Porsche has begun testing the technology components of the Mission R using the body of a 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance. At the IAA Mobility 2021 held in Munich, the Porsche Mission R concept (one of the ten finalists in the 2022 Car Design Award’ Concept Car category) had outlined the vision of an all-electric GT race car to be used in future customer-only car competitions for the German brand.
The Mission R electric drive is demonstrating its potential on domestic and international circuits disguised as a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance, serving as a test car and adapted for the purpose. The silhouette of the 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance was created by a team from the Porsche Style division, under the direction of designer Grant Larson. The race car is 14 centimeters wider than the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport and contains about 6,000 parts designed from scratch.
Among other things, the body uses natural fiber composite materials, the production of which is expected to generate fewer emissions than the production of similar synthetic materials. Recycled carbon fibers are also used for testing. Compared to the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport, the flared fenders leave more room for the wider 18-inch racing tires supplied by Michelin. A particularly high percentage of the tires are made from renewable materials. Like the Mission R, this all-wheel-drive race car mounts the chassis of the proven 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport model. All electric motor and battery technology was also developed on the basis of the concept presented at the IAA and results in a maximum power output of 735 kW (1,000 hp) and more in qualifying mode. In simulated races, constant power of 450 kW (612 hp) is available for 30 minutes, which is the duration of a Carrera Cup race. In terms of lap times and top speed, the 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance equals the performance of the current 992 generation 911 GT3 Cup.
