The wait is over. The world has now seen Porsche’s “soul of a spirited young horse”… the Taycan. The brand’s first electric car was unveiled simultaneously on three continents… North America, China and Europe. These are naturally the most important sales markets of the new electric sports car.
The Taycan evolved from the Mission E concept unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Since then there’s been a lot of mystery surrounding the specifications. We’ve known there are two permanently activated synchronous motors… one on each axle sending power to all four wheels. In true Porsche fashion there’s more than one variant. The flagship Taycan Turbo S can generate up to 750 horsepower in combination with Launch Control and overboost. Zero to 60 mph takes a mere 2.6 seconds. The Taycan Turbo can produce up to 670 horsepower and sprints to 60 in 3.0 seconds. The top track speed of both all-wheel-drive models is 161 mph. To see these numbers in action, check out our first drive of the late stage protoype just a few weeks ago.
The Taycan’s 800 volt electrical system uses a 93.4 kWh battery. Unique to the Taycan is the two-speed transmission on the rear axle. First gear handles acceleration from a standing start. Second has a long gear ratio for efficient and powerful driving at high speeds. Porsche 4D Chassis Control operates in real time, including adaptive air suspension with three-chamber technology and Porsche Active Suspension Management electronic damper control. Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport electromechanical roll stabilization system Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus are an option. Naturally there are several drive modes that make time in this four-door sport sedan even more lively.
Porsche’s take on recuperating power for the battery is also unique. They say their tests show about 90 percent of everyday braking is performed by the electric motors alone, without the hydraulic brake system being activated.
This is just the beginning of Porsche’s EV plans. Less powerful variants of the all-wheel drive Taycan will follow this year. Look for the Taycan Cross Turismo at the end of next year. We’re looking forward to spending time behind the wheel.
