The Taycan and Taycan Cross Turismo will start the new model year in September with extensive changes. Thanks to technological developments, the day-to-day range of the electric sports cars will be improved. Further significant upgrades include the deep integration of Android Auto in the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system. With the new Paint to Sample and Paint to Sample Plus options, unusual and personal colour choices can now be realised. For example, the Taycan can now be painted in the ‘90s classic Rubystar Red, or in bright Acid Green.
“The continuous technical development of our vehicles is part of the Porsche DNA. The latest generation of Taycan impresses with seamless smartphone connectivity, which now includes Android Auto,” says Kevin Giek, the Vice President Model Line Taycan. “Our all-electric Taycan range is growing and thriving. The new Cross Turismo, which was added to the line-up in spring, is proving extremely popular with our customers, as has been shown by the excellent number of orders being taken for it.”
Technological enhancements: more range in practice
The new Taycan model year will not be homologated separately, so there will not be any new WLTP range values. However, the real-world range of the latest versions will be greater in day-to-day use. Extensive technological developments have been implemented to achieve this increase. In Normal and Range modes, the front electric motor is almost completely decoupled and de-energised in the partial load range in the all-wheel drive models. Furthermore, no drive is transmitted to either axle when the car is coasting or at a standstill. This electric freewheel function reduces drag losses. The motors are switched on again within milliseconds only when the driver requests more power or changes the driving mode.
The thermal management have also been further improved. The waste heat from the electrical components is used to an even greater extent for battery temperature regulation.
Android Auto: now also integrated into the infotainment system
The sixth generation of Porsche Communication Management (PCM) has been fitted to the Taycan since its introduction. Android Auto is now also integrated in the PCM, along with Apple CarPlay support for iPhone. This means that smartphones with the Google Android operating system are now also supported. Selected phone functions and smartphone apps that do not adversely affect driving safety can therefore now be operated via PCM 6.0 or the Google Assistant voice commands.
The layout and operating system have also been revamped slightly: there are now five menu options instead of three on the left side of the central display and the icons can be arranged individually.
The cult colours make a comeback: even more individual paintwork
In the ‘90s, Porsche introduced a number of highly colourful paint finishes to its range. These quickly achieved cult status among fans of the brand and are especially popular today on classics like the 964-generation cars. These eye-catching colours are now making a comeback. As part of the continually developing personalisation strategy of Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, the Taycan is now also available with Paint to Sample and Paint to Sample Plus in addition to 17 standard paint colours. The first option allows painting with 65 additional colours, at present. This includes the Moonlight Blue Metallic, Acid Green, Rubystar Red, Riviera Blue and Viola Metallic colours that are so characteristic of the brand. Paint to Sample Plus gives customers almost complete freedom in their choice of colour, permitting them to match their Taycan to their favourite accessory.
Charging on the road: Porsche Destination Charging
A further highlight is Porsche Destination Charging. With this exclusive service, customers can charge their electric or plug-in hybrid Porsche models free of charge at particularly popular destinations. It already offers more than 100 AC charging points in 12 countries across the Middle East, Africa and India, at locations such as selected hotels, restaurants, airports, shopping malls, sports clubs and marinas – and further expansion of the network is in full swing.
Bestselling Taycan
The Taycan has been particularly successful during recent months. With approximately 20,000 vehicles delivered in the first half of 2021 alone, the year-to-date number is only slightly below the total for 2020 as a whole. Sales of the latest member of the model range are therefore on a par with those of the sports car icon, the 911.
Change in management for the Taycan
Kevin Giek has been Vice President Model Line Taycan since April 2021. He replaced Stefan Weckbach, who is now responsible for the Cayenne product line. Giek has worked for Porsche AG for more than 18 years and was most recently Head of Procurement for new vehicle projects. In this role, the 42-year-old has been involved with the Taycan project right from the start as part of a 190-strong team. Tasks that his team undertook included the procurement of the equipment for the new factory installations in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen.
