All-Electric Cayman GT4 Is a Silent Thrill Ride

Glimpse at the Future

Porsche has made it quite clear in recent years that it sees a future dominated by electric performance, a major shift from the internal combustion-powered rides we've become accustomed to over the past century-plus. With the mid-engine Porsche Cayman and Boxster set to go electric in the coming years, we can take a sneak peek at that future with the GT4 e-Performance racer.

Photos: Porsche

Nifty Capabilities

For now, the GT4 e-Performance is merely a prototype, a one-off build that's being used to gather data and insights as Porsche prepares to enter a new era of electrified performance. But there's more to this machine than just its powertrain - in fact, it has some pretty cool capabilities, such as the ability to change output right in the middle of a race.

Photos: Porsche

Demo Ride

Clearly, this prototype won't share a whole lot in common with the future all-electric Cayman - rather, it rides on the current-gen's platform, not the forthcoming EV's dedicated underpinnings, as well as its bodywork. Aside from collecting data, the purpose of the build is to provide a tester and demo vehicle for potential racing customers to explore for a possible one-make series int he future, a la the Porsche Carrera Cup.

Photos: Porsche

Powerful Powertrain

In terms of hardware, the GT4 e-Performance shares much of its mechanicals with the Mission R GT concept that debuted last year, including a pair of electric motors capable of churning out as much as 1,080 horsepower, which is supported by a trio of batteries placed pretty much wherever Porsche could find space for them.

Photos: Porsche

Full Power

With 65 kilowatts of capacity, the GT4 EV can blast around the track for around 30 minutes at full boost before it runs out of juice, which is about the average length of a Carrera Cup race. In terms of performance, Porsche says its electric racer's lap times are on par with the 911 GT3 Cup cars.

Photos: Porsche

To Be Determined

There are still many things to be worked out, however, including whether or not Porsche may dial back the GT3 e-Performance's output to make it more affordable. The same goes for racing format - while the Cayman EV may mimic the Carrera Cup, or it could be tweaked considerably - nothing is set in stone at this point in time.

Photos: Porsche

Still the Same

Of course, this prototype is just one of many different avenues Porsche is taking as it continues to develop its future all-electric technology. Formula E is another big-time proving ground for its tech, which just proves that while some things change, others - such as Porsche's efforts to develop street car tech through motorsports - remain the same.

Photos: Porsche

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