Michael Steiner on the future of Porsche sportscars
As Member of the Executive Board, Research and Development, Michael Steiner is responsible for series production and Porsche Motorsport’s racing projects. In episode seven of the “Inside E” podcast, Steiner speaks about changes in the automotive industry, the future of the sportscar manufacturer, and technical innovations ranging from motor racing to production development.
Entering the fully-electric ABB FIA Formula E Championship with the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team has high priority and promises to produce synergies between motorsport and future production developments, as Steiner explains in the podcast.
“We see the transformation in the automotive industry as an opportunity. Together with our employees, we are constantly driving this shift, with the clear goal being to link the traditional values of Porsche with the technology of tomorrow,” said Steiner. The first step into the electric future was taken back in 2015, with the “Mission E” project. The manufacturer then definitively heralded a new era with the launch of its first fully-electric sports car, the Porsche Taycan, in September 2019. “With electric cars, it not only comes down to the range of the cars, but also primarily the existing charging infrastructure,” Steiner explained. “For this reason, we are investing in E-mobility, both in our development and in an extensive rapid charging network.”
Motorsport has always been the driving force behind series production at Porsche – and that remains the case in Formula E. “The experience gained in the LMP1 project had a significant influence on the development of the Porsche Taycan. We expect similar synergies from the Formula E project, as well as inspiration for future sportscars,” said Steiner. The sporting aspirations are high, especially as the history of Porsche is shaped by countless motorsport successes. Steiner is happy with the rookie season so far. Second place in race one and a pole position have left the team confident of more success – both on and off the racetrack.
Info
The Porsche Formula E podcast is available in English and can be downloaded now in the Porsche Newsroom. “Inside E” is also available on other platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.
“Inside E” episode 7: interview with Michael Steiner
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Previous episodes
“Inside E” episode 6: interview with Richard Pardon
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“Inside E” episode 5: interview with Pascal Zurlinden and Carlo Wiggers
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“Inside E” episode 4: interview with Pascal Zurlinden
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“Inside E” episode 3: interview with Amiel Lindesay
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“Inside E” episode 2: interview with André Lotterer
The Hyderabad E-Prix in India on Saturday marks the 100th Formula E race for António Félix da Costa. In an interview, the Porsche works driver from Portugal talks about his series debut in Malaysia in 2014, his most memorable victories and the rapid development and bright future of the world’s first electric racing series.
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is gathering momentum: With the Hyderabad E-Prix on 11 February, the innovative electric racing series celebrates its maiden outing in India. After a successful start to the season with two victories in Diriyah, the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team heads to this premiere feeling very confident.
Porsche has celebrated an outstanding weekend in Formula E: after his victory on Friday Pascal Wehrlein (GER) won the second night race at the Diriyah E-Prix, at the wheel of the new Porsche 99X Electric Gen3. Thanks to this double victory in Saudi Arabia, he takes the lead in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
Porsche has made a strong start to the Formula E season: At the Mexico City E-Prix, the new Porsche 99X Electric Gen3 achieved a brilliant one-two result. Porsche customer squad Avalanche Andretti won the opening round of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in Mexico City with driver Jake Dennis (GBR). For the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, works driver Pascal Wehrlein (GER) took second.
