Taycan: A Porsche of Electrifying Accomplishment
In an age of spectacle, the debut of a new model from an automotive icon like Porsche demands more than an auto show reveal, more than a celebrity-filled ad campaign, a Super Bowl spot, or a feature film placement. When Porsche introduces a new model to the world, it requires a global audience. On September 4th, on three continents, Porsche introduced us to the all-new Taycan, and the automotive landscape changed forever.
The Model by which all EV models are compared to is the iconic Tesla Model S, specifically the P100D, with ‘P’ being the Performance version with 100 kWh battery and dual motors. Specifications reported by Tesla include acceleration for 0-100 km/h in as little as 2.6 seconds, 507 km (315 miles) of range, with approximately 778 horsepower and 734 lb-ft of instant torque and a software limited top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h).
Porsche’s Taycan Turbo S is a four-door sedan that is similar to the Mission E Concept unveiled in 2015 that accelerates to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds, 450 kilometres (279 miles) of range, with 617 horsepower (751 with the over-boost function) and 774 pound-feet of torque. Maximum velocity for both the Turbo and Turbo S is 161 mph (259 km/h).
FYI, don’t let the ‘Turbo’ (aka Turbocharged) name fool you, as it is only used as branding since turbocharging is used in Internal Combustion Engines (ICE), where an actual turbocharger device uses the engines exhaust gas and forces compressed air into a combustion chamber for increased power. Of note, the Porsche Taycan set a recordbreaking lap of 7 minutes, 42 seconds for a four-door electric vehicle at the Nürburgring track in Germany.
Inside, conventional buttons and knobs are absent in favour of a touch-controlled dashboard and center console. The main instrument cluster is curved and a prominent 16.8-inch touch screen surrounds. The Taycan is the first automobile ever to be fitted with Apple Music fully integrated into the car’s entertainment system while interior trimmings are made of sustainable recycled polyester fibres with floor coverings from old fishing nets are available.
This is the first all-electric vehicle from the Stuttgart, Germany-based automaker and won’t be the last as variants will continue to be released over the coming years. The 2020 Porsche Taycan represents part of the $6.6 billion the company has allocated into electric vehicles and factories. Plans have already been announced for a Taycan Cross Turismo. Further fully electrified models to follow include the Macan with 50% of Porsches to have a plug by 2025.
The long-awaited electric debut of Porsche’s Taycan has both enlightened and amazed. Watch out Tesla, there is a new entry in town.
The 2020 Taycan will be the first production car with a system voltage that can charge with 800 volts, allowing for a super-fast charge from 5% to 80% in a mere 22.5 minutes, compared with the commonly used 400 volts for electric cars, says Porsche. Canadian allocation is being tight-lipped, but Porsche Cars Canada has seen over 1,000 deposits. Reportedly all 10,000 of the units allocated for North America have already been sold with an additional 10,000 to 20,000 slated for the rest of the world. It will be interesting to see how many Tesla owners add a Taycan to their garage and if current 911 aficionados come over to the ‘green’ side. Will the Taycan outdo the 4-door Porsche Panamera in sales? Time will tell. Deliveries will begin in early 2020. The Taycan Turbo pricing starts at $173,900 with the Turbo S at $213,900. The newly announced Taycan 4S, the third all-electric version, has just been announced with a price tag of $119,400.
In an ever-competitive automotive marketplace, Porsche has – perhaps – the most discerning, informed, and engaged customers and drivers. And in a time of climate change and challenges, that same base is equally ecologically and environmentally aware. Automotive and industrial giants such as Porsche are tasked with the nearly impossible: Provide products that are equal parts conscious, efficient, and performative. The sum of those parts is the 2020 Taycan.
THE PORSCHE TAYCAN UNVEILED
After four years of hype and following on the world premiere splash of the fully-electric Taycan, this all-new model – a game-changer in the increasingly competitive model on the planet – was welcomed to North America in Niagara Falls at an exclusive event. The Invidiata Collection’s Christopher Invidiata and Lauren Lowe were on hand for the celebration of technology, ecology, and automotive ingenuity.
