Porsche should revive the 914...as an EV

"marshknute" (marshknute) 07/20/2020 at 09:58 • Filed to: None

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TLDR: Porsche should make an electric track car and install 800V superchargers at racetracks across America.

The world needs an electric track car, and Porsche has the best shot at success. Tracking an EV has several barriers to entry that are either solved by Porsche’s clever engineering, OR by having customers with fuck you money.

Recharging

You’ll have to recharge at least once, if not twice per track day. Porsche’s 800V system can give an 80% charge in 22.5 minutes. Porsche should provide 800V superchargers at every major racetrack that currently hosts Porsche Club of America (PCA) track day events. Ultimately, they should just install permanent superchargers at racetracks, but in the meantime, they can provide !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! like Tesla does during peak travel days.

Overheating

Once again, Porsche’s 800V system means less heat, hence why the Taycan can handle constant abuse while a Tesla overheats.

Consumables

Heavy cars consume tires and brakes really quickly. Porsche owners can afford consumables. People who track GT3's are already accustomed to replacing tires and brakes annually. It helps to have wealthy customers

Range

Racetracks are far away, and a 200 mile range probably won’t get you there. Many PCA members trailer their cars, so the logistics of traveling aren’t an issue.

Practical Considerations

Who actually wants an electric track car? Rich people with fuck you money who are looking to jump aboard the next hype train. Once again, a brand with wealthy customers will have the easiest time of introducing an electric sports car.

Do it, Porsche. Call it the 914/E.

Maxima Speed > marshknute 07/20/2020 at 10:16

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I agree

hillrat > marshknute 07/20/2020 at 10:17

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I love this idea. You could use the same platform to build two versions, a limited number of a high-end, high performance version for the track and a modestl y priced down market version that does numbers.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > marshknute 07/20/2020 at 10:26

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You make a good point. The only problem is that rich people weren’t the ones buying 914s and therefore don’t have the nostalgia for them. They might even share a contempt for the 914. Unfortunately, the electric track car that the rich would buy is not the 914 revival we want. 

ttyymmnn > marshknute 07/20/2020 at 10:31

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davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > marshknute 07/20/2020 at 10:32

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But 914s should be light, and battery packs are anything but light...

Is a fun idea, but sales wouldn’t be significant enough to warrant dev costs.

DucST3-Red-1Liter-Standing-By > marshknute 07/20/2020 at 10:33

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I would be all over one of these, we need a sporty EV badly. My 500e has only wet my appetite for more juice!  

marshknute > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 07/20/2020 at 10:39

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It doesn’t have to be the 914 name specifically, but Porsche likes digging up old names that people forgot about (718, Speedster, etc) . I think it’s more important to have an electric track car as a proof of concept since today’s EV’s are exclusively commuter cars with no racetrack credentials . They can call it the Carma or some other made up name.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > marshknute 07/20/2020 at 10:42

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How about the EVo lution?

marshknute > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 07/20/2020 at 10:50

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That could be a good promotional slogan, but I  don’t think cutesy EV names will age well. I n 20 years, the Taycan will just be Porsche’s small sedan amongst an entire lineup of EVs, so it’s lucky to have a timeless name. Their first electric sports car should similarly be named in anticipation of a growing EV lineup.

Thomas Donohue > marshknute 07/20/2020 at 10:50

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Sunday racing at Lime Rock! (a s well as other tracks that have noise/time restrictions).

IMO t hey don’t need another product line....I think the next-gen 718 is the car that will come in EV and PHEV versions.

Many tracks will still need electrical grid upgrades, which may not be easy based on location. And with current technology, you are probably looking at 5 + recharges for day-trippers....once when you get there, at least three for track stints, and one before driving home. Overnights/weekends are much easier with off-hours charging of the cars as well as any ‘Megapack’ type replenishment’s .

But as you point out, if wealthy ‘green’ racers want it, it will happen.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > marshknute 07/20/2020 at 10:54

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True, but I don’t think the 914 name would be appropriate. More like 9 1 bore, am I right? Well, Germans like their alphanumeric names so it would probably be done derivative of 9xx.

WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAnowbacktoGTI > marshknute 07/20/2020 at 11:00

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OR they could spend WAY less money and make special 911 based track cars which they sell for insane prices and make way more profit while also making cars that sound amazing.

Which is exactly what they’re doing.......

I think track cars should be gas powered. Th e Macans and Ca ye n nes can be electric, who cars. Even a big 2 door GT style car would be great for it. But keep the track cars as light as possible, and sounding amazing please.

marshknute > WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAnowbacktoGTI 07/20/2020 at 11:08

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Can’t they do both?

Cars are slowly but surely transitioning to EVs, so it’s only a matter of time before we start seeing electric sports cars, and ultimately electric track cars. Keep the 718 and 911 as their traditional gas offerings, but  get ahead of the EV market with a track-capable EV.

WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAnowbacktoGTI > marshknute 07/20/2020 at 11:20

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They certainly can, but I think the track is going to end up being the last bastion of the ICE.

I see it happening the other way around gas for the track, electric for the road. 

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 07/20/2020 at 11:34

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Leave it to Porsche to complexify and add heaviness to their classic light sports cars.

phenotyp > marshknute 07/20/2020 at 11:44

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https://oppositelock.kinja.com/morning-sketch-1827721830

I have thought so, too. 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 07/20/2020 at 11:44

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So here’s an idea for a true track special: give it only a 100 mi (at full tilt) worth of battery pack. That’s enough for the morning sessions. Fast recharge while having lunch, then back out on track for the afternoon, then a fast recharge before heading home (if you’re more than an hour from the track, might require a stop on the way home, but that’s an acceptable trade-off for the lighter weight).

marshknute > phenotyp 07/20/2020 at 11:49

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That is VERY pretty!  Nicely done!

phenotyp > marshknute 07/20/2020 at 11:51

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Danke. As a 914 enthusiast, it’s a frequent sketch subject for me. 

Tim (Fractal Footwork) > marshknute 07/20/2020 at 11:56

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From what I’ve heard, Porsche’s plan is to remake the 718 Cayman/Boxter into an EV, which sucks as someone who really wants a GT4 at some point in life. I’m much more into this idea of a whole new model and keeping the 718 alive.

Discerning > marshknute 07/20/2020 at 13:24

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I feel like the 718 is already close enough to the 914. Mid engine, four cylinder, mostly attainable. You could go lighter and smaller, but I don't think it would mesh with Porsche's current direction.

Stef Schrader > marshknute 07/20/2020 at 14:52

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I am extremely here for this idea.

marshknute > Discerning 07/20/2020 at 15:22

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Maybe I shouldn’t have used the 914 name. I meant it more as “some old Porsche nameplate that everyone forgot about, and could be slapped on something new ” instead of a literal revival of the lightweight entry-level 914.

If Porsche were to make an electric sports car, it would be both  expensive and heavy. Probably $100K+ and around 4000lbs.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > marshknute 07/20/2020 at 15:55

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More electrics will come, this is just the start. 

Discerning > marshknute 07/20/2020 at 16:05

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Oh, then I agree 100%.

I would love to see a lightweight electric car from Porsche. I know they could do it and it would be mighty tempting.

It woulf be nice if it was more affordable, but even an electric 911 or something would be cool. Though a dedicated chassis would be ideal.

They could call it the P1 or something. Their first ever car was electric and called the P1. Would be sort of fitting. Like they're starting over with a better than ever electric drivetrain.