Porsche is gearing up to introduce the 2020 Taycan
next week, but that’s not the only electric vehicle in the company’s stable. Unveiled earlier today, the 99X
Electric marks Porsche’s entry into the exciting world of Formula E. Porsche has hopes for the model
as they said its name uses the ‘9’ twice to emphasize the “importance of the
Formula E project” for the company. The automaker also said the race car will
serve as a development platform for future production electric vehicles.
On the styling front, there isn’t much to report as
the car largely echoes the competition. However, the company applied a
traditional Porsche motorsport livery which features black, white and red. The
model also has prominent Porsche badging as well as labels promoting everything
from Hugo Boss to Vodafone.
Porsche noted Formula E regulations stipulate a
standardized chassis and battery, but the drive system is left up to
manufactures. As a result, the company developed a special E-Performance Powertrain
that leverages their experience in LMP1.
The powertrain produces up to 335 hp, but is limited to 268 hp in Race Mode and 316 hp in Attack Mode. Without any restrictions, the car can accelerate from
0-100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 280 km/h.
The racer will compete with the TAG Heuer Porsche
Formula E Team and Porsche Motorsport vice president Fritz Enzinger said “With
the premiere of the Porsche 99X Electric, we are taking a big step towards the
Porsche works entry in Formula E.” He added, “I am looking forward to seeing
the Porsche 99X Electric on the racetrack.”
