Few automotive tribes are as cultured as air-cooled Porsche fanatics. His emotional attachment to the analog characteristics of the 911 – the distinctive sound of the six-valve engine, the clear oil notes, the unusually light and precise steering – is a matter of obsession. So it’s a big controversy that Everett Automotive has decided to not only remove these engines and change these codes, but to fundamentally redefine them through electrification.
The British company is no stranger to sacred cows, offering a number of unique cars including Everetti classic Land Rovers, Mercedes-Benz models and vintage Aston Martins and Jaguars. But the example I tested in Southern California, a 964-generation 911 (the series ran from 1988 to 1994) finished in Miami Blue, is the first Everett built outside the UK by Aria Group in Irvine, California. During construction, the Everati team was to oversee the installation of the electric vehicle’s powertrain, with Aria employees handling the carbon fiber chassis and bodywork.
Apart from some body parts, a unique rear spoiler and the absence of exhaust pipes, the electric reimagined 911 looks almost identical to its six-cylinder counterpart. Inside, some obvious clues point to an electronically intensive power source: an Everett-branded power meter in place of a traditional tachometer, discreetly integrated EV-related gauges, a dash-mounted power button and a one-time Circuit Breaker. The transmission has been replaced by the traditional Porsche leather-wrapped shift lever. he looks
Ordering an electric Porsche 911 comes with a certain element of irony, especially when this custom build costs more than $330,000. Google Nest founder Matt Rogers, fully immersed in a world that many consider sacred, does not hesitate to make commitments, with the goal of achieving zero tailpipe emissions.
However, even though Tesla’s 53 kWh battery pack and engine are inherently foreign to the Porsche platform, Everett is taking engineering efforts to ensure that this 500 hp electric car will deliver the best performance. Will retain some basic similarities with its donor car. This meant creating a 40/60 weight distribution to emulate the 911’s rear balance (front fuel tank filled). The Everetti’s overall weight is 40 pounds less than its gas-powered counterpart, while the Delta can weigh up to 70 pounds in different specifications. For example, Rogers decided to remove the carbon fiber roof and replace it with a steel roof to install a sunroof, which added mass to the top of the car. This example also featured some subtle aesthetic choices that would anger Porsche conservatism, such as the removal of gutters in favor of a flowing roof (the gutters were replaced with the introduction of the 996 series in 1997).
The doors of the Everetti close with a pleasant sound, similar to the gasoline counterpart. By turning the left switch and pressing button 964, it is ready for use. Almost everything feels different here: Click the shifter into position, and the floor-mounted throttle flexes your ankle into a smooth, free forward shifter motion with a high-pitched, almost dog-whistle-like sound. Changes it. There is no musical accompaniment in internal combustion. Although the acceleration feels fast, it doesn’t feel like 500 horsepower. And the car doesn’t seem to accelerate to 60 mph in 3.68 seconds. However, this is due to the fact that I didn’t know there was a small switch that activates Sport mode, which unleashes the full power of the car (I’ll find out later). Your pace will change.
Steering response feels heavier than that of an air-cooled 911, but Everati CEO Justin Looney says this particular example was calibrated according to Rogers’ preferences. Interestingly, Looney says that Britain’s strict manufacturing regulations require the car to be registered in a different category if the steering gear has been fundamentally modified. It’s a good thing these changes weren’t made, because the standard 911’s hydraulic steering is fundamentally excellent. While future Everett American projects may feature electric power steering, this particular example stuck to the original setup.
The suspension feels firm and controlled. While the Tractive’s small touchscreen adjusts to shocks quickly, I didn’t notice much difference between the settings. Changes of direction are instant and the wide Michelin tires provide reliable grip. Everaty says his 964 restomod should provide about 200 miles of range on a full charge, depending on driving style.
For those who are particularly attracted to the sound, smell and feel of the old-school 911, such a high price for the classic air-cooled version of the model begs the question: is the electrified 911 equal to its petrol engine counterpart? Burn the donor car? no way; Although these new versions of the 911 may look similar and offer similar ergonomics to the original, the powertrain differences are significant. If I could get the full 500 hp, I think the extra speed would give this car a more modern feel. For now, Everett’s take on the 911 makes it an interesting and stylish cruiser, but it’s unlikely to be considered the same all-rounder as an “off-the-shelf” 911. It is a good thing; After all, these are custom designs that often end up as part of larger car collections and are unlikely to become everyday transportation solutions.
Future Everett 911 projects promise more exoticism in the form of a lightweight RSR version and engine options from Helix, the same supplier that supplies powerplants to the Aston Martin Valkyrie and Volkswagen’s ID R racing concept, built to destroy Was the first car. The eight-minute mark in the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb Competition.
While the electric 911 won’t feel like a gas-powered car, that’s probably the point – which is why Porsche says its most popular model will also be the last to be electrified. For most people, the rattle, rattle 911 is the only 911. But for customers looking for a different, quieter, cleaner way to hang out, Efrati Porsche offers a viable, if unconventional, way to stay in the club.
