Porsche is developing a rival for the Tesla Model S

The evolution and milestones being achieved by Tesla are fascinating more and more manufacturers. Whether because of its business model, its vehicle technology or other aspects of the company, it is becoming clear that some brands do not want to sit idly by while the Californian company eats into their market share or outright overtakes them.

Porsche is set to become one of the brands willing to slow the commercial progress of the Model S, according to the latest statements made by its chairman Matthias Müller. The British magazine Autocar has learned that this car, a five-door saloon smaller than the Panamera, is currently one of the secret projects being worked on by Porsche’s R&D centre in Weissach.

The model will use a modified version of the MSB modular architecture on which the Panamera is based, from which it will differ through a shorter wheelbase, the use of lighter and stronger aluminium and steel, and a kerb weight lower than that of the Model S, meaning it will be lighter than the Tesla.

The electric variant will be the first vehicle of this kind that Porsche produces in series. It will be powered by a highly advanced motor capable of generating as much power as the Model S, and it will be fed by a battery which, according to Autocar, is being developed together with Audi. The latter will provide a range of around 400 km, a figure between the Model S with its 60 kWh battery and the one with the 85 kWh battery.

Via | Autocar