Designers have more freedom with EV technologies
The phrase “nothing’s certain but death and taxes” is likely to be updated with electrification. This is a difficult topic for purists. However, almost all major automotive brands are likely to be electric in the future. This includes Porsche which already has the Taycan (already surpassing the Panamera in America), but one member of the brand’s family will remain away from electrification until at least ten years. We are referring to the 911.
The Stuttgart-based automaker said earlier this year that it was not in a hurry to electrify its sports car as it will likely face packaging problems. Performance vehicles don’t always go well with EV powertrains, particularly the Porsche 911, where the engine is at the rear. In a recent interview, Porsche design chief Michael Mauer stated that nothing is impossible and that he has a vision for what the 911 EV might look like.
It seems like the automaker will finally release an electric 911. This electric 911 will be completely redesigned to take advantage of the electric technology’s “more freedom”. Porsche’s designers could have a simpler time starting from scratch and adapting the 911’s design to accommodate the electric powertrain.
Mauer said that he was part of the group who went from water-cooling to air-cooling and now have turbocharged engines. An electric 911 may be another story. But, purely from a design perspective, an electric 911 will be even more simple in the future.
Are customers ready to buy an electric 911? It’s difficult to say right now, as the sports car is “100% emotion” and each person has their own interpretation. The flat-six engine is the one that drives emotion, but an electric motor can also provide plenty of power, torque, and acceleration. It’s missing the sound but young children today don’t need it. Mauer concludes, “I don’t know.”