When it goes on sale in 2019, the “Mission E” will be Porsche’s first fully electric production car in the brand’s history. While they have a long history with the internal combustion engine, and even pioneered the concept of a hybrid drive, Porsche is preparing for a hydrocarbon-free future with their Tesla-fighting, low-slung, four-seater, four-door sports coupe.
We’ve talked ad nauseum about what the Mission E is supposed to be, but now there’s information that what we thought we knew might be a bit wrong. CAR Magazine somehow came into possession of what appears to be leaked information from Porsche stating that the Mission E will cost a bit less than initially thought, and available in three different performance ranges.
Three Varieties –
It may seem a bit strange, but assuming they’re true, reports indicate that Mission E will be available in a 911-aping range of Carrera, Carrera S, and Turbo. The Mission E Carrera will feature 300 kW (402 horsepower) of electric thrust. The Mission E Carrera S has big power to go along with its big name; 400 kW (536 horsepower). Finally, the ludicrously-monikered Mission E Turbo, despite not actually having a turbocharger, will produce 500 kW (670 horsepower).
Each of the three Mission E variants will be fitted as standard with all-wheel-drive, and will channel power through a two-speed transmission (effectively a low and a high). Allegedly the range-topping ‘Turbo’ will provide a 0-60 time of around 3.5 seconds, and will be limited to 155 miles per hour. All three are said to be able to cover 300 miles on a single charge. The Mission E is also likely to feature autonomous driving tech; previous reports have suggested it will offer so-called “Level 4 automation”, which permits full autonomy in highway situations, but will still require the driver to take over at a moment’s notice.
Porsche’s Mission E Cost –
The base Mission E Carrera model was initially believed to come to market near $85,000. This report leads us to believe that the base model will, in fact, undercut that price by a full ten thousand dollars at $75,000.
The report also indicates a future Mission E variant to come at an even lower price with only the front wheels driven. If this does, in fact, come to fruition, it will be the first front-wheel drive Porsche in history.
The base model Mission E competes directly against Tesla’s entry Model S. The current Model S 75D has a price tag of $74,500, and around 400 horsepower. Surely this is no coincidence.
