Currently reading: Porsche GT4 E-Performance is 1072bhp electric racer

EV race car borrows powertrain from Mission R concept and previews next 718 Cayman

Porsche has revealed the GT4 E-Performance, an EV race car that hints at what the all-electric next-generation Cayman will be like.

Based on the chassis of a Porsche Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport with parts from the Porsche 911 RSR GTE car, the GT4 E-Performance predates the previously revealed Porsche Mission R Concept but shares a number of components, including the electric motors and battery technology.

In full-blown qualifying mode, the GT4 E-Performance is capable of producing 1072bhp, with power delivered through a motor on each axle. However, power can be wound down to 603bhp to conserve charge for around 30 minutes - the length of a current Porsche Carrera Cup race.

98 Porsche 718 gt4 rs e performance

A 900V fast-charging system allows the 82kWh batteries to be replenished by 75% in just 15 minutes, while a bespoke oil cooling system regulates the temperature and helps ensure that the car produces a consistent power output over time.

Due to the addition of the battery and electric motors, the car weighs around 1600kg - just over 200kg more than the combustion-powered 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport racer.

Porsche says that the car is as fast as the current 992-generation 911 GT3 Cup, which indicates a top speed of around 180mph. The Mission R concept claimed a 0-62mph time of less than 2.5sec, and the E-Performance no doubt follows suit.

94 Porsche 718 gt4 rs e performance

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The body, which is made of natural-fibre composite materials to minimise production emissions, is 140mm wider than the petrol-powered GT4 RS Clubsport, featuring extended flares to accommodate the 18in tyres.

“With the Mission R, we’ve shown how Porsche envisages sustainable customer motor racing in the future,” said GT racing vehicle project manager Matthias Scholz.

“The 718 Cayman GT4 E-Performance now demonstrates that this vision works impressively on the race track. We’re very excited about the response because a one-make cup with electric racing cars would be an important addition to our existing customer racing programme.”

95 Porsche 718 gt4 rs e performance

The car made its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and is now embarking on a two-year world tour as part of Porsche’s “race2zero” project to showcase EV technology.

Porsche previously confirmed that the next 718 will be offered with electric power only, with last year’s Mission R concept hinting at the styling of the next car.

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Big Stu 25 June 2022
It looked insanely fast at Goodwood.
Andy_Cowe 25 June 2022

While both are nice, I much prefer the looks of the GT-4 E-Performance to the Mission R. It looks more cohesive.