Porsche might have abandoned its Le Mans efforts, but the company made it clear that it wants to focus more on other competitions, namely Formula E. And now that goal is so much closer as Porsche unveiled the 99X Electric Formula E race car and, as one would expect from Porsche, even its name bears some significance in the bigger equation. Let’s see what’s what.

The 99X name is something Porsche really thought through

You’re probably familiar with Porsche’s three-digit naming format that’s a typical feature for most of the carmaker’s cars of old and new. Now, the use of number nine twice was done, says Porsche, to once again highlight the importance of Formula E and of this particular project within the brand’s long-term strategy. The “X,” however, was used to express “a forward-looking approach and prototype racing.”

It’s as simple as that and really not too unheard of in the car industry. Sure, to make that claim stick, Porsche timed the unveiling of the 99X racer in such a way that it precedes its other big launch, which will see the new Taycan being introduced to the public on September 4.

Speaking of which, the Taycan uses the same 800-volt powertrain technology that’s also employed by the 99X Formula E electric race car. It’s also worth mentioning that the new Porsche 99X Electric abides by the rules and regulations introduced by FIA Formula E with the Gen2 cars.

The main difference between the Gen1 and Gen2 cars is that teams don’t have to swap cars mid-race anymore, as a Gen2 racer packs double the energy storage capacity compared to a Gen1 car. This also means each driver gets his own car. The top speed of a Gen1 Formula E racer was 225 km/h (140 mph), while the power output was set at 200 kW (268 horsepower).

Moreover, Gen2 cars are also longer (5,160 mm instead of 5,000 mm) and narrower (1,770 mm instead of 1,780 mm). Wheelbase (3,100 mm) and ride height (75 mm) stayed the same.

Formula E Gen1 vs. Gen2 race cars

via GIPHY

Coming back to Porsche’s 99X racer, it’s hard not to fall in love with the livery choice, which features the carmaker’s traditional motorsport colors. There’s something about each livery that goes on a Porsche race car, it has the we-don’t-know-what, regardless of which sponsors decide to have their name on the car. In any case, we won’t get into describing what the 99X looks like because there’s the photo gallery ready to do that for you.

PORSCHE 99X ELECTRIC - SPECS