Porsche Readying Tesla Model S Fighter
The world is definitely changing when you hear that Porsche is developing an all-electric car.
The German automaker is currently in the early stages of development for an EV that will target the Tesla Model S and will be a new dedicated fifth model range slotting beneath the existing Panamera. While details on Porsche’s first all-electric production vehicle are mostly being kept under wraps at the moment, it will likely be built on the automaker’s second-generation MSB platform that underpins the current Panamera.
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It will have a shorter wheelbase than the existing Panamera sedan but will be a five-door hatchback, similar in style to the Panamera Sport Turismo concept that debuted at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. The company is hoping to keep it around 4,825 lbs and its electric powertrain will provide similar performance as the Model S, though Tesla did just announced the more powerful all-wheel drive Model S P85D.
Porsche is aiming for a range of over 250 miles and the company is expected to work with Audi, which is in its final stages of preparing the R8 e-tron.
GALLERY: Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Concept
[Source: Autocar]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Is in an early state of development....too late! It will be 2 or 3 years before this car is on the road. At what price? Range more then 250 miles? it better be. In 2 or 3 years and maybe sooner Tesla will have a range of 4 or 500 miles. The big companies are way too late with the development of a decent EV. Tesla is the king! Porshe, Audi and VW better adopt the Tesla supercharger protocol if they want to charge within reasonable time on the road.
Not bad looking. It's got a Panamera front and a Macan back. While I agree with Mavi57 that Porsche will be late to the game, I find that the Tesla Model S drives poorly. Porsche will likely get the driving dynamics just right. Hopefully it won't cost an arm and a leg more than Tesla though.