Update July 2019: Porsche has officially announced that the Mission E is now the Porsche Taycan, which translates to “lively young horse”, referencing the center of the Porsche crest.
“The new electric sports car is athletic and performance-oriented; a car that is capable of longer distances, and represents freedom”, explains Oliver Blume, CEO of Porsche AG. Here comes the first electric sports car with the soul of a Porsche.
The Future of Porsche Sportscars
The future of Porsche Sportscars looks absolutely stunning with the first ever purely electric sports car in the performance brand’s history showcasing a combination of revolutionary tech and a futuristic exterior- all while remaining true to the epic Porsche style of the past 70 years. The Porsche Mission E Concept project head, Stefan Weckbach, notes that Porsche expertise lies in the “complex, efficient, and high-performance powertrains” similar to the iconic and truly rare 918 Spyder or 919 Hybrid.
Performance and Powertrains:
Take one look at the Mission E Concept specs and it’s unmistakably a sportscar. The exterior shows futuristic elements and upgrades to the aesthetics without hiding the iconic Porsche proportions. As with Porsche sports cars, the technology used is based on motorsports tech. For example, the two PSMs (permanent magnet synchronous motors) propel the front and rear axles, forward and conserve energy when braking are similar to those found in the 919 Hybrid that won Le Mans, one of the oldest endurance, sports car races.
The Mission E is a powerful concept with over 600hp that can go 0-60 in 3.5 seconds, and further up to 124 mph in less than 12.
Dynamic Driving: Avoiding the Straight and Narrow
According to Porsche, the essence of Porsche is truly experienced driving down “winding roads” and hugging tight corners. The Mission E Concept candidly agrees with that assertion. The specs show that the battery lies flat throughout the underbody to lower the sportscar’s center of gravity and enhance lateral dynamics. The even weight distribution achieves a balance between the front and rear of the concept car, allowing the all-wheel-drive system and Porsche Torque Vectoring to operate to their full potential.
What is Porsche Torque Vectoring: PTV Works to actively enhance vehicle dynamics and stability. Operating in conjunction with a rear differential lock, it works by intelligently braking the rear wheels as the situation demands. For the driver, this means strong resistance to destabilizing side forces, outstanding traction, and great agility at every speed – with precise turn-in and well-balanced load transfer characteristics. What else? Tremendous fun in the corners.
The Taycan is race track ready with an equipment closet containing an active suspension derived from the 911 chassis. According to Porsche.com, expectations are high for this full-electric sportscar concept to lap the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring in less than 8 minutes.
What is the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring? A 150,000 person capacity motorsports complex located in Germany with four track configurations including the Nordschleife, which is 14.73 miles long. Porsche broke the lap record earlier this year with Timo Bernhard at the helm, clocking in at 5:19.55 driving a Porsche 919 Evo.
Everyday Practicality in 15 Minutes
Not only has Porsche doubled the standard charging voltage to 800 volts, but they have subsequently reduced the charging time. The Lithium-ion battery powers the car for more than 300 miles on a single charge, and only needs 15 minutes to recharge for 250 miles worth of range. Appropriately called turbo-charging, the 800-volt technology will be installed in charging stations along German freeways. But, do not fret if the 800-volt station isn’t available; the Mission E can be charged with the conventional 400-volt station or in its own garage.
The Designer’s Dream
There has not been a Porsche created that doesn’t reflect the brand’s heritage, making it an instantly recognizable machine. Aptly deemed, “Thrillingly different, yet reassuringly familiar,” the Mission E Concept reflects that tradition with distinct innovations like integrated aerodynamics. Integrated air channels enhance airflow around the wheels to reduce excess pressure and the risk of lift. The new concept evokes memories of the 918 Spyder with its arrow-like front, the 911 with its distinctive front fenders, and the 911 GT3 RS with broad recess runs from the overlapping front hood over the roof.
What’s new? Even more discreet design. The Matrix LED headlights hover within the air intakes. The four points surround a flat sensor used for driver assistance systems, with a border that serves as a turn signal. The flow of surfaces is not disturbed by side mirrors; instead, cameras are mounted on the sides. The handles on the rear doors are integrated with the shell, and a continuous arc of red light connects the rear fenders with a back-lit Porsche insignia located below it in black glass.
Move inside, and the dashboard shows ingenuity based on the cockpit design of the very first 911. A passenger can activate the holographic display with the wave of the hand, while either the driver or the front passenger can operate the radio, navigation system, climate, phone, and apps in a touch-free form. Every played charades? Well this a game of intuitive gestures detected by sensors inside the Taycan.
With the Porsche Taycan, the future is electric…and fascinating, indeed.
For more information visit Porsche.Com
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