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Plans for electric Porsche 718 dragged down by battery weight
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Hopefully they continue to make a Cayman and Boxster and don't send them off into the sunset while they wait for the battery tech to get to where they want it. Love driving my Boxster and people should continue to be able to buy and have that experience if they want.
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This falls in line with what I've believed would happen -- but not until 2025, which is the tentative launch date for the EV Audi TT replacement. I think Porsche will need to freshen the Boxster/Cayman before then -- 2024 would be Year 8 of the current 982 model code, which is approaching Z-car levels of age -- so I figure we'll see one of two things:
1). A mild hybrid 718 replacement with only flat-4 ICE options, or
2). A hiatus of some sort in Boxster/Cayman production
1). A mild hybrid 718 replacement with only flat-4 ICE options, or
2). A hiatus of some sort in Boxster/Cayman production
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Agree, I think if they go down this road of EV... the 718 would be primed for a hybrid AWD (just my random thought)
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I’m actually intrigued but thank goodness Porsche cares about weight savings.
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The concern about weight is an eye opener to me. I just assumed (and we all know what 'assume' means), the weight of the batteries and electric motors would more or less equal the weight if a heavy ICE. Perhaps, also, the concern is weight distribution as, instead of having a heavy ICE concentrated in one location, the weight is more evenly distributed; but maybe that's a good thing.
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I think a reason why I love the Boxster/Caymans all these years is due to their weight. They've always felt light and it adds to the driving dynamics. I remember when I drove a 991 for the first time. I love it, but it definitely felt heavier than the 981 at the time. I've driven other cars and it's always shocking to see how weight definitely makes a difference.
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The Taycan weighs about 1000 lbs. more than a Chevy Blazer, ICE, 4-wheel drive, and all. Battery EVs are not light.
And btw, if you do not assume your brakes will work, you'd have to leave your car in the garage
. Forget that silly expression.
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I do appreciate your advice concerning the use of the word 'assume' but I have scars all over my butt due to assuming things without a good informed basis and I certainly have insufficient knowledge about battery/engine weights (other than they are F#^&$^& heavy) to have anything other than a semi but mostly uninformed opinion. Now, with respect to brakes, after a gazillion (best number I can come up with) brake applications without a brake failure since 1962, I can have an informed opinion (or assumption) they will work. So, I guess, it depends if it is a silly expression or not. Thank you for indulging me....
And btw, if you do not assume your brakes will work, you'd have to leave your car in the garage
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I used the term "silly" lightheartedly. The "assume" quip is actually a fine example of pure sophistry, most often used in a condescending manner against someone who has made a mistake, for the effect of asserting one's own feigned superiority. I find it detestable, actually.
Thank you in return for indulging me as well.
Porsche inches towards electric Cayman and Boxster
Porsche boss Oliver Blume has suggested to reporters that the next generation of Porsche Boxster and Cayman could be fully electric.
thedriven.io
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Unless the Boxster is a hybrid, it's not going to be well received. EV alone w/o an ICE or Hybrid option is not a viable solution.Porsche inches towards electric Cayman and Boxster
Porsche boss Oliver Blume has suggested to reporters that the next generation of Porsche Boxster and Cayman could be fully electric.
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...and you base that on....?
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Just my opinion. I want nothing to do with electric vehicles, be it my DD or my fun car.
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My experience has been that many people are ambivalent, or worse, toward EVs until they actually drive one. At the time I bought my first Boxster I also had a Model S, and got chided a bit for that at PCA meetings. Fast-forward to today & the advent of the Taycan, and now some of those same “chiders” want to know more about my Model 3.
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I think it is likely those many who are ambivalent until they drive one place a very high overriding priority on performance or compete in performance based events. However, for those of an older generation, where the car is just a daily driver and the paradigm of a great car includes all the wonderful sensory stimuli associated with an evil ICU, I doubt mostly silent performance will ever alter that ambivalence. I have not driven a Tacan, only walked around one in a restaurant parking lot, but have been other electric cars. Speaking only for myself, but suspecting I am by far not alone, the silence, lack of anything when pushing the start button, etc. is much too disconcerting. Also, charging time and availability of charging stations, by itself, make any electric car, including a Tacan, a no go for many no matter how well it performs.
As an owner of EVs and high performance ICE cars (and one really in between) I think there are a lot of things that are hard to describe about an EV. Its a different beast altogether. The constant and immediate power delivery and control is other worldly. The Taycan is heavy now, but even with its weight it is one of the BEST handling and cornering cars I own. A lot of that has to do with the very low center of weight and ALL the tricks Porsche has thrown at it to compensate.
If I compare the Taycan Turbo S with the 718 Spyder, well I'd be a fool. I think this is where people stumble a little bit. It is a little bit like comparing a horse to a car. I would say maybe think of it in another way altogether. Battery weight is a real issue, and it will be for a while. So the idea of a small light sports car is not here, yet. But the Taycan puts in incredibly respectable times as a sports car, even though its a 4 seater heavy sedan.
Then there is a magic middle. Cars like the BMW i8 were showing how an electric and ICE drivetrain can combine to create something that is neither. The i8 weights 3700 pounds, has a tiny 3 cylinder turbo, and a relatively small battery and motor, and yet combined creates amazing performance. The electric FWD drivetrain gives the instant response while the traditional ICE takes over for the RWD power people are used to. And keep in mind even McLaren is now going the same route, except they have put the electric drive in the rear wheels and the ICE on the front.
I would urge anyone who is a series sport car enthusiest to test drive a Taycan Turbo or even a 4S. I don't count Teslas as they are just brute power with none of the refinement that Porsche brought to the Taycan. You may just enjoy the contrast and then go back and enjoy the pinnacle of the ICE technology even more.
But sadly we are at the end of the ICE era. I for one am glad I can say I was around when there were some amazing options before they faded out. And when the day comes where there is an EV version of the 718 I will be the one camping out at the dealer waiting!
If I compare the Taycan Turbo S with the 718 Spyder, well I'd be a fool. I think this is where people stumble a little bit. It is a little bit like comparing a horse to a car. I would say maybe think of it in another way altogether. Battery weight is a real issue, and it will be for a while. So the idea of a small light sports car is not here, yet. But the Taycan puts in incredibly respectable times as a sports car, even though its a 4 seater heavy sedan.
Then there is a magic middle. Cars like the BMW i8 were showing how an electric and ICE drivetrain can combine to create something that is neither. The i8 weights 3700 pounds, has a tiny 3 cylinder turbo, and a relatively small battery and motor, and yet combined creates amazing performance. The electric FWD drivetrain gives the instant response while the traditional ICE takes over for the RWD power people are used to. And keep in mind even McLaren is now going the same route, except they have put the electric drive in the rear wheels and the ICE on the front.
I would urge anyone who is a series sport car enthusiest to test drive a Taycan Turbo or even a 4S. I don't count Teslas as they are just brute power with none of the refinement that Porsche brought to the Taycan. You may just enjoy the contrast and then go back and enjoy the pinnacle of the ICE technology even more.
But sadly we are at the end of the ICE era. I for one am glad I can say I was around when there were some amazing options before they faded out. And when the day comes where there is an EV version of the 718 I will be the one camping out at the dealer waiting!
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That's very debatable. Personally I view current EVs as a fad, mostly being purchased by mid to high income suburbanites. They're impractical for many who do not fit that demographic. I think they have little prospect for long term viability. It would take a huge change in infrastructure for EVs to become the standard mode - at least here in the US. I can see how Europe could possibly make greater inroads with the technology becoming viable because of logistics. And well let's face it, they just issue a decree and there's no arguing the point. However I'd be willing to bet alternative fuels, utilizing similar logistics to petrol, becoming the next generation of motive power. But in the end, ICE vehicles will be around serving the majority much longer than either of us. Just because they can make it, doesn't mean it's a good, viable idea for the masses.
Well I think this die has been cast as it were. ICE is being eliminated as an option in a lot of the western countries over the next few years, all major manufacturers are committed to EV/PHEV drivetrains mainly because of regulation. In fact a couple of companies have already announced they are no longer doing any ICE R&D and development. So like it or not the era of ICE is coming to an end. Sure regulations could be changed, timelines may shift, but all major car makers are already transitioning. VW group alone has a huge number of EV/PHEV cars coming. Jaguar has announced they going all electric only.
As for charging, yes US is way way behind. But with the new 800V architecture charging to 80% will come down to 15 minutes (its ideally around 17 minutes for a Taycan now). And EA and others are slowly building out fast charging networks. Is it here now? Nope. EVs are NOT practical for long trips, but its changing.
And when I say EV I do mean electric, BEVs are battery based and are a transitional technology. You are correct in that we could have hydrogen based EVs, which can be refueled just as fast as cars and have infinite range, yet retain almost all of the BEV advantages. But building out a hydrogen infrastructure is MUCH bigger task.
If you are curious PlugShare - Find Electric Vehicle Charging Locations Near You and check out what is available. It has been amazing to see how many charging stations have come up in the past few years.
Daimler stops developing internal combustion engines to focus on electric cars
After reigning in the auto industry as the powertrain of choice for a century, the internal combustion engine is finally...
Audi Will No Longer Develop Internal Combustion Engines
The marque’s CEO said it will focus on optimizing its current mills and making them cleaner.
robbreport.com
Volkswagen Will Also Stop Developing Internal Combustion Engines
The VW brand isn't planning any new engines, the company confirmed following Audi's announcement.
www.roadandtrack.com
Jaguar car brand to be all-electric by 2025
JLR will launch electric models of its entire Jaguar and Land Rover line-up by 2030.
www.bbc.com
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