DS Formula E racing team to try to continue season two the way it finished season one.

DS Virgin Racing will take to the streets of Beijing next weekend with a new driver line-up, new partners, a new powertrain and plenty of momentum.

The FIA Formula E Championship returns for a second season in Beijing on 24 October and the DS Virgin Racing team will be looking to continue where they left off at the end of season one.

Back in June, home favourite Sam Bird stormed to a win in the final round in London. The British driver will be looking to build on a promising first season – which also saw him pick up a win in Malaysia – alongside new recruit, Frenchman Jean-Éric Vergne.

With the arrival of the DS brand, the race car also has a new look for season two. Combining the DS and Virgin brand identities, the new design represents a dynamic integration of both the DS Automobiles and Virgin colour schemes, and maintains the distinctive red and chrome features from season one. The DS brand logo now appears proudly on each side of the car on a black background, alongside fellow partner Hewlett Packard Enterprise. The battery cover remains purple as in season one.

It is not just the outside of the car that is different. Changes to the technical regulations have enabled teams, including DS Virgin Racing, to develop their own electric powertrains for season two. The team has chosen to re-design its powertrain significantly in order to increase efficiency – and in order to account for the increase in race power allowed in season two, which rises from 150kW to 170kW. This package was tested extensively in the pre-season and proved to be reliable, but it is difficult to predict how it will stand up versus the competition until all of the teams hit the streets in Beijing.

Additional changes to Fanboost, meanwhile, will give fans the chance to vote for Sam and Jean-Éric until six minutes into the race, providing a power boost of 100kJ of additional energy that can be used during the rest of the race.

Speaking ahead of the season opener, Sam Bird said; “To finish last season the way we did in London was really special, so I’m hoping that we can build on that and come into the new season with the same impetus.   It was a great feeling to get on the podium in Beijing last year and I’ll be looking to go one, or hopefully two better this time around!”

Jean-Éric Vergne said; “I’m very excited to have joined DS Virgin Racing and I’m looking forward to getting things off to a positive start in Beijing. I didn’t race here last year so it will be interesting to get out on the track and experience another unique street circuit.”

Alex Tai, DS Virgin Racing Team Principal, said; “It is unbelievable how quickly a year goes by. This time last year, we entered into the relatively unknown world of electric racing, during the first season we learned a great deal and have developed strongly as a race team. I believe we have brought great talent into the team both on and off the track and adding this to the experience learned in the first year I feel confident we will deliver a strong performance in the coming season starting right here in Beijing.

Yves Bonnefont, CEO of the DS Brand, said; “Following the announcement of our new partnership with Virgin Racing in June, it has been an exciting few months for the DS brand working towards our first race in Beijing. Having recently marked our 60^th anniversary, it would be fantastic to celebrate this special landmark with a race to remember, particularly in China which is a very important market for us.”

Suzuki launches new leaner, greener and meaner engine to Swift range.

Suzuki GB PLC is introducing a new engine for its ever popular Swift model. Planned for introduction early next year, the new 1.2-litre petrol unit incorporates Suzuki’s latest technology that utilises twin fuel injectors for improved fuel economy.

The new technology, known as Dualjet, has resulted in Swift attaining 65.7mpg on the EC Combined fuel consumption cycle, representing an impressive 9.2mpg or 16 per cent improvement over the current petrol engine. Another benefit of Dualjet technology is reduced CO₂ emissions of 99g/km, meaning that Swift models with this engine are now exempt from VED (Vehicle Excise Duty) charges. Even fewer trips to the fuel pumps and zero VED will equate to a saving of up to £175 per year for an average mileage owner.

Utilising Dualjet technology that positions the fuel injectors very close to the engine inlet valves allows for a finer fuel atomisation (or mixture) which in turn provides a more effective transfer into the cylinder. Internal modifications to the engine include the use of a new type of inlet port and combustion chamber with other mechanical parts also modified to reduce frictional losses and facilitate smoother running.

The piston crowns have also been modified with a slight bowl shape to achieve higher air turbulence inside the cylinder, and the pistons have cooling oil jets to help reduce internal temperatures. Additionally, a new type of Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system is used which helps avoid abnormal combustion or ‘knocking’. These modifications have resulted in a higher compression ratio of 12.0:1 versus 11.0:1 for the current engine.

The maximum power output is 90PS versus 94PS for the current petrol engine with a slightly increased torque figure of 120Nm at 4,400rpm versus 118Nm at 4,800rpm. Other modifications include slight alterations to gear ratios for greater flexibility on the road, and the addition of Engine Auto Stop Start (EASS). (A full specification sheet is attached).

The new Dualjet technology for Swift will initially be available as an optional engine choice on SZ4 two wheel drive models and will cost around an additional £500. Final prices will be confirmed closer to introduction.

Global sales of Swift have now passed the four million mark since launch in 2004 – eighteen months after the celebration of three million units. Launched in the UK in May 2005; more than 90,000 Swifts have been sold and now account for around 30 per cent of the UK sales mix.