McLaren to take on new KERS partner
KERS units can be introduced into Formula 1 from the start of the 2009 season and will offer drivers a push-to-pass function by recovering energy otherwise lost under braking and converting it into a power boost.
McLaren's new partnership is aimed at improving its F1 KERS unit as well as fulfilling the FIA’s ambition of enhancing hybrid drivetrains on road cars, where Freescale is a market leader.
“This joint KERS development project with McLaren Electronic Systems is on the cutting edge of automotive technology," said Steve Wainwright, vice-president of Freescale. As the leading supplier of automotive semiconductors, Freescale can help McLaren Electronic Systems make a difference in their quest for advanced powertrain control technology and energy-efficient systems.
“Formula 1 is one of the most exciting and fastest moving laboratories for automotive technology.
“We will work hard to help ensure that the technologies developed in concert with McLaren Electronic Systems will rapidly find their way into mainstream cars to the benefit of consumers and our automotive customers eager to receive energy-efficient solutions."