The Gas-Free 911: Everrati’s Electrifying Porsche 964 RSR Masterpiece Redefines Iconic Driving
For a decade now, the automotive world has witnessed a burgeoning trend: the electrification of classic, coveted vehicles. It’s a mission that seeks to harmonize the soul of yesterday with the technology of tomorrow. But as these meticulously crafted machines emerge from specialized workshops, a single, profound question often hangs in the air: is it sacrilege, or salvation? This is particularly true when considering vehicles that have ascended to icon status, cars whose fundamental character has been shaped over generations. When you take an automotive legend like the air-cooled Porsche 911 – a machine revered for its breathtaking design, storied motorsport lineage, inimitable rear-engine dynamics, and the visceral personality of its flat-six engine – and replace that powerplant with batteries and an electric motor, it’s bound to provoke strong opinions.
The question then becomes: can modern EV technology not only replicate but even enhance the authentic driving spirit of these legendary machines? UK-based Everrati Automotive Limited has rapidly established itself as a leader in this niche, producing stunningly realized electric conversions of iconic automobiles. When it comes to the hallowed Porsche 911, can they truly achieve a perfect fusion, a compelling blend of old-world charm and cutting-edge electric performance?
Recently, I had the distinct privilege of experiencing firsthand one of Everrati’s latest creations: a breathtaking 964-generation (1988-1994) Porsche 911 RSR tribute. The 964, the second-to-last iteration of the air-cooled 911, holds a particularly esteemed position among Porsche purists, often considered one of the most desirable models ever produced. Add to this its RSR motorsport pedigree, and the stakes for Everrati’s conversion are undeniably high. This isn’t just about converting a car; it’s about reimagining an icon for a new era, a task fraught with the potential for both acclaim and controversy.
Everrati: More Than a Conversion Shop, an EV Technology Innovator
While Everrati Automotive is a relatively young company, its impact has been significant. Their portfolio already boasts an impressive array of commissions, including Series Land Rovers, Mercedes-Benz SL Pagodas, Ford GT40s, and a diverse range of Porsche 911 variants, all built to exacting standards for a discerning clientele. What sets Everrati apart is the caliber of its team, comprised of automotive industry veterans from elite organizations like Rimac and other high-performance electric vehicle manufacturers. They don’t merely see themselves as a conversion house; Everrati positions itself as an EV technology company, even extending its powertrain design expertise to other low-volume EV manufacturers.
As Everrati’s Founder and CEO, Justin Lunny, recently shared with me in an interview, “There’s a wide-open space at the moment in EV. If you’re going to buy a Rimac Nevera or Pininfarina Battista, you’re talking 2.5 to 3 million dollars. The next price down is probably the high-end of the Porsche Taycan, realistically, and there’s nothing really in between. So there’s a big space there for companies to create true drivers’ EVs, and those are the kinds of companies that we work with.”
This philosophy permeates Everrati’s own builds. The goal is to create vehicles that are not only exhilarating to drive but also remain as true as possible to the spirit of their original counterparts. The specific 964 I sampled, known as the Evergreen Commission, was commissioned by Steve Rimmer, CEO of Dirtfish Rally School in Washington State. This approach, Everrati believes, is expanding the appreciation for car enthusiasm. “Most of our clients are not necessarily traditional car people,” Lunny explained. “Instead, they have a deep love of design and technology, want something beautiful to drive around in, and don’t want to deal with the specialized upkeep or contributing to tailpipe emissions.”
The overarching message is clear: electrification, when executed with expertise and a deep understanding of automotive heritage, can serve as a powerful tool for car preservation, extending the life of beloved vehicles and simultaneously cultivating and broadening interest in them for generations to come. This electric classic car conversion trend is proving to be a vital force in keeping automotive history alive and relevant.
The Art of the Build: Engineering a Modern Icon
The result of Everrati’s meticulous process is nothing short of art. Each 964 conversion begins with a carefully selected donor car, typically a narrow-body Carrera model. Interestingly, models equipped with the Tiptronic automatic transmission – often viewed as a less desirable option by collectors seeking the purist manual experience – are preferred. This allows for the repurposing of a component that might otherwise be overlooked, making it an ideal candidate for an electric sports car conversion.
The bodywork is initially handled by the Aria Group in Irvine, California, a renowned supplier with a history of collaboration with prominent 911 reimagination specialists like Singer. Lightweight carbon fiber panels replace the original bodywork, ensuring the car maintains a lithe silhouette. After the body is expertly painted and aligned to perfection, it’s transported to Everrati’s facility for the intricate assembly process.
At the heart of this transformation are 64 kWh battery packs sourced from CALB. A significant 70% of this energy storage is strategically positioned behind the passenger compartment, with the remaining 30% housed in the original location of the fuel tank. Everrati estimates a Porsche 911 electric range of approximately 200 miles on a full charge – a commendable figure for a performance-oriented conversion. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a refurbished Tesla motor, mated to a limited-slip differential. To optimize handling and ride quality, the car is fitted with aftermarket wheels and tires, along with Tractive adaptive dampers. The final crucial step involves corner-balancing the chassis to achieve the most dynamic and responsive driving characteristics.
The finished product is a testament to craftsmanship and engineering prowess, an RSR-inspired masterpiece that confidently stands alongside other high-end Porsche 911 EV conversions. Pricing for these bespoke creations starts around $500,000, with extensive customization options available for interior materials and finishes. The Evergreen Commission I experienced was a visual delight, featuring supple tan leather and elegant dark grey Alcantara, exuding an aura of flawless assembly and refined luxury.
Everrati’s integration of modern switchgear and touchscreens is remarkably seamless, masterfully blending classic Porsche aesthetics with intuitive contemporary controls for managing drive modes and monitoring vehicle performance. The placement of the charging ports is a thoughtful touch: a Level 2 plug (up to 6.6 kW) resides where the fuel filler cap once was, while a DC fast charger (up to 70 kW) is discreetly located under the hood. For the detail-oriented Porsche enthusiast, the coolant reservoir cap occupying the former oil tank cap location is a subtle nod to the car’s heritage. This meticulous attention to detail elevates these luxury EV conversions beyond mere transportation.
Driven: The Everrati Porsche 964 RSR – An Authentic Electric Experience
The advancements in EV technology have now reached a point where electrifying virtually any chassis can be executed with remarkable integration and foresight, as evidenced by some of the electric restomod projects I’ve recently driven. However, capturing the genuine essence of a classic car’s driving experience, especially something as nuanced as an old 911, demands a profound level of engineering and tuning.
I am delighted to report that Everrati’s 964 RSR conversion delivers an exceptionally rewarding driving experience, staying remarkably true to the original formula, albeit without the rumble of internal combustion. During my brief test drive along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, California, the signature characteristic of the car’s weight distribution over the rear axle was immediately apparent, particularly as the chassis navigated the road’s contours. The front end felt light yet firmly planted, the steering offered excellent weighting and communication, and the steering response was textbook rear-engine Porsche. Everrati’s commitment to preserving this crucial aspect of the 911 driving dynamic is underscored by their retention of the original 964 hydraulic steering rack, powered by an electric pump.
One might anticipate that integrating an electric powertrain would significantly increase a classic car’s curb weight. However, this is demonstrably not the case with the Everrati 964. Mr. Lunny shared that this particular electrified Porsche 911 tips the scales at just 3,220 pounds. For context, this is approximately 40 pounds lighter than a stock 964 Turbo model, a remarkable feat considering the added weight of the battery pack. This emphasis on lightweight EV conversions is crucial for maintaining dynamic agility.
A firm press of the floor-mounted accelerator pedal leaves no doubt that electric power is propelling you forward. The Everrati 911 exhibits brisk acceleration, boasting around 500 horsepower. Crucially, this power delivery is rich in character. It’s evident that the engineers dedicated significant effort to refining the throttle mapping and motor tuning. The power curve is progressively delivered, rather than an abrupt surge from a standstill. In this regard, it could even be considered an improvement over an original 964 Turbo, as there’s no turbo lag to contend with – a statement I anticipate may cause some Porsche aficionados to sharpen their pitchforks!
As this is a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, Everrati has paid particular attention to the implementation of regenerative braking. Insufficient regeneration can detract from the authentic sports car feel, while excessive regeneration can create an unnatural sensation and potentially compromise the car’s balance. Everrati has struck an exquisite balance: lifting off the accelerator feels akin to coasting in fourth gear at 40 mph – enough to imbue the drive with character without adversely affecting the car’s weight distribution.
Accelerating out of corners onto open stretches of road, the rear end hunkers down and propels the car forward with confidence, devoid of any unexpected drama. I was also pleased to learn from Mr. Lunny that, with traction control disengaged, the car is willing to indulge in controlled oversteer – a fitting characteristic, considering Everrati’s facility in the UK is situated on a former military airbase. This capability highlights the focus on performance EV conversions.
Electrification as Preservation: Securing the Future of Iconic Driving
With its stunning, iconic aesthetics, luxurious interior, and, above all, an exceptional driving experience, Everrati has achieved something truly special with this 964 Porsche 911 RSR commission. While some enthusiasts will undoubtedly embrace and appreciate this endeavor, others may remain unconvinced. The debate surrounding the authenticity of modified classics is ongoing; some argue the 911 should never have been water-cooled, while others question the legitimacy of models like the 944 and 928 as “real” Porsches. (And don’t even get them started on the Taycan.)
You can’t please everyone, but for those with an open mind, the Everrati 964 RSR offers an undeniably compelling experience. “Of course, you get the person that might not respect what you’re doing,” Mr. Lunny acknowledged. “But once people drive it, they actually really enjoy it, and I think it’s one of those things where if people are open-minded enough, they realize that we’re not trying to ruin these things, but rather preserve them for a future generation.” This sentiment resonates across the classic car electrification movement.
In a broader context, this principle applies to all enthusiast EV endeavors, from the high-dollar, low-production segment to mass-market offerings. We now possess the technology to imbue electric vehicles with character, faithfully replicate the handling dynamics of legacy models, make them genuinely enjoyable to drive, and even broaden their appeal to a wider audience.
On the more mass-produced end of the spectrum, if manufacturers like Porsche itself are investing heavily in replicating the driving experience of their gasoline-powered counterparts in upcoming models, such as the eagerly anticipated EV versions of the Boxster and Cayman, then it represents a significant victory for the future of sports car ownership. The successful integration of electric powertrains into these revered machines is not just about innovation; it’s about ensuring that the thrill of driving an iconic car can continue to be experienced by enthusiasts for decades to come.
Ready to explore how modern EV technology can breathe new life into your own classic automotive passion? Discover the possibilities and the expertise that can transform your dream car into an electrifying reality. Contact us today to learn more about bespoke EV conversions and embark on your own journey into the future of iconic driving.
