Overview:
The Porsche Taycan has been a massive hit, to say the least. Despite being on the market for only two years, this sleek four-door electric sports sedan has surpassed even the iconic Porsche 911 in sales figures. Additionally, it has managed to outperform established EV giant Tesla, with Taycan sales in the first three quarters of 2021 exceeding those of the Model S and Model X combined. Porsche is now launching the Taycan GTS for 2022, a driver-centric model that fills a niche in terms of pricing and performance.
Price and Variants:
The 2022 Porsche Taycan GTS may not pack as much raw horsepower or acceleration as its Turbo and Turbo S counterparts, but that doesn't mean it's a slouch. When it comes to carving up winding roads, this electric sports car is more than capable of holding its own. Of course, as is par for the course with Porsche vehicles, the base price of $132,750 can quickly escalate once you start tacking on options. In fact, our test car came out to a staggering $180,070. While deliveries won't begin until early 2022, orders are being accepted now. If you're considering getting your hands on one, we'd recommend acting fast. Demand for Taycans continues to rise, and the addition of the GTS trim is sure to only fuel that fire.
Power and Performance:
Until now, the leap from the all-wheel-drive Taycan 4S to the Turbo was quite steep. With the Performance Battery Plus option included in the Turbo, the price difference amounts to almost $42,000. Even with the same battery option, the 4S still falls short of the Turbo's peak output of 670 horsepower and 626 pound-feet of torque by a significant margin. The Taycan GTS, however, fills the gap nicely, offering a sturdy 590 horsepower and the same torque as the Turbo at 626 pound-feet, while sitting at a more reasonable price point between the 4S and Turbo. While Porsche has not yet released range estimates, they have suggested that the GTS may surpass the 227-mile range of the 2021 4S. But perhaps the best part of owning a Taycan GTS is avoiding any debates at local car meetups over the validity of a "Turbo" badge on an electric car.
Range, Charging and Battery:
The Taycan GTS offers an appealing balance of price and performance, slotting in between the 4S and Turbo trims. While Porsche has not yet released official range figures for the GTS, they have hinted that it could surpass the 227-mile range of the 2021 4S. This is thanks in part to the GTS's 83.7-kWh Performance Battery Plus option, which is also standard on the Turbo. This large battery provides plenty of juice for the GTS's powerful electric motor, delivering a maximum output of 590 horsepower and 626 pound-feet of torque, which matches that of the Turbo.
When it comes to charging, the Taycan GTS is no slouch either. Like other Taycan models, it supports DC fast charging up to 270 kW, allowing you to add approximately 60 miles of range in just 5 minutes. The GTS also comes equipped with an onboard charger that can handle up to 9.6 kW of AC charging, allowing you to fully charge the battery in as little as 9 hours when using a Level 2 charger.
Interior and Exterior:
The Porsche Taycan GTS is a vehicle that is designed to impress both inside and out. It features a menacing and purposeful exterior that sets it apart from its siblings. The blacked-out SportDesign chin spoiler and enlarged air-curtain ducts beneath the black-background headlight buckets give the car a fierce look. The blacked-out side-glass surround moldings and deeper SportDesign side skirts with gloss-black inserts further enhance the car's aggressive appearance.
The rear diffuser is accented with gloss black, and the word Porsche in the translucent taillight band is also accented in black. The car rolls on satin-black wheels, with red calipers peeking through. The wheels come in two sizes, either 20-inch Turbo S Aero Design wheels or the racier 21-inch forged RS Spyder design wheels, as seen on our sample car.
The interior of the Taycan GTS is dominated by black Race-Tex, Porsche's faux-suede material. It covers everything from the standard 18-way adaptive sport seats, the headliner, roof pillars, and sun visors, to the horizontal design axis below the dash top and the central spine that divides the cockpit. The multifunction GT sport steering wheel is also wrapped in Race-Tex and features a prominent driving mode dial, thanks to the standard Sport Chrono package.
Red stitching throughout the cabin and dark-finish brushed-aluminum trim further add to the car's aggressive look. Matte-black carbon fiber trim is also available as an option. For those who want to let the sunshine in, there's an optional panoramic sunroof with a new Variable Light Control system. This system features nine massive car-spanning LCD segments that can be manipulated using a touchscreen interface.
Infotainment and Connectivity:
The Porsche Taycan GTS is not just about performance; it also features an advanced infotainment system that enhances the driving experience. The main touchscreen interface is intuitive and user-friendly, providing access to a range of features and connectivity options.
One of the standout features is the Porsche Track Precision app, which is available for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This app allows drivers to review and break down their driving performance using data streamed from the car's onboard systems. The app can also be used in conjunction with a smartphone camera or Bluetooth-connected GoPro to produce detailed driving traces that are synchronized with video.
The Taycan GTS is the first Porsche four-door to feature this app, making it a great choice for those who are serious about track driving. The app can provide detailed performance metrics, such as lap times, speed, and G-forces, which can be analyzed to improve driving technique.
In addition to the Track Precision app, the Taycan GTS also features a range of connectivity options, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows drivers to access their favorite apps and media directly from the car's touchscreen interface. The car also features a high-quality audio system, which can be customized to suit individual preferences.
Other connectivity options include a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, which allows passengers to stay connected while on the go. The car also features Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music and making hands-free calls.
Overall, the infotainment and connectivity options in the Taycan GTS are designed to enhance the driving experience and make it more enjoyable and convenient. Whether you're on the track or on the highway, the Taycan GTS has everything you need to stay connected and entertained.
Safety and Warranty:
In addition to its impressive performance capabilities, the 2022 Porsche Taycan GTS also comes equipped with advanced safety features. Porsche's engineers have gone to great lengths to ensure that the GTS delivers a neutral cornering attitude and better turn-in response, making it a safe and reliable car to drive.
The Taycan GTS features Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and an adaptive air suspension system, which help to keep the car stable and planted on the road. The standard Torque Vectoring Plus and Power Steering Plus systems have also been tweaked to deliver a more responsive driving experience. Additionally, buyers can opt for the rear-steer system and PDCC adaptive anti-roll bars to further enhance the car's handling and stability.
In terms of warranty, Porsche provides a limited warranty that covers the car for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. The battery is covered under a separate limited warranty that guarantees its capacity for 8 years or 100,000 miles. Porsche also offers a range of extended warranties and maintenance plans for those who want additional coverage and peace of mind. Overall, the Taycan GTS is a safe and reliable car backed by Porsche's reputation for engineering excellence and quality craftsmanship.