The electric Porsche Boxster revealed: first details on the sports car set to change everything
Porsche has unveiled the first images of the new electric 718 Boxster. The next generation of this German brand’s smallest convertible will be electric and adopt the design language of the Taycan and Macan: although its body is still covered in camouflage, its main contours are now almost completely exposed.
To maintain a low body profile and proportions similar to those of a conventional sports car with a mid-engine layout, the batteries are placed in the rear compartment behind the seats. There are three modules stacked in two levels, resulting in 55.2% of the weight being distributed to the rear axle (the electric 718 Boxster offers a better weight distribution than its previous gasoline model).
The cells are prismatic in shape, while the pack is part of the vehicle’s structure. Although there will be several versions, it has been confirmed that at least one of them will feature a single engine in the rear axle, paired with a single-speed transmission. It may also include the E-Shift system seen in the Taycan, which mimics the operation of a dual-clutch automatic transmission with shift levers.
These levers are used to adjust the level of regenerative braking retention when the E-Shift system is disconnected. Additionally, the vehicle can simulate the sound of a six-cylinder engine. Through these simulations, Porsche aims to convince the most die-hard petrolheads to give its new electric sports car a chance.
The electric Porsche 718 will compete with the upcoming Alpine A110
The electrical system uses 800 volts. No other details such as the vehicle’s power, battery capacity, range, or charging times have been provided yet. Its commercial launch is expected later this year, though no specific date has been announced yet.
The platform for the electric Porsche 718, which shares many similarities with the PPE of the electric Macan and Cayenne, will also be used by other brands in the Volkswagen Group. For example, Audi plans to launch its own electric sports car next year, based on the Concept C prototype, which will indirectly replace the previous TT and R8 models.
The main rival to the electric Porsche 718 will be the future third-generation Alpine A110, which will also make its debut in 2027. Unlike the German model, the French car will have its batteries distributed across two separate packs: one in the front compartment and another in the rear. It will also feature two electric motors integrated into the rear axle, along with a relatively low weight of 1,450 kg. An all-new convertible version is confirmed to be available.
Source | AutoNext