At the Los Angeles Auto Show (19 – 28 November 2021), Porsche will present a new GTS version of the Taycan electric sports car. Since first appearing on the 904 Carrera GTS of 1963, these three letters have held special significance at Porsche, being reserved for cars with a specific focus on driver appeal and athletic style. With the debut of the Taycan GTS, the legendary initials are now represented in every model series from the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer
A third body version of the Taycan is also making its debut in California, in the form of the GTS Sport Turismo. The new car shares its purposeful silhouette and rearward-sloping roofline with the Taycan Cross Turismo. In the GTS tradition, the new car is the sporting all-rounder of the Taycan model range and appropriately features the Performance Battery Plus with 93.4 kWh capacity. Its electric motors have an impressive 440 kW (598 PS) of overboost power when using Launch Control. The sprint from zero to 62 mph can be achieved in both body variants within 3.7 seconds. The maximum speed of the duo is 155 mph where permitted.
With a range of up to 312 miles, the four-wheel drive GTS models benefit from the particularly efficient drivetrain control strategy improvements introduced on the Model Year 2022 Taycan earlier this year. In practical terms, these extended the operating range. The adaptive air suspension, including Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), is tuned specifically to the GTS to bring further dynamic focus. The set-up of the optional rear-axle steering is also more responsive. The richer sound pattern of the modified Porsche Electric Sport Sound underscores the distinct character of the new GTS model.
The exterior and interior feature the characteristic GTS styling cues. There are black highlights outside, such as the front apron, the bases of the exterior mirrors and the side window trims. Numerous black Race-Tex coverings to the interior emphasise the elegant, sporting ambience, and contrast with the standard brushed aluminium interior package with black anodised finish.
“The Taycan model range has grown steadily since its world premiere in 2019. Three body variants with up to five engine options offer something for everyone,” says Kevin Giek, Vice President Model Line Taycan. “I am particularly pleased that we now also have a Taycan with the legendary GTS moniker. It is positioned above the Taycan 4S and below the Taycan Turbo, so it represents a real sweet spot in the range.”
The addition of the Taycan Sport Turismo sees the model family now include three body variants. The new derivative is aimed at customers seeking a similar level of everyday practicality as that offered by the Taycan Cross Turismo, combined with the on-road performance of the Taycan sports saloon.
The Taycan Sport Turismo shares the sporting silhouette, the rearward-sloping roofline and the functional design of the Taycan Cross Turismo. The headroom in the rear is more than 45 millimetres greater than that in the saloon, and the load capacity under the large tailgate is more than 1,200 litres. However, the Taycan Sport Turismo does not have the raised suspension or Gravel mode of the Cross Turismo, nor off-road design elements. Panoramic roof with Variable Light Control: responds to the touch of a finger. A panoramic roof with Variable Light Control is available as a new option for the Taycan GTS. An electrically switchable liquid crystal film can change the roof from clear to opaque. This protects the occupants from glare, without darkening the interior.
The roof is divided into nine segments that can be switched individually – a world-first in the automotive sector. In addition to the Clear and Matt settings, partial shading is also possible. These are predefined patterns with narrow or wide segments. Both models are available to order from Porsche Centres in Ireland and the UK from today, and first cars will arrive in the spring of 2022. Further engine options for the Sport Turismo will follow. Customers will also be invited to explore the potential of their new car, and further develop their own skills behind the wheel, by participating in a bespoke driving experience around the unique circuits at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.
