Daily Slideshow: Tesla's Hollow Victories Over Porsche
A recent rise in electronic vehicles has seen a host of shots fired at Porsche. This is why none of it matters. Starting with the Tesla Model 3...
Model 3 vs. Boxster
In a time attack event held by the Canadian Sport Compact Series, a Tesla Model 3 garnished attention on EV blogs after defeating a Porsche Boxster around a slightly damp circuit. A Boxster? That’s what they’re bragging about? The 718 is a master class in millimeter precise handling and steering input that a Tesla will never come close to. This type of praise is irrelevant when you consider the Model 3 is almost 1,000lbs heavier than a Boxster. One publication’s results with an unnamed driver aren’t enough to start singing praises of victory.
911 R vs Tesla Model S
This test was conducted last year in which Chris Harris drag raced a P100D against a 911 R., In the beginning, the P100D takes off thanks to AWD and instantaneous torque. After 110mph the Porsche starts reeling in the Tesla which is where the real talking point needs to take place: EV cars have no top end. Of course, an AWD car with instant torque is going to beat you to the 1/8th mile. Take a Tesla to the track and it’s game over.
ID R vs. 919 EVO
Volkswagen had an incredible feat recently in which they broke the outright lap record at Pikes Peak with an all-electric vehicle called the ID R. This would seem worrisome to traditional enthusiasts (and even hybrid enthusiasts) if it weren’t for a little thing called the 919 EVO. VW can soak up the glory right now because if Porsche goes after the same record with this special edition 919 the results will be inevitable. Porsche will dominate. I have a sneaking suspicion they will take this record from VW.
No One Cares
Simply put, no one cares that any of these electric cars are faster. Who is going to sell their 911 Turbo because of what EVs are doing? These vehicles are nothing more than an early phase of a new technology that is trying to prove itself to stay above water. Electric vehicles have yet to extend driving range to anything that is a serious threat to the internal combustion engine. This is a simple fact which makes these records hollow as they are not accessible or relevant to consumers.
When Will it Change?
When purely electric vehicles can run 400 miles on a charge on top of record-breaking lap times, we will have something to worry about. Until then, it is more likely we will see these race cars used as a means to sell road cars that pose no threat to the sanctity of flat-6 glory. For those who don’t understand, the concerns are simple: more weight, more complexity, and more costs. Nothing real drivers want when they turn the key and hit the throttle.
Taycan the Fight Back
A company as smart as Porsche would not leave this market untapped and has already started to embark on the path to become segment leaders of the new class. The Taycan —which I will cover in an upcoming article— is their answer to the Tesla Model 3. Not only does it look better, but when it comes out we will see what’s what. Electric car companies can enjoy the meaningless victories for now: Porsche is coming.
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