Though Porsche already produces a range of extremely-capable all-electric models, its EVs have thus far been more focused on being practical all-rounder vehicles, rather than purely-performance-driven sports cars. This appears to soon be changing, however, as the Stuttgart firm has just pulled the cover off of an all-new fully-electric race car test mule based on the 718 Cayman.
Christened the 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance, this battery-powered test-mule is constructed atop the chassis of the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport and utilizes a host of advanced components from Porsche’s sustainability-focused Mission R E-GT racer concept from late 2021. Offering performance capabilities similar to the current 992-generation 911 GT3 Cup — which boasts a 197-mph top speed and an output of 510 hp — the 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance uses a “permanently excited synchronous machine” motor setup at the front and rear axles that can deliver 450kW (603.5hp) for 30 minutes at a time — the duration of your average Carrera Cup race — or a maximum output of 800kw (1,072hp). Thanks to the brand’s advanced 900-volt battery technology, the Cayman GT4 ePerformance is able to achieve a 5% to 80% charge in around 15 minutes.
Penned by a team at Porsche Style that was headed up by Grant Larson, the 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance wears a sleek set of bodywork with a markedly better drag coefficient compared to the production version of the Cayman. Composed of a combination of a natural fiber composite and recycled carbon fiber, the bodywork includes a whopping 6,000 parts that had to be designed from scratch. In addition to sporting a stance that’s 5.5” wider than the GT4 Clubsport-spec of the 718 Cayman, the GT4 ePerformance concept also gets a massive rear wing, a new front splitter, a rear diffuser setup, and ultra-flared fenders to accommodate the race car’s 18” Michelin race tires.
While the 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance may eventually be used for a limited production-based single-make cup, Porsche has already confirmed that the electric concept car is slated to make its public debut at this year’s upcoming Goodwood Festival Of Speed later this June.
