The Porsche Mission E debuted at the Frankfurt Auto Show 2015 and set the press abuzz for the simple fact that it could be the long-awaited rival to the popular Tesla electric vehicles.
The Mission E is a four-seat sports car that can reach 100 kilometers within 3.5 seconds, eclipsing the boot up performance of the turbocharged Porsche Carrera 911, which HNGN previously reported.
It is currently capable 600 horsepower, lower than what the Tesla Model S P90D is capable of, which is more than 700 and an instant peak of 713 lb-ft by way of a sophisticated all-wheel drive system. The catch is that Porsche has been known for its expertise in making lighter cars, and the Mission E is certainly benefiting from it.
In addition, it will also recharge by as much as 80 percent within 15 minutes and could cover a range of more than 500 kilometers - figures that are better than what Tesla could manage today. The car can lap the Nürburgring in under 8 minutes, Clean Technica reported.
The Mission E's announcement is just the beginning as Porsche is preparing to tackle Tesla head-on, promising to best the pioneering automaker once the Mission E hits the market.
"We respect all competitors, also Tesla, and that is the reason why we have taken a close look at the Model S as well as at every BMW, Mercedes or something else," Matthias Mueller, head of Volkswagen AG unit, told Bloomberg.
Tesla "did a very good job, especially in terms of connectivity. Some things about the car itself could be better, but OK. That is our competition," he added.
Car enthusiasts during the Frankfurt event have also noted the incredible style of the Mission E. The combination of elements such as fine leather, carbon fiber, giant vent wheels and lighting system makes the automobile the sexiest yet, according to Jalopnik.
Unfortunately, the Porsche Mission E demonstrated during the show was just a concept car and it will only hit the market by 2019.
