Spy shot: Camouflaged prototype of the new 2021 Porsche ebike with the Shimano EP8 motor
Porsche invited us to an exclusive event with bike legend Karl Platt and Le Mans winner Jörg Bergmeister. At the same time, we also caught a glimpse of Porsche’s prototype 2021 ebike. We have the exclusive first photos and information for you!
The nebulous mist clears as we meet up with 5-time Cape Epic winner Karl Platt and Porsche Ambassador and racing driver Jörg Bergmeister in the Pfalz to write a story on the two friends, who each share the other’s profession as a hobby. Of course, we also went out for a ride with both of them!
We had previously heard rumours of a Porsche ebike for 2021 but didn’t expect to catch a glimpse of it here. Surprisingly, the Porsche PR team brought a prototype with them to show us. There aren’t yet any official specs or prices but we found out more about the concept. The new urban Porsche ebike is designed to bring the style and prestige of a Porsche to the city streets – especially after you’ve parked up your sports car. Porsche are aware of the fact that inner cities will become ever more strongly restricted in the future, making alternative modes of transport even more important. Bikes are unbeatable as inner-city transportation and offer an important addition to other options on offer. The new Porsche ebike is to be officially launched, together with a new car, for 2021.
While the design of Porsche’s new carbon ebike is difficult to discern beneath its camouflage, various technical details can still be picked out. The full suspension Porsche ebike comes equipped with the new Shimano EP8 motor, which delivers up to 85 Nm torque and thanks to its magnesium housing and redesigned gearbox, is markedly lighter and more compact than its predecessor. The assistance modes of the new Shimano motor can be tuned via its app to suit your preferences. You can find all the information about it in the big special on the new Shimano motor of our sister magazine E-MOUNTAINBIKE. Unfortunately, we don’t yet have any information as to the battery capacity or whether an original Shimano battery is in use here. The motor is controlled by an E7000 remote and another on the other side of the bars is used to control the shifting. The resulting symmetry of the clean cockpit, which has integrated cables and is fitted with MAGURA brakes, is a true treat for the eyes. The cockpit is finished off with a centrally positioned Supernova M99 headlight with a high beam function. Up front, an
Up front, an upside-down MAGURA fork is a real eye-catcher. Additional comfort is offered by the rear suspension, controlled by an as of yet unidentifiable shock. The low-profile tread of the Continental Speed King tires emphasises that the new Porsche ebike is intended for everyday urban use. We don’t yet know whether the production model will be fitted with the same equipment. One thing’s for sure though: with the aero-profile of the seat post, the final version won’t come equipped with a dropper post.
Our first impression on the new Porsche bike
The design of the new 2021 Porsche bike isn’t yet easy to discern beneath its camouflage, but the proportions and clean cockpit indicate significant thought has gone into the bike, making us keen for more. We’re excited for the official presentation of the Porsche ebike and will keep you updated. While we’ll presumably have to wait until 2021 to find out more information, we have some good news for you: our story with bike pro Karl Platt and Le Mans winner Jörg Bergmeister will be here much earlier. Read the next app issue of E-MOUNTAINBIKE, due in October 2020, with interesting insights and lots of inspiration in tow!
Words: Jonas Müssig & Robin Schmitt Photos: Robin Schmitt
