Porsche has followed up its Mission R concept car with a working electric prototype racer, as it prepares to turn the 718 Cayman and Boxster into EVs.
The all-wheel drive 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance packs 735kW of power from its dual-motor powertrain in its most powerful mode, or a more sedate (well, relatively) 450kW in a drive mode designed to allow for 30 minutes of flat-out running.
The battery pack and electric motor are based on those of the concept car, which itself borrowed from the Taycan. Under the skin, however, it’s built on the bones of the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport.
Porsche says the motors and battery pack are oil-cooled to stop performance from tapering during prolonged stints on track.
“With the Mission R, we’ve shown how Porsche envisages sustainable customer motor racing in the future,” said Matthias Scholz, GT racing vehicle project manager.
“The 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance now demonstrates that this vision works impressively on the racetrack.”
Porsche says a one-make series with these cars – essentially an electric Carrera Cup – is on the cards, and could become an “important addition” to its current customer racing range.
It’s not just the race cars that are going electric; the next Boxster and Cayman road cars will also be battery powered… but Porsche is promising they’ll share their driving DNA with the current car.
The brand has confirmed the current models, now based on a six year-old platform, will be replaced by an electric equivalent in 2024 or 2025 – exactly when will be determined by emissions regulations.
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