If you look at the top-tier machines right now for performance, the hypercars, they all have something in common with a Toyota Prius: they are all hybrids. It’s kind of a strange statement, but it’s true: ever since the turn of the century, hybrid technology has explored and has been tested in a variety of applications, from the suppository-shaped first-generation Honda Insight to the slightly augmented GM full-size sport-utility vehicles, and in the not-so-distant future, even the iconic Ford Mustang will be hybridized. Hybrid tech isn’t a bad thing and in fact has proven to be a wicked power adder. It’s just another way to make a car faster, and in the end, we can appreciate that.
No, the question is simply for pure electric vehicles, and it’s a worthy question, with what seems like half of the world pushing for all-electric, non-emissions-spewing vehicles. (Yes, we know all of the deals about the materials needed to make the cars, but that isn’t what we are touching on here.) Can a fully electric vehicle actually rock, and if so, can it be more than a one-trick pony? There are a couple of well-known drag cars out there, including the “White Zombie” Datsun of Plasma Boy Racing, but they are pure drag machines: charge them up, let them turn that instant torque into a killer elapsed time, put it back on the charger and wait for the next round.
We are leaning more towards the Tesla Model S Electric GT racing car. Teslas are already stonking fast at their standard curb weight, and tend to have the energy endurance to make it in traffic without seriously sweating the consequences (there’s several running around between my neck of the woods and Nashville, Tennessee that are doing just fine.) Tesla is actually going to be racing their sedan, and while the 37-mile distance of the races won’t impress anybody, the cars themselves are an indication of what can be…especially when you account for the 1,102 pound weight loss that the Model S E-GT race cars have undergone.
So what do you think: Can a fully electric vehicle ever make it as a hardcore performance car in your eyes?
Maybe my grandson, but not me.
Why not? We’re in the early years of electric racing. I don’t doubt that the same thing was said about gas-engined cars at the beginning of the 20th century.
And if the races can be stretched (eventually) reliably to longer than 37 miles, maybe some of the lessons learned will be put back into the commercial sector.
Maybe the younger generation might be into this sort of racing but watching these cars and not hearing anything doesn’t float my boat.
Race car or Performance car?
All race cars operate under a standard evolope Distance is preset,shortest time wins,whether 37 miles,100,250,or thousands. Endurance races flip that to go as far as you can in x number hours,but either formula either time or distance in known.
In a performance car you get in and head out for fun,maybe you have a destination or not. A performance car is made for fun,unplanned just to satisfy the fun side of driving.
So unplanned at this time is not in the electric cars design brief because it requires planning because of it’s limited range,the end is final then you wait,hours. Electric does not fit unplanned,fun.
So electric can make a fine race car,but not a performance car.
Damn fine reply and I fully agree with all points. The only caveat if I may; these are facts as of right now.
Racing has a track record to push development to the consumer models (ehh pun intended). We will see improvement in energy storage and reclamation along with the continued improvement of vehicle construction overall. This will at some point bring performance and range to the level equal our ICE powered chariots. Then at that point we as a consumer base will realize the next wave of the performance wars. We could very well be casting aside those Coyote’s, big blocks, LS’s in favor of the next badass AC perm mag motor.
Agree with you mate.
But I would argue that with racing improving the breed, electric performance cars are a ‘when’ much more than an ‘if’
I was particularly impressed with the car’s capability as a performance car on a mountain road when I put it to the test recently.
Full review here: https://youtu.be/0UMR4ilnm1I