Combining performance and sustainable technologies for a cleaner future
Härkingen, 2023/05/23 – Four Motors, the pioneering German motorsport team, is celebrating 20 years of pushing the boundaries of sustainability and innovation in GT racing. Since its founding in 2003, Four Motors has remained at the forefront of eco-friendly advancements, championing the use of renewable and recycled resources in motorsports.
Driven by a passion for both motorsports and the environment, Four Motors has consistently sought to inspire positive change, both on and off the track. By working closely with leading partners, the team has made significant strides in advancing sustainable mobility, setting itself apart from other teams in the motorsport industry. With its specially configured ‘Bioconcept-Cars’, Four Motors has competed in endurance races around the world, demonstrating efficient and effective use of state-of-the-art renewable technologies and advanced recycling processes.
Four Motors’ 20th anniversary coincides with its 21st participation in the prestigious and legendary Nürburgring 24 Hours. Known as the ‘Green Hell’, this grueling racetrack has consistently provided the perfect testing ground for the team’s innovative and sustainable technologies, playing an important role in Four Motors solidifying its reputation as an international sustainable motorsport leader.
Sustainability in motorsports
In the ongoing global efforts to combat climate change, motorsport has emerged as a crucial platform for the development and testing of sustainable technologies. As a high-performance environment, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to experiment with innovative solutions that can be swiftly brought to market. This unique advantage enables motorsport – and motorsport companies – to significantly impact industries with longer development cycles, like the automotive, aerospace, and marine sectors.
Thomas von Löwis of Menar, CEO of Four Motors, said: “In showcasing the latest advancements in sustainable technologies through racing, we are not only inspiring change within motorsport but also facilitating progress in other vital mobility sectors, further demonstrating our commitment to – and ambition for – a greener future.”
Four Motors project
Four Motors is dedicated to working closely with its partners in the pursuit of developing and testing innovative technologies to enable and realise more sustainable mobility. To ensure optimal performance, the team has integrated state-of-the-art technologies into its race cars; combining high performance with environmental responsibility.
The Four Motors project includes testing and implementing ground-breaking technologies such as re-refined engine oil, E20 Plus fuel, lightweight natural fiber bodywork, CO2-reduced motorsport wheels and other advanced materials. By incorporating these sustainable technologies into its Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (#320) – driven by none less than Smudo, frontman of the “Die Fantastischen Vier” – as well as its Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport (#420) and Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport 981 (#633) race cars, the team has been able to compete at the highest level while minimizing its environmental impact.
“Tested in the unforgiving and severe conditions of endurance racing, the Four Motors project has proved to be a resounding success,” continued Thomas von Löwis. “Our participation in the highly demanding Nürburgring 24 Hours has garnered international attention and demonstrated our commitment to promoting sustainable technologies and mobility at a global scale.”
Sustainable solutions and technologies
• FUEL
o CropEnergies AG – innovative E20 fuel with a total of 60% renewable content from waste and residues, approx. 40 % CO2 savings and over 100 octane. The special racing fuel was developed in cooperation between CropEnergies and Shell.
• EXTERIOR BODYWORK and INTERIOR
o Bcomp – Four Motors works with Swiss lightweighting specialist Bcomp to integrate innovative natural fiber technologies, ampliTex™ and powerRibs™, into its racecars’ bodywork. Bcomp’s high-performance composites rival traditional carbon fiber while reducing CO2 emissions by up to 85% and offering 250% better vibration damping and improved crash behavior for enhanced safety in motorsport applications.
• LUBRICANTS
o Wolf Oil and Tecoil – the Four Motors bio-trio is driving with re-refined engine and gearbox oil from sponsor duo Wolf Oil Corporation and Tecoil. Using patented high-tech processes, the Finnish refinery Tecoil processes used oils up to a high-quality, which are even purer than freshly produced base oils originating from crude oil. The Belgian lubricants company Wolf Oil Corporation formulates the base oils into high performance oils so that they can be used in the engine and transmission sector. The use of these sustainable oils significantly reduces the CO2 footprint and thus helps to slow down climate change.
• WHEELS
o RONAL GROUP – equips Four Motors with its first CO2-reduced RONAL motorsport wheel which consists of 70% secondary aluminium and only 30% primary aluminium – this means that around 50% CO2 can be saved compared to an average European wheel. The wheel is particularly light: With the RONAL Motorsport RM1, the RONAL GROUP can offer a saving of over 6 kg on the vehicle, which means less abrasion on the tires and lower fuel consumption.
• MECHANIC BRAKE PADS
o PAGID Racing brake pads are used in Four Motors race cars and offer a competitive advantage thanks to their optimal balance between braking performance and wear. They are made from environmentally friendly materials with fewer harmful substances, while meeting performance and safety standards.
• ELECTRIC DRIVE SYSTEM
o MAHLE – collaborates with independent team Four Motors to set new benchmarks in motorsports and the independent workshop business, aiming for a technological partnership through initiatives such as testing 3D-printed parts in Four Motors Porsche vehicles and providing support with MAHLE service devices.
Conclusion
Four Motors’ 20-year journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation and sustainability in motorsports, setting a benchmark for the industry. The team’s success in integrating cutting-edge technologies into its race cars is a testament to the power of collaboration and a shared vision. As Four Motors continues to forge strong partnerships with leading technology providers, its unwavering commitment to sustainable motorsport will undoubtedly enable further advancements. The team’s pioneering spirit and dedication continue to serve as an inspiration to all who believe in a sustainable future for the racing industry and beyond.
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