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.
View Comments (3)
Only FWD? Where is this speculation coming from? Tried reading the original CAR article four times, didn't find any mention about this. Just that it's a "dual-motor layout".
Apologies, that was from a second report filed by Autoweek Magazine. I have added the link to the piece to indicate it's source.
http://autoweek.com/article/green-cars/porsches-electric-mission-e-tesla-fighter-will-be-offered-three-power-levels
Any chance Autoweek might have a typo there? Automobilemag has apparently actually visited Weissach and reports (unconfirmed, of course) the base Misson E to be RWD.
http://www.automobilemag.com/news/dream-day-2018-porsche-911-gt2-rs-and-2020-porsche-mission-e/