Taycan Turbo GT Has More Amps Than Your House
Image Credit: Porsche AG.
Today, I'm geeking out a bit about Porsche's latest and greatest creation: the Taycan Turbo GT. Another Taycan? Didn't they just release, like, five versions of this thing? You're right. But this one is so different... This Taycan Turbo S went to a German spa, got a serious sports massage, and emerged with a newfound zest for life. And a need for speed.
So, what makes this electric beast stand out from the EV herd? The "standard" Taycan Turbo S is already a powerhouse in its own right, chugging along with a measly 600 amperes of electric juice flowing to its rear motor. Now, crank that up to 900 amperes, and you've got yourself the Turbo GT. Swapping out a garden hose for a fire hydrant has a similar effect.
Image Credit: Porsche AG.
Porsche, in their infinite wisdom, decided to tinker with the pulse inverter, the gizmo that converts the battery's direct current to alternating current for the motor. They basically supersized it, allowing more electric energy to surge through the system. And because they were feeling particularly brave, they also swapped out the usual silicon semiconductor material for silicon carbide, which is apparently all the rage in the efficiency department.
I'm not an electrical engineer, but I do know that more amps usually mean more power, and in the case of the Turbo GT, that translates to a mind-boggling 1,108 horsepower. This four-door sedan packs more punch than a herd of stampeding elephants. And if you're wondering how that much power affects performance - it goes from 0 to 60 mph faster than you can say "Bratwurst." We're talking 2.2 seconds, folks. Yes, I hear you, Tesla fans. Model S Plaid is quicker. But Porsche is made for proper fun on the racetrack, the only place you'll be racing Tesla is a dragstrip.
Image Credit: Porsche AG.
Why, you ask? Because Porsche didn't stop at just amping up the electrics. They also gave the Turbo GT a whole host of aerodynamic upgrades, including a modified underbody and some snazzy new spoilers. And because stopping is just as important as going (especially when you're hurtling towards the horizon at warp speed), they threw in some lightweight ceramic brakes. Add to it the special high-performance summer tires wrapped around exclusive 21-inch forged wheels and yeah, they really thought of everything.
But if you truly want to experience the Turbo GT's full potential, there's the Weissach package. This is where things get really serious, and only the bravest should consider this step. Porsche basically stripped out anything that wasn't essential for speed, including the rear seats. (Sorry, kids, you'll have to take the bus.) The result? A car that's 154 pounds lighter and even quicker off the line. We're talking 0 to 60 mph in 2.1 seconds. That's fast enough to make your eyeballs feel like they're playing catch-up.
Image Credit: Porsche AG.
The Weissach package also includes some serious performance upgrades - a roll cage, a fire extinguisher, and a set of racing harnesses. Basically, it's everything you need to turn your Taycan into a track-day weapon. And if you're feeling really adventurous, you can even opt for the optional carbon-fiber roof and rear spoiler.
As you rightly expect, all this performance comes at a price. The Taycan Turbo GT starts at an eye-watering $231,995. It's a lot of money, no doubt. But there isn't any electric car out there that's ready for a racetrack straight out of the dealer's showroom. Sure, Model S is a smidgen quicker in a straight line, but it'll cook its brakes the moment it sees a first bend. Lucid Air Sapphire? It is mighty quick. For a sofa… The only one I can think of is the upcoming Xiaomi SU7 Ultra. That could be a real dark horse.
The Porsche Taycan Turbo GT in all its glory. It's a car that's as electrifying as it is exhilarating, and it's sure to put a smile on the face of even the most experienced driving enthusiast. Just be sure to keep an eye on the speedometer, because this thing can really move.
