2020 Porsche Taycan 4SHandout / Porsche LOS ANGELES Forget the Cybertruck, that pyramid-shaped testimony to the Scientology-like cultishness that is Tesla. Put aside even the Mustang Mach-E that was more memorable for Fords choice of appellation rather than technical innovation. Nope, this is the EV news that matters, a car that looks set to challenge the hegemony of everything electric that is Tesla. A car that is not only a fantastic electric vehicle, but more importantly, a good car.Im talking about the 2021 Porsche Taycan.Yes, I know we’ve covered the Taycan before. In the last couple of months, in fact. Rave reviews from both myself and resident EV specialist Andrew McCredie, as I recall. But that was the all-singing, all-dancing and incredibly expensive Turbo and Turbo S, both as apt to bruise your wallet as well as force you to re-evaluate your perception of electric cars.Instead, were talking the entry-level model called and stealing yet another trim designation from the companys 911 the 4S. Ill get in to the specifics in a minute, but the big news, in case you missed it in all the Cybertruck kerfuffle, is that the 4S costs only $119,400. Now, I realize to most of us, $120,000 is big money, more than most of us will ever dream of plunking down on a car. But in Porsche-land, well, thats just simply traditionally Teutonic pricing. Indeed, the parallels between the 911 and the Taycan are coming so clearly into focus now that the model nomenclature calling an electric vehicle Turbo and Turbo S when obviously, there were no turbochargers involved so ridiculed at the cars introduction, is actually starting to make sense. For one thing, the Taycan plainly looks very 911-like. I originally called it the four-door 911 the Panamera was always touted to be. For another, the pricing similarities are remarkable take a quick look at Porsche Canadas website, for instance, and youll find the 911 Turbo S, Turbo, and Carrera 4S cost $217,200, $184,200, and $127,900. Thats remarkably similar both in absolute numbers and spread to the MSRP the company is asking for the similarly monikered Taycan models: $213,900, $173,900 and $119,400, respectively.Thats not the half of it. The 911 Turbo S, with the Sport Chrono package, scoots from rest to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds. The Taycan Turbo S does it in 2.8 seconds. The base 911 Turbo this time without Sports Chrono package does the deed in a tad over three seconds. The Taycan Turbo? Three-point-two. And, likewise, the four-second-flat sprint Porsche claims for the all-electric Taycan 4S is again strikingly similar to the 911 Carrera 4S 4.2 seconds. All, by the way, are also all-wheel-drive in all their guises.That striking similarity remains when one exits the realm of the theoretical, and starts strafing real-world California canyons. The Turbo S is the ludicrous Taycan, all 750 horsepower of overboost silliness. Acceleration from a dead-stop is so gut-wrenching that passengers will complain of, well, gut-wrenching. I know this because, despite years of high-horsepower motoring and not to mention, a few taxi rides in mondo-powered race cars my first ride in a Taycan Turbo S was in the passenger seat, and my stomach spent most of its time doing double back flips.The problem with gut-wrenching acceleration is that said nausea may be entertaining behind the wheel, but its hardly the thing thats going to endear you to family and friends. When former motorcycle racers that would be me are asking you to slow things down a little, you know that youre way past the norm for the heartiest of kidlets in the back seat. Thats why along with the price the 4S would be my Taycan of choice. Four seconds from zero to 100 km/h isnt exactly slow; Ive met very few 911 4S owners who rag on their 911s lack of speed. That comparison even extends to the sensation of speed, the 4S versions of Taycan and 911 feeling remarkably similar in both outright velocity and the way speed builds up.Unlike the Turbo again, both 911 and Taycan that respond to punches of throttle like punches to stomach, the Taycan 4S generates seemingly relentless but well-manageable bursts of speed. One always gets from corner to corner we were playing on Californias Angeles Crest Highway with amazing alacrity, but its never alarming. The Taycan 4S feels like yet another quick German touring sedan, albeit (mostly) silent and emissions-free.The same very much applies to the to-and-fro that is hustling a 2,295-kilogram, 4,963-millimetre-long four-door sedan around California hairpins. Exactly as one would expect from a Porsche though, not this time, exactly like a 911 4S the Taycan 4S unwinds twisty roads with amazing efficiency. Indeed, if theres a reason to switch from Tesla to Porsche, besides far superior build quality and an interior that doesnt look like it was put together with duct tape, its that the Taycan holds a road as well as one expects from a Porsche, electrified or
Origin: First Drive: 2020 Porsche Taycan 4S
Taycan
Porsche Taycan price covers three years of charging in Canada
2020 Porsche Taycan 4SHandout / Porsche Canadian Porsche Taycan customers will be happy to hear that when their super-EV arrives on their doorstep, theyll be getting aside from the blistering speed and the sleek styling three years of charging, already included in the purchase price.Yes, the price tag ($119,400 for the base 4S) will cover 36 months of charging at Volkswagen-owned Electrify Canada public charging stations.Electrify Canada’s highway and metro stations offer 350-kW DC fast-charging as do many Porsche dealers which means the Taycan, which runs on 800-volt tech and uses a combined charging system (CCS) plug to charge at a max 270 kW, can be juiced up from five- to 80-per-cent charge in only 22 minutes and 30 seconds.(Fine print: your complimentary charge runs out after 30 minutes, and while the 32 Electrify Canada stations set to open across the country by 2020 will have an average four charging dispensers, only a minimum one of those will be guaranteed to be a 350-kW charger.)Still, that would be great news if the vehicles range was anywhere close to what Porsche claimed it was. According to new numbers just released by the EPA, it might not be. Porsche claims the Taycan can nail 300 miles (482 kilometres) of driving range with a fully charged battery, and the European WLTP testing standard showed it could indeed net up to 280 miles (450 kilometres) of range in the real world.The U.S.-based EPA tests delivered a bombshell mid-December, however, showing the Taycan could realistically only manage 201 miles (323 kilometres) of range in its tests.To combat the poor rating, Porsche has already hired an independent testing firm to put the Taycan through its electric paces. The numbers that third party delivered were much more favourable 269 miles (433 kilometres) highway, and 283 (455 kilometres) city.Whatever the Taycans real-world numbers end up looking like, range anxiety aint stopping people from wanting to drive it. In Europe, there have already been 30,000 customers whove put down money to get the Taycan in their garage. Some 20,000 Taycans are expected to be delivered to Europeans in 2020.LISTEN: What do you get when you combine a cross-country electric vehicle road trip with a poignant love story? Mary Ann’s Electric Drive, that’s what. In this week’s episode of Plugged In, we chat with Harvey Soicher, a Vancouver man who tragically lost his soul mate 18 months ago but found some semblance of healing by embracing what he calls a ‘pioneer spirit’ to drive his Audi e-tron from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean and back.
Origin: Porsche Taycan price covers three years of charging in Canada
This lower-priced Porsche Taycan is the real Tesla-killer
The Porsche Taycan 4SPorsche Take a good look at the Taycan on these pages. Sexy as the Turbo and Turbo S we showed you last month, isnt it?And, like the Turbo and Turbo S, this new 4S has twin permanent-magnet electric motors on both axles (hence, all-wheel-drive), a fully-touchscreened interior and, as you can plainly see, the sportiest silhouette in the entire electric sedan segment.It is, again like the Turbo and Turbo S that wowed us at their Niagara Falls world unveiling, the electric vehicle writ Porsche.Buy you know what it doesnt have? The one thing it doesnt share with its two siblings, the feature that, in its absence is going to wow potential EVers all the way to Porsche dealerships?The outrageous price tag.While they did indeed wow the world, the Turbo and Turbo S versions of the Taycan also shocked for their price tag. At $173,900 for the base Turbo and a seriously wallet-challenging $213,900 for the Turbo S, the original Taycans put it to Teslas Model S in every way but affordability.Not the new 4S. At $119,400 for the base version, it is not just a bargain by Taycan standards, its almost exactly the same price as a plain old Panamera 4S. Wow! Double wow! The Porsche Taycan 4S Porsche Now, there are some sacrifices. The base cars battery, for instance, is a smaller, single-layer 79.2-kilowatt-hour affair (the Turbos two-deck 93.4-kWh affair, now dubbed Performance Plus, is available as an option).Horsepower is down some, the base car offering 522 horsepower while that Performance Plus option bumps things to 562 hp. But the 4S still has twin electric motors, still drives all four wheels and still scoots to 100 kilometres an hour in 4.0 seconds (slower, of course than the Taycan Turbos 3.2 seconds, but faster than every non-Turbo Panamera in Porsches lineup).Range, according to the European WTLP standard, is 407 kilometres for the base model; 463 km for the Performance Plus. The base cars maximum charging ability is also slightly reduced, with peak charging power at 225 kilowatts; the Performance Plus can take a faster-charging 270 kW. The Porsche Taycan 4S Porsche Technologically, the 4S uses the same 600-amp (rear) and 300-amp (front) inverters as the Turbo Taycan. And, in fact, the innovative two-speed transmission in the rear (for maximum acceleration from a stop) and single speed-gearbox in front is used as on the more expensive models. Ditto for the adaptive air suspension, which is also standard on the 4S. The base 4S even boasts six-piston front brake calipers.In other words, while it is obviously aimed at a different clientele, and we do not have information on the exact interior spec and standard equipment, the 4S has not in any way been neutered. We expect it to be just as sporty, albeit a little less rapid, than the Turbo and Turbo S Taycans.Porsche Canada is taking orders now and expects to start delivering the Taycan 4S in the summer of
Origin: This lower-priced Porsche Taycan is the real Tesla-killer
New Porsche Taycan 4S unveiled with £83,000 price
Porsche has made its new Taycan EV much more attainable with the addition of a new 4S trim underneath the existing Turbo and Turbo S. The new model is available to order now from £83,367 (excluding the £3500 government grant) and is expected to arrive for UK deliveries in January alongside the Turbo and Turbo S. While it doesn’t get the 751bhp of the £138,000 Taycan Turbo S, the 4S still puts out 523bhp during overboost in standard form. It also gets a 79.2kWh battery for a WLTP certified range of 252 miles. However, Porsche also offers a Performance Battery Plus option pack, which raises peak power to 563bhp and increases the battery output to 93.4kWh. While the 0-62mph time is unchanged from the standard 4S at 4.0sec, the range is boosted to 287 miles – the highest figure in the current Taycan line-up. The Performance Battery Plus also gets a faster peak charging rate, at 270kW to the base car’s 225kW. Much of the 4S’s technical make-up is the same as pricier Taycans, with two electric motors across both axles for four-wheel drive and a two-speed transmission for acceleration. However, the rear motor is 80mm shorter than it is in the Turbo and Turbo S, while it also receives smaller brakes, down to 360mm and six pistons on the front and 358mm and four pistons at the rear. Exterior styling changes include smaller 19in wheels, red painted calipers and a revised bodykit including a different front apron, side sills and rear diffuser. Dynamic LED lights remain standard fitment. Part-leather is standard, but Porsche also offers a leather-free cabin with recycled materials. As with other Taycans, it comes with three years of access to Ionity’s rapid chargers and the Porsche Charging Service. Customers also receive a driving experience at the brand’s Silverstone Experience
Origin: New Porsche Taycan 4S unveiled with £83,000 price
Porsche Taycan 4S launched
Porsche Taycan 4S launched The new Taycan offers a range of up to 287 miles Porsche has revealed the Taycan 4S, set to join the company’s pure-electric sports saloon range from early next year. The new Taycan 4S produces 390 kW (530hp) in overboost, or up to 420 kW (571hp) when fitted with the optional Performance Battery Plus. In either variant, the 0-62mph time is 4.0 seconds with a top speed of 155mph possible. Range is quoted at up to 287 miles on a single charge with the Performance Battery Plus 93.4 kWh battery fitted – the highest found in the Taycan range. Standard Performance Battery models – 79.2 kWh – get a range of 252 miles. Charging is available at up to 225 kW or 270 kW for the standard and optional battery specifications respectively, via the Taycan 4S’s CCS inlet. All wheel drive is offered thanks to a motor fitted on each axle, with two-speed transmission fitted to the rear axle aiding with efficiency at higher speeds. Prices start at £83,367, and the Performance Battery Plus option adds around £4,600 to the cost of the Taycan 4S. OTR costs exclude any government grants. The £3,500 Plug-in Car Grant would likely be applied to the Taycan 4S, since it meets all the criteria, but it has yet to be approved by OLEV. The new Porsche can be ordered now, with deliveries expected from January 2020.
Origin: Porsche Taycan 4S launched
First Drive: 2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo S
The Taycan Turbo S might be by definition a sedan, but by all other accounts is a unabashed and unapologetic sports car.Andrew McCredie GOTHENBURG, Sweden Having just driven 400 kilometres in a 750-horsepower sports car, I felt surprisingly refreshed. No ringing ears. No sore kidneys. No rattled teeth.Welcome to the new era of the supercar road trip.To celebrate/show off its first-ever all-electric vehicle, the 2020 Taycan, Porsche invited the worlds motoring press to Scandinavia last week to begin an 18-day, 6,440-km odyssey that would cover nine countries between Oslo, Norway and Stuttgart, Germany. I had the privilege of being among the first group of journalists on the first leg between Oslo and Gothenburg, which included a lunch stop at an Ionity charging station in Strmstad, Sweden, 20-kilometres south of the border between the two countries. The first two models in the all-wheel-drive Taycan fleet are the Turbo and Turbo S, with less powerful variants expected sometime next year and a Cross Turismo by the end of next year. My tester was the Turbo S.The drive route was a good mix of urban roads, twisty country lanes and major highways, each of which demonstrated different attributes of the Taycan (pronounced Tie-Con). Settling inSitting in the drivers seat, it was immediately apparent that as much design work and engineering had gone into the cabin ergonomics and aesthetics as had into the much-hyped electric powertrain system. The well-bolstered seating position and the way the meaty sport steering wheel met my eager hands felt almost identical to a contemporary 911 cockpit. This, along with the equally 911-ish silhouette of the Taycan, softened my internal criticism of Taycan press material Id read before the drive that kept referring to the sedan as a sports car. Strapped into the drivers seat, youd be hard pressed to think youre in a four-door. And unlike a 911s rear seats that dont accommodate anyone over five-feet tall (and even then if they are a contortionist), the Taycans rear seats fit a six-footer in comfort and sporty style. Likewise, the sedans trunk is a very good size (366 litres), and theres even room for a couple of backpacks under the hood up front (81 litres). Although the power button located on the dash to the left of the steering column is the same as the key ignition on Porsches since, well, forever, all Taycan comparisons to Porsche sports cars cockpits begin and end with the seating position, as the entire dash/gauge/switchgear layout of the sedan is all new, and according to Porsche, intended to bring its products into the digital age.With a central 10.9-inch infotainment display, an optional passenger 10.9-inch infotainment display and a floating centre console screen controlling things like climate functions, the Taycans dash feels very digital age indeed, the dashboard-mounted clock the only analog throwback in sight. However, its not overwhelming, which is often the case with multi-screened displays. Likewise, steering-wheel controls are kept to a minimum, limited to just audio/phone controls, a drive mode dial and a regeneration button. Ready for LaunchWith a push of that aforementioned start button, the Taycan Turbo S comes to life (not with a roar but a whisper). To put the car in gear you flip a unique toggle switch located on the dash to the right of the steering column; down for drive, up for reverse.The initial driving impressions in Oslo werent that much different from your garden-variety EV navigating city streets in morning rush hour. The acceleration was crisp, the cabin quiet and the ride silky smooth. However, when city streets gave way to country roads and with it opportunities to push the sport sedan into and through tight corners and up and over rolling tarmac, the Taycan revealed its unmistakably Porsche personality. Again, I was reminded of the press kit description, and again I understood and accepted the Taycan Turbo S as a sports car.The driving dynamics technological features of the Taycan Turbo S are extensive, innovative and include some industry firsts, and all have a profound impact on the performance and handling of this vehicle (for a deep dive on the technical specs, see David Booth’s thorough and definitive First Look of the Taycan).After an hour or so of running hills and dales through pristine Norway countryside and along waterways we met up with a highway that would take us to the Norway-Sweden border then onto the lunch stop. My co-driver was now at the wheel as we silently spirited along the motorway at 137 km/h, wind noise at a minimum and the experience not unlike that of sitting on a very comfortable high-speed train. <img src="/uploads/img/electric-cars/38-first-drive-2020-porsche-taycan-turbo-s.jpg"
Origin: First Drive: 2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo S
Texas tuner Hennessey to hit Porsche Taycan with style and performance upgrades
A rendering of the 2020 Hennessey Porsche TaycanHennessey Performance Hennessey Performance in Texas is known for adding gobs of horsepower to new muscle cars most people assumed already had more output than they needed.But the tuner is planning to tackle its first electric vehicle next year in the form of the 2020 Porsche Taycan sedan.While past efforts have seen them crack the 1,000-hp mark with a 1,200-horse Shelby Mustang GT500; or add an extra axle to the Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss, were not certain you should expect any of those enhancements on the battery-driven Hennessey Taycan.All we know for certain is that theyll throw some wheel, tire and interior enhancements on the thing, reports Car and Driver, as well as new front and rear fascias. But it wouldnt be a Hennessey if the firm didnt also bump up the wattage coming out of the Taycans motors, right? Like some other electric performance vehicles, the Taycan is already plenty darn quick, so well see what one can do once it passes through Texas.Development of the Hennessey Taycan will begin in earnest once the first cars hit the U.S. in early
Origin: Texas tuner Hennessey to hit Porsche Taycan with style and performance upgrades
The Porsche Taycan is built in the ‘factory of the future’
A proud moment for factory workers during the grand opening of the state-of-the-art facility in the Zuffenhausen district of Stuttgart.Andrew McCredie STUTTGART, Germany Electric vehicle skeptics delight in dismissing the zero emission claims of EVs by citing the significant carbon footprint from the manufacturing process.Porsche AG is well on its way to eliminating that specious argument with its brand new Taycan production facility here in the very heart of Porsche country.Porsche is pursuing the goal of a Zero Impact Factory production without any negative impact on the environment, explained Albrecht Reimold, member of the executive board for production and logistics of Porsche AG.With a projected annual output capability of 20,000 vehicles, the facility is using electricity from renewable sources and biogas to generate heat. In addition, the new production buildings are designed to be extremely energy efficient. Further efforts on the way to zero emissions are the electrically powered logistics vehicles, the use of waste heat in the paint shop, the greening of roof areas and what the company calls a continuous and holistic approach to other potential resource savings.Porsche has committed to invest more than $8.75 billion in electromobility by 2022, and spent $1.1 billion in the new Taycan production facilities alone; $1.46 billion if you include the new body shop, which will also be used for the current generation of the Porsche 911.What is also significant about the new factory is its location in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, literally just a few hundred metres from the still-utilized, brick workshop where company founder Ferdinand Porsche built the first-ever 911 (and years earlier the prototype for what would become the Volkswagen Beetle). When the company first set out planning to produce the Taycanbased on the Mission E concept vehicle displayed at the 2015 Frankfurt showPorsches global headquarters was not even considered, the thinking being there was not enough space to build the factory in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen nor did it make financial sense in comparison to other sites in Eastern Europe and even China.But as the project evolved, Porsche decided the place where it all began for the company was the exact place where its ambitious plans for electromobilitya so-called new era for Porscheshould start. In addition, building the Taycan in the same place where all the companys sports cars are produced underscores the Taycans sports car aspirations.The Taycan is a clear sign of our commitment to this traditional site, which were leading into the future by preserving jobs here and even creating new ones, said Reimold, noting that employees are participating financially in the project by putting a quarter of a per cent of their negotiated pay raise into a fund, an arrangement he said is a first in the automotive industry.Once in full production mode, some 1,500 workers are expected to be involved in the manufacturing
Origin: The Porsche Taycan is built in the ‘factory of the future’
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 Taycan revealed
Porsche Taycan revealed The electric sports saloon will feature two models from launch The Porsche Taycan has been launched, marking the ‘start of a new era’ for the sportscar firm. Featuring a familiar naming system for Porsche, the Taycan Turbo and Taycan Turbo S will be the first models available at launch, with a less powerful version of the pure-electric sports saloon following later this year. The Taycan Cross Turismo crossover estate will arrive at the end of 2020. Porsche’s flagship Taycan Turbo S will produce up to 560 kW (761hp) in overboost, and the Taycan Turbo’s output is rated at 500 kW (680hp). 0-62mph times are quoted at just 2.8 seconds for the former and 3.2 seconds for the Turbo. A 93.4 kWh battery allows for driving ranges quoted at 257 miles on a charge for the Turbo S, while the lower-powered Turbo extends that to 279 miles. The top speed for both models is 161mph. Alongside lengthy driving ranges, the Taycan is set to be the first model on the market that can charge at 800 volts. This allows a maximum charging power of 270 kW from CCS ultra-rapid chargers, and a charging time for a 5 – 80% charge of just 22.5 minutes. Charging at home and in public is possible at up to 11 kW, and repeated ultra-high power rapid charging has been tested thoroughly – exemplified with Porsche’s recent distance record run. Porsche reckons the battery’s cells have the highest power density of any electric powertrain on the market, and the two motors pack a punch for their size thanks to the ‘hairpin’ winding of the stator coils. This allows more copper to be fitted, increasing output and torque. A two-speed transmission has been installed on the rear axle, giving improved acceleration from a standing start, while the second ratio improves efficiency at higher speeds. An efficient brake energy recuperation system is fitted, which again Porsche considers the best on the market. Tests have indicated that around 90% of everyday braking is covered by the motors alone. The Taycan is the first model from Porsche to offer an entirely leather-free interior. Instead, innovative recycled materials are used to highlight the sustainability of the electric four-seater. Rear occupants have been catered for with ‘foot garages’ – recesses in the battery’s design – installed in the car’s floor – to maximise leg space. Two load spaces are available, with a conventional 366 litre boot complemented by an 81 litre bay under the bonnet. The interior is driver-focused, and features a 10.9-inch infotainment screen and an optional passenger display. These combine for a glass band across the dashboard, and all user interfaces have been redesigned for the new Taycan’s systems. Intuitive voice controls, started with ‘Hey Porsche’ are available for users. Prices start at £115,850 for the Taycan Turbo and £138,826 for the Taycan Turbo S. Order books are open, with deliveries expected from January 2020, and prices exclude the Plug-in Car Grant as the Taycan has yet to receive approval. As a pure-electric model, it is a certainty to gain the £3,500 discount under current regulations. Buyers will receive three year’s access to the Ionity ultra-rapid pan-European network and the Porsche harging Service, which will allow roaming access to a number of different networks. Costs will then be billed via a single invoice to the owner’s My Porsche account.
Origin: Porsche Taycan revealed
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