FYI: Jay Leno’s garage recently featured an extraordinary 1,085-horsepower off-road electric beast, the Nitro Rallycross FC1-X, driven by professional rally driver Tanner Foust.
Electric Monster in Jay Leno’s Garage
In one of the most thrilling episodes ever, Jay Leno’s garage welcomed a unique spectacle: an off-road electric monster boasting 1,085 horsepower. This extraordinary vehicle is the Nitro Rallycross FC1-X. Fresh from one of the most closely contested weekends of racing, this incredible machine was showcased by Tanner Foust, who returned to full-time competition this year after participating in the series part-time last year.
Nitrocross: Pure Action and Chaos
Dubbed "pure chaos" by Foust, the Nitrocross series is all about gladiatorial racing on tracks designed by rally legend Travis Pastrana. These tracks feature exhilarating three-tiered jumps. The FC1-X holds a special place in this series. Designed to resemble a small crossover, similar to NASCAR Cup cars, it provides manufacturers the liberty to add custom branding and graphics.
One of Jay’s first curiosities, "Why does it have a 3-speed transmission?" Foust explained that it helps reach higher top speeds. Electric motors perform optimally when they operate within a specific RPM range, necessitating a multi-speed gearbox.
Technological Marvel of FC1-X
The FC1-X is a marvel of engineering, tailored specifically for the Nitrocross series. With a carbon chassis and 13 inches of suspension travel, this beast can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.4 seconds—outpacing even an F1 car. Its four electric motors, mounted on the car’s body and linked to mechanical differentials, ensure superior reliability and adjustability.
The All-Electric Nitrocross FC1-X
Launched in 2022 for the Nitrocross Group E class, the FC1-X is an electric powerhouse. It is capable of generating over 1,000 horsepower and achieving 0 to 60 mph in under 1.5 seconds thanks to its 4-motor AWD system, which enables it to pull 3G accelerations. The vehicle’s axial motors are crafted by Magelec, while its 51 kWh underfloor battery, featuring Newattek cells, supports fast charging up to 150 kW.
Manufactured by Olsbergs in Sweden and designed by First Corner, a US-based but Swedish-owned motorsport firm, the FC1-X harnesses cutting-edge technology, such as regenerative braking from its motors paired with Alcon’s four-piston braking system.
Preparation for races involves teams like Vermont Sports Cars, celebrated for building some of Pastrana’s most iconic cars, and Dreyer & Reinbold Racing.
Specs You Can’t Ignore
Key specifications for the FC1-X include:
- Motor: Majerec M21H5-D x 4
- Horsepower: 1,085
- Torque: 760 lb-ft (limited)
- Battery: QEV 51 kWh Pack, Newattek Cell 872 V, 800kW+ Discharge
- Transmission: 3-speed sequential on rear axle
- 0-60 mph: 1.4 seconds
The Real Race Experience
Racing in the Nitrocross series is like nothing else. As Tanner Foust explained to Jay, the unique experience of jumping in these cars is unparalleled. The electric motors can spin the wheels so quickly that they amplify the nose-up and nose-down movements used by drivers to balance in mid-air. Mastering this technique is crucial to winning races in the series.
Tanner shared a short, almost hauntingly quiet video of the cars racing on dirt. It highlighted the serene yet exhilarating sounds of wind and gravel, a stark contrast to traditional racing noise.
Despite its technological marvel, the FC1-X can only last for about seven laps before needing a recharge. Foust admitted that while it’s challenging to sustain power on a racetrack, it symbolizes a significant leap in developing a new breed of race cars. Jay Leno aptly summarized the dichotomy: “There’s rap, and there’s rock and roll. Some people hate one and love the other, but it’s all music."
A Roaring Dinosaur on the Roads
During a test drive, Jay and Tanner experienced a different kind of roar—not from combustion engines but from the car’s mechanical operations. Jay described the sound as "a dinosaur," a testament to the car’s unique auditory presence. Despite the electric propulsion, the FC1-X roared and growled as they drove through Los Angeles, drawing real attention in actual traffic.
Jay Leno, known for his diverse collection from steam cars to a Tesla Model S Plaid, emphasized that electric cars undoubtedly have a place in modern racing and motoring. "There’s too much naysaying about electric! Horsepower solves a lot of problems," he concluded.
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Donald Smith, Editor at Automotive.fyi
