Breaking Barriers: Scalar’s SCR1 and the Future of Electric Track Cars

Unleashing the Future of Racing

In the ever-evolving racing car world, the Scalar Performance SCR1 stands out as a groundbreaking innovation. This all-electric track car, built on the Toyota GR86 platform, is designed to push the boundaries of what electric vehicles can achieve on the racetrack. With Brian Bourne, Scalar’s CEO, we delve into the SCR1’s conception, design, and performance, revealing the meticulous engineering that makes it a formidable contender against traditional internal combustion engines on track.

Founding the Dream

Scalar Performance was co-founded by Brian Bourne and Joel Fallaise, two avid motorsport enthusiasts with a shared vision of creating a high-performance electric race car. Their mission was clear: to design an EV that a driving purist would enjoy, and  could compete alongside traditional ICE vehicles on the track, initially in the NASA Super Touring series. “The truth is we wanted something just as enjoyable, fun and competitive as ICE race cars, but also had a really low cost of ownership. ICE engines are constantly tearing themselves apart or faulting in some way on race weekends. With an EV, it just works and that was the real goal”. They chose the Toyota GR86 platform for its lightweight, rear-wheel-drive configuration, robust aftermarket support, and racing pedigree. They are based in Belleville, Ontario , Canada. Brian Bourne has transitioned from a background in information technology and cybersecurity to the exciting world of electric racing. Focused on developing the first all-electric touring race car approved for club-level competition, he traded server rooms for race tracks. While he jokes about leaving the tech scene, his work now involves deep dives into vehicle and powertrain technology, including electric and hybrid integrations, sophisticated telemetry, and intricate data logging and analysis.

Powertrain Mastery

At the heart of the SCR1 is an 800-volt Stealth EV motor developed by Hypercraft. This high-voltage system is a key differentiator, offering superior performance and efficiency compared to typical 400-volt systems found in many EVs. The motor generates a continuous power output of 343KW (460hp) and 415 lb-ft of torque (562Nm), enabling the SCR1 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 165 mph. Powering the SCR1 is a custom 60kWh battery pack, specifically designed for motorsport applications. The battery pack features advanced lithium-ion cylindrical cells arranged in 24 modules, configured to deliver high power output while maintaining thermal stability. The pack is strategically shaped like a T, extending from the front engine bay through the transmission tunnel to the rear seats, optimizing weight distribution and maintaining the car’s structural integrity. The SCR1 supports both Level 2 and Level 3 DC fast charging, allowing for rapid recharges between races. With Level 3 (150 kW) charging, the battery can be replenished in less than 20 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime during race events.

Maintaining Structural Integrity

The transformation from a standard Toyota GR86 to the SCR1 involves extensive modifications, including structural reinforcements. The battery pack’s placement ensures that it becomes an integral part of the chassis, enhancing rigidity and safety. A quarter-inch aluminum skid plate protects the battery and ties together the frame rails, providing a perfectly flat underbody that improves aerodynamic efficiency. One of the standout features of the SCR1 is its weight distribution. By placing the motor over the rear axle and distributing the battery modules throughout the chassis, the car achieves a near-perfect 45:55 front-to-rear weight balance. This setup mirrors the distribution found in high-performance mid-engine sports cars like the Porsche Cayman GT4, resulting in exceptional handling and stability on the track.

Thermal Challenges

Racing imposes significant thermal demands on any vehicle, and the SCR1 is no exception. Scalar Performance has implemented sophisticated cooling systems co-developed with PWR Advanced Cooling Technology to manage these challenges. The motor utilizes an oil cooling loop, while the battery and inverter are cooled via a separate water loop. This dual-loop system ensures that each component operates within its optimal temperature range, maintaining performance and preventing overheating. As it turns out, the real challenge completing a NASA Super Touring race hasn’t been battery capacity but rather getting the thermal management right.

Wind Tunnel Testing

To further enhance aerodynamic efficiency, the SCR1 underwent rigorous wind tunnel testing at Ontario Tech. The testing revealed the benefits of the car’s flat bottom design and integrated rear diffuser, which work together to reduce drag and increase downforce. These aerodynamic improvements help the SCR1 maintain stability at high speeds and during aggressive cornering.

The SCR1 is a proven performer on the racetrack. It is the first electric touring race car approved by the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) for road racing. Since its debut at the 2022 SEMA Show, the SCR1 has participated in various racing events, including various NASA races across the country as well as participating in Gridlife’s Time Attack Series. At WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, driver Joel Fallaise achieved a personal best lap time of 1:41.800, showcasing the SCR1’s competitive edge against ICE vehicles. The SCR1 has been subjected to extensive real-world testing across multiple tracks, allowing engineers to fine-tune the power delivery, handling, and cooling systems. This iterative process ensures that the SCR1 remains competitive and reliable under race conditions. The SCR1 is equipped with a sophisticated telemetry system that provides real-time data to the driver and engineers. This system tracks key performance metrics such as lap times, battery health, motor temperature, and more. The data is displayed simultaneously on an in-car screen and in the pits, allowing drivers to make informed decisions and adjust their driving strategy on the fly.

Future Prospects

While Scalar Performance is exploring the possibility of expanding production and introducing new configurations, such as dual-motor setups to enhance performance and appeal to a broader range of racing enthusiasts, it is channeling its engineering expertise into new and exciting ventures. The lessons learned from the SCR1 are being applied to innovative electric vehicle projects, particularly in harsh environments where performance is critical. The SCR1 continues to be an extraordinary vehicle, delighting all who experience its capabilities firsthand. Scalar Performance remains optimistic about the future, actively seeking opportunities such as a celebrity arrive-and-drive event or a supporting race series to keep the SCR1’s project on track. In the meantime, they continue to push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology, ensuring that their pioneering spirit and cutting-edge innovations find new avenues for success in other unique electric vehicles.

In its current stage of development, the SCR1 is a joy to drive, and the lucky few EV nay-sayers who have driven the car have all exited with a big grin and an exuberant “Ok, I get it now!”.  That said, the road ahead is not without more challenges.  Funding for continued vehicle and powertrain development is challenging, and the Scalar team has pivoted from taking the lessons learned in engineering the SCR1 to offering consulting services, and prototype builds for those who want high-performance powertrains or unique EVs for harsh environments.

Through meticulous engineering, advanced technology, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Scalar Performance has created a race car that redefines the limits of what is possible on the track. For motorsport enthusiasts and the racing community, the SCR1 represents the thrilling future of electric racing, combining speed, efficiency, and sustainability in a single, formidable package. We could not ask for more!

SPECS

Scalar Performance SCR1

• Top Speed: 165mph/267km/h
• Estimated 0-60 mph: 3.9s
• Power: 343kW continuous (460hp)
• Torque: 415 lb-ft (562Nm)
• Race Time: 30min +
• Recharge Time : < 20min (Level 3 – 150kW)
• Curb Weight: 3,040lbs
• Weight distribution: 45% front, 55% rear – similar to mid-engine race car
• Suspension: bespoke suspension developed by Öhlins
• Brakes: six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers

Powertrain

• 800-volt Stealth EV motor by Hypercraft
• 60kWh custom battery pack specially designed for motorsport
• Level 2 and Level 3 DC fast charging capabilities
• Single motor rear-wheel drive configuration
• Ettractive 5.19:1 gear reduction with straight-cut gears
• Torsen (torque sensing) limited-slip differential

Safety Features

• Meets and exceeds FIA safety requirements (Appendix J, Section 18. Requirements for Electrically Powered Vehicles)
• Industry-leading thermal management and runaway prevention, making it one of the safest battery electric vehicles (BEV) ever built
• Lifeline fire suppression system with Novec 1230 integrated through the battery pack, another industry-first
• Eight-point VR3 Engineering roll cage, designed for increased strength and rapid ingress/egress
• Safecraft Racing FIA six-point safety harness, custom SFI safety racing net (windows) and tow strap