[stein_325i]

Don't expect it to stay that low with options though

Originally Posted by Motor1

Until now, the cheapest way into a US-market Porsche EV was the Taycan 4S, which started at $103,800 and offered all-wheel drive and 522 horsepower (390 kilowatts). But a few months ago, we learned that the Chinese would have access to a cheaper, rear-drive variant of the German EV, and we figured we Americans would eventually get a crack at it too. That time has come: The base-model 2021 Porsche Taycan starts at $79,900.

By jettisoning that "4S" badge (and saving $24,900 in the process), the entry Taycan model comes exclusively with rear-wheel drive, thanks to a single, aft-mounted electric motor that makes 402 hp (300 kW) and 254 pound-feet (344 newton-meters) in standard form. Porsche will also offer a Performance Battery Plus option that ups power to 469 hp and 263 lb-ft (350 kW and 357 Nm) by swapping out a 79.2-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion unit for one that holds 93.4 kWh.

Charge It!
In either case, the base Porsche Taycan will sprint to 60 miles per hour (96 kilometers per hour) in 5.1 seconds – the larger, heavier battery likely hampers off-the-line response, but it comes into its own on the quarter mile, where it cuts 0.2-second from the base setup's 13.7-second time. Performance Battery Plus is capable of 270-kW charging, compared to 225 kW for the base pack. Both batteries can go from 5 percent to 80 percent charge in 22.5 minutes, although obviously the larger battery will provide more overall range in that time.

Speaking of range, Porsche didn't release EPA ratings, but according to the NEDC standard, the Chinese-market Taycan can travel 256 miles (412 kilometers) with the base battery or 303 miles (489 kilometers) with the Performance Battery Plus. Applying some rough math derived from the experts at InsideEVs, we think the base Taycan will be EPA-rated at about 200 miles, while higher-capacity battery will have a range of 230 miles, numbers that match the dual-motor 4S. It's also worth noting that InsideEVs has freeway-tested a Porsche Taycan 4S, achieving nearly 280 miles on a single charge – besting Porsche's EPA number by 50 miles.

Up To Snuff
Paying 80 grand for an EPA range of 200 miles per charge isn't exactly smart money in a world where the Tesla Model S starts at $69,420 and goes more than 400 miles. But as with other Porsches, the base Taycan provides more to its owner than its spec chart would suggest. For starters, it will get a rather nice interior with Porsche-signature fit and finish, as well as a slinky, low-slung shape that cheats wind with a drag coefficient of 0.24 (matching the Model S). In terms of cabin materials, the more expensive Porsche beats the Tesla by a country mile.

Porsche Active Suspension Management comes standard, although an available air suspension improves aerodynamics (with a Cd of 0.22) and adaptability further. To help compensate for its lower power output, the rear-drive Taycan is lighter by 200 pounds than an equivalent 4S. The Taycan will offer both Porsche Surface-Coated Brakes and Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes as an option, though we think that the base stoppers will serve just fine (particularly since they offer a class-leading recuperation rate of 265 kW). That kind of brake regen probably saves lots of wear and heat cycling on the conventional friction brakes.

Day To Day
Like the rest of the Porsche EV lineup, the base Taycan will come with three years of free Electrify America charging. It will offer a 19.2-kW on-board charger as an option, improving flexibility for owners who regularly have to recharge away from home. Standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay, embedded Apple Music, and over-the-air updates for the Porsche Connect infotainment system.

As on the Porsche 911, new Taycan owners can track the progress of their order – from build to delivery – from their phones. The automaker hasn't announced an on-sale date for the rear-drive 2021 Porsche Taycan, but we think it will be available soon.

Original Article: https://www.motor1.com/news/467236/b...orsche-taycan/

[c1pher]

Probably will be able to get it fairly loaded just under $100k. I drove a Taycan Turbo and was very impressed but range anxiety makes buying one an issue for me. I will keep my Macan Turbo for now.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by c1pher

Probably will be able to get it fairly loaded just under $100k. I drove a Taycan Turbo and was very impressed but range anxiety makes buying one an issue for me. I will keep my Macan Turbo for now.

I agree. I found range anxiety to be a fear but not for long trips as the wife has an SUV for that, but rather back roading and driving the car hard. When pushing the car hard range can easily drop, and where I go back roading there are mountains, elevation changes, high speed curves and stretches as well as no nearby chargers and a ton of different factors that can effect range negatively. While the area I backroad in is only an hour from the house, the amount of miles just to get there, then push the car, and then get back home could easily complicate things, especially with Electrify America chargers being sparse and unreliable in my area.

Add to the fact that I still don't care much for not having a gearbox to engage with or sound to listen to (not a fan of the fake exhaust) it wouldn't be as enjoyable. I still find EV's to be better as everyday commuters rather than fun and sporty cars, at least for my needs.

[c1pher]

Originally Posted by stein_325i

I agree. I found range anxiety to be a fear but not for long trips as the wife has an SUV for that, but rather back roading and driving the car hard. When pushing the car hard range can easily drop, and where I go back roading there are mountains, elevation changes, high speed curves and stretches as well as no nearby chargers and a ton of different factors that can effect range negatively. While the area I backroad in is only an hour from the house, the amount of miles just to get there, then push the car, and then get back home could easily complicate things, especially with Electrify America chargers being sparse and unreliable in my area.

Add to the fact that I still don't care much for not having a gearbox to engage with or sound to listen to (not a fan of the fake exhaust) it wouldn't be as enjoyable. I still find EV's to be better as everyday commuters rather than fun and sporty cars, at least for my needs.

I would definitely get the sport sound. I know it’s fake as you know what but sounds cool nonetheless.

[chassis]

There were 2 Taycans in the lot at Fred Lavery Porsche in Birmingham, MI yesterday. I was looking at Cayennes and Panameras so didn't look too closely at the Taycans. The point is that it seems Taycans are making their way into dealers and into the market.

[David70]

".....we think the base Taycan will be EPA-rated at about 200 miles, while higher-capacity battery will have a range of 230 miles"

I realize most people don't drive this far most days but for likely a close to $100k vehicle this seems like a low range.

Tesla's battery warranty doesn't kick in until it can't carry 70% charge (losses are expected) and then make it middle of Winter and the range looks really low. 200 miles goes to 160 over time and middle of Winter the 160 goes to 120?

[dreamingat30fps]

Originally Posted by David70

".....we think the base Taycan will be EPA-rated at about 200 miles, while higher-capacity battery will have a range of 230 miles"

I realize most people don't drive this far most days but for likely a close to $100k vehicle this seems like a low range.

Tesla's battery warranty doesn't kick in until it can't carry 70% charge (losses are expected) and then make it middle of Winter and the range looks really low. 200 miles goes to 160 over time and middle of Winter the 160 goes to 120?

Plus I would assume the 200 and 230 mile ranges are at a full charge. One thing I did not know about EVs before I got my model 3 is that you are not suppose to fully charge them all the time. At least that's what Tesla recommends they say for daily charging to stay at like 50-80% charge I believe. Of course they could simply hide the extra capacity showing it to be full when it's only at 80% but I'm guessing they don't because they want to advertise the highest numbers they can.

[stein_325i]

[stein_325i]

I imagine the everyday usability and range of the vehicle should likely be more than enough. The 4S has been tested at anywhere from 50-70 miles above EPA ratings, so the RWD Taycan should he able to achieve above EPA range. I also imagine most Taycan owners will have another vehicle (gas or electric) for other uses such as road trips.

[swagon]

It's always at least 6k in options for a Porsche, no matter what.

Can't believe you have to pay extra for basic stuff like floor-mats or dimming mirrors.

[GenXer]

I think Porsche is missing a great opportunity to produce a reasonably priced, well equipped ICE compact 4 door sports sedan for the $65K-$70K with mild hybrid, and AWD etc.

They can't compete with Tesla $40K-$50K range and they should never compromise on the fit and finish.

$80K is still a lot for a base RWD electric car with relatively low range. They're putting their eggs in the SUV basket in the Macan. It sells well because a lot of people just want AWD station wagon with a Porsche badge.

But, there are missing gaps between a Macan, Cayenne, Panamera and Taycan.

There is a larger market for people wanting near luxury high performance sedan in the $60K to $70K and putting a Porsche brand would seal the deal. (Myself included)

I can't justify having a $70K weekend toy and I don't want another SUV.
So, my choice would be to look at a Mercedes and a BMW and even an Audi.

Where's the equivalent C300, 330i, and A4-A5 in a Porsche?

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by GenXer

I think Porsche is missing a great opportunity to produce a reasonably price, well equipped ICE compact 4 door sports sedan for the $65K-$70K with mild hybrid, with AWD etc.

They can't compete with Tesla $40K-$50K range and they should never skimp on the fit and finish either.

$80K is still a lot for a base RWD electric car with low range. They're putting their eggs in the SUV basket in the Macan. It sells well because a lot of people just want AWD station wagon with a Porsche badge.

But, there are missing gaps between a Macan, Cayenne, Panamera and Taycan.

There is a larger marker for people wanting near luxury high performance sedan in the $60K to $70K and putting a Porsche brand would seal the deal. (Myself included)

I can't justify having a $70K weekend toy and I don't want another SUV.
So, my choice would be to look at a Mercedes and a BMW and even an Audi.

Where's the equivalent C300, 330i, and A4-A5 ?

I would have loved this. Years ago there were rumors of a smaller Porsche sedan called the Pajun, but it was scrapped for the Taycan and because Macan sales dominated. I would love for them to take an Audi S5 Sportback and turn it into a Porsche like how they've taken the Q5 and made the excellent Macan. A smaller, lighter sedan version of a Macan (preferably with a manual) would have easily been a sale for me. Sadly, SUV sales and EV's have pretty much ruined all chances for that, and like you said, they have put their eggs in that basket.

Next will be the Macan EV which will eventually be replacing the ICE Macan. They really need to work on range for that car, as SUV's are used more as long-distance trip vehicles.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by swagon

It's always at least 6k in options for a Porsche, no matter what.

Can't believe you have to pay extra for basic stuff like floor-mats or dimming mirrors.

Yep, no way it will stay close to its $80k base. I'm sure a Taycan RWD in my preferred spec will easily reach $100k or more.

I wonder how much in rebates are left now that they've sold a lot of Taycans?

[R N M]

I would much rather get a Panamera for a 4 door Porsche.

[swagon]

Originally Posted by stein_325i

Yep, no way it will stay close to its $80k base. I'm sure a Taycan RWD in my preferred spec will easily reach $100k or more.

I wonder how much in rebates are left now that they've sold a lot of Taycans?

I just built one that's 90k; link here. It doesn't have anything excessive, it's the bare minimum for such a vehicle. 330 bucks for electronically-folding mirrors, see! Ridiculous. And I haven't even touched any of the EV options.

oH bUt ThIs WAy YoU cAn aLwAyS sPeC yOuR pOrScHe hOwEvEr YoU WaNt

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by R N M

I would much rather get a Panamera for a 4 door Porsche.

While the Panamera isn't as athletic as the Taycan, I agree, although I'm more in favor of the Sport Turismo variants.

[freakystyly]

Not trying to be "that guy" but is that not the Model S performance price point? for the base trim Taycan?

There just isn't enough options on the higher priced market at the moment not to compare it...

[chassis]

Article today on handlesblatt or faz written in German called the EQC a “flop”. MB’s approach is to make weird looking electric vehicles and hope they catch on. Plus, their reputation as a builder of expensive junk seems to be spreading.

The Taycan looks pretty good, but it has a gas tank (battery) that shrinks in size over time. Who wants that?

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by chassis

Article today on handlesblatt or faz written in German called the EQC a "flop". MB' approach is to make weird looking electric vehicles and hope they catch on.

The Taycan looks pretty good, but it has a gas tank (battery) that shrinks in size over time. Who wants that?

EQC, E-Tron and iX3 are all flops in my opinion, they don't do well in any specific department other than having a nice badge. The Taycan while poor in range does well in keeping with its brand identity and "feel," and has produced better real-world numbers, its price is just too astronomical for my taste but it seems sales have done well. In general, most EV's coming out that aren't from Tesla could be a lot better. The only impressive EV to me right now (other than Taycan) is the Ford Mach-E as I think it really nails its mission. Now if only the charging network could catch up and actually be reliable!

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by freakystyly

Not trying to be "that guy" but is that not the Model S performance price point? for the base trim Taycan?

There just isn't enough options on the higher priced market at the moment not to compare it...

Yes, the P-car tax is real. The Taycan Turbo I drove was $160k. For that I could get both a real sports car like a GT4/GTS4.0 and a great EV, Model 3, and have the best of both worlds.

[chassis]

Stein, let’s assume the charging network is there in the future. It will be.

Who wants to buy a car with a shrinking gas tank?

[GenXer]

Originally Posted by stein_325i

I would have loved this. Years ago there were rumors of a smaller Porsche sedan called the Pajun, but it was scrapped for the Taycan and because Macan sales dominated. I would love for them to take an Audi S5 Sportback and turn it into a Porsche like how they've taken the Q5 and made the excellent Macan. A smaller, lighter sedan version of a Macan (preferably with a manual) would have easily been a sale for me. Sadly, SUV sales and EV's have pretty much ruined all chances for that, and like you said, they have put their eggs in that basket.

Next will be the Macan EV which will eventually be replacing the ICE Macan. They really need to work on range for that car, as SUV's are used more as long-distance trip vehicles.

You are absolute right. I do remember the name Pajun. Not exactly catchy but it fated away and was never mentioned again. It was supposed to be a Panamera-Junior --or Pajun.