Porsche Unveils Groundbreaking GEN4 Formula E Car, Redefining Electric Racing Performance

Porsche is pushing the boundaries of electric racing with its new GEN4 Formula E car, marking a significant leap in performance and in-house development. This next-generation racer boasts 600 kW (816 PS) of power, permanent all-wheel drive, and enhanced downforce, promising a revolution in the championship.

Key Takeaways

• Ambitious Development: The GEN4 car is designed to be lighter, more powerful, more durable, and more cost-efficient.

• Expanded In-House Development: Porsche is incorporating more self-developed components than ever before, including the DC/DC converter and brake-by-wire system.

• Agile Development Cycles: Porsche is simultaneously developing the GEN3, GEN3 Evo, and GEN4 cars, mirroring agile processes used in sports car production but under extreme racing conditions.

A Leap in Performance

The GEN4 Formula E car represents the most substantial performance increase in the championship's history. With 600 kW (816 PS) of power, permanent all-wheel drive, new tires, and significantly increased downforce, it is set to redefine electric racing. A key focus for Porsche has been the development of vehicle components in-house. These components are engineered to be lighter, deliver higher performance, and reduce costs, all while featuring an extended service life.

Expanding In-House Expertise

Porsche Motorsport is leveraging its Formula E program to develop technologies directly applicable to its production sports cars. "In Formula E, we primarily develop the technical components that are relevant for our production sports cars," stated Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President Porsche Motorsport. The GEN4 car sees an expansion of these in-house developments to include the DC/DC converter and the brake-by-wire system. Previously developed components include the operating software, pulse inverter, electric motor, gearbox, differential, drive shafts, and various rear-axle drivetrain components, as well as cooling, carrier, and suspension parts.

Efficiency and Innovation

Florian Modlinger, Director Factory Motorsport Formula E, highlighted the current car's drivetrain efficiency, which exceeds 97%. For the GEN4, the development brief includes further efficiency gains, alongside a focus on weight reduction, durability, and cost savings, mirroring the goals for road-going EVs. The 600 kW power output represents a 71% increase in Attack Mode power. Modlinger described the initial on-track acceleration as "a real pleasure" and a "milestone in the project."

Agile Development Under Pressure

Porsche's development process for the GEN4 car is characterized by agile working methods, with parallel development of the GEN3, GEN3 Evo, and GEN4 models. The concept phase for GEN4 began in 2024, with simulator work commencing the same year, even while competing with the GEN3 Evo. This approach allows Porsche to continuously innovate while managing shorter development cycles and tighter budgets compared to series production. "The difference is that our cycles are shorter and our budgets smaller – with maximum pressure to succeed," Modlinger explained.

Driver Feedback

Porsche factory drivers Pascal Wehrlein and Nico Müller have shared their initial impressions of the GEN4 car. Wehrlein noted the significant speed increase, particularly in faster corners, due to the new aerodynamics. Müller described the car as a "real beast" with immense power and traction, comparing its aggressive driving characteristics to rallycross supercars. Both drivers expressed excitement for the upcoming testing phases and the potential impact of the GEN4 on the sport.