The 2020 Porsche Taycan comes in three distinct models: 4S, Turbo and Turbo S. Although none of the Taycan models are actually turbocharged the naming remains synonymous with branding from other high-performance models in the Porsche lineup. Taycan model S vehicles initially will be offered with a 93.4 kWh or 79.2 kWh drivetrains, the latter coming available June 2020. Capable of up to 562 horsepower and 479-pound feet of torque in overboost mode the 4S achieves a 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 155mph. Charge times are very short due to Porsche's 800-volt electrical system. The system can bring the battery up from 5 percent to 80 percent in only 4 minutes. However, owners may be forced to wait as long as 10.5 hours using a conventional 240-volt connection at home or on the go.
The Porsche Taycan Turbo model features a substantial bump in power from the S starting at 616 horsepower in normal mode and up to 670 horsepower and 626-pound feet of torque in overboost mode. This according to Porsche will propel the Taycan Turbo 0-60 mph in just 2.6 seconds for up to 10 back to back launches before needing more juice. The Turbo S steps things up with a maximum overboost capability of 750 horsepower and 774-pound feet of torque propelling it to 60 mph from a stop in just 2.6 seconds.
Porsche equips the Taycan with two electric motors, one powering the front axle and one powering the rear axle. Unlike most manufacturers using AC induction motors Porsche has opted for liquid-cooled synchronous motors which are smaller and lighter than those on other electric vehicles. The front wheels are driven by a compact planetary gearset while the rear wheels benefit from a 2-speed transmission that accomplishes a low gear for acceleration and a tall gear for reaching higher speeds.
Inside the Porsche Taycan comes nicely equipped with standard features like a curved 16.8-inch screen displaying critical data and drive mode, a 10.9-inch infotainment system and an 8.4-inch display used to control multi-zone AC and drive input commands. The Taycan also boasts HID headlights, interior ambient lighting, LED daytime lights, 19-inch alloy wheels, 8-way power seats, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, a panoramic fixed roof, satellite radio, Bluetooth and native Apple Carplay support that no longer requires pairing your phone to be use.
All Taycan models can be equipped with a premium package that includes: Park Assist that includes a 360-degree view, storage package, Lane Change Assist, LED-Matrix design headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus, 14-way power seats with memory function and a Bose surround sound audio system. Furthermore, the Performance package adds Rear Axle steering, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Support (PDCC Sport), Sport Chrono Package, Porsche Vectoring Plus and Porsche Electric Sport Sound that feeds drivetrain noise into the cabin.
All Taycans come well-equipped with standard safety features and a long list of options. Each vehicle comes standard with 8 airbags, Warn and Brake assist, lane-keep assist, cruise control, park assist and rollover detection for curtain airbags. Optional equipment includes: adaptive cruise control, night vision assist, side airbags, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring and Porsche's InnoDrive, a system that can perform some mild autonomous driving tasks such as automatically slowing for upcoming curves while navigating.
