The new and extensively updated Porsche Taycan recently had its regional launch in Singapore, where Porsche Asia-Pacific is also situated. The launch venue for the Taycan – Porsche’s first fully electric sports sedan – was, appropriately, the Pasir Panjang Power Station.
With the additional Cross Turismo body type, a total of 7 different variants of the new Taycan were unveiled in a dazzling show segment at the repurposed 71-year old power station which is today a heritage building.
New front end features
For the latest model, the Taycan’s clean and purist design has been refined with new styling features front and rear, as well as new lighting units at both ends. The new headlights feature high-resolution HD matrix technology and display the brand’s characteristic 4-point graphics at night.
The Porsche logo in the rear light strip also features a new 3-dimensional ‘glass-look’ design, and, for the first time, owners can choose an optional illuminated version featuring welcome/leaving animations.
Even higher performance
The new electric motor on the rear axle of the Taycan generates 80 kW (about 109 ps) more power than the motor used before, but weighs 10.4 kgs lighter. This contributes to improved performance which is confirmed by quicker acceleration – 0.6 seconds quicker from 0 to 100 km/h than its predecessor.
Some Taycan versions have a new ‘Push-to-Pass’ function in the Sport Chrono package, a feature that generates a temporary a boost of up to 70 kW (about 95 ps). The ‘Push-to-Pass’ function can be active for 10 seconds at the touch of a button, adding extra zip to the overall Taycan driving experience while also enabling quick overtakes on city streets and highways.
Over 35% more range
Increased straightline performance is always welcome but with an EV, range is still a consideration as that would mean less need for recharging on long journeys. Performance Battery Plus variants of the new Taycan now have a larger battery with a gross energy content of 105 kWh, increased from 93 kWh.
Maximum recuperation capacity during deceleration from high speeds has also increased from 290 to up to 400 kW. This also contributes to extending the range as energy recovered helps top it up (though not substantially) and on long drives, there are many instances of regeneration as the car brakes or coasts.
The standard battery on the Taycan RWD (89 kWh gross battery content) is said to offer a range of up to 566 kms – a greater range than the predecessor with the large battery pack. With the larger battery pack, the range of the new Taycan is claimed to be up to 678 kms, an increase of 35%.
KL to Singapore – and back
This means the Taycan can now travel from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore – and back – on a single charge. Of course, whether an owner will want to try it is another thing. But for those who prefer the peace of mind of not unexpectedly running out of battery energy, Porsche Asia-Pacific and Shell have set up DC charging stations along the North-South Expressway.
Besides the increased range, the new Taycan also recharges faster as it can take a more powerful 320 kW supply. In addition, peak charging performance is possible on a wider operating temperature scale; this means that amongst other variables, faster charging is possible across a longer time and across a wider range of conditions, and the time required to go from a 10% to an 80% charge is just 18 minutes despite a larger battery capacity.
New equipment but less weight
Weight is an important matter for cars and for EVs, even more important. With the new Taycan, the engineers have worked to reduce weight so that additional equipment doesn’t raise it and in fact, the weight has gone down.
All updated Taycan models come with adaptive air suspension as standard. The new Porsche Active Ride suspension can be ordered as an option for the all-wheel drive versions as well. Standard interior equipment is also more extensive than before across the Taycan range.
“With the new Porsche Taycan, we are not just leaping forward in terms of performance and charging, we are also setting a new benchmark for all-electric sports sedans. We will create a one-of-a-kind experiences with unique privileges and events, making sure the Porsche ownership journey is unlike any other,” said Hannes Ruoff, CEO Porsche Asia Pacific.