More Affordable Variant Of Porsche Taycan Launched In Malaysia
The Porsche Taycan just added a fourth variant to its all-electric line-up. The official launch in Malaysia last year saw the unveiling of the Taycan Turbo S, Taycan Turbo and Taycan 4S. The new Taycan variant will slot into a price point below the former three, at a RM605,000 starting price (applicable until 30 June 2021).
Distinguishing features of the Taycan within its model family include aerodynamically optimised 19″ Taycan Aero wheels and black anodised brake callipers. The front apron, side sills and rear diffuser in black are the same as those on the Taycan 4S. LED headlights are fitted as standard.
The latest Taycan features rear-wheel drive and is available with two battery sizes i.e. the standard Performance Battery which can deliver up to 300 kW (408 PS) in overboost mode with Launch Control, and the optional Performance Battery Plus which increases output to up to 350 kW (476 PS). Nominal power is 240 kW (326 PS) or 280 kW (380 PS) respectively.
The standard single-deck Performance Battery pack has a gross capacity of 79.2 kWh. While the two-deck Performance Battery Plus has gross capacity of 93.4 kWh. The car’s range measured according to WLTP is up to 431 km or up to 484 km respectively.
The Taycan is capable of a 0 – 100 km/h acceleration time of 5.4 seconds for either battery option. The top speed is also 230 km/h in either configuration. Further, its maximum charging capacity is up to 225 kW (Performance Battery) and up to 270 kW (Performance Battery Plus). This means that both batteries can be charged from 5% to 80% SoC in 22.5 minutes and that power for a further 100 km is achieved after only five minutes.
The battery power fuels the permanently excited synchronous motor for exciting acceleration performance. The AC motor with permanent magnets is on the rear axle with an active length of 130 mm, the same as that in the Taycan 4S. Further, the pulse-controlled inverter on the rear axle operates at up to 600 amps, while maximum recuperation power is 265 kW.
In addition to the motor, the drive architecture also includes a two-speed transmission. Like its siblings, its highlights include intelligent charging management as well as exemplary aerodynamics. With a Cd value from 0.22, its aerodynamics make a significant contribution to its low energy consumption and therefore its long range.
For the Taycan’s chassis, Porsche uses an integrated Porsche 4D Chassis Control system that analyses and synchronises all chassis systems in real time. Both the standard steel spring suspension of the Taycan and the optional adaptive air suspension with three-chamber technology are supplemented by the PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) electronic damper control system.
The optional adaptive air suspension is also equipped with a Smartlift function. This allows the Taycan to be programmed so that it raises its ride height automatically at certain recurring locations such as road humps or garage driveways. The Smartlift function can also actively influence the vehicle’s height on motorway journeys and can adjust the vehicle’s ride height for the best possible compromise between efficiency and driving comfort.
Further, the Taycan is equipped as standard with six-piston aluminium monobloc fixed-calliper brakes at the front and four-piston aluminium monobloc fixed-calliper brakes at the rear. The internally vented brake discs are 360 mm diameter at the front and 358 mm at the rear. The brake callipers have a black anodised finish.
A further option is the high-performance Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB). Its discs have a diameter of 410 mm and 365 mm front and rear.
In the car, the cockpit design of the Taycan signals the start of a new era for Porsche with its clear structure and completely new architecture. The freestanding curved instrument cluster forms the highest point on the dashboard. This places a clear focus on the driver axis. Other elements include a central 10.9″ infotainment display and an optional display for the front passenger.
As standard, the Taycan comes with a partial leather interior as well as front comfort seats with eight-way electrical adjustment. The car features two luggage compartments i.e. 84 litres at the front, and up to 407 litres at the rear.
The Taycan is also the first Porsche model available with an entirely leather-free interior. Interiors made from innovative recycled materials underscore the sustainable concept of the electric sports car.
Last year, Porsche managed to deliver just over 20,000 Taycans to customers worldwide, marking a successful beginning of its all-electric era. In Norway, the Taycan currently accounts for 70% of all Porsche models sold. In November, the brand delivered its one thousandth Taycan to its Norwegian customer, as Porsche sales in Norway more than doubled. The new rear-wheel drive Taycan also holds the Guinness World Record™ for the longest drift with an electric car, having been driven sideways non-stop for exactly 42.171 kilometres.
The latest variant will be available at the Porsche Centres nationwide from March 2021.
