The 2021 Porsche Taycan comes in four distinct models: 4, 4S, Turbo and Turbo S. Although none of the Taycan models are actually turbocharged the naming remains synonymous with branding from other high-performance models in the Porsche lineup. Taycan model S vehicles initially will be offered with a 93.4 kWh or 79.2 kWh drivetrains, Charge times are extremely quick due to Porsches 800-volt electrical system. (twice the voltage commonly seen in most electric vehicles) This capability can bring the battery up from 5 percent to 80 percent in only 4 minutes however, due to a lack of 800-volt charging systems owners maybe forced to wait as long as 9.5 hours using a conventional 240-volt connection at home or on the go.
The Porsche Taycan Turbo model features a substantial bump in power from the S starting at 616 horsepower in normal mode and up to 670 horsepower and 626-pound feet of torque in overboost mode. This according to Porsche will propel the Taycan Turbo 0-60 mph in just 2.6 seconds for up to 10 back to back launches before needing more juice. The Turbo S steps things up with a maximum overboost capability of 750 horsepower and 774-pound feet of torque propelling it to 60 mph from a stop in just 2.6 seconds.
Porsche equips the Taycan with two electric motors, one powering the front axle and one powering the rear axle. Unlike most manufacturers using AC induction motors Porsche has opted for liquid cooled permanently excited synchronous motors which are smaller, lighter and more efficient than the competition. The front wheels are driven by a compact planetary gearset while the rear wheels benefit from a 2-speed transmission that accomplishes a low gear for acceleration and a tall gear for reaching higher speeds.
A steering wheel-mounted drive mode dial gives Porsche Taycan drivers full control of one of four driving modes: Range, Normal, Sport, and Sport Plus.
Inside the Porsche Taycan comes nicely equipped with standard features like a curved 16.8-inch screen displaying critical data and drive mode, a 10.9-inch infotainment system, and an 8.4-inch display used to control multi-zone AC and drive input commands. The Taycan also boasts HID headlights, interior ambient lighting, LED daytime lights, 19-inch alloy wheels, 8-way heated power front seats, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and native Apple Carplay support that no longer requires pairing your phone to be use.
All Taycan models can be equipped with a premium package that includes: Park Assist that includes a 360-degree view, storage package, Lane Change Assist, LED-Matrix design headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus, 14-way power seats with memory function, and a BOSE surround sound stereo system. Furthermore, the Performance package adds Rear Axle steering, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Support (PDCC Sport), Sport Chrono Package, Porsche Vectoring Plus, and Porsche Electric Sport Sound that pumps drivetrain noise into the cabin.
All Taycans come well equipped with standard safety features and a long list of options. Each vehicle comes standard with 8 airbags, Warn and Brake assist, lane keep assist, cruise control, park assist, and rollover detection for curtain airbags. Optional equipment includes adaptive cruise control, a night vision assist, side airbags, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and Porsches InnoDrive that slows down for upcoming curves when a destination is programmed into the navigation.
Insane Acceleration
All-wheel Drive
Quick Re-charging Capability
Up To 300 Miles Of Range(est)
Handling Precision
Luxurious Interior Cabin
The Porsche Taycan carries over into 2021, a new wagon model has been added and minimal changes to the options and equipment have been made.
The list of real competitors for the Taycan is quite short (for now) as we all steam ahead into this brave new electric world. The Taycan looks to shake things up in a segment normally dominated by Tesla, but instead of a focusing on range alone the Taycan brings forth sub 3 second 0-60 mph acceleration times, gigantic 6 piston brakes, Porsche Active Suspension Management, and lots of luxury and German build quality that gives it a real leg up over the competition.
