This probably says more about me than anything else but I dont think I've ever built a prototype of anything thats outperformed a production model product.
Agreed. I'm probably being a bit too picky about the language. I'd have a different response if this was "an electric car inspired by 1940's racers" [0], but was very disappointing when I thought I was reading about a "race car prototype".
[0] I think it looks awesome, and they certainly did a great job with the aesthetics.
I think a prototype should outperform production cars in at least one stat. Else what's the point ?
Research and development
Scoping the problem, and looking for non-obvious traps that might sink the project.