EV-swapped Porsche 911s to amp up the atmosphere at Monterey
Not one, but two electro-modded classic Porsche 911s are set up cause a kerfuffle in California. Against the backdrop of a Concours d’Elegance where absolute originality is all that counts, the cars from Britain’s Everrati and Connecticut’s Sacrilege Motors are sure to draw crowds.
The big question is whether the masses will be carrying pitchforks or check books. How will traditional classic car enthusiasts react to the removal of a sonorous and characterful flat-six engine in favour of a near-silent drivetrain?
In the case of the rather knowingly-named Sacrilege Motors it’s a 1992 991 America Roadster that receives the EV treatment. A 500-hp single-gear motor is powered by a 62 kWh battery to provide a claimed range of 200 miles and 0-60 acceleration of less than four seconds. Adjustable Penske race shocks and uprated Brembo brakes are fitted to help deal with the car’s 3200-lb weight.
“Our passion for Porsche cars is paramount to this project,” says Bobby Singh, Sacrilege Motors’ president and technical lead. “We want to deliver an analog, air-cooled-era 911 with the reliability and instant power of an EV, while preserving an exhilarating driving experience that’s familiar to air-cooled 911 enthusiasts. Retaining the 911’s best handling characteristics, with added performance and upgraded components, all while reducing its environmental impact, was our ultimate goal. We’ve kept the same weight distribution, which is crucial to the car feeling like a Porsche 911 should.”
Not far down the coast Everrati will be displaying one of the first cars built by U.S. partner Aria Group. The carbon fiber wide-bodied 964 is finished in Mexico Blue and will be exhibited alongside a concours-condition 911 S from 1970—which, for the time being at least, still has its original motor.
“We are excited for visitors to see up close our redefined 911, which represents our mission to future-proof and preserve the most iconic cars ever created, to be enjoyed by future generations,” says CEO Justin Lunny.
On the 75th anniversary of the Porsche 911’s introduction does 2023 mark a turning point for the future of classic cars or will the resistance to electrification be too strong?
Uh, No. It’s not going to be analog with the EV powerplant.
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Real 911’s have flat sixes.
I do enjoy the sound of a Porche air cooled flat six, BUT there are a number of water cooled Porsche cars with that expensive to fix IMS bearing that relegates these cars to bargain prices since few want to risk owning one UNLESS the engine IMS problem has been fixed which is costly. These IMS bearing engined cars would be great candidates for electrification. Better that than the crusher. The younger crowd is often turned off by expensive to maintain old cars, but they like the look and want comfort and convenience. For them EV conversions are attractive. The old car RestoMod conversion were rejected at first, now they sell well. Time will tell.
No.
I totally agree with your assessment of the Porsches that could require an IMS repair. Rather than fix that expensive problem, put the money towards converting them to EV status. That way, those that want an EV Porsche 911 will be able to get one.
BTW, I live in Austin and there’s another EV conversion business (Moment Motors) that has converted several older 911’s over the past four years.
You don’t spit against the wind, you don’t step on Superman’s cape, and you don’t replace a flat six in a 911.
Even if it’s an IMS repair in a 996. That is a 2k repair according to the techs and experienced on rennlist. What does ripping the engineering soul out of your Porsche and turning it into a high speed electrical appliance cost?
Can’t wait for off-the shelf EV swap kits to hit the same price point as LS swap kits. Get on the train or get run over.