Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance

In 2030, Porsche aims to be CO2 neutral across the entire value chain and life cycle of new cars sold. By then, the proportion of all new vehicles featuring all-electric drive should be more than 80 per cent. Like the Mission R, the fully electric drive train of the 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance is based on a permanently excited synchronous machine (PESM) on the front and rear axles. The direct oil cooling of the e-motors and battery pack developed by Porsche counteracts thermally induced derating. Together, they turn the racing car into an all-wheel drive and can deliver a peak output of up to 800 kW (1,088 PS).

‘The integration of oil cooling has significantly impacted the vehicle concept,’ explains Björn Förster, GT4 ePerformance project manager. ‘With experts in aerodynamics and thermodynamics and high-voltage and bodywork specialists, the development team created an architecture to tap the full potential of the battery cells for the first time since there is no thermal derating. In this way, the power output in racing mode remains constant for half an hour.’ Thanks to 900-volt technology, the battery state of charge (SoC) at full charging capacity jumps from 5 to 80 per cent in about 15 minutes.

Under the direction of designer Grant Larson, a team from Porsche Style came up with the shape of the 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance. About 6,000 parts were designed from scratch. The racing car is 14 centimetres wider than a 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport. The body is made of natural fibre composite materials, among others, with the production intended to generate fewer emissions than the production of similar synthetic materials. Recycled carbon fibres are also used for testing purposes. Compared to the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport, the flared fenders allow more room for Michelin’s wider 18-inch racing tyres. Renewable materials make up an exceptionally high proportion of the tyres.

The GT4 ePerformance Tour #race2zero

The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance…