Porsche is promising mid-engine handling properties from the new electric car platform being developed for the next 718 Boxster and Cayman, expected to be unveiled in 2024.
This sports car architecture could end up underneath future Lamborghini and Audi models, too.
According to Autocar, the next-generation Boxster and Cayman’s platform will feature an “e-core” battery layout that has ensures a low centre of gravity and a low seating position.
The “e-core” battery arrangement is thought to be inspired by the Mission R concept (pictured throughout) from the recent Munich motor show.
In the Mission R, the batteries, which are the heaviest component of any electric car, are situated behind the driver but in front of the rear axle, mimicking the weight distribution of a traditional mid-engine rear-wheel drive vehicle.
By contrast, the related Porsche Taycan and Audi E-Tron GT, as well as the upcoming PPE platform, all have skateboard architecture, with the batteries placed under the floor.
While the Mission R rides on a heavily modified version of the 718’s architecture, which was designed only with internal combustion engines in mind, the new 718 range will use an EV-only platform.
Michael Steiner, Porsche’s head of research and development, hinted to the British publication the company’s upcoming electric sports car platform could cater for higher-performance models, such as those fit for the Lamborghini and Audi brands.
Given the similarity in dimensions between the current 718 Boxster and Cayman, and the recent Mission R concept, it seems likely the show car provides a design preview of the next-generation sports cars.
Porsche has form in this regard: the 2019 Taycan is very clearly related to the 2015 Mission E concept.
Today’s news both confirms and slightly contradicts a report from the end of last month from Car & Driver.
According to the American publication, the next-generation 718 will ride on a modified version of the PPE architecture being developed by Porsche and Audi.
PPE will debut next year with the second-generation Porsche Macan and Audi Q5 E-Tron/Q6 E-Tron. It will also serve as the basis of the A6 E-Tron sedan.
For fans of the rumble of horizontally-opposed engines, the 911 range will continue with internal combustion motors past 2030.
MORE: Everything Porsche 718
MORE: Porsche Mission R concept revealed
