The category recently published a bidding document for an ‘electrical and electronic control system’, with an accelerator-based push-to-pass system as one of the requirements.
The document says: “Several push to pass methods are under review, but at the very least, a provision for a push to pass system is needed.
“We will be testing a push to pass system based on the accelerator. To do this, we will need an additional three-axis accelerator translation table, which is activated by the push to pass switch.”
Supercars hopes to select a winning bidder by February 5 and present a new electronic control package for the 2021 season.
The contract will be valid until 2025, which means that the new package will be transported to the Gen3 era.
The tender document also mentions hybrid capabilities, which is in line with the ‘ready for hybrids’ Gen3 regulations.
Supercars are expected to implement a hybrid function once the new rules are in place, with a boost of energy recovered to pass the system as one of the options being considered.
According to the document, however, there will be no hybrid technology for the introduction of Gen3.
“Hybrid integration is being considered for the [Gen3] project “, says the document.
“It is expected that this will not be used in early 2022. Provide information on integrating the ECU with batteries, battery management systems (BMS), motor controllers and high voltage power distribution units (PDU).”
Another significant change raised by the document is the displacement of the paddle, something that for some time has divided opinions in the Supercar paddock.
The category currently uses a sequential stick shift.
The successful bidder must provide a complete steering wheel “with a paddle switching mechanism, including the CAN control system, switches and display with integrated switching lights.”
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