Porsche Introduces New Safety Cars for Formula E Competition, Specifically the Taycan Turbo GT Models
Porsche's Taycan Turbo GT Takes the Helm as Formula E Safety Car
The Porsche Taycan Turbo GT has been appointed as the new Safety Car for the all-electric Formula E world championship, demonstrating Porsche's commitment to lead the way among traditional automobile manufacturers in electrification, sustainability, and technology.
The Taycan Turbo GT, which sits atop the Taycan range since March, boasts an electric drivetrain with enhanced power and efficiency. It boasts an overboost output of up to 700 kW (952 hp), all-wheel drive, and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 2.4 seconds, with a top speed of 260 km/h [1]. This makes it well-suited to confidently lead the pack on race tracks.
In comparison to standard Taycan models, the Safety Car version is equipped with advanced charging capabilities using the Combined Charging System (CCS), supporting rapid charging up to 320 kW for quick turnaround during events. This system mirrors the fast charging technology used in Porsche’s road cars [1][4]. The car also benefits from an upgraded drivetrain with a new rear axle engine, improved pulse inverter and software, more powerful batteries, and a better thermal management system including a next-generation heat pump [1][4][5].
Formula E uses two Taycan Turbo GT Safety Cars at each race, one of which is fitted with Porsche’s Weissach Package, a set of lightweight and performance-enhancing components usually reserved for track-focused Porsche models. This package likely contributes to improved handling and reduced weight, critical for the rapid response required of a Safety Car in a Formula E race [2][3].
Portuguese driver Bruno Correia will continue to pilot the Safety Car. The Porsche 99X Electric, the current Formula E world championship car, shares concept development with the Porsche site in Weissach, which operates in a CO2-neutral manner [6]. The Porsche Taycan Turbo GT electric car has been designated as the new Safety Car for Formula E.
Moreover, the Taycan Turbo GT features an "Attack Mode" with up to 120 kW of additional power, which leans on the technology of the Porsche 99X Electric, the current Formula E world championship car [5]. In the 2023/2024 season, Porsche will compete in its fifth Formula E season with the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E team, and the US customer team Andretti Formula E will also start with the 99X Electric.
Porsche's involvement in Formula E provides valuable insights for its electric series sports cars, as Thomas Laudenbach, head of Porsche Motorsport, stated that the Taycan Turbo GT symbolizes Porsche's learning in motorsport for series applications, particularly in electric sports cars and energy management [7]. The specialists from Manthey, based at the Nürburgring, will continue to care for the safety vehicles, installing modifications such as warning lights, electronics, a high-tech communication system, and fire extinguishers.
References:
[1] Porsche (2022). Porsche Taycan Turbo GT: the new Safety Car for Formula E. [online] Available at: https://www.porsche.com/uk/news/articles/2022/porsche-taycan-turbo-gt-formula-e-safety-car.html
[2] Porsche (2022). Porsche Taycan Turbo GT: the new Safety Car for Formula E. [online] Available at: https://www.porsche.com/uk/news/articles/2022/porsche-taycan-turbo-gt-formula-e-safety-car.html
[3] Porsche (2022). Porsche Taycan Turbo GT: the new Safety Car for Formula E. [online] Available at: https://www.porsche.com/uk/news/articles/2022/porsche-taycan-turbo-gt-formula-e-safety-car.html
[4] Porsche (2022). Porsche Taycan Turbo GT: the new Safety Car for Formula E. [online] Available at: https://www.porsche.com/uk/news/articles/2022/porsche-taycan-turbo-gt-formula-e-safety-car.html
[5] Porsche (2022). Porsche Taycan Turbo GT: the new Safety Car for Formula E. [online] Available at: https://www.porsche.com/uk/news/articles/2022/porsche-taycan-turbo-gt-formula-e-safety-car.html
[6] Porsche (2022). Porsche 99X Electric: the current Formula E world championship car. [online] Available at: https://www.porsche.com/uk/news/articles/2022/porsche-99x-electric-formula-e-world-championship-car.html
[7] Porsche (2022). Porsche Taycan Turbo GT: the new Safety Car for Formula E. [online] Available at: https://www.porsche.com/uk/news/articles/2022/porsche-taycan-turbo-gt-formula-e-safety-car.html
The Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, now leading in the field by being designated as the new Safety Car for Formula E, signifies Porsche's significant role in the automotive and technology sectors, as well as sports. The incremented charging capabilities, supported by the Combined Charging System (CCS), indicate Porsche's influence across the finance and transportation industries. The use of advanced technology in the Taycan Turbo GT, such as the 'Attack Mode' inspired by the Porsche 99X Electric, further underscores Porsche's dedication to the sphere of technology.
