Winterkorn speech refers to all-electric Porsche concept, and promises pure-EV range of more than 300 miles
Porsche’s long-awaited electric car concept will be called Mission E and make its debut at the Frankfurt motor show this evening, the boss of the VW Group has revealed.
The Mission E had been widely tipped to make its public debut at this evening’s VW Group night, traditionally held the evening before major motor shows. However, in an unusual move, the firm has released the speech of group CEO Martin Winterkorn more than an hour in advance of the final presentation - and it reveals not only that the car will be there, but also its name: Mission E.
“At a time of major social and technological upheaval, people expect new answers, new solutions and new directions from us,” Winterkorn’s statement reads. “The Porsche Mission E and the Audi e-tron quattro concept are nothing less than a quantum leap for our industry.”
The VW statement also reveals that the all-electric ranges of both the Porsche and the Audi will be 500km, or more than 300 miles.
No further details on the Mission E have been revealed, but it’s thought that it’s likely to be a four-door saloon or hatchback - particularly since it is being shown alongside the Audi e-tron SUV, and the VW Group would be unlikely to sanction pure-electric concepts from the two brands that were based on the same type of vehicle.
Rumours of an electric Porsche saloon have been intensifying in recent months. The VW Group sees start-up brand Tesla as a surprise rival, and its Frankfurt show line-up - including the focus of Winterkorn’s speech - will be seen as a clear bid to seize ground on hybrid and electric vehicles.
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