The Porsche Taycan GTS has just been released at an event prior to the Los Angeles Auto Show, it’s a pretty nice car. If you know your Porsches, you know that the GTS badge is applied to the high-performance Porsche models that are much more aggressive than the normal models. The GTS isn’t the top model, but it sure is pretty special.
The GTS Taycan is no exception. Launched in the signature GTS launch color, Carmine Red, it looks spectacular. It also features calibrated suspension for a firmer more aggressive ride plus a new exterior body kit with some cool black alloys. The GTS could become the best-selling Taycan model, as it is the best of both worlds. Not as expensive as a Turbo but far more exciting in comparison to a 4S. Traditionally, GTS models have also held their value pretty well too and they usually have been the best sounding model (bar the GT cars of course).
The GTS Taycan though is different. It has no exhaust, so it won’t make a slightly more aggressive note. However, Porsche probably will adjust the speakers in the car to give it a louder sound when accelerating. It’s synthetic but hey, it’s better than nothing right?
One huge benefit of the GTS Taycan is the panoramic sunroof which features nine crystal film segments. It’s a very complex system where each of the sections is electrically isolated. To cut a long story short, the roof becomes opaque when the car is fully charged. Owners can switch between 40% opacity, 60% opacity, and fully clear. When the car is off, the roof automatically switches to 0% opacity and goes matte. It’s all way too smart and it will probably be an expensive option. Either way, it’s properly cool.
Is the Taycan GTS any good then? Or would we rather have a Tesla Model S? Let’s find out.
picture via: topgear.com
It’s Pretty Fast.
The new Taycan GTS has 590hp which is pretty phenomenal. The 0-60 times have not been launched yet, but it will probably be around 3.5 to 3.6 seconds. This estimation is based on the 0-60 times of the 4S and Turbo Taycan models. The flat-out top speed is 155 mph which is more than enough for anyone.
Plus, the Taycan GTS is AWD which means grip will be excellent. Pair that with the more aggressive suspension, and you get yourself a proper sports car. The Taycan has always had an aerodynamic body too, and the GTS will probably be the best handling Taycan model.
The GTS nameplate is the closest you will get to the GT models. There well could be a Taycan GT in the future, but for now, the GTS is the most hardcore model. It’s not as fast as the Long-Range Tesla Model S in terms of acceleration, but we can bet that the GTS will kill it around the bends.
Furthermore, the Taycan GTS comes with a 93.4 kWh battery and an 800-volt architecture. All of this allows for charging speeds of up to 270 kilowatts which is very fast indeed. This means the car can charge from 5% to 80% in just 22.5 minutes which is phenomenal. The overall range will be between 227 and 212 miles. These figures are based on the 4S and Turbo models.
A New Bodystyle Has Been Introduced.
Yes, there is yet another Taycan Bodystyle. Previously you had the standard Tayacan sedan and the Taycan Cross Turismo crossover wagon. Well now, you have the Sport Turismo which is essentially a Cross Turismo without the raised body height and off-road elements.
The Sport Turismo features the same suspension setup as the coupe. Porsche says, the Sport Turismo feels just as good to drive as the sedan model. It is a very good-looking car indeed, and the lower ride height makes it so much more aggressive. Unfortunately, though, you cannot get the more practical Cross Turismo body style on the new GTS.
The Sport Turismo body style is only offered on the GTS at the minute, and it will likely stay that way. As mentioned earlier, the GTS is the marques sporty aggressive line of cars, and the Cross Turismo isn’t exactly the most aggressive of cars. Maybe if there is a demand, Porsche will build a GTS Cross Turismo. We’ll have to wait and see what happens.
In my opinion, the Sport Turismo is the best-looking wagon currently on sale. It’s very much like the Panamera Sport Turismo but a tad smaller and more aerodynamic. I just really love the lines of the car, plus the Carmine red paint and black GTS alloys just make the car look so much sexier. Who knew a wagon could be this sexy? The GTS body kit also makes the car stand out massively, and one of my favorite touches is the GTS logo in red on the large extended side skirts. It’s those little things, that just make the car stand out so much more.
To Conclude:
The GTS Taycan will start at $131,400 for the sedan and $133,000 for the Sport Turismo. That’s excluding the $1350 delivery and processing fees. However, just like any other electric car, there are grants. It’s quite strange that the Sport Turismo is offered in North America since wagons have never really done too well there in the past.
The GTS sure is a great-looking car, and it will sell pretty well. Most people in North America will go for the sedan model, but I’m convinced that the Sports Turismo wagon model is the best bet and the one to have. It looks better, it has more space and it is just as fast as the sedan.
It is more expensive than a Tesla Model S and also a tad slower. However, unlike the Model S, you can get the GTS Tyacan in wagon form, and it does look a hell of a lot cooler. Charging is also very quick, however, the charging network is nowhere near as good as Tesla’s outstanding state-of-the-art Supercharger network.
Porsche aims to make something for everyone. It’s not the case of “one size fits all”, according to Porsche North America CEO Kjell Gruner. This is very different from Tesla who only offers two versions of the Model S, Long-Range and Plaid. Porsche now offers the Taycan in standard, 4, 4S, GTS, Turbo, and Turbo S trim plus three body styles. There sure is then a lot of choices, plus on the configurator a lot of options too.