The 2019/2020 season Porsche 99X Formula E car has been unveiled ahead of its maiden season
For the first time in three decades, Porsche is returning to single-seat racing with its 99X Formula E racer. The model will compete in the ABB FIA Formula E Championship with drivers Neel Jani and André Lotterer at the helm, following its online virtual reveal.
The reveal took place inside a novel new Formula E-based video game, where this season’s drivers were guided to the car by viewers, before it was unveiled to the world. Jani said: ‘It was great fun joining the gamers’ search for the Porsche 99X electric both virtually and in real life at the same time.’
Joining the Porsche Formula E team is Pascal Zurlinden, Director of GT Factory Motorsport, who has a rather healthy CV having worked on LMP1 and the GT sector since 2017. Zurlinden said: ‘The Formula E concept is very interesting and is different from traditional motorsport series, a new and exciting task that I am really looking forward to. Of course, it is also great to see so many familiar faces from my time in LMP1 and to be working with the team again.’
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Though it might not have an engine, the new 99X is still deemed worthy of the Stuttgart marque’s traditional livery; a white, black and red theme inspired by the 919 Hybrid LMP1 car, complete with the Porsche crest around the halo when viewed from above.
Under the skin is a standardised Formula E chassis and battery combined with Porsche’s own drivetrain tech, developed with experience gained from the hybrid LMP1 programme. The car also features a highly efficient 800-volt system, something that has made it to the full production version of the Taycan, Porsche’s road-going four-door EV.
Malte Huneke, Technical Project Leader Formula E, said: ‘In hindsight, we laid the foundations for Porsche’s future involvement in Formula E during the LMP1 project. We used the insights gained during that time in the development of the Porsche Formula E powertrain. We focussed on building a highly effective 800-volt technology used in Formula E is also used in the series production of the fully electric Porsche sports car, the Taycan.’
The Porsche 99X will make its first on-track appearance in Valencia for testing in mid-October.
This article originally appeared at evo.co.uk
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