In late August, a track-ready BMW i4 Racing emerged seemingly out of nowhere. The M division's best-selling car in the past two years donned a racing suit in Romania. During its inaugural, albeit short season, this purpose-built machine participated in five races across three local championships. It's clear that Engage Racing, the team behind this remarkable project, has been extremely busy.

Unleashing the Power of Electric Racing with the BMW i4

Development and Design

The BMW i4 Racing was developed over several months by the same team that brought us the world's first electric MINI race car. With an aero body kit, Drexler limited-slip differentials at both axles, and a full roll cage, it underwent significant modifications. Remarkably, it weighs a whopping 450 pounds (204 kilograms) less than the stock i4 M50. This weight loss was achieved by removing the sound-deadening material and stripping down the interior. Additionally, Plexiglas was used to replace the glass windows, enhancing both performance and safety.

The attention to detail in the development process is evident, as every aspect of the car has been carefully considered to optimize its performance on the track. The aero body kit not only gives the car a sleek and aggressive look but also improves aerodynamics, reducing drag and increasing speed. The limited-slip differentials at both axles ensure better traction and handling, allowing the driver to take corners with confidence.

The full roll cage provides added protection for the driver in the event of a crash, while the use of Plexiglas instead of glass windows reduces weight without sacrificing visibility. These modifications make the BMW i4 Racing a true track beast, capable of delivering exceptional performance.

Driving the i4 Racing

In all races, the one-off i4 Racing was driven by Horia Platona, who also serves as the chief engineer of the project. His driving skills were on full display during the Mangalia Super Rally on October 19. Nicknamed "Elsa," the electric race car crossed the finish line in third place in the "2B" class, which is dedicated to vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive.

Horia Platona's expertise behind the wheel is crucial to the success of the BMW i4 Racing. His knowledge of the car and the track allows him to extract every ounce of performance from it. His best performance in the Mangalia Super Rally demonstrated his ability to handle the car in high-pressure situations and compete with other race cars.

The fact that the i4 Racing was able to achieve such a good result in a race with only five cars at the start, including gas models, is a testament to its capabilities. It shows that electric racing is not only viable but can also compete with traditional gasoline-powered cars on the track.

Racing Competitions

Before its competitional season ended, the i4 Racing participated in the Romanian Time Attack Championship at the Transilvania Motor Ring in Târgu Mureş. Horia Platona finished sixth out of a total of nearly 30 drivers. This was a significant achievement as it was the first time a dedicated electric race car entered a race organized on an actual track in Romania.

The Romanian Time Attack Championship provided a challenging environment for the BMW i4 Racing. The track's twists and turns tested the car's handling and performance, and Horia Platona rose to the occasion. His finish in sixth place was a proud moment for the team and a sign of the potential of electric racing in Romania.

Competing against a field of nearly 30 drivers, including both electric and gasoline-powered cars, showed that the i4 Racing could hold its own. It demonstrated that electric racing is not just a niche sport but has the potential to attract a wide audience and become a major force in the world of motorsports.