Elite Traveler November-December 2015

DISCOVER

Motoring

ELECTRIFYING PORSCHE One of the surprise stars of this year’s Frankfurt motor showwas an all-electric affair from Porsche. Looking like a futuristic update of the 911, the Mission E is a sign that carmakers are taking the electric revolution seriously. Its ultra-exclusive 918 hybrid got into production, and the odds on something like this concept hitting the road must be short. Promised performance stats are mouthwatering – with 600bhp and 0 to 62mph in 3.5 seconds – but best of all is the range (an essential detail for electric vehicles), which is set to be 311 miles. Porsche also claims that with proper high-voltage charging it could get 80 percent of full charge in 15 minutes. The downside is that nowhere currently offers the 800-volt charging required to achieve this. But what’s the point of a concept car if it doesn’t point partly to the future?

The Mission E sets a new benchmark for the performance of electric cars

Robots in disguise Mercedes must win the award for most outlandish inspiration for a concept this year. Based on the Transformers cartoon and film franchise, the car is so focused on aerodynamic efficiency that panels shift and the rear extends to create the best shape, depending on speed. The aim is to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. Looking a bit odd is, it seems, no longer a consideration.

Words: Richard Cree. Photos: Lorenzo Marcinno, REX Shutterstock