By Otsile Kadiege

A few months ago, Porsche teased a new high-performance derivative for the brand’s all-electric Taycan range. During that period, the automaker lapped “The Green Hell” (Nürburgring) in a prototype model  in just 7:07.55 minutes at the world-renowned race track, making it one of the quickest EVs to lap the Nordschleife. Porsche has now officially unveiled the newcomer dubbed the the Taycan Turbo GT and the Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach package. The latter is built for the track and dispenses with the rear seats in favour of an even better power-to-weight ratio.

So what’s new?

Porsche has recently extensively upgraded the Taycan model line and generally increased the overall system power of the cars. Among other things, the enhanced powertrain with a new rear-axle motor enables even more dynamic performance compared to the predecessor models. The Taycan Turbo GT and Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach package are the new flagship models. Equipped with a more powerful pulse inverter, both cars have 580 kW. With Launch Control that increases to up to 760 kW of overboost power or up to 815 kW for two seconds according to the peak power measurement method.

The transmission ratio and the robustness of the gearbox have also been improved, allowing for higher torque figures. The maximum torque in both versions is up to 1,340 Nm.

Porsche claims the Taycan Turbo GT needs just 2.3 seconds for the sprint from zero to 100 km/h, or just 2.2 seconds with the Turbo GT with Weissach package. This makes the model one- to two-tenths of a second faster than the Taycan Turbo S. The difference in acceleration from a standstill to 200 km/h is even greater: 6.6 or 6.4 seconds for the Taycan Turbo GT without/with Weissach package, which is up to 1.3 seconds quicker than the Taycan Turbo S.

Carbon fibre reduces weight

With intelligent lightweight construction measures, Porsche has reduced the weight of the Taycan Turbo GT by up to 75 kg compared to the Taycan Turbo S. A number of carbon parts contribute to this. Carbon fibre is used for the trims on the B-pillars, the upper shells on the door mirrors and the side skirt inlays, among other components. The full bucket seats made of CFRP, a lightweight luggage compartment and the omission of the electric soft-closing function of the tailgate also save weight.

Another weight saving measure comes in the form of the optional Weissach package. Instead of the usual rear seat system, there is a tailor-made, high-quality lightweight carbon cladding with a storage compartment behind the seat shells for the driver and front passenger.

Function meets form

Outside, the Taycan Turbo GT boasts a more sporty appearance thanks to a front spoiler with aero-blades specifically for the Turbo GT and an adaptive rear spoiler with a tear-off edge featuring a Gurney flap in a high-gloss carbon-weave finish. Other highlights include standard Matrix LED headlights, which can be upgraded to HD matrix LED headlights as an option and at no extra charge, coloured Porsche crest on the front bonnet as well as on the hub covers of the lightweight alloy wheels, ‘Turbo GT’ logo on the rear lid is painted in matt Black, and a total of six exterior colours are available, including the new paint options of Pale Blue Metallic and Purple Sky Metallic. 

Sporty and luxurious cabin

Climbing aboard the Taycan Turbo GT, one is greeted by a sporty yet luxurious interior. Standard equipment includes lightweight full bucket seats in a carbon-weave finish (high-gloss), front Adaptive Sports Seats Plus (with electric 18-way adjustment and memory package) can be ordered as an option and at no extra charge and a Turbo GT logo embroidered on the front headrests. In addition, a badge with the individual model logo is located below the climate control panel. Exclusive interior equipment with contrasting tones in Volt Blue or GT Silver are available on request.

On the GT sports steering wheel, the rim is covered with black Race-Tex and has a 12 o’clock marking. The Taycan Turbo GT features the Sport Chrono package from the Taycan Turbo S.

Taycan Turbo GT Weissach package

The Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach package is even more laser sharp in its positioning. With additional aerodynamics and lightweight construction measures, this model is even more resolutely designed for performance. The Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach package accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 2.2 seconds, making the two-seater a tenth of a second faster than the similarly powerful Taycan Turbo GT. Its top speed is 305 instead of 290 km/h.

Additional aerodynamics measures include air deflector elements on the underbody and a new front diffuser. In the rear, the model with the Weissach package features a fixed rear wing in a carbon-weave finish with wing supports fixed to the body. The total downforce here is up to 220 kg. The Weissach package logo features on both sides of the rear wing. Exclusively available on request is a striped wrap in Volt Blue, Black or Black (matt). This further accentuates the car’s motorsport character. The striped design can be combined with the black decal set.

Availability

Porsche South Africa is yet to announce the pricing of the Turbo GT derivative but, as a reference, the Taycan Turbo S is priced from R5,125,000 meaning we should expect the Turbo GT to be touching around R6,000,000.