Last September, the Frankfurt Motor Show saw Porsche’s Mission E revealed. But, until now, we didn’t know if the German automobile manufacturer’s first all-electric vehicle would remain a concept, or get a wide release.
According to a new report, however, the latter is true – and Porsche hope to sell over 20,000 Mission E models when the car is officially released before the end of the decade.
But what do you need to know about the car that will wage war on Tesla?
The Mission E promises exceptional performance, and can be charged to 80 per cent capacity in just 15 minutes. A range of 310 is impressive for an electric vehicle and, what’s more, Porsche also promise that the Mission E’s charging technology will be compatible with Tesla’s Supercharger networks – with the use of an adapter.
It may be shaped vaguely like a Panamera hopped up on hypercard steroids, but the Mission E still manages to come across as a restrained car – nothing on the outside screams ‘pioneering’ like the mechanics within.
At just 1,300mm tall, it sits incredibly low to the ground, and the body is constructed with a mix of aluminium, steel and carbon fibre-reinforced polymer. The wheels are crafted from carbon and measure 21 inches at the front and 22 inches at the rear.
The facelift 911 featured four-point matrix LED headlamps, and this styling is recreated in the Mission E. The sweeping roof and rear haunches are inspired by the 918, but the striking suicide doors bring something different to the electric car – stylish but also offering easy access to the cabin.
A brand new 800-volt drive system – featuring two electric motors and a powerful battery – is allegedly twice as powerful that any other EV. Porsche have looked to their Le Mans-winning 919 Hybrid racer for techno-inspiration, and the result is a huge 592bhp.
A 0-60mph speed of 3.5 seconds adds to the impressive specs, and the concept also boasts four-wheel steering – with the German carmaker’s ‘Torque Vectoring’ employed to automatically distribute power to individual wheels to maximise grip.
In another feat of modern engineering, the batteries can be replenished wirelessly using inductive charging, with a panel behind the front wheel hiding the conventional charge port just in case. Inside, Porsche has installed eye-tracking and gesture control technology – in case it wasn’t futuristic enough already.
The dashboard has eschewed traditional instruments for a floating, 3D display – which moves depending on where the driver is looking or sitting. A second holographic display runs the length of the dashboard, and features apps for sat nav, media and climate control.
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
