The new turbo 911 Carrera might be Porsche’s most significant Frankfurt launch, but Porsche Mission E concept could pave the way for both future electric sports cars and – given its door count and passenger layout – the next Panamera. Porsche calls it a ‘‘coherent design of a sports car with an electric drive and all of the traits that make up a Porsche.’’
That means styling clearly influenced by Porsche’s most recent products, including the facelifted 911 and hints of 918 Spyder. It also means a healthy 440kW output from two electric motors, similar to those of Porsche’s Le Mans winning 919 hybrid LMP1 car.
No torque figure is quoted, but with a motor at each axle it has the power and traction to dispatch 100km/h in under 3.5 seconds and 200km/h in under 12 seconds. The company also says the motors are capable of developing maximum power even after ‘‘multiple accelerations at short intervals’’. More intriguing is Porsche’s promise of a sub-8-minute lap at the Nürburgring Nordschleife from the electric sedan.
Some of that speed can be credited to the car’s four-wheel steering, as well as its all-wheel drive.
Range is quoted as over 500km – close to that of the similarly powerful Tesla Model S P90D – while fast charging facilitates an 80 per cent charge in only 15minutes thanks to 800-volt charging.
That’s double the voltage of existing chargers, but the firm also claims that it allows for lighter, smaller-gauge copper cables.
The system remains compatible with standard 400-volt quick-charging stations, while wireless inductive charging has also been implemented. Another similarity to Tesla’s electric sedan is Porsche’s placement of the batteries, which run the whole length of the Mission E’s body, between the axles. This is beneficial for weight distribution and keeps the centre of gravity low – ensuring Porsche can continue to exercise its expertise in handling. The company hasn’t revealed a weight figure but a mix of aluminium, steel and carbon fibre-reinforced polymer should minimise mass.
Rolling stock is also light – the 21-inch front and 22-inch rear wheels may be imposing in size, but
all are made from carbon. The styling should come as less of a surprise than the car’s dynamic attributes. Forms are very much inspired by those of the 911 and 918 Spyder. At the rear, the
slight overlap to the luggage compartment cover references the similar treatment of the 911 GT3 RS’s engine cover.
Less conventional are the counter opening doors, which reveal access to the four-seat cabin without obstruction from a B-pillar. Little of the cabin will reach production – in a road-going Panamera
or otherwise – but the Porsche cues are still there, from the simple three-spoke steering wheel to the bank of five circular instruments ahead of the driver.
While Porsche calls the Mission E an electric vehicle with Porsche values, the car’s form could be seen as a strong indication of the next-gen Panamera. The current model has always suffered
derision over its appearance, so it’s likely Porsche will refine that appearance with the next model – and take greater cues from the latest 911 in the process.
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