Electric cars just got cooler and faster.
During an impressive multimedia launch event held simultaneously in Germany, China, and on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls on Wednesday, Porsche presented two 2020 models that will be sold in North America - the Taycan Turbo and the Taycan Turbo S.
This launch of these vehicles is important to the company as it enters the modern fully-electric vehicle era for the first time. Porsche Cars North America is based in Atlanta.
“We promised a true Porsche for the age of electric mobility – a fascinating sports car that not only excites in terms of its technology and driving dynamics, but also sparks a passion in people all over the world, just like its legendary predecessors have done,” said Michael Steiner, member of the Porsche AG executive board. “Now we are delivering on this promise.”
And to be clear, these cars have Porsche’s DNA.
The Taycan Turbo S model boasts up to 750 horsepower in combination with Porsche’s Launch Control and overboost, while the Taycan Turbo makes up to 670 horsepower.
The Turbo S can go from zero to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds, while the Taycan Turbo hits 3.0 seconds. The top track speed for both all-wheel-drive cars is 161 mph.
Officials with the German automaker said trying to marry the new technology with the "soul" of a Porsche proved to be challenging.
“The project was a big challenge for us. Bigger than we thought it would be,” said Stefan Weckbach, vice president of product line for Taycan during a workshop for automotive journalists in August. “The core of our brand is intelligent performance. To make the Taycan become a true Porsche by transferring the soul of our cars.”
WATCH: AJC editor behind the wheel at the Porsche Experience
The Taycan is the first production car to use an 800-volt system, instead of the 400-volts system, common for most production electric cars. The company says this provides an advantage for Taycan drivers because the car can be re-charged (from five percent to 80 percent) in just 22.5 minutes.
Officials have not released driving range figures for the Taycan in North America as estimates are pending.
The look of the car also mirrors classic Porsche design, with sleek lines and aggressive profile.
“The silhouette of the car is very Porsche typical,” said Bernd Propfe, director of platform product line for Taycan.
The interior of the Taycan also signals the start of a new era of design at Porsche, officials said. The free-standing, curved instrument cluster forms the highest point on the dashboard. This places a clear focus on the driver.
A central 10.9-inch display panel and an optional passenger display are combined to form an integrated glass band in a black-panel look. All user interfaces have been designed from scratch for the Taycan. Controls are intelligent and intuitive – using touch operation or the voice control function, which responds to the command, “Hey Porsche.”
With the Taycan, Porsche offers an entirely leather-free interior option for the first time. Interiors made from recycled materials follow the sustainable concept of this electric sports car.
For more information, please visit https://www.porsche.com/usa/.
The new Porsche Taycan
Power system: 800 volt
Charging time: 5% to 80% in 22.5 minutes (270 kilowatts)
Range: Pending
0-60 mph: 2.6 seconds (Turbo S)
Top speed: 161 mph
Cost (at launch) : $153,510 (Taycan Turbo); $187,610 (Taycan Turbo S)
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