BECAUSE RACE CAR

TRACTION EV’S 1987 R31 Skyline EV project uses two 300kw Netgain Warp 11 DC motors coupled end to end. These go into a two-speed Powerglide sans torque converter – a manual gearbox just couldn’t handle the power. “The Warp 11 DC motors give massive instantaneous torque,” says James Pauly. “I wouldn’t recommend them for a daily driver, but they’re great for drag racing.”

Two motor controllers are mounted at 45 degrees, giving a very cool V8-type look. It also means these components are down as low as possible in the engine bay, helping lower the weight’s centre of gravity.

James reckons the motors are good for around 800hp. “I reckon it’ll be a low 10-second car when it’s finished,” he says. The Skyline is still waiting for its battery modules to be installed. Some will go where the back seat used to be and the rest where the petrol tank was. The R31 will be streetregistered, but is aimed at the track with its rollcage, S13 Silvia suspension, R33 GTS-T brakes, LSD and wide sticky tyres.