Porsche’s first all-electric sports car - the Porsche Taycan - is the new ABB FIA Formula E World Championship Safety Car, set for its debut at the opening round of the Formula E season on 28 & 29 January in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.
The perfect machine for the job
Thanks to its driveability and safety, as well as its output of up to 560 kW (761 PS), the high performance Taycan Turbo S is the ideal choice for this critical role. With launch control, the flagship model of the Taycan range accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 260 km/h.
The car will helm races in the heart of iconic world cities including London, Mexico City, New York City, Berlin, Monaco and Seoul.
GALLERY: The new Porsche Taycan S Safety Car, from every angle
The conversion required the installation of a rollcage and racing bucket seats with six-point seatbelts as well as wire harnesses for the Safety Car lighting and the Marelli Logger System, while flashing lights were integrated into the bumpers. Bruno Correia, the long-standing Formula E Safety Car driver is also equipped with a fire extinguisher and a high-tech communication system in his new office - all set for service, then, in the world's premier electric racing series.
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“We’re proud that Formula E has entrusted a Porsche with this task – one that is important for the safety of its drivers,” says Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President Porsche Motorsport. “With the Taycan Turbo S as the official safety car, we’re making an important contribution to track safety and also underlining the importance of Formula E for Porsche Motorsport.
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"The distinctive design illustrates our commitment to the successful future of this innovative racing series. Although we’re rivals out on the track, we’re spreading this message to the world together. What’s more, we hope that this also enables us to appeal to a younger target audience who are not yet motorsport fans.”
More than a striking livery
Designed to be more than just the Formula E Safety Car, the Taycan's striking paintwork flies the colours of the championship's eleven teams and those of the FIA and Formula E - symbolising the commitment of everyone involved in Formula E and the common path towards the future of all-electric motor racing.
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The livery also gives a visual expression of social values such as diversity and community, while the number 22 acknowledges the performance of the 22 drivers set to contest Drivers' World Championship.
“Formula E is delighted the Porsche Taycan Turbo S will serve as the championship’s Safety Car from Season 8,” says Jamie Reigle, CEO of Formula E. “The Porsche Taycan Turbo S is the pinnacle of high performance electrified vehicles and will light up Formula E city racetracks around the world.
"In designing the Formula E Safety Car, Porsche reimagined the critical on-track safety function to be a powerful symbol of the championship’s commitment to an electrified future and the unity of the competitors in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.”