Electric Cars

The automotive landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, as evidenced by Ford's recent decision to discontinue the Focus ST. This move, which saw the final unit roll off the Saarlouis assembly line on September 26, marks the end of a long-standing tradition for performance hatchbacks. While the standard Focus will continue production for a limited time, its eventual cessation in November underscores a strategic shift for the American automaker.

Ford's retreat from the hot hatch segment began earlier with the phasing out of the Fiesta ST. Company CEO Jim Farley attributed these decisions to the models' limited profitability, despite their popularity among consumers. This strategic pivot has had a noticeable impact on Ford's market presence in Europe, where its market share has diminished to 3.3 percent, trailing behind competitors like Hyundai and Kia. Data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) highlights this decline, showing Ford's sales figures significantly lower than major players like Volkswagen and even Skoda.

The dwindling availability of hot hatches extends beyond Ford, reflecting a broader industry trend. Stricter emissions regulations, such as the upcoming Euro 7 standards, and the looming 2035 deadline for new internal combustion vehicle sales in some regions, are accelerating this shift. While some gasoline-powered performance models from brands like Volkswagen, Cupra, Audi, BMW, AMG, and Toyota remain, the industry is increasingly pushing towards electric alternatives like the Abarth 500e, VW ID.3 GTX, and Peugeot E-208 GTi. The future of traditional hot hatches, revered for their engaging driving dynamics, appears uncertain as electric vehicles gain prominence.

The cessation of the Focus ST production symbolizes more than just the end of a single model; it represents a pivotal moment in the automotive industry's evolution. As manufacturers adapt to environmental mandates and changing consumer preferences, the focus is increasingly on electric mobility and diverse vehicle segments like SUVs. While this transition presents new opportunities for innovation and sustainable transport, it also necessitates acknowledging the closure of a beloved era for car enthusiasts who cherished the spirited performance and accessibility of hot hatchbacks. Moving forward, the industry's challenge will be to capture the essence of driving pleasure within the framework of future technologies and environmental responsibilities.

Despite recent shifts in the electric vehicle market, Porsche is forging ahead with its ambitious plans, exemplified by the forthcoming all-electric Cayenne Turbo. This new iteration promises to be a powerhouse, boasting over 1,000 horsepower and integrating a suite of advanced technologies that set it apart from its predecessors and competitors. Our exclusive visit to Porsche’s Leipzig factory offered an in-depth look at this remarkable SUV, revealing a vehicle that combines raw power with cutting-edge efficiency and a refined driving experience.

This fourth-generation Cayenne, internally referred to as the E4, will coexist with the current gasoline-powered third-generation model for an extended period. While it shares the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture with the Macan, it is far from a mere scaled-up version. Porsche has engineered a completely new battery system for the Cayenne Electric, alongside an innovative oil-cooled rear motor specifically for the Turbo variant. The vehicle also features an enhanced infotainment system and the option of Porsche's advanced Active Ride suspension, highlighting a significant leap in electric vehicle development for the brand.

The engineering team’s focus on maximizing efficiency is evident throughout the Cayenne Electric. The new battery pack, with its frameless design, directly integrates its six modules—each comprising 32 pouch cells—into the vehicle's chassis. This ingenious approach not only reduces weight but also boosts energy density. Furthermore, smaller design optimizations, such as repositioning cooling fans to the front of the radiators, contribute to overall efficiency improvements. The Turbo model's rear motor, an in-house Porsche development, utilizes direct oil-cooling for its copper windings. This design choice enables superior sustained performance and enhanced regenerative braking capabilities, drawing inspiration from the Cayman GT4 E-Performance concept and mirroring innovations seen in other high-performance EVs.

Performance figures for the Cayenne Turbo Electric are nothing short of astounding. Porsche claims it will be their most potent production vehicle yet, surpassing the Taycan Turbo GT's 1,019 horsepower. This formidable SUV is expected to accelerate from 0 to 62 miles per hour in less than three seconds and reach 124 mph in under eight seconds, delivering an immense 1,106 pound-feet of total torque. Beyond its blistering acceleration, the vehicle also boasts impressive charging and range capabilities, with up to 600 kilowatts of regenerative braking and a rapid charging time of approximately 16 minutes to go from 10 to 80 percent charge. Its 113.0-kilowatt-hour battery offers greater energy density than the Taycan's, projecting an estimated range of 373 miles on the European test cycle.

The chassis design of the Cayenne Electric shares similarities with the Macan, incorporating a four-link front suspension and a multi-link rear axle. Uniquely, the rear motor in the Cayenne Electric is mounted in a reversed orientation, a deliberate choice to achieve a slightly rear-biased weight distribution of 52 percent. Unlike the Taycan, this model employs single-speed transmissions, as the motor’s performance and efficiency spectrum negates the need for a two-speed rear gearbox. The Porsche Active Ride system, adapted from the Panamera and Taycan, utilizes electrohydraulic motor-pump units connected to each damper, allowing for precise body control independent of road conditions. For the Cayenne, these dampers feature larger tubes to enhance off-road performance, complemented by specific software adjustments. Standard models will come equipped with semi-active, height-adjustable air suspension, integrated with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) adaptive dampers.

Inside the cabin, the Cayenne Electric continues Porsche’s tradition of innovation, building upon the Macan's interior. A prominent feature is the new curved center display, elegantly sweeping down towards a palm rest, while a thoughtful retention of physical controls ensures an intuitive user experience. Early impressions from a prototype test drive at the Porsche Experience Center Leipzig confirm the Cayenne Turbo Electric’s brutal acceleration and astonishing body control, even allowing for controlled slides due to the significant power directed to the rear wheels. Although full specifications and pricing are yet to be revealed, the upcoming Cayenne Electric is poised to make a formidable impact, potentially setting a new benchmark for electric performance SUVs and presenting a significant challenge to rivals like the Lucid Gravity.