MUNICH, Germany (electronica 2008) – Nov.12, 2008 – Freescale Semiconductor and McLaren Electronic Systems (MES) have announced a collaborative initiative to develop next-generation kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) technology for the highest levels of motor racing from 2010 onward.

Freescale’s and MES’s KERS technology collaboration addresses the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile’s (FIA, the governing body of world motorsport) commitment to reduce development costs, enhance competition, and support ever-growing fuel efficiency and energy recovery initiatives in the next generation of Formula 1 powertrains. Smaller, lighter and more efficient hybrid systems are expected to result from these initiatives.

KERS is a hybrid regenerative braking system that is designed to recover kinetic energy from the car during braking, store that energy and make it available upon demand from the driver to accelerate the car. The stored kinetic power is released using a “boost” button that delivers a burst of extra power to the car for a short period - for example, while overtaking a competitor or defending a position. Performance-enhancing technologies such as KERS will almost certainly enhance the competitiveness and excitement of Formula 1 racing events.

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