The all-electric Taycan is likely the most
anticipated car debut of 2019 as well as one of Porsche’s most important
launches ever. It may not be the world’s first electric vehicle but it’s the first
one to come from a major sports car brand. Naturally, everyone is curious about
Porsche’s first EV since we already know that the Taycan will bring significant
technological breakthroughs.
Highlights include the 800V charging system that
ensures recharging times as low as just over 15 minutes for a range of 400 km and the powertrain consisting of permanent magnet synchronous
motors with combined outputs of up to 450 kW (603 hp). The Taycan will
also be able to cover up to 500 km on a single charge thanks to an
LG-supplied lithium-ion battery pack with an unspecified capacity.
While the camouflage doesn’t seem to have changed
since the last sighting, the new photos offer a closer look at the Taycan
revealing details such as the retractable door handles, 911-style taillights,
massive brake discs and calipers, as well as a glimpse inside the trunk — which
seems pretty roomy despite the rather narrow opening. That’s because, unlike
the Panamera, the Taycan has a sedan-style trunk lid instead of a tailgate.
We also get to see Porsche testing different alloy
wheel designs, including aero-look rims. Unfortunately, the photographers
couldn’t get close enough to take photos of the interior. The Taycan aims to be the Porsche
of electric vehicles and that won’t translate in performance numbers alone.
Sure, the top-of-the-range model will go from 0 to 100 km/h in under
3.5 seconds and will reach a maximum speed well over 200 km/h but the
Taycan will also be worthy of the Porsche name on the circuit and on winding
roads.
More than once, Porsche has said the Taycan will be
able to provide “reproducible performance,” i.e. the ability to go fast
repeatedly without drops in performance and maintain the top speed for long
periods. With a center of gravity lower than the Porsche 911, torque
vectoring, all-wheel steering, a two-speed automatic gearbox for sustained
high-speed performance, and rear-biased handling characteristics, the Taycan
should be a hoot to drive. Just ask rally legend Walter Röhrl.
