Porsche unveils 975 RSE as latest Formula E contender

MANILA: Porsche has unveiled the 975 RSE, which replaces the 99X Electric and 99X Evo GEN 3 Formula E race cars. 

Per the Stuttgart-headquartered car manufacturer, its new contender for the world’s premier all-electric motorsport event received plenty of improvements that provides it with an overall boost in performance. 

Belonging under the Formula E “GEN 4” generation of cars, the 975 RSE can now produce up to 804 horsepower (hp), which is significantly more compared to the 99X Electric Evo’s maximum 476 hp (boosted) output. 

As a result of these power gains, the Porsche 975 RSE is expected to reach a top speed of 335 kilometers per hour (kph) in race conditions. 

To further support the 975 RSE, Porsche gave it a revamped all-wheel-drive system and Bridgestone tires (wet and dry). Likewise provided with upgrades are its aerodynamic elements, which are said to be capable of giving 150 percent more downforce compared to the outgoing GEN 4 race vehicles. 

Other stories: Lamborghini debuts limited-edition Fenomeno Roadster Firms to drop diesel, kerosene prices this week Seaoil helps Grab, Move It partners save P2.6M in fuel expense

 

Other noteworthy components of the Porsche 975 RSE include, but are not limited to the following: 

• 700-kilowatt regenerative braking system 
• Friction brakes with a 275-millimeter disc outer diameter
• Rechargeable energy storage system (RESS)
• Two Aero packages (with higher or lower downforce)

Notably, a good number of components used by the 975 RSE are developed and produced in-house by Porsche. These are the car’s direct current (DC) converter, pulse inverter, electric motor, gearbox, electronics (wire and loom), front and rear differentials including control units, drive shafts and further drivetrain components on the rear axle, cooling system, carrier and suspension components on the rear axle, brake-by-wire system, and operating software.

And finally, the Porsche 975 RSE comes with a battery with enough juice to cover a whole full race. Specifically, its RESS now has a capacity of  51.25 kilowatt-hours (kWh) - a good deal more compared to the older 99X Electric Evo’s 38.5 kWh. 

“The GEN4 shows how far electric vehicles have evolved. When the championship started in 2014, every driver needed two cars per race. One battery alone was not enough to cover the full race distance. Those days are long gone,” Porsche Motorsport Vice President Thomas Laudenbach said. 

“Since 2024, we have been developing a race car that puts us on the level of Formula 2 cars. EVs are not only catching up with the standards we are used to; their strengths are becoming increasingly evident – on the track and on the road,” Laudenbach added. 

For those who want to see the Porsche 975 RSE and other GEN 4 cars in action, be aware that the 2026/2027 season of Formula E will start late in the year or early next year. 

As of this publishing, the current 2025/2027 season, which will finish up with older GEN 3 cars, will see its next race at Monaco on May 16, 2026.

Also read:

Porsche to expand electrified offerings in PH?

New Porsche Cayenne Coupe Electric makes China debut

Porsche expands EV SUV portfolio with Cayenne S

Connect with us through our various social media pages:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZigWheelsPhilippines

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zigwheelsph/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zigwheels

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZigWheelsPhilippines/