FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW: Porsche takes on Tesla

Porsche has flung down the challenge to Tesla with the radical Mission E plug-in electric sports car concept unveiled on the eve of the Frankfurt motor show.

The four-seater’s wild exterior with its counter-opening doors is certainly not headed for manufacture, but what is underneath its skin is another story. Here a close to production 440kW drive system provides over 500km driving range, a 0-100km/h acceleration time of under 3.5sec and charging time as little as 15 minutes to reach 80 per cent of capacity.

In the cockpit Porsche has also gone all out, with radical instrumentation and controls that can be operated by eye-tracking, gesture control and even holograms and can move to be clearly visible whatever the driver’s seating position.

Porsche is making much of how the EV’s drive system benefits form the development of its ongoing World Endurance Championship program with the 919 hybrid, which yielded a 1-2 at Le Mans this year.

A key attribute is the introduction of 800 volt technology, which not only speeds up charging time but also saves weight because smaller gage copper cables are used. However, Porsche is yet to explain how this will work when there is no 800-volt charging infrastructure. Most of today’s electric cars including the Tesla Model S operate at a maximum 400 volts.

It is in 800 volt mode that the ‘Porsche Turbo Charging’ can provide 80 per cent of charge in 15 minutes. If that is not available, the system can use a 400 volts connection at a quick-charge station, or via inductive charging by parking over a coil embedded in the garage floor.

The drive system of the Mission E comprises two permanently excited synchronous motors that provide acceleration and recover braking energy. Porsche claims they can also develop their full power even after multiple accelerations at short intervals. It doesn’t say how this has been achieved.

A need-based all-wheel drive system works with torque vectoring to transfer drive to the road. Four wheel steering is also part of the package.

Power is stored in a lithium-ion battery pack mounted between the axles in the car’s underbody, improving weight distribution and lowering the centre of gravity. Weight is also cut down by the use of aluminium, steel and carbon-fibre in the body, while 21-inch wheels run up front and 22s down back. No kerb weight claims are made for the Mission E.

But Porsche does claim the Mission E has a sub 8 min Nurburgring lap time, as well as the capability of accelerating to 200km/h in under 12 secs.

The interior is as much a highlight as the drive system. There’s no doubt the Tesla is also a target here.

The driver’s display shows the traditional Porsche five instruments, although they are displayed in organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology. An eye-tracking system detects which instrument the driver is viewing and the display follows the seat position and the body attitude of the driver. So if the driver sits lower, higher or leans to one side the 3D display moves also.

Other cool ideas include a holographic display that shows individually selectable apps, which allow touch-free gesture control of functions such as media, navigation, climate control, contacts and vehicle. A grasping gesture means select, while pulling means control.

The Mission E can also be configured remotely via the Porsche Car Control system.

The use of an electric drive system banishes the transmission tunnel making for a more spacious cabin. Seats are lightweight and inspired by racecar designs.

The exterior of the Mission E rises only 1300mm from the ground. The counter-opening doors are an obvious ‘concept car’ highlight. Air inlets at the front, side and rear provide aero aid and also emphasise the massive cooling requirements of battery packs.

A new type of matrix LED headlight is used, while the front wings, low bonnet and side window lines all evoke the 911.

Full coverage from motoring.com.au at Frankfurt motor show here