Erebus fits ‘e-cell’ to Reynolds Commodore

The ‘e-cell’, a carbon fibre seating system that offers significantly more driver protection than a traditional V8 seat, was originally developed as a joint venture between HWA and Erebus when the team first built the E63 Mercedes V8s that ran between 2013-2015.

Now, the team has re-engineered the structure so it can be fitted to other cars. And not just for its own purposes; while the cell will make its non-Mercedes debut in Reynolds’s Commodore this weekend, the team says the structure is available for purchase by other teams.

"There are many benefits to the ‘e-cell’ system over a regular racing seat when it comes to protecting the drivers in an impact,” said Erebus Motorsport GM Barry Ryan.

“The current generation cars are much safer than the last. As we move into Gen2 we need to continue improving safety as a category and we believe the ‘e-cell’ can be a part of that."

Reynolds comfortable

According to Reynolds, while he hasn’t yet used the ‘e-cell’ in anger it is comfortable based on the initial seat fitting.

“I felt really comfortable in the ‘e-cell’ straight away,” he said.

“The team has also improved the ergonomics in the cockpit around the safety cell which will help a lot during a race.

“As drivers we risk our lives every time we go out on track and I'll certainly feel more confident of my safety with the ‘e-cell’ in the car."