Sneak Peek: Tesla Model S is transformed for first-ever Electric GT World Series [Video]

We got a chance to hear from Marc Gemmell, CEO/Co-Founder of Electric GT back in March. He had explained, "My admiration and respect for Elon Musk and everything that Tesla Motors does for the development of sustainable mobility drove me to consider the possibility of creating a championship with the Model S as a promotional platform for technology innovation, sustainable development and fossil fuel divestment... [so] I decided to go global with a brand new motor sport category."

Above: The Electric GT's Tesla Model S P85+ fully transformed (Source: Electrek)

Why did they choose a Tesla Model S and how will they modify it for the Electric GT World Series? Gemmell's partner, Agustín Payá, explained: "We chose the Tesla Model S simply because it is one of the best cars ever made... [and] we are making only small changes to the production Model S P85+ such as improved braking and aerodynamics to increase high speed grip. We will strengthen suspension, braking, cooling, and steering as well as reducing the overall weight. The rest, powertrain, battery, programming, everything is original." Fast forward to the present — and the changes are (now) finally being revealed.


Above: To reduce weight, the Tesla's interior was mostly gutted (Source: Electrek)

Electrek reports that the older P85+ is being used, according to Payá, because: "Rear-wheel drive cars have traditionally been preferred for track racing for... cornering characteristics and weight distribution. In the case of the rear-wheel versus all-wheel drive, there’s a whole lot less complexity to deal with when it comes to quick repairs and maintenance." Check out what the transformed P85+ will look like...

Above: Lightweight wheels, seat, steering wheel, and aero spoiler are added to Electric GT's modified Tesla Model S (Source: Electrek)

When analyzing the modifications made, "as you can see from the pictures, Electric GT stripped down the interior and probably managed to reduce the weight by a few hundred pounds." Check out these short behind-the-scenes videos (about 30 seconds each) showcasing some of the work done during their Model S transformation...

 

Above: Videos highlight Electric GT's Tesla transformation (Source: Electric GT)

So who will be racing? At this stage, the folks at Electric GT have named: "Stefan Wilson and Vittoria ‘Vicky’ Piria as the inaugural members of the EGT Driver’s Selection Club... [the] GP3 graduate Piria, aged 22 from Italy, and Indy 500 starter Wilson, an advocate of solar energy usage and former winner of the McLaren Autosport BRDC Award, aged 26 from the UK, are both excellent additions to the EGT series and will be joined by further exciting names to be announced in due course."


Above: Electric GT's drivers, Vittoria Piria and Stefan Wilson (Source: Electric GT)

Also, Electric GT confirmed having secured 10 Teslas for the 10 teams competing in the championship. European season dates are planned for Barcelona­ Catalunya, Donnigton Park, Mugello, Nurburgring, Assen, Estoril and Madrid Jarama before moving on to America and Asia. And more news is forthcoming this week from Spain. It's reported that: "The company will officially unveil the car [tomorrow] on Tuesday the 27th of September at 6pm on the waterfront in the Ibiza Marina." That said, we're looking forward to tracking progress related to the Electric GT World Series as it unfolds.