New Straits Times

PORSCHETAY­CANELECTRI­FIES MALAYSIAN MARKET

- AMIRUL HAZMI cbt@nst.com.my

IF you have imagined the future to be occupied by silent electric cars, then the future is here arriving in the form of the Porsche Taycan. Officially launched in Malaysia by Sime Darby Auto Performanc­e (SDAP), the Taycan may be quiet like all electric cars, but that’s technicall­y the only similarity.

Porsche’s first-ever electric car is a rapid one, zero to 100kph in as quick as 2.8 seconds and uses industry’s first 800volt system voltage.

The four-door sports sedan offers a golden combinatio­n of renowned Porsche performanc­e and state-of-the-art technology with comprehens­ive everyday usability.

Three trims are available for the Malaysian market, namely the Taycan Turbo S from RM1,195,000, Taycan Turbo from RM999,000 and the Taycan 4S from RM725,000.

Taycan customers will enjoy a comprehens­ive four-year warranty and maintenanc­e programme similarly offered for all Porsche cars by SDAP, extendable for up to 15 years.

Meanwhile the battery comes with an eight-year warranty.

Christophe­r Hunter, chief executive officer of SDAP said: “The Taycan is the first purely electric-powered sports car from Porsche and marks the beginning of a new era in the field of electromob­ility.

“Powered by an electric powertrain, it is still undeniably a Porsche - you can feel the soul of the Taycan the second you get behind the steering wheel. It feels and drives like a true Porsche.”

PERFORMANC­E MEETS EFFICIENCY

In terms of performanc­e, the rangetoppi­ng Taycan Turbo S makes 560kW (761hp) with overboost and Launch Control, and a whopping 1,050Nm of torque.

This enables the car to do zero to 100kph in just 2.8 seconds, with a range of up to 412km.

The Taycan Turbo generates 500kW (680hp) and 850Nm of torque, capable of catapultin­g the car to 100kph in just 3.2 seconds. Driving range is up to 450km.

Top speed for both cars is 260kph, and both cars come with the Porsche

Electric Sport Sound as standard for a more emotional driving.

Meanwhile, the entry level Taycan 4S is no slouch either.

Power is rated at 390kW (530hp) and can be increased to 420kW (571hp) with the optional Performanc­e Battery Plus.

It can still do zero to 100kph in a quick 4.0 seconds, and reach a top speed of 250kph.

Since it is not the most powerful of the three, the Taycan 4S has the furthest range of up to 463km with the Performanc­e Battery Plus (standard battery will deliver around 407km).

Now, as mentioned before the Taycan utilizes a system voltage of 800 volts instead of the usual 400 volts for electric cars.

What this means is that the Taycan

can be fully-charged using the 175kW direct current (DC) chargers in just 36 minutes, returning a range of over 400km.

Alternativ­ely, Taycan drivers can also charge their cars using the alternatin­g current (AC) at home.

SDAP will also be offering intelligen­t and holistic charging solutions for Taycan owners, with equipment that includes a 22kW Porsche Mobile Charger Plus and the Porsche Home Energy Manager, for a limited time only.

UNMISTAKAB­LY PORSCHE

Despite having a sporty four-door sedan look, the Taycan is actually smaller than the Panamera.

It is more like an elongated 911 to say the least.

The Taycan is characteri­sed by its LED Matrix headlights including Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus) and the distinctiv­e fourpoint daytime running lights (DRLs).

The Taycan Turbo S gains the high performanc­e Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) and carbon fibre elements such as on the door sills,

side skirts and rear diffuser.

The PCCB and carbon package are optional upgrades for the Taycan Turbo and Taycan 4S.

Inside, Porsche’s first electric car gets an entirely leather-free interior, a standard feature for the Taycan Turbo S and Taycan Turbo, and is optional to the Taycan 4S.

So the interior is made out of innovative recycled materials, underlinin­g the sustainabl­e concept for the car.

In front of the driver is a freestandi­ng 16.9-inch instrument cluster that is horizontal­ly curved to deliver a driver-centric feel.

Meanwhile, the infotainme­nt display uses a 10.9-inch touchscree­n and additional­ly, there’s also an optional display for the front passenger that forms an integrated glass band.

THE NEW PORSCHE CENTRE ARA DAMANSARA

The unveiling of the Porsche Taycan coincided with the official opening of SDAP’s new Porsche Centre Ara Damansara.

With an investment of over RM15 million, the state-of-the-art facility was built on a 12,102 square metre area, making it the largest 3S Porsche Centre in the Asia Pacific region.

It features five levels of working space, two showroom floors, two workshop and service levels, as well as importer office.

The new 3S centre will be able to accommodat­e 26 display cars and 21 operationa­l service bays with maintenanc­e and repair equipment.

It is also able to cater the needs of Taycan drivers with its latest battery technology repairs and maintenanc­e facility, as well as Malaysia’s first direct current (DC) high performanc­e chargers.

“As we move into the new era of digital and electromob­ility, in line with the global strategy, we have designed our new Porsche Centre Ara Damansara to be future-ready with state-ofthe-art technology,” said Christophe­r Hunter.

All Taycan owners can have peace of mind with these 175kW DC chargers delivering a full charge in 36 minutes, giving you more than enough time to enjoy a nicely brewed cup of coffee at our Carrera Lounge,” he ended.

 ??  ??
 ??  ?? The rear of the Taycan is unmistakab­ly Porsche with its LED tail lights that run across the rear.
This Porsche Taycan Turbo S is retailed from RM1,195,000.
The rear of the Taycan is unmistakab­ly Porsche with its LED tail lights that run across the rear. This Porsche Taycan Turbo S is retailed from RM1,195,000.
 ??  ?? The facility features 21 operationa­l service bays with maintenanc­e and repair equipment.
The facility features 21 operationa­l service bays with maintenanc­e and repair equipment.
 ??  ?? The new 3S is able to display up to 26 cars in its two showroom floors.
The new 3S is able to display up to 26 cars in its two showroom floors.
 ??  ?? The new Porsche Centre Ara Damansara.
The new Porsche Centre Ara Damansara.
 ??  ?? Cosy waiting lounge.
Cosy waiting lounge.

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