A Supercar on Electric
Even as an electric vehicle, the Porsche Taycan Turbo delivers a performance on par with a petrol-powered sports car
We test-drive the Porsche Taycan Turbo and realise it delivers on performance even as an electric vehicle
In 2015, Porsche showcased its Mission E concept, its first purely electric sports car that served as the blueprint for the Taycan (pronounced ‘tie-khan’). The name translates as “lively young horse” in Turkish, which is a reference to the steed that adorns the Porsche crest. Given the fact that fully electric vehicles (EVS) are still a rarity on the roads, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity when Porsche invited members of the media to the Sepang International Circuit to experience the Taycan Turbo. Suffice to say it was a memorable day, and we developed a newfound respect for the EV. Here are five things we discovered about the Taycan Turbo:
IT IS DRIVEN BY PERFORMANCE
It is powered by two electric motors, one on the front axle and the other on the rear axle, thus making it an all-wheel-drive vehicle. The front engine uses a single-speed gearbox while the rear uses a Porsche-developed two-speed transmission. This allows the Taycan Turbo to automatically switch between an aggressive first gear during initial acceleration and a long second gear to maintain speed during high speed.
Speaking from experience, nothing beats the feeling of first hitting the accelerator of an EV, and the Taycan Turbo immediately launched us forward at remarkable force; after all, it can achieve the century sprint in just 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 260km/h.
What was even more impressive was that the feeling of control was always present even as we turned the corners at high speed on the Sepang racetrack.
IT RECHARGES AS IT BRAKES
The Taycan Turbo boasts a regenerative braking system that converts kinetic energy that would otherwise be lost during deceleration into energy
to be stored in the car’s battery. It recovers up to 265kw to its battery, which is significantly higher than the typical EV’S 80kw of energy.
It doesn’t just recharge the battery, but also helps prolong the lifespan of the brake pads.
A LARGE BATTERY THAT GOES THE DISTANCE
The Taycan Turbo’s battery is based on 800-volt technology instead of the standard 400-volt, and this translates into improved charging and performance. It is rated to have a driving range of up to 450km based on measurements used by the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Protocol in Europe. Still, the actual range depends on how it is driven and the selected driving mode.
The battery supports DC Fast Charging with 270kw of power that allows the car to be charged from 5 per cent to 80 per cent in just 20 minutes. A robust battery frame ensures maximum safety.
To further ease your mind, the Taycan Turbo includes a Charging Planner feature that calculates the most optimal route to your destination. It even alerts you if you need to stop by to charge when making long-distance journeys.
IT SPORTS A KILLER DESIGN
On the outside, the Taycan Turbo is an astonishing EV to behold, with styling by former Porsche exterior designer Mitja Borkert. It has the classic signature short-nosed front though the overall look is influenced by the Mission E concept.
Highlights include a retractable rear spoiler, automatic extending door handles and fourpoint LED daytime running headlamps. It is also worth noting that the Taycan Turbo includes carbon-fibre trim and rides on 20-inch wheels.
A COMFY INTERIOR WITH HIGH-TECH FEATURES
The interior recalls some kind of high-tech cabin from the future. The first thing that grabs your attention is the massive 16.8-inch curved screen that serves as the instrument cluster.
This is complemented with a smaller 10.9-inch infotainment screen towards the middle of the dashboard, and an 8.4-inch centre console control panel to access navigation, media as well as Apple Carplay. There is even an option to add a second infotainment screen on the passenger side of the dashboard.
The four seats are upholstered in Racetex leather and comes in a variety of colours to match the trims, which include real wood, aluminium or carbon fibre.