Porsche Cayman EV out testing at the Nurburgring
Words NZ Autocar | Images Auto Express
Porsche is looking to take on the tiny electric sports car sector with its Cayman EV, spotted testing at the Nurburgring.
Both this and Boxster are replacing their ICE power mills with an all-electric powertrain for the next generation.
The electric sports car project is already delayed. Porsche partnered with Northvolt battery makers but it filed for bankruptcy earlier this year. It is therefore looking elsewhere for batteries, and may tap Croatian hypercar maker, Rimac. That company has worked with Porsche before on the Taycan and 911 GTS hybrid.
Expect dual-motor capability for the Cayman and Boxster EVs with power outputs exceeding that of the 346kW GT4. That’s to counteract the increase in weight of the EV powertrain. The battery pack will sit amidships, behind the driver, for a lower driving position. Battery specifics are not yet to hand.
The open-top Boxster EV and Cayman EV spotted thus far are still in camouflage but many production-ready details are clear to see.
The new Cayman body seems relatively similar in outline to the current mid-engined offering. However, the gently sloping roofline and bonnet look slightly longer than before, so it is more 911-like in profile. Traditional door handles will remain.
A small side intake is sited just behind the door, presumably to cool the electric motor or battery pack packaged in behind. A panel ahead of the rear wheels will dictate aeros and help with airflow around the rear bumper. Sizeable drilled discs are present behind all four wheels.
A lightbar and a small aero device at the rear are typical Boxster and Cayman fare. Running down towards the small rear wing is a streamlined glass tailgate.
Up front, four-point headlights sit either side of a low bonnet for both models. They are similar to those of pre-facelift Taycan.
Intake vanes beneath the headlights are likely movable. This ‘active’ intake is a feature of high-end Porsche models, suggesting the new Cayman and Boxster will be revealed as first edition variants initially.
A complete interior revision is likely, taking cues from the current generation 911. A totally new digital interface is also expected.
Technical details for the pair are yet to drop. Despite a dip in EV sales, the running of these prototypes at the Nurburgring suggests the electric programme for Boxster and Cayman remains on track.
