Porsche Gen4 stuns at Monza: Formula E car hits 320 km/h and matches F2 pace

The new Porsche 975 RSE has turned heads during Formula E testing at Monza: The Gen4 car reportedly reached around 320 km/h and set a lap time comparable to Formula 2 - on used tyres and without a qualifying simulation. The car also impressed in wet conditions. Numerous videos highlight the enormous performance leap Formula E is set to make.

For the first time in Formula E history, a car from the all-electric championship has completed laps at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza. Last weekend (17–18 October), Porsche conducted a two-day private test at the famous Italian circuit with its new 975 RSE. Monza's long straights and heavy braking zones provided ideal conditions for the manufacturer to assess the performance of its new Gen4 car.

Porsche factory drivers Nico Müller and Pascal Wehrlein were initially in action on Saturday in dry conditions. On Sunday, Pepe Marti from Porsche customer team Cupra Kiro also took to the track. Following overnight rainfall, the second day of testing took place partly on a wet circuit.

Porsche Gen4 reportedly laps Monza in around 1:32

The performance figures that have since emerged are particularly remarkable. According to RacingNews365 and FE Notebook, citing sources close to the test, the Porsche 975 RSE reportedly recorded a lap time in the 1:32 range on the opening day.

The lap was apparently completed on used tyres, before the car's set-up had been fully optimised. A dedicated qualifying simulation on fresh tyres was reportedly not part of the programme. A lap previously completed in the simulator even suggested that a faster time could be achievable.

For comparison, Kush Maini secured pole position in Formula 2 at the 2024 Italian Grand Prix weekend with a time of 1:32.717. If the Porsche's unofficial lap time proves accurate, the Gen4 car would already be operating at a comparable or potentially even faster pace.

However, these figures should be treated with caution. Porsche has not released any official lap times. The numbers come from media reports and do not yet allow for a definitive assessment of the car's performance. Track conditions, weather and tyres also differ between the two championships.

Over 300 km/h: Monza puts aerodynamics and braking to the test

The lap time was not the only figure to attract attention. According to sources close to the test, the Porsche reached speeds of around 320 km/h on Monza's long straights without fully exploiting its potential. Even higher speeds were reportedly possible at the circuit.

The test primarily focused on the new car's aerodynamics and braking performance. Monza is particularly well suited to this kind of development work: Its long high-speed sections are followed by some of the most demanding braking zones in international motorsport.

With Gen4, a significant proportion of the car's deceleration is achieved through energy recuperation. Finding the right balance between regenerative braking, the mechanical braking system and permanent all-wheel drive presents engineers with new challenges.

The new generation of Formula E cars produces up to 600 kW of power, equivalent to approximately 816 hp. In normal race conditions, the maximum permitted power output is 450 kW. The cars also generate significantly more aerodynamic downforce than their predecessors.

Numerous videos recorded by spectators during the two-day test at Monza and shared on social media demonstrate how this substantial increase in performance translates onto the track.

 

 

 

 

 

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Nico Müller impressed by the Ascari chicane

The new Porsche's handling characteristics were apparently particularly impressive through the Variante Ascari. With its rapid changes of direction and subsequent acceleration, the fast sequence of corners proved to be one of the highlights of the test.

Speaking to FE Notebook, Nico Müller expressed his surprise at how well the Gen4 car performed on the unusually high-speed circuit. He was particularly impressed by the combination of heavy braking into Ascari and the subsequent acceleration through the remaining corners. Thanks to the all-wheel-drive system and substantial power output, the car felt extremely quick on corner exit. At the same time, despite moving around on track, it already appeared to generate considerable aerodynamic downforce.

 

 

 

 

 

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Bridgestone Typhoon impresses in wet conditions at Monza

Conditions changed significantly on the second day of testing. Following overnight rainfall, the circuit was wet or damp on Sunday. Among those taking advantage of the conditions was Pepe Marti, who gained experience with the Porsche 975 RSE on Bridgestone's new Typhoon rain tyre.

Developed specifically for heavy rain, the tyre is one of the innovations Bridgestone is introducing to Formula E for the start of the Gen4 era. Until now, the championship has relied on a single all-weather tyre designed for use in both dry and wet conditions.

The initial impressions from Monza appear promising. An observer at the circuit told FE Notebook that the level of grip was exceptionally high. In particular, the combination of permanent all-wheel drive and the new rain tyres reportedly delivered impressive handling characteristics.

The wet-weather running appears to have been among the highlights of the test weekend. There were reportedly no major technical difficulties across the two days.

 

 

 

 

 

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Jake Hughes also present at Porsche test

In addition to the three drivers who took to the track, Jake Hughes was also present at Monza. However, the new Cupra Kiro signing was not expected to drive the car himself. Instead, the Briton reportedly used the opportunity to familiarise himself with the Porsche 975 RSE and meet members of his new team. Cupra Kiro will continue to compete with Porsche machinery in the Gen4 era.

For Porsche, the Monza test represented another important step in the development of its new Formula E car. The next collective Gen4 test is scheduled to take place at Jarama in Spain in November. According to FE Notebook, Porsche intends to skip the previously scheduled test day in Valencia.

Although the unofficial lap times should still be treated with caution, the footage from Monza already offers a striking indication of the performance leap Formula E is set to make next season. On fast, permanent racing circuits in particular, the new generation of cars appears capable of demonstrating its potential far more clearly than its predecessors