Likely inspired by the success of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, Porsche has revised the Taycan electric vehicle (EV) to create a more “intense connection between driver and vehicle”.
The headline update is the new E-Shift virtual gear system which is turned on via a prominent blue button on the steering wheel.
When enabled, the Taycan will work its way up and down through eight virtual gears, which include “noticeable shift jerks” and a drag torque system that mimics the engine braking characteristics of petrol-powered cars.
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There’s also a virtual rev counter and gear indicator on screen, as well as a revised, and more noticeable, symphony from the Electric Sport Sound system. The E-Shift system includes a GT sports steering wheel with paddle shifters, which the driver can use to manually shift between the virtual gears.
The E-Shift system is standard on the top-of-the-range Turbo GT, and is available as an option on all models and body styles.
Porsche has also updated the infotainment system to run the new Porsche Digital Interaction software, which is said to have a clearer layout, minimalist icons and more dynamic animations.
At the heart of the user interface is a high-resolution, rotatable 3D model of the customer’s car in the correct colour, through which all car settings can be accessed. There are also placeable widgets to allow quick and easy access to functions, such as navigation, phone and media.
Other improvements include downloadable third-party apps, digital colour themes for the interior, over-the-air software updates, and an AI-powered voice assistant that responds to natural language instructions.
The wireless smartphone charging pad now outputs 25W, or 50 per cent more than before.
Meanwhile, European buyers of the rear-wheel drive model now have the option of a low-rolling resistance summer tyre that increases range by up to 20km. When paired with the 105kWh battery pack, this is the first Taycan variant to have a WLTP range of over 700km.
For the first time, a Manthey Kit will be available on a Porsche EV. Only available on the Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach Package, the kit includes an adjustable rear wing, lighter 21-inch wheels with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tyres, and larger disc brakes with performance brake pads.
Most noticeably, there’s an exposed carbon-fibre body kit consisting of wheel-arch extensions, fender vents, wider side skirts, and a rear wing.
The drivetrain has also been tweaked with the maximum discharge current increased to 1300A from 1100A, and maximum continuous power output raised by 20kW to 600kW. In Launch Control mode maximum torque has been bumped up by 30Nm to 1270Nm, and for Attack Mode maximum power output is now 730kW, up 30kW, although this is only available for 10 seconds.
The kit can be fitted to the Turbo GT straight from the factory, or applied as a retrofit.