Meet Porsche’s fastest-ever car, the 2024 Taycan Turbo GT

KUALA LUMPUR: Porsche has expanded the Taycan EV lineup with the addition of the all-new Taycan Turbo GT trim. The latest version of the all-electric sports sedan also benefits from the Weissach package, designed specifically for track performance, which eliminates the rear seats to achieve an improved power-to-weight ratio.

Before the official reveal, the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT with the Weissach Package grabbed the title of the ‘fastest electric series-production car’ on February 23, 2024, at the Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca in California. Porsche development driver Lars Kern achieved a lap time of 1:27.87, surpassing all previous records for series electric cars.

However, at the Nürburgring, the new Taycan Turbo GT model set a new class record, with Kern once again at the wheel. He posted a lap time of 7:07.55 on the Nordschleife circuit, a whopping 26 seconds faster than his previous record lap in an August 2022 Taycan Turbo S equipped with the performance package.

“The two records in Laguna Seca and on the Nordschleife show what great track potential there is in the Taycan,” says Model Line Vice President Kevin Giek. 

The credit for these breathtaking figures goes to the upgraded drivetrain setup that includes a new, more powerful rear-mounted pulse inverter motor incorporating more efficient silicon carbide semiconductors. The combined output of the system is rated at 789 PS and 1,340 Nm initially, but with the launch control engaged, the power goes up to 1033 PS. Additionally, it can deploy an over-boost of 1,108 PS for 2 seconds.

The Taycan Turbo GT achieves a zero to 100 kmph sprint in only 2.3 seconds, or 2.2 seconds with the Weissach package. It puts the electric sedan ahead by one to two-tenths of a second compared to the Taycan Turbo S. When accelerating from naught to 200 kmph, the difference is even more significant: 6.6 seconds without the Weissach package and 6.4 seconds with it, which is up to 1.3 seconds faster than the Turbo S.

Porsche did not explicitly mention the battery pack capacity for the Turbo GT models. However, it is assumed to be derived from the Turbo S, featuring a 98 kWh capacity and offering a WTLP-claimed range of up to 555 km.

The other distinguishing features of the new Porsche Taycan Turbo GT include - 

• The EV features the Dynamics Pack with Porsche Active Ride suspension, GT-specific tuning, high-performance tyres, 21-inch forged wheels, and a weight-optimised carbon-ceramic braking system
• It is 75 kg lighter than the Turbo S due to the extensive use of carbon fibre in components like centre pillars, mirror caps, side skirts, and the boot lid (without the self-closing system), along with lightweight CFRP seats

• The optional Weissach pack adds a fixed rear spoiler with 220 kg downforce, additional aerodynamic elements like a new front diffuser, and LED matrix headlamps. It eliminates rear seats, floor mats, and the ChronoPack central clock, saving an extra 70 kg
• The interior features wraparound seats with exposed carbon fibre, electrically adjustable seats (optional), and a single manually-opening load hatch.

“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,” he added.

The deliveries of the new Porsche Taycan Turbo GT models are expected to begin soon in the US market at a starting price of $230,000 (approximately equal to RM 1,075,825).

Also read: New Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid variants introduced in the US