The 'mind-blowing' feature of Formula E's new monster

Citroën's Nick Cassidy has explained that the acceleration of Formula E's new Gen4 car is "mind-blowing", to the extent that a driver's "stomach drops" upon launch.

On Tuesday at Circuit Paul Ricard, Formula E officially launched the Gen4 car, which will be competitively introduced next season at the start of its new regulatory cycle.

It represents a staggering step forward for the all-electric series in terms of performance, one which will reduce the gap to F1 from around 15 seconds to possibly under five.

The Gen4 features permanent all-wheel drive and is capable of producing 600 kW (815 bhp), resulting in a 0–100 km/h (0–60 mph) time of a staggering 1.8 seconds. In terms of top speed, the Gen4 reaches 335 km/h (208 mph).

According to Cassidy, who has tested Stellantis' Gen4 prototype, it is the acceleration that is unbelievable.

Explaining what the Gen4 feels like to drive, Cassidy told RacingNews365 during an interview: "The way your stomach drops when you pull away and do a race start in a Gen4 car is, for me, the most outstanding factor.

"It's mind-blowing, to be honest — the acceleration that the car has. Then, obviously, when you're driving it, you've got more grip, and you've got a bit better braking potential than you do in a Gen3 Evo car.

"Quite quickly, you're trying to work out how to drive it in a way that makes use of that acceleration."

Formula E's new car is exactly what the championship is in need of and has received huge praise on social media from both fans and critics.

In Cassidy's eyes, what Gen4 will do for the sport and its fans is "very powerful" for the category.

"I think from a fan point of view, whether you're watching at a circuit or on TV, it gives you an instant feeling of, 'Wow, that's impressive,' and that matches what we've been feeling as drivers this whole time," added Cassidy.

"And so, to almost share that experience in some way is very, very cool, and I think a very powerful image for the championship."