Porsche GT4 e-Performance showcased in Singapore

The GT4 e-Performance, Porsche's testbed for its next-generation electric race car, has made a stop in Singapore as part of its world tour.

Unveiled at the Porsche NOW pop-up store in Guoco Tower, the GT4 e-Performance is based on a modified 982-generation 718 Cayman GT4 chassis.

The body panels are made from recycled carbon fibres and natural fibre composites

According to Porsche, the Michelin race tyres are made from 63% sustainable materials

Its body, for instance, is made from recycled carbon fibres and natural fibre composite materials. Porsche claims that the production of the latter was meant to generate fewer carbon emissions than comparable synthetic materials.

The GT4 e-Performance's body was specifically designed to be 14cm wider than the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport's to fit 18-inch Michelin race tyres. Michelin says that 63% of the materials used to make these tyres come from sustainable sources.

Said sources include orange and lemon peel, pine resin and metallic residual waste, along with rubber and soot recovered from used tyres.

One of the two electric motors, the gearbox and one of the battery packs are nestled behind the passenger compartment

The electric motors propelling the GT4 e-Performance can deliver up to 1,073bhp (800kW). In simulated racing, Porsche says that a steady 603bhp (450kW) is available over 30 minutes, or the duration of a Carrera Cup race.

The manufacturer also claims that the GT4 e-Performance's lap times and top speed are identical to those of the 992-generation 911 GT3 Cup. In addition, full power is available as long as there is charge remaining in the battery.

Mr. Bjorn Forster, the car's Project Manager, said, "This gives the driver more confidence and lets him learn more about the car because the performance remains the same lap after lap."

Provided that the battery, which is about 80kWh in net capacity, has full charging capacity, juicing it up from a 5% to 80% takes around 15 minutes with a 350kW charger. This is possible thanks to the car's 900-volt architecture.

Interestingly, the car's batteries are not all placed together but are separated into three locations due to their size. "It's possible to place all the cells together in a larger car like the Taycan, but not a small sports car like this one," said Mr. Forster.

Visitors can try driving the GT4 e-Performance using this simulator

The demands for both power and charging speed create a lot of heat and affect the car's performance. Porsche, however, says that this is dealt with by using a cooling system that utilises oil. "The oil is also circulated around each battery cell to help maintain optimal temperatures," added Mr. Forster.

The GT4 e-Performance will be displayed at the Porsche NOW pop-up store in Guoco Tower from 12-17 September 2023. Visitors can also drive the race car in a time attack challenge - albeit virtually - via a simulator. The store is open from Mondays to Saturdays from 11:00am to 9:00pm and on Sundays from 11:00am to 8:00pm.