Bring On The Taycan
Just in case you had not noticed, electric powered vehicles are not only becoming much more available, but some U.S. states and many countries are mandating them in the near future to the total exclusion of gas or diesel-powered cars and trucks. Most people associate the founder of Porsche, Ferdinand Porsche, with gas-powered performance sports cars. But interestingly, he was the creator of the first-ever gasoline/electric hybrid when he was with Volkswagen. If he were alive today, he might be shocked how many electric motored cars have gone from slow with limited range to super-fast with much extended range.
One dramatic example of these changes is Porsche’s brand-new model, the Taycan. Although it comes as a low-slung, four-door version, it clearly retains the Porsche formula of performance and handling. Interestingly, there are major choices based on how much power and features one might desire. The base model has a 402-horsepower electric motor with 0-60 time of 5.1 seconds and starting price of $78,900. From there, the models step up to 522-horsepower, 670-horsepower and our test model, the Turbo S, with a stout 750-horsepower rating, all-wheel drive and two-speed automatic transmission. How fast, you ask? How about a 0-60 time in a breathtaking 2.4 seconds with a top speed of 161 mph. Added to the equation is that the fuel mileage equivalent is 69 mpg, and the range on a full charge is a hearty 201 miles. The other sub model Taycans are not quite as fast but have both better fuel mileage equivalent and range.
This four-door sedan clearly retains the overall Porsche look. The roofline is very low and sweeps evenly back to the rear area. The traditional Porsche taillights with a small spoiler round out the tail end. The front has the semi-classic Porsche look of a low hood line, and since there is no radiator to cool the gas engine, there is no grille. Altogether, the Taycan still makes a Porsche statement that sets it apart.
Even with the overall low profile, the interior in the front is quite roomy with two high-bolstered, leather-covered seats. The controls and information are a mix of three video screens in the dash pod and upper portion of the center console. The relatively small screen in the dash pod has a fair amount of information including a map showing your location, the current legal speed limit, and a dial that indicates various choices of ride, cornering and speed (sprint, range, sport plus, etc.). A dial on the steering wheel sets your desired performance choices. Two relatively small touch screens in the center console controls the other functions, with the lower one handling the automatic climate system.
Interestingly, when a vehicle or object gets too close, two cameras are activated, showing the view in the front or back area around the car, as well as a 360-degree view around the car. On this highflying model, the roof has an enormous fixed sunnroof, which is appropriately tinted to prevent the interior from heating up.
The two bucket high-bolstered leather-covered seats in the back are relatively easy to get into and the headroom is surprisingly reasonable. Legroom is decent, but for some, movement forward of the front seats may be necessary to handle the big or tall. Perhaps the biggest shock is the large roomy rear trunk, which is easily opened or closed with a push of a button. And with no large gas engine and small electric motors, there is even a front trunk.
On the road, as one would expect, the interior is very quiet because of the electric powertrain. However, with 750 horsepower and immediate high torque, this combo makes acceleration at nearly any speed absolutely shocking. Any unsuspecting passenger might even faint! With 20-inch tires, handling is outstanding but without being rough on bad roads. So the end result is that Ferdinand Porsche would be happy with the combination of good “fuel” economy, super performance and practical everyday transportation.