Porsche Taycan Turbo S
"After experiencing a heart-pounding ride in the Porsche Taycan, double world champion and rally legend Walter Röhrl exclaimed, 'Even if I were blindfolded, I would instantly recognize the unmistakable sensation of sitting in a Porsche.' This truly makes it the most captivating electric vehicle (EV) ever conceived. But what happens when we push the boundaries even further? Enter the Turbo S, the pinnacle of Porsche's innovation with the Taycan, and at last, we've had the privilege of getting behind its wheel.
The Powertrain of the Porsche Taycan Turbo S
The Turbo S represents the epitome of Porsche's engineering prowess in the Taycan lineup.
Thanks to the immediate availability of torque across all four wheels, the acceleration is nothing short of jaw-dropping, effortlessly catapulting the Turbo S from 0 to 100kph in a mere 2.8 seconds, reaching a top speed of 260kph. Its straight-line performance is unparalleled, giving even the most finely tuned internal combustion engine (ICE) cars a run for their money. The first gear, with its shorter ratio, enhances the launch, while the second gear, equipped with a taller ratio, acts as an overdrive during high-speed endeavors, ensuring a seamless surge of power. The gear shift is discernible yet remarkably smooth and natural.Furthermore, the Taycan Turbo S offers various drive modes: Range, Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual. These modes alter the car's characteristics, allowing you to tailor the experience to your desired level of exhilaration. 'Range' mode prioritizes maximum kilometers per kilowatt-hour, trading off power and performance to optimize energy efficiency. 'Normal' mode strikes a balance across all parameters, while 'Sport' mode provides a tantalizing preview of the Turbo S's capabilities. However, it is the 'Sport Plus' mode that unlocks the beast within, unleashing the full potential of the battery's power and pushing every limit to the extreme.
The Ride and Handling of the Porsche Taycan Turbo S
Nevertheless, while straight-line speed is often associated with electric vehicles (EVs), what truly sets a Porsche apart is its unrivaled prowess in conquering corners with surgical precision. Admittedly, there may be some skepticism considering the Turbo S's weight of 2,295kg. Yet, as expected, Porsche has worked its magic on this masterpiece, particularly in the realm of steering calibration. Cornering capabilities are nothing short of extraordinary, complemented by a host of cutting-edge technologies, including the optional PDCCS (Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport), PTV Plus (Porsche Torque Vectoring), 4D Chassis Control, and rear-wheel steering.The nose-lift system operates below 30kph, ensuring a smoother ride.
With these enhancements, coupled with its explosive performance, the Turbo S offers an exhilarating and immersive driving experience. However, it's important to note that with 761hp and 1,050Nm of torque at your disposal, the Turbo S can be somewhat intimidating. When combined with its dimensions and weight, it becomes an awe-inspiring yet slightly daunting experience to unleash its full potential. Nonetheless, the exceptional grip ensures that it propels itself out of corners with awe-inspiring efficiency. Transitioning from Sports Plus to Sport or even Normal mode results in a more controlled power delivery, offering a heightened sense of mastery. In essence, if you're engaged in a drag race, Sport Plus is the mode to engage, but when conquering corners, dialing it back slightly ensures a more refined and gratifying performance.
Another noteworthy aspect is the Turbo S's ride quality, courtesy of the air suspension. While it can be adjusted for optimal performance when desired, it remarkably adapts to various road conditions, delivering effortless touring capabilities. However, due to the long wheelbase and low-set battery, the inclusion of a lift system becomes an absolute necessity. Most speed breakers are effortlessly cleared with a hint of crab-crawling, although poorly constructed ones can pose a challenge.
The Taycan Turbo S boasts superb carbon ceramic brakes as a standard feature.
Additionally, the Taycan Turbo S is equipped with top-of-the-line carbon ceramic brakes, setting a new benchmark for EVs. The braking system initially relies on recuperation, utilizing the pad and disc only when additional stopping power is required. This innovative system offers a shockingly natural pedal feel, akin to conventional brakes, without the typical drawbacks associated with recuperation in most EVs. Notably, the Turbo S offers a single mode for recuperation, allowing you to either activate or deactivate it. While this limits configurability during driving, the system can recover an astounding 90 percent of its braking energy, equivalent to an impressive 275kW. Consequently, during a full day of driving, a third of your energy can be recuperated through braking alone.
The Battery of the Porsche Taycan Turbo S
Recharging the Turbo S is a straightforward process, aided by a 50kW DC charger that provides a range of 100km in just 31 minutes. Charging from 5 to 80 percent using a 50kW charger takes approximately 93 minutes. Although it is yet to be available in India, a 270kW DC charger can achieve the same level of charge in an astonishing 22.5 minutes. The key to this swift charging lies in the 800V electrical architecture, enabling the fast flow of electrons, resulting in quicker power transfer and recuperation.Porsche has even incorporated a synthesized spaceship-like sound, though it pales in comparison to the exhilarating exhaust note of a 911 Turbo S pushing its limits.