Porsche unveils the 975 RSE, its Gen4 Formula E single-seater

La Formula E enters a new era. With the 975 RSE, Porsche reveals a car which breaks with the image of electric racing cars as we have known them until now. The Gen4 develops 600 kW in Attack Mode — that's 816 horsepower — compared to 350 kW for the previous generation, a 71% increase in maximum power. It features permanent all-wheel drive and is capable of reaching a top speed of over 330 km/h, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of around 1,8 seconds. Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President of Porsche Motorsport, puts this evolution into historical perspective: “When the championship started in 2014, each driver needed two cars per race. A single battery wasn’t enough to cover the entire distance. Those days are long gone. Since 2024, we’ve been developing a race car that puts us on par with the…” Formula 2 »

The most striking innovation of this Gen4 is the introduction of significant downforce—a first in Formula E history. Until now, the series' electric cars have evolved without any noticeable downforce, much like the first generations of single-seaters. Olivier Champenois, technical lead for the Formula E project at Porsche Motorsport, explains this development: "In barely a decade, Formula E has become so fast that aerodynamic downforce is now a necessity." To manage the trade-off between downforce and energy consumption, the championship developed two distinct aerodynamic packages: a low-drag kit for the race, and a high-downforce kit for qualifying, where fuel consumption is not a limiting factor. The difference between the two represents up to 150% more downforce compared to the Gen3 Evo.

In-house developments to stay on track

In Formula E, manufacturers prioritize developing components that have direct relevance to their electric production cars. Porsche is no exception, and the list of components developed in-house for the 975 RSE has grown considerably compared to the previous generation: DC/DC converter, inverter, electric motor, gearbox, hydraulic differentials and their control units, braking system "brake-by-wire", as well as all the management software. Champenois emphasizes the challenge this increased workload represents: "Although we developed more components in-house for Gen4 than for Gen3, the total weight of our package could only increase by 5 kilograms." The battery, however, remains a standard component supplied by the championship and cannot be developed by manufacturers.

Florian Modlinger, Porsche's Formula E factory director, emphasizes that the philosophy of the championship remains unchanged despite this technological leap: "The concept remains the same: the regulations push us to maximize the efficiency of our cars in all aspects — which makes us relevant for the road." The 975 RSE succeeds the Porsche 99X Electric, the most successful single-seater in the German manufacturer's history in motorsport, with four world championship titles in the last three seasons. It will contest its final race in August in London before the 975 RSE takes over.

Wehrlein and Müller impatient

The two official Porsche drivers, Pascal Wehrlein and Nico Müller, have shared testing duties since November 2025, the date of the car's first run. The 975 RSE had already accumulated 1,860 kilometers of testing by the beginning of April. Wehrlein makes no secret of his enthusiasm: "The Gen4 is extremely fast and really fun to drive. I think it will be a real revelation for many fans and detractors alike." Müller emphasizes the spectacular aspect that the new regulations should offer: "Especially in qualifying, when everyone is pushing to the limit, it should be spectacular — particularly thanks to the strong acceleration out of the corners."

The name 975 RSE is not insignificant. It refers to Porsche Motorsport's 75th anniversary in 2026—a sporting history that, according to the manufacturer, will be increasingly shaped by electric racing. The car is scheduled to make its racing debut this December, following FIA homologation in the autumn. Porsche is presenting this new single-seater as the reigning Formula E Constructors' World Champion. The next race of the season, returning to the Gen3 Evo, will be in Berlin on May 2nd and 3rd.

ALSO READ > Jaguar unveils the appearance of its GEN4 development car