Porsche is, quite literally, setting the standard for electric sports cars
by Robert Moore, onWhen Porsche revealed the electric Mission R Concept, it was billed as a preview of a one-maker racer, but it also previewed – to a small extent – what we can expect from the upcoming electric Porsche 718. In fact, the Mission R Concept was based on a highly modified version of the current 718’s chassis and even featured similar dimensions to the current road-going sports cars. And it’s because of this car that the next-gen electric 718 Cayman and Boxster will set the standard for how a modern sports car can transition into electrification without losing what matters the most – its driving dynamic.
Porsche 718: Going Electric But Every Bit As Good As It’s Always Been
It’s been a busy couple of years for the Porsche rumor mill. Back in September 2019 rumors were flying that an electric Porsche 718 was in development and was a “favored option within the company.” Then, in March of 2020, Porsche’s R&D Chief, Michael Steiner told the world that a 718 EV wouldn’t happen anytime soon because the tech just isn’t there yet, despite electric 718 prototypes being spotted on several occasions. A year later, almost to the day, we brought you news that Porsche was still undecided and that the fat of the 718 was drawing near.
We still don’t know exactly when the electric Porsche 718 will arrive, even though an electric 718 Boxster Concept is said to be on the horizon. What we do know, however, is that electric prototypes and the Mission R concept have taught Porsche a thing or two, and the wait will certainly be worth it. In an interview with Autocar, Steiner explained just how the company will ensure the 718 EV will maintain everything that makes the current gen so special.
The Porsche 718 EV Will Feature A Bespoke Chassis
While the Mission R Concept featured a highly modified version of the current 718’s chassis, and the new e-core battery tech was compatible, the next-gen 718 will feature an all-new chassis.
“When we electrify a model, we won’t do a carry-over of the combustion engine [platform] because there are too many compromises. When we are looking to future sports cars, we would develop its own platform but connected with some modules coming from other cars. But the platform will be unique.”
But, this is a good thing, because this means Porsche can design the new platform around the name e-core tech that allowed the Mission R Concept to retain its mid-engine-like dynamic. In this design, the batteries, the heaviest part of the vehicle, are placed behind the driver yet ahead of the rear axle. This means the low seating arrangement of the current 718 will carry over to the next-gen electric models too. The other big benefit here is that this will allow Porsche to distribute weight better and keep the center of gravity low, which means the 718 EV should handle just as good if not better than the current-gen model.
As for when the 718 EV will launch is a complete mystery, but with prototypes out and about, and a concept reportedly in the works, 2025 seems like a reasonable expectation.
Source: Autocar
