Porsche readying new electric 911?

Firm buys Tesla Roadster to evaluate future eco model.

Is an all-electric 911 just around the corner? Porsche’s engineers have shelled out £100,000 on their very own Tesla Roadster for ‘research purposes’.
The Lotus Elise-based two-door – which proves that battery power and driving thrills can go hand-in-hand – will be analysed and taken apart by the German firm so technicians can further their electric car know-how.

Buying a competitor’s vehicle for R&D purposes is nothing new. But when a company such as Porsche admits to eyeing up an entirely new type of
propulsion, it’s big news!

Rumour has it the firm is already testing a prototype, although it won’t release any details until it’s entirely happy with the product. This won’t be the first electric Porsche, though. That accolade goes to German tuning specialist Ruf, with its 911-based E-Ruf – which we drive for the first time this week on Page 34.

However, Porsche is said to be disappointed with the performance of the E-Ruf – it covers 0-60mph in just under seven seconds and goes on to a top speed of 140mph.