Porsche unveils the 975 RSE: Formula E's new era begins
Porsche has officially entered a new chapter in its electric racing journey with the unveiling of the 975 RSE, the manufacturerâs challenger for the upcoming GEN4 era of Formula E. Set to debut at the start of the 2026/27 season, the new machine succeeds the most successful Porsche single-seater to date, signaling a significant leap in performance and technology.
A radical reimagining of electric racing
The GEN4 platform represents a fundamental shift in the championshipâs technical landscape. Designed to harness a massive 600kW output, the 975 RSE features an aggressive, futuristic chassis. Among its most notable innovations are two distinct aerodynamic packagesâallowing the car to switch between high-downforce qualifying configurations and low-drag race modesâand the introduction of permanent All-Wheel Drive to provide unprecedented levels of traction. These advancements are expected to push the cars to top speeds exceeding 200 mph (335 km/h).
Evolution and road relevance
For Porsche, the GEN4 era is a testament to the rapid maturation of electric vehicle technology. Thomas Laudenbach, Porsche Motorsport Vice President, reflected on the championship's progress since its 2014 inception:
âThe 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. 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 â on the track and on the road.â
Florian Modlinger, Porsche Director of Factory Motorsport Formula E, emphasized that the core philosophy of the program remains rooted in efficiency and road-car development:
âThe concept remains the same: the regulations force us to maximise the efficiency of our cars in every respect â because that makes us relevant for the road. The races should become even more attractive, as the new cars are considerably faster. The acceleration is impressive, and we expect top speeds of up to 335 km/h. Iâm very curious to see how the fans will react.â
Looking ahead: the Berlin E-Prix
While the future of the GEN4 era approaches, the 2025/26 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship continues with the upcoming Berlin E-Prix at Tempelhof Airport. Rounds 7 and 8 are scheduled for Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3, 2026. Fans can follow the action through live timing, session reports, and exclusive trackside coverage via the official Formula E website and app.
Simone Scanu
Heâs a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.