The GT4 e-Performance showcases Porsche's futuristic vision for a no-holds-barred electric race car.

Well, Singapore just had a visit from the future of racing. The star of the show? The Porsche GT4 e-Performance, a sneak peek into what the next generation of electric race cars could look like.

And where did this glimpse into the future happen? None other than the Porsche NOW pop-up store at Guoco Tower.

Now, before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let me paint a picture for you. This beast of a machine is built on the bones of a modified 982-generation 718 Cayman GT4 chassis. But here's where things get interesting. Its body is made from recycled carbon fibres and natural fibre composite materials, it's a testament to Porsche's commitment to sustainability.

They've even gone the extra mile to ensure that the production of these materials generates fewer carbon emissions than synthetic ones.

But it's not just about being green; it's about going fast. The GT4 e-Performance's body is 14cm wider than the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport's, all to accommodate those beefy 18-inch Michelin race tyres.

Michelin says a whopping 63% of the materials used in these tyres are from sustainable sources. We're talking orange and lemon peel, pine resin, metallic waste, rubber, and soot recovered from used tyres. Who knew your old tyres could find a new life on the racetrack?

Now, let's talk power. This electric wonder is no slouch. It packs a punch with up to 1,073bhp (that's 800kW in tech speak). In simulated racing conditions, it dishes out a steady 603bhp (or 450kW) for a solid 30 minutes, which just happens to be the duration of a Carrera Cup race. Coincidence? I think not.

Porsche claims that the GT4 e-Performance's lap times and top speed match those of the 992-generation 911 GT3 Cup. And guess what? You get all that power as long as there's enough charge left in the battery. No dipping performance here.

Ah, charging. With a 350kW charger, this beast can juice up from 5% to 80% in just about 15 minutes. That's the power of its 900-volt architecture.

Here's an interesting tidbit. The car's batteries aren't all huddled together like a cosy family portrait. Instead, they're strategically placed in three locations due to their size. As the car's Project Manager, Mr. Bjorn Forster, puts it, "It's possible to place all the cells together in a larger car like the Taycan, but not a small sports car like this one." Fair enough, Mr. Forster.

Now, all that power and fast charging can make things a bit toasty, right? Well, Porsche has that covered too. They've got a cooling system that uses oil, and get this, the oil circulates around each battery cell to keep those temperatures just right.

So, if you're in Singapore between September 12th and 17th, 2023, do yourself a favour and swing by the Porsche NOW pop-up store at Guoco Tower. You'll get a chance to lay your eyes on the future of racing, the GT4 e-Performance.

And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even take it for a spin - virtually, of course - in a time attack challenge using a simulator.

The store's open from Mondays to Saturdays, 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Sundays from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. So, gear up and get ready to be electrified!