Porsche introduces its most powerful road car to date, the Taycan Turbo GT, on the eve of its 2024 media, analyst and investor conference in Stuttgart, Germany.
The all-wheel-drive electric performance sedan crowns a facelifted first-generation Taycan lineup set for U.S. sale this year, running a more powerful version of the Taycan Turbo S’s dual-motor drivetrain in combination with a 93.4-kWh (useable) lithium-ion battery.
With a claimed 1,093 hp in combination with an optional Weissach performance package, it eclipses the 938 hp of its recently introduced sibling by a substantial 170 hp.
In standard form, the latest Taycan model boasts up to 778 hp, or 27 hp more than the Taycan Turbo S. A launch control function adds 241 hp for up to 10 seconds at 1,019 hp. With the Weissach package, the Taycan Turbo GT develops 1,093 hp, but only for two-second bursts, after which its power electronics limit reserves.
Maximum torque is 988 lb.-ft. (1,340 Nm), or some 214 lb.-ft. (290 Nm) more than that offered by the Taycan Turbo S.
By comparison, the Tesla Model S Plaid’s tri-motor drivetrain delivers a claimed 1,020 hp and 1,050 lb.-ft. (1,424 Nm), making it a direct competitor for the new Porsche model.
The power boost is achieved through the adoption of a new rear-mounted electric motor and an inverter with a silicon-carbide semiconductor, says Porsche. Together, they reduce energy losses and operate with a current of up to 900 amperes, well above the 600 amperes of the Taycan Turbo S. A more advanced heat pump provides improved thermal management.
Performance also is enhanced by a 165.3-lb. (75-kg) reduction in curb weight for the standard Taycan Turbo GT over the Taycan Turbo S. This comes via the use of carbon fiber within the B-pillars, door mirror caps and front seats, as well as the adoption of new 21-in. forged aluminum wheels and lighter carbon ceramic brakes.
The Weissach package brings an added 154.3-lb. (70-kg) reduction, including the removal of the rear seats and rear speakers, a reduction in sound-deadening material and the omission of floor and trunk mats.
Porsche claims a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time for the standard Taycan Turbo GT of 2.3 seconds. With the Weissach package, this is reduced to 2.2 seconds, making it the fastest-accelerating road-going model the German automaker has ever sold.
Top speed is limited to 190 mph (306 km/h) as standard and 180 mph (290 km/h) with the Weissach package. To enhance track performance, Porsche has equipped its new performance flagship with a recalibrated active ride suspension.
Porsche claims the Taycan Turbo GT has lapped the Nürburgring circuit in Germany some 25 seconds quicker than the Taycan Turbo S at an official 7 minutes, 7.55 seconds.
The 4-door model also claims a new production-car lap record at the Laguna Seca circuit in California at 1 minute, 27.9 seconds. This compares to the 1 minute, 28.2 second lap time claimed by Tesla for the Model S Plaid.
