Porsche Presents Its Most Powerful Series Production Car – Taycan Turbo GT EV

Porsche has introduced its upcoming model with a record-breaking run. On 23 February 2024, the upcoming Porsche Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach package claimed the title of fastest electric series-production car at the Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca, in California. The car, driven by Porsche development driver, Lars Kern, completed a lap in just 1:27.87 minutes.

Prior to this, a pre-production version of the Taycan Turbo GT set a new class record at the Nürburgring, with Kern also behind the wheel. With a lap time of 7:07.55 minutes on the Nordschleife, the Taycan Turbo GT outperformed Kern’s previous record by 26 seconds, set in a Taycan Turbo S Sport with the performance package. The latest achievement by Kern also stands as the current record for series-production electric cars, and also makes the Taycan Turbo GT the fastest 4-door of any powertrain type on the Nürburgring.

“The two records in Laguna Seca and on the Nordschleife show what great track potential there is in the Taycan,” said Model Line Vice President Kevin Giek. “To prove your mettle on the track, it’s not enough to simply have as much power as possible. The overall package of accelerating and braking, cornering grip, aerodynamics, stability and fine-tuning has to be right. In the Taycan Turbo GT and the Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach package in particular, our engineers have achieved this in absolutely stunning fashion. They have already done a great job with the recently updated existing Taycan models. But our new GT cars yet again clearly raise the bar even higher in terms of driving dynamics.”

“The track at Laguna Seca pushes the Taycan Turbo GT to the limit. It’s the overall package that makes the difference,” said Lars Kern. “The Turbo GT with Weissach package sets new standards in almost every metric. These include acceleration and braking, an Attack Mode that’s intuitive to use and a powertrain designed for maximum traction and performance. And the cornering grip levels are just as impressive. The controllability and light-footedness are unbelievable. The tyres work very well and you have the right balance in every driving situation. It is incredibly good fun to drive this car around the undulating track at Laguna Seca.”

Porsche had extensively upgraded the Taycan range and generally increased the overall system power of the cars. The enhanced powertrain with a new rear-axle motor enables even more dynamic performance compared to the preceding models. The Taycan Turbo GT and Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach package are the new sporting flagship models and take Taycan performance to the next level. Fitted with a more powerful pulse inverter, both cars have 580 kW (778 hp) at its disposal. With Launch Control, that increases to up to 760 kW (1,019 hp) of overboost power or up to 815 kW (1,093 hp) for 2 seconds according to the peak power measurement method¹. The maximum torque in both versions is up to 1,340 Nm.

As a result, the Taycan Turbo GT needs only 2.3 seconds to complete 0 to 100 km/h sprint (2.2 seconds with the Weissach package). This makes the model 1- to 2-tenths of a second faster than the Taycan Turbo S. The difference in acceleration from a standstill to 200 km/h is even greater i.e. 6.6 seconds for the Taycan Turbo GT (6.4 seconds with Weissach package), which is up to 1.3 seconds quicker than the Taycan Turbo S. The driving range of the Taycan Turbo GT models is up to 555 km according to WLTP measurements.

Attack Mode is based on the push-to-pass function of the other Taycan models.² The system is optimised for driving on the track and functions in a similar way to the 99X racing cars that Porsche uses in the Electric ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The boost is indicated by a countdown timer in the instrument cluster and dynamically staged with animated rings on the speedometer.³ At the push of a button, up to 120 kW (161 hp) of additional power is available for 10 seconds.

Compared to the push-to-pass function in the other Taycan models, Attack Mode offers 50 kW (67 hp) more power and is available in different ways: as an alternative to pressing the mode switch that’s mounted off to the side of the steering wheel boss, Attack Mode can also be activated and deactivated via the right-hand paddle. This makes the function easier to use on the track.

“You can also trigger the boost with racing gloves, and without taking a hand off the wheel,” explained Kern. “With this simple, safe and fast means of operation, the Taycan Turbo GT models are tailored to the needs of a racing driver.” Additionally, with the left steering wheel paddle, the recuperation level can be set and adapted to the driving situation.

Moreover, lightweight construction measures ensure optimal agility and road-holding capabilities. The Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach package has its weight reduced by 75 kg compared to the Turbo S, courtesy of carbon fibre and CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced plastic) parts.

The Taycan Turbo GT comes with the Dynamic package as standard. This includes the Porsche Active Ride suspension with GT-specific tuning which ensures a balanced distribution of wheel loads for optimal contact with the road. Additionally, the equipment package includes special performance summer tyres which are fitted to exclusive 21″ lightweight forged wheels which have relief-milled spokes to save weight and effectively ventilate the brakes.

The Taycan Turbo GT also comes standard with lightweight ceramic brakes. Based on the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB), the brake system has been optimised from a weight perspective. Design changes to the brake disc chamber and the brake calliper (painted in exclusive Victory Gold) housing shave off more than 2 kg, creating a positive effect on both the driving dynamics and performance; reducing the unsprung and rotating masses enhances performance.

Externally, the Taycan Turbo GT sports aerodynamic enhancements, a front spoiler with aeroblades and adaptive rear spoiler. The Weissach package features a fixed rear wing in a carbon-weave finish with wing supports fixed to the body. Inside, the cockpit exudes a sporting ambience, featuring lightweight full bucket seats, Race-Tex upholstery with black leather trim, and GT-specific detailing. Exclusive interior equipment with contrasting tones in Volt Blue or GT Silver are available on request. Also, Front Adaptive Sports Seats Plus (with electric 18-way adjustment and memory package) can be ordered as an option and at no extra charge.

For enthusiasts seeking the ultimate track-focused experience, the Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach package offers additional aerodynamic elements and lightweight construction measures, setting new standards for track-oriented electric vehicles.

¹ Test method: https://www.porsche.com/gtr21
² Available with Sport Chrono package and Performance Battery Plus.
³ The function is available from a speed above 5 km/h and at a battery temperature of more than 10° Celsius and an SoC of more than 30%.