Motor Mouth: Will Porsche’s Taycan challenge Tesla’s EV hegemony?

It just debuted two days ago, but Porsche has already taken some 30,000 deposits for its new Taycan. Not exactly Tesla numbers, but impressive nonetheless. Closer to home, more than 1,000 Canadians have plunked down $2,500 hoping to secure one of the first electrified Porsche four-doors to hit the street. Again, neither number rivals the multitudes that offered up deposits on Teslas Model 3, but Taycan does play in an entirely different snack bracket.A more appropriate context, then, might be to note that said deposits are roughly equal to the number of 911s that Porsche Canada sells in its best of years. In other words, September 4s worldwide launch of the Taycan was a very good day at the office for Porsche Canadas president and CEO, Marc Ouayoun.Now, never mind that a few of those chomping at the bit may well be put off by the Taycans price the base Turbo starts at $173,900 and the Turbo S is a wallet-stretching $213,900. If that means Porsche has finally brought profitability to the electric vehicle segment, so much the better.More important is that the company is depending on the Taycan to be successful, Detlev von Platen, Porsches executive board member for sales and marketing, telling the launch event attendees the company will be investing over US$6 billion in battery power over the next few years and expects more than 50 per cent of the companys cars to be electrified within the next decade. In other words, Porsche needs the Taycan to be successful.And more important than that is that the automotive industry needs the Taycan to be successful. So far, the electric vehicle segment has been all Tesla, the Silicon Valley upstart the only truly successful purveyor of battery power. Yes, I know Nissans Leaf remains the best-selling EV of all time, but, while semi-plentiful, its actually selling well below barely 10 per cent of initial projections what was predicted when it was introduced ten years ago.What the Tesla faithful don’t realize is their devotion is counter-productive to the propagation of EVsTesla, meanwhile, has become the poster child for planet-friendly motoring, Elon Musks decision whether it was brilliant insight or bulls%^t luck really doesnt matter to focus on the luxury segment proving to be providential. Whither goes Tesla, it now seems, goes the entire electric vehicle industry.The problem is that Mr. Musks influence and the cult-like devotion it has engendered is not good for anyone except Tesla shareholders.Whether youre a fan of long-range plug-ins or prefer fuel cells, it is not so much that Tesla is winning, but that Mr. Musk so dominates the conversation surrounding EVs that it stifles discussion into what a truly multi-platform zero-emissions future might look like.Now, to be certain, the company and man for they are one and the same deserve all the accolades they have received for a) creating the luxury EV segment where none existed and b) legitimizing the concept of the battery-powered car in the eyes of a formerly skeptical audience. For that, Mr. Musk will undoubtedly be lauded in history books as the founder of a movement.Um @Porsche, this word Turbo does not mean what you think it does Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 5, 2019The problem is that said worship has gone too far, creating disciples for whom any dissent, any mention of competitive brands is seen as traitorous. In my 35 years in this biz, I have see nothing not the Ford-versus-Chevy wars, not Jeep Wrangler aficionados, not even one-per-centers devoted to their Hogs to match the cult-like allegiance Tesla enjoys amongst its minions.Unfortunately, that deference is stifling competition. Despite the deception that traditional automakers are dragging their heels on electrification, nothing could be further from the truth. The problem they all face is that, any time they introduce a (costly-to-develop) EV, they are met with the mildest of mehs.Initially, they were decried as too ugly (Chevys Bolt), too slow (the Kia Soul) or lacking in panache (pretty much everyone). But, then Jaguar came out with the I-Pace, offering both pedigree and panache. Yet they too were greeted with another giant yawn. Too slow, said the disciples, ignoring the fact theres more to a sporty automobile than Ludicrous acceleration. So I-Pace sales have crashed. Audis e-tron? Better, but hardly all-conquering, especially considering that the Model X with which it competes is the weakest model in Teslas lineup.And thats why the Taycan is so important. It meets every single objection even the most devoted of Teslarati could dream up. Brand image? None is stronger than Porsches. Build quality? Ditto. Beauty? The Taycan is the four-door 911 that Porsche always promised the Panamera would be. Ludicrously fast? My Lord, yes. Toss in handling that is all but a match for the best of supercars and you have a car that is markedly superior to the Tesla Model S it ostensibly competes with.Oh, the haters will no doubt point to its price
Origin: Motor Mouth: Will Porsche’s Taycan challenge Tesla’s EV hegemony?

Porsche’s US$3,100-a-month subscription service is coming to Canada

2019 Porsche Cayenne SNick Tragianis / Driving Porsche is expanding its app-based subscription service to four new cities in the U.S. and Canada, deepening its experiment in flexible car ownership even as other automakers back away.The luxury sports-car brand of Volkswagen is adding Las Vegas, San Diego, Phoenix and Toronto to the pilot program it started in Atlanta almost two years ago.The price of its two-tiered monthly subscription service, Porsche Passport, will cost US$3,100 a month in the States; and $3,200 a month in Canada.In Canada, the first tier will let users swap between Porsches 718, Macan and Cayenne models and their variants; while the higher $4,200-per-month Accelerate level opens up the chance to drive its 911 and Panamera cars as well.Automakers are dangling subscriptions to try to reach younger consumers accustomed to streaming movies on Netflix or summoning rides from Uber, with mixed results. While Porsche and Mercedes-Benz are expanding their tests, General Motors pulled the plug on its Cadillac BOOK subscription service in December; and Volvo Cars is battling California car dealers over its Care by Volvo program, which combines lease, insurance and maintenance into one monthly payment.Its not fundamentally a cheaper way of consuming your mobility, said Mark Wakefield, head of the automotive practice at consultancy AlixPartners. There has to be enough people that want to pay for the convenience factor.Most subscription services cost more than a comparable three-year lease, which limits their growth potential, according to a study that car-shopping researcher Edmunds released last year.That may not be a problem for a company like Porsche. The US$2,100 tier of Porsche Passport is 20 per cent more expensive than leasing a Porsche for three years, the automaker said. Still, 180 people subscribed over the course of two years, 80 per cent of whom had never owned one before. Typical users were in their mid-40s, eight years younger than the average Porsche owner.The question is not a bookkeeping exercise or accounting; the question is how much are you willing to pay for that much freedom? said Klaus Zellmer, head of Porsche Cars North America.Monthly subscribers can drive as many as 20 different model variants, have vehicles delivered to them, and only pay for gas, after a US$595 one-time activation fee. Insurance and maintenance are included. Porsche chose the four additional cities based on their support of the brand and the companys expectation of
Origin: Porsche’s US$3,100-a-month subscription service is coming to Canada

Porsche’s new Macan Turbo boasts smaller engine with more power

The 2020 Porsche Macan TurboPorsche If the current Porsche Macan Turbo isnt sufficiently turning your crank, dont give up on it just yet.The upcoming 2020 Macan Turbo will give you almost 10 per cent more power than the 2019 edition, and out of a smaller engine at that.The current Macan Turbo carries a 3.6-litre twin-turbo V6 that makes 400 horsepower.For 2020, Porsche drops in a new 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6, borrowed from the Cayenne and Panamera, that produces 434 horsepower. Torque remains the same at 406 lb.-ft., but while it kicks in a little later, it stays around longer, with maximum torque at 1,800 to 5,600 rpm. The 2020 Porsche Macan Turbo Porsche The top speed is now slightly higher at 270 km/h, and if you order the Sport Chrono Package, youll get from zero to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds.Getting it back down will also be quick, as the reworked chassis includes standard tungsten carbide-coated brakes. The transmission is a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch unit, and all-wheel drive is standard. Turbo-specific styling cues include the front fascia and double-wing fixed roof spoiler; inside, the facelifted interior comes with adaptive 18-way sports seats and a surround-sound stereo system. The GT sports steering wheel from the 911 is available as an option.Of course, you never get something for nothing, and while the current Macan Turbo starts at $87,200, this quicker 2020 version will begin at $94,200. It goes on sale at the end of
Origin: Porsche’s new Macan Turbo boasts smaller engine with more power

Porsche’s new Taycan EV will beat Tesla to a full vegan interior

Porsche could beat Tesla to a fully vegan vehicle cockpit by implementing an animal-products-free interior in its new Taycan EV.The German automaker revealed the much-anticipated sedans cabin late August, ahead of a full reveal September 4, and explained thered be two interior options available for the car, a natural olive-leaf-tanned Club Leather; as well as a fully leather-free vegan option with Race-Tex microfiber, made out of recycled polyester.Now, that fully vegan part does come with an asterisk, because there are still other parts of the vehicle that use animal by-products, such as the tires and various fluids and adhesives. Still, its a step in the right direction.Besides the materials announcement, the reveal showed off the Taycans classic five-gauge instrument cluster, which reminds us of vintage 911s except, yknow, now theyre completely digital and can be configured into different layouts. To the right of the floating glass pod is the 10.9-inch infotainment screen, and a touchscreen for the passenger. The centre console also has screens for a battery level gauge, handwriting inputs and climate controls. Apparently, the system is so powerful it can show a map on every screen without lagging. The screens can also all be turned off for a driver-focused cockpit.Teslas interior is almost fully vegan, with the steering wheel being the only piece that still puts real cow to use. Elon Musk has said the only reason Tesla steering wheels havent been wrapped in synthetic material yet is because its been difficult to find something durable enough that can handle a heating element, but synthetic will be happening
Origin: Porsche’s new Taycan EV will beat Tesla to a full vegan interior

Autocar confidential: Porsche’s colour conundrum, Renault hatches a plan and more

In this week’s round-up of automotive news bites, we hear why Volkswagen’s CEO thinks EVs are the only way, how Porsche created the 911’s interior colour combinations, and more. Renault’s hatch, back? Renault will not quit the small car segment, unlike some brands, according to its Europe boss Jean-Christophe Kugler. “I’ve been asking my team to investigate deeply this segment” he said. “Let’s look at it and understand what is the evolution in the main cities.” Kugler also claimed car sharing could make the Twingo – now dropped from the UK – more viable. Porsche’s colourful combos One of the biggest challenges in developing the new Porsche 911 was making sure that all the interior trim colours matched, according to the firm’s quality control boss, Frank Moser. He noted the 11 interior colours offered on the new 911 had to work with 16 equipment levels and across 300 visible parts featuring 51 different materials, produced by 76 different suppliers. Ssangyong predicts a taxing period for manufacturers The growing uptake of EVs is going to have major effects on the rest of the UK car industry when it comes to taxation, according to Ssangyong’s UK MD, Nick Laird. “Manufacturers invested big in diesel technology for 20 years because that’s what all the signals the governments were giving. The government needs to find that (missing fuel duty) from somewhere.” Is hydrogen a load of hot air? “There’s no alternative to electricity to cut emissions and make mobility CO2-free,” VW Group chairman Herbert Diess said, despite Audi recently restarting its hydrogen powertrain research. The group’s vehicles are responsible for 1% of all transport-related emissions worldwide and it is committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
Origin: Autocar confidential: Porsche’s colour conundrum, Renault hatches a plan and more

Porsche’s Taycan EV on track to zoom past 911 sales

The Porsche Mission E, the concept that previewed the companys upcoming Taycan EVHandout / Porsche Porsches iconic 911 sports car, which shaped the German brands elite image for decades, may soon get eclipsed by the Taycan EV.Months before its official unveiling in September, Porsche has already amassed deposits for nearly 30,000 Taycans, and the early haul supports plans to lift annual production of the brands first all-electric model to 40,000 vehicles, Evercore ISI analyst Arndt Ellinghorst said Monday in a note.With Porsche delivering 35,600 911s last year, the Taycan to be priced at roughly US$90,000 could zoom past the conventional two-door to define the brand for the next generation.Success of the Taycan is critical for parent company Volkswagen to boost the appeal of electric cars as it prepares for a rollout of battery-powered vehicles for the masses. The Taycans arrival could also pose a fresh challenge to Teslas Model S, a key vehicle for Elon Musks push to make the U.S. electric-car leader profitable.Customers can register as a prospective Taycan buyer by placing a 2,500-euro deposit, which gets deducted from the final purchase price. To help drive uptake, Porsche is installing fast chargers at dealerships in the U.S. and Europe that will load the Taycans battery with enough power to drive as far as 100 kilometers (62 miles) in four minutes. The cars total range on a single charge stands at 500 kilometers.Porsche set an initial production target of 20,000 vehicles per year, based on a two-shift system, but that can be expanded if needed, production chief Albrecht Reimold told reporters last year.The company has been rapidly building up capacity in recent months. For the 1,500 new hires needed to produce the Taycan, Porsche said Monday that it has recruited nearly 1,000 so far after receiving some 32,000 applications. The training process for the electric-car assembly lasts as long as six
Origin: Porsche’s Taycan EV on track to zoom past 911 sales

Porsche’s augmented-reality app lets you put a custom 911 in your living room

Ever wondered what a brand-new customized Porsche 911 Carrera S in racing yellow would look like in your living room? Of course you have. We all have. What about in your bedroom? Now, Porsche is giving daydreamers the chance to glimpse what their ideal car would look like in their home without having to fork out over $100,000 for the car and $120,000 for the renovations to the new kitchen/garage. The Porsche AR Visualizer app uses augmented reality to add another dimension to its existing online vehicle customization tool by setting your custom car in your home and allowing you to see under its skin in X-ray mode. With our new app, the configuration of a Porsche will be even more of a digital experience, said Oliver Hoffmann, Director Marketing Communications at Porsche, in a press release. Now, before making the purchase decision, everyone can virtually park their dream Porsche in their own driveway, marvel at it in their own living room, or show a photo-realistic version to their friends. First users build their dream car – selecting colour, wheel style and more – in Porsche’s online configurator, and then upload it to the AR app using a code. Once their custom build is in, they can see a “photorealistic representation” of it in basically any location. And the Internet being what it is, we can’t see people limiting that to the driveway. The X-ray mode provides a look at some of the technical specifications, and there’s even a driving mode that lets users cruise the vehicle around the environment, lower the spoiler or make some noise with the engine. The app currently supports new models of Porsche 911 Carrera S, Carrera 4S and the Mission E concept, but Porsche plans to introduce the rest of its models by the end of the year.
Origin: Porsche’s augmented-reality app lets you put a custom 911 in your living room