If Porsche is trying to step up their game in order to compete with you, that’s a good sign of success. In the wake of the electric car craze, it seems everyone wants a piece of the action that Tesla has so popularized.
PORCHE DEBUTS ELECTRIC CAR PLAN
At the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show Porsche debuted their Mission E. At first glance, this looked like just another concept car, yet that was far from the case. In reality, it previews a production electric car Porsche plans to launch before the finish of this decade. Just like its powertrain, the Mission-E has quite a unique style compared to other Porshe cars today. This, of course, was no mistake. The abstract design was intentional, in order to make a remark about the car’s electric capabilities. It seems the success of Tesla has definitely struck a chord with the luxury car maker, and they want in.
WILL MISSION E STACK UP AGAINST TESLA?
At the moment, it’s hard to tell if the Porsche Mission E will stack up against Tesla. The concept car is still in the early stages of development, but there are a few qualities we can expect to see based off the Boxter E electric prototype Porshe released in 2011. The Boxter E powertrain produces 600 horsepower with an electric motor for each axle. Included was a lithium-ion battery pack that allowed for a 310- mile range. The European cycle is known for its exaggerated optimism, so one can expect it will be more around Tesla’s range of 200 or so. Without any engine in front, the Mission-E has a low front end, eliminating the need for large air intakes. Instead, there are two vertical gutters just below the headlights that act to channel the air around the front wheels. This lowers drag and increases aerodynamics. In another nod to that quality, the Porsche did away with physical, exterior mirrors, replacing them with cameras instead.
Stylistically, it seems that Porsche will certainly give Tesla a run for its money, however, we will need to wait a while to see any real results. Porsche confirmed in December that a production version will be here within three to five years. It’s enough time to work out any kinds, but who knows what kind of advancements the competition could make in that time.
