ContiTech News

For over 25 years, Continental Behälterbau has been supplying fuels cells for racing sport, thereby ensuring a high degree of safety even at extremely fast speeds of up to 315 kmph. The fuel cells are used, for example, in the Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 from Reiter Engineering. In 2006 Reiter developed the prototype of the GT3, designed specifically for the ADAC GT Masters and other cup events in Europe, South America, Australia and Asia.

“Unlike other products, Continental fuel cells are made of heavy-duty fabric. That makes them very sturdy despite their enormous flexibility," declares Michael Muehlbauer, engineer at Reiter Engineering. Characteristics like this can make a crucial difference in the event of a crash. “During races, maximum speeds of up to 315 kmph are attained; safety enjoys top priority in such extreme situations. Tanks with Continental he fuel cells are absolutely leakproof, so no fuel at all escapes if the vehicle is involved in an accident.”

The Gallardo tank, with its ultralight carbon casing, is located between the passenger cell and the engine. Integrated into the tank is the Continental fuel cell, which itself is constructed of an FIA-approved material (high-strength rubber-coated fabric). The fuel cell is, in turn, filled with the mandatory open-pored safety foam. The advantage of this is that the fuel cell can conform exactly to the design of the tank and the vehicle and make perfect use of the space available. This not only minimizes weight but also allows the container to hold more fuel – up to 100 liters, in fact.