller had been set to limit output to 75% of max for these laps and the results were excellent. Top speed on the short Infineon straight was just over 125 mph.  Tim pulled a best lap time of 1:25.6 seconds on the NASCAR circuit layout.  This configuration eliminates some of the tighter turns at Infineon and runs just over 2 miles.  Lap record on this circuit is held by Jeff Gordon at 1:15.95 / 94.325 mph qualifying in 2005.  Given the reduced power setting and the focus on testing and shakedown, as opposed to going for fastest laps, the EV-X11 performance was outstanding.

KLEENSPEED President, Tim Collins offered the following insights after the session. " The new car is sensational, The EV-X11 is both lighter more powerful than last year's car.  It sticks and stops much better and the acceleration out of the corners is stronger.  The completely new electric propulsion package is much faster than the system we designed last year. The increased battery energy seems to power the car indefinitely.  Power and performance was far more consistent  across the session and we got several additional laps in, compared to the previous batteries."

" In addition to the powertrain performance increase, the car is better all around.  The new Goodyear Eagle racing slicks are perfectly suited for the car and the turn in and grip is excellent.  Braking and handing is improved.  I'm really impressed with the EV-X11.   All credit to Dante Zeviar, our CTO and chief designer, and the KLEENSPEED mechanical and electrical engineers and crew members that the car is ready and so strong.   Kleenspeed wants to retain our lap record at Laguna Seca during the upcoming ReFuel TT and keep the EV-X11 as the fastest electric race car in the world.  I'm very excited and looking forward to ReFuel on June 26th with confidence."

dean seven ::: 

KLEENSPEED director of public relations