With pilatus, the first car named after a Swiss mountain, the AMZ set the goal to reclaim the first place in the world ranking. To improve reliability and to minimise the potential risks in all components, the weaknesses of the previous car gotthard were carefully analysed. The big innovation this year is the new suspension system, a concept never seen before in motorsport. To ensure maximal performance pilatus is based on the proven concept of four-wheel drive with in house motors, a full aerodynamics package as well as sophisticated vehicle dynamics control.

The four self-developed AMZ M7 wheelhub motors deliver 38.4 kW each at a weight of just under 3 kg. A staged planetary gearbox transmits the motor’s torque, resulting in 375 Nm at the wheel. Thanks to an advanced vehicle dynamics control including torque vectoring and traction control, the optimal force is transmitted to the ground in every driving situation. This ensures that the vehicle’s full potential is utilised.

The energy for the powertrain is stored in a two-piece battery. A self-developed, optical battery management systems monitors the battery cells’ status. The single-piece CFRP monocoque, including the roll hoops, weighs 20 kg. A lightweight CFRP crash box dissipates the impact energy in the event of an accident.

To reduce tire load variation a new hydraulic suspension system is implemented on pilatus. This allows full separation of the driving modi heave, pitch, roll and warp. Thanks to our unique dampers featuring MRF technology, the damping rate can be adjusted during the race.

A full aerodynamics package allows for high corner speeds. A chassis-integrated diffuser, starting right after the driver, produces maximum downforce a minimal drag. A DRS and tire wake control devices further improve the aerodynamic efficiency. At speeds above 110 kph pilatus could theoretically drive upside-down.

The team’s hard work paid off. After a DNF in the first race in Hungary, the team could celebrate the seventh consecutive victory in Austria. In Germany the AMZ finished second before the outstanding result of 982 out of 1000 points in Spain. With this win, pilatus will be remembered as a feared competitor.