Everrati’s Electric Porsche 911 RSR: A Masterclass in Electromod Preservation
For a decade now, the automotive world has been grappling with a transformative question: how do we reconcile the reverence for automotive icons with the undeniable march of electrification? The art of “electromodding” – the conversion of classic internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles into electric powerhouses – has moved from a niche curiosity to a burgeoning sector. Yet, few conversions carry the weight of expectation and potential controversy as those involving the hallowed Porsche 911. It’s a machine deeply ingrained in automotive culture, defined by its distinctive silhouette, a lineage steeped in motorsport success, and a rear-engined character that is both exhilarating and challenging. When you propose swapping its soul-stirring flat-six for silent electric motors and a battery pack, eyebrows are bound to raise.
This is precisely the tightrope that Everrati Automotive Limited, a UK-based firm, has been masterfully navigating. In a relatively short span, they’ve carved out a formidable reputation for creating exquisite EV interpretations of cherished automobiles. But can they truly capture the essence of a Porsche 911, particularly a legendary variant like the RSR, when reimagined for the electric age? The ultimate test: does this electrification truly mimic, and perhaps even enhance, the authentic driving dynamics that make these cars so special?
Recently, I had the privilege of experiencing firsthand one of Everrati’s latest creations: a Porsche 964 generation 911 RSR tribute. The 964, produced between 1988 and 1994, represents the penultimate air-cooled 911, a model held in particularly high esteem by Porsche aficionados. And the RSR? That’s not just any 911; it’s one of Porsche’s most celebrated motorsport derivatives, a purebred racing machine that has cemented its legendary status on tracks worldwide. The stakes, for this particular electric Porsche 911 RSR conversion, are undoubtedly sky-high.
Everrati: Beyond Conversion, Towards Electromod Innovation
While Everrati has only been in operation for a few years, their impact has been significant. Their portfolio showcases a diverse range of meticulously crafted electric vehicles, including Series Land Rovers, Mercedes-Benz SL Pagodas, iconic Ford GT40s, and various iterations of the Porsche 911, all commissioned by discerning clientele. What sets Everrati apart is their pedigree. Their team comprises veterans from the apex of the automotive industry, including former engineers from hypercar manufacturers like Rimac and other high-performance EV pioneers. They don’t view themselves as mere conversion shops; rather, they position themselves as an electric vehicle technology company. In fact, a portion of their business involves bespoke powertrain design for other low-volume EV manufacturers.
Justin Lunny, Everrati’s Founder and CEO, recently shared his vision, highlighting a significant gap in the premium EV market. “There’s a vast open space at the moment in EV,” Lunny explained in a recent interview. “If you’re looking at a Rimac Nevera or a Pininfarina Battista, you’re talking about $2.5 to $3 million. The next price bracket down is realistically the higher end of the Porsche Taycan range, and there’s not much in between. This leaves a substantial opportunity for companies to create true driver’s EVs, and that’s the segment we cater to.”
This philosophy extends directly to Everrati’s own builds. They aim to create vehicles that are not only exhilarating to drive but also remain as faithful to the spirit of their original counterparts as possible. The particular 964 I sampled, known as the Evergreen Commission, was a bespoke build for Steve Rimmer, CEO of Dirtfish Rally School in Washington. This approach, Everrati believes, is not only expanding car enthusiasm but also preserving it for a new generation. “Most of our clients aren’t necessarily traditional car people,” Lunny added. “They possess a profound appreciation for design and technology, desire a beautiful car to drive, and crucially, wish to avoid the specialized maintenance associated with ICE vehicles and, of course, contribute zero tailpipe emissions.”
The profound implication here is that electrification, rather than being a destructive force, can act as a powerful tool for preservation. It allows beloved classic cars to continue to exist, and importantly, it can solidify and even broaden their appeal for generations to come, ensuring their legacy endures. This is particularly relevant for sought-after models like a gas-free Porsche 911.
The Art of the Build: Precision Engineering Meets Iconic Design
The resulting creations from Everrati are, quite simply, breathtaking. Each 964 build commences with a carefully selected donor car, typically a narrow-body Carrera model. Interestingly, if the donor possesses a Tiptronic automatic transmission – a gearbox often considered less desirable by later air-cooled 911 collectors who typically favor manual transmissions – it’s even better. For an EV conversion project, utilizing a car that might otherwise be overlooked by purists for its transmission presents an ideal opportunity.
The bodywork begins at the Aria Group in Irvine, California, a renowned facility that has previously collaborated with Singer, another prominent name in the 911 reimagination sphere. Panels are expertly replaced with lighter carbon fiber alternatives, the body is meticulously painted, and panel gaps are brought to absolute perfection. From there, the car is shipped to Everrati for the extensive remaining assembly.
At the heart of this gas-free Porsche 911 conversion is a 64 kWh battery pack, sourced from CALB. Strategically, approximately 70% of this energy storage is positioned behind the passenger compartment, while the remaining 30% occupies the space once filled by the original fuel tank. This ingenious packaging contributes to a balanced weight distribution. Everrati estimates a range of around 200 miles on a full charge for the 964, a figure that is certainly respectable for a high-performance electric conversion. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a refurbished Tesla electric motor, channeled through a limited-slip differential. The rolling stock consists of aftermarket wheels and tires, complemented by Tractive adaptive dampers, ensuring a sophisticated and dynamic ride. Crucially, the vehicle is meticulously corner-balanced to achieve optimal handling characteristics.
The culmination of this intricate process is a masterfully crafted work of art, inspired by the aggressive aesthetic of the RSR. It fits seamlessly within the pantheon of high-end 911 reimaginings. Pricing for these electrified classic Porsches starts in the vicinity of $500,000, with Everrati offering extensive customization options for interior materials and finishes. The Evergreen Commission I experienced was nothing short of spectacular, featuring a sumptuous tan leather interior contrasted with handsome dark grey Alcantara, exuding an air of impeccable craftsmanship.
Everrati’s integration of modern switchgear and touchscreen interfaces is exceptionally well-executed, achieving a harmonious blend of classic Porsche aesthetics with contemporary controls for drive modes, system monitoring, and more. The placement of the charging ports is a thoughtful detail: a Level 2 (up to 6.6 kW) port is discreetly located where the fuel filler cap once resided, while a Level 3 (up to 70 kW) DC fast charging port is housed under the front hood. For the true Porsche enthusiast, the detail of the coolant reservoir cap being positioned where the oil tank cap used to be is a particularly satisfying touch.
The Drive: Unlocking the Soul of an Electric Icon
Modern engineering has advanced to a point where electrifying virtually any chassis can be achieved seamlessly and thoughtfully, as demonstrated by vehicles like Icon’s electric Bronco. However, faithfully recreating the driving essence of an original icon, especially one as nuanced as an old 911, demands an extraordinary level of engineering prowess.
I am delighted to report that Everrati’s creation drives with an uncanny sense of authenticity, offering a driving experience as close to the original formula as is possible without the presence of internal combustion. The signature character of the rear-engined Porsche 911 was immediately apparent during my brief test drive along California’s scenic Pacific Coast Highway. The perceptible weight bias over the rear axle was palpable, particularly as the chassis gracefully navigated the road’s imperfections. The front end felt light yet remarkably planted, the steering possessed excellent weighting and communication, and the steering response was textbook rear-engine Porsche. To preserve this crucial element of the 911 experience, Everrati retains the original 964 hydraulic steering rack, powered by an electric pump.
One might presume that the addition of a battery pack would lead to a prohibitive increase in curb weight. However, this is emphatically not the case here. Lunny disclosed that this particular electrified RSR tips the scales at a mere 3,220 pounds. For context, and for those who, like myself, perhaps obsess over air-cooled 911 specifications, this figure is approximately 40 pounds lighter than a standard 964-generation Turbo model.
A firm push on the floor-mounted accelerator pedal left no doubt that we were being propelled by electric force. The Everrati Porsche 964 RSR delivers brisk acceleration, with approximately 500 horsepower on tap. This isn’t merely brute force; it’s a characterful surge of power. It’s evident that Everrati’s engineers dedicated significant effort to perfecting the throttle mapping and motor tuning. The power delivery is commendably progressive, avoiding the abruptness of some electric powertrains, and eschewing the lag associated with traditional turbochargers. While some Porsche purists might balk at the comparison, this electric iteration offers an advantage over an original 964 Turbo in terms of immediate throttle response.
Given that the Everrati 911 is rear-wheel drive, the brand paid particularly close attention to the integration of regenerative braking. Insufficient regeneration, or its complete absence, can detract from the driving experience, as a sports car driver typically doesn’t want to feel like they’re perpetually coasting in neutral when lifting off the throttle. Conversely, excessive regeneration can become a significant hazard, as it places an unnatural burden on the rear wheels for deceleration, deviating from the expected handling balance. Again, Everrati has achieved a masterful balance. Lifting off the accelerator felt akin to coasting in fourth gear at 40 mph – providing a subtle sense of deceleration with character, without negatively impacting the car’s weight distribution.
As the car rocketed out of corners onto clear stretches of road, the rear end felt reassuringly planted, pushing us forward with confidence and an absence of unpredictable drama. I was also pleased to learn from Lunny that, with the traction control dialed down, the car will readily and gleefully indulge in spirited oversteer – a testament to the extensive testing conducted at Everrati’s facility, located on a former military airbase in the UK.
Electrification as a Force for Preservation and Innovation
In its totality – from its undeniably gorgeous and iconic exterior to its opulent interior and, above all, its exceptional driving dynamics – Everrati has achieved something truly remarkable with this 964 Porsche 911 RSR commission. It represents a significant step forward in the restomod electric car landscape.
Naturally, this endeavor will elicit varied reactions from enthusiasts. The automotive world is often divided; some argue the 911 should never have adopted liquid cooling, while others question the authenticity of models like the 944 and 928. (And don’t even get them started on the Taycan.)
While it’s impossible to please everyone, those who approach this electric 911 RSR conversion with an open mind are unlikely to be disappointed. “Of course, you encounter individuals who may not appreciate what we’re doing,” Lunny acknowledged. “But once people drive these cars, they genuinely enjoy them. I believe it’s a case where, with sufficient open-mindedness, people realize we are not aiming to compromise these classics, but rather to preserve them for future generations.”
This sentiment extends far beyond high-end, low-volume commissions. It applies to any serious attempt at creating enthusiast-focused EVs, whether they be ultra-luxury or mass-produced. We now possess the technological capability to imbue electric vehicles with character, faithfully replicate the handling dynamics of legacy models, engineer genuinely engaging driving experiences, and ultimately, broaden their appeal across a wider demographic.
Looking towards the more mainstream segment of the automotive market, if manufacturers like Porsche itself are as rigorously dedicated to refining the driving experience of their future electric offerings, such as the upcoming 983-generation Boxster and Cayman, as Everrati has demonstrated with its 911 commissions, then it represents a significant victory for the future of sports car ownership.
Ready to explore the future of iconic automotive performance? Discover how Everrati is redefining automotive heritage with their exceptional electric vehicle conversions. Contact us today to learn more about the possibilities and to begin your journey towards owning a piece of electrified automotive history.
