BY TERESA GRECO
No matter the form of motive power, the GTS variant of any Porsche is the optimal combination of performance and luxury, without sacrificing everyday usability. The Taycan GTS sedan exemplifies this distinction by embodying pure Porsche E-Performance. The 590 HP of overboost power with Launch Control, a GTS-specific drivetrain tune for increased agility and the distinctive Porsche Electric Sport Sound typical of the GTS, make every drive an event.
GTS stands for Gran Turismo Sport. Ever since the creation of the Porsche 904 Carrera GTS in 1963, these three letters have held special significance for Porsche fans. Now, there is a derivative with this legendary letter combination in every Porsche model series. This spring the sports car manufacturer rolls out to its dealers its new version of its electric sports car under the acronym GTS. With a range of up to 504 km (based on WLTP figures), the new sports model is the first Taycan to break the 500 km mark.
The Taycan GTS is the dynamic all-rounder of the model range. The Taycan GTS has two electric motors: one for the front axle and one for the rear. This means that it is equipped with all-wheel drive as standard. The electric motors are the same units used in the Taycan Turbo models but are specifically adapted to the GTS. With up to 440 kW (598 PS) of overboost when using Launch Control, its power is impressive. The sprint from zero to 100km/h can be achieved in both variants within 3.7 seconds. The maximum speed of the two cars is 250 km/h.
Much like the Taycan Turbo and Taycan Turbo S, the Taycan GTS comes standard with the 93.4 kWh Performance Battery Plus and its 800-volt architecture means it can handle continuous demand while minimizing heat build-up. This translates to high charging speeds of up to 270 kW and is part of the reason it can charge from 5-80 percent in 22.5 minutes, while accelerating both variants from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds.
Numerous Black or dark details are included on the exterior, such as the front apron, the bases of the exterior mirrors and the side window trims, as is typical of a GTS model derivative. In addition, the new Taycan variant has the Sport Design Package with distinctive trim for the front, rear and side skirts. In the standard LED main headlights with matrix beam and Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus), the trims of the daytime running light elements are finished in Matt Black with 3D track graphics.
The louvred rear diffuser design has the same geometry as the component on the Taycan Turbo models. The inserts in the side skirts and in the rear diffuser are finished in High-Gloss Black on the GTS. The standard 20-inch Taycan Turbo S Aero Design wheels are painted in Satin Black. Optionally, the new 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels are available exclusively to the GTS in Satin Black.
The interior is also distinctive. Numerous Black Race-Tex features underscore the elegant, dynamic ambience, as does the standard brushed aluminium interior package with its black anodised finish. The standard front adaptive Sports Seats Plus combine sporty lateral support with long-distance comfort. Driver and passenger seats feature 18-way electric adjustability and memory functions with “GTS” logos on the front and rear headrests.
As an option, there’s a panoramic sunroof with a new Variable Light Control system, an embedded array of nine massive car-spanning LCD segments that can be manipulated using a touchscreen interface. The electrically switchable liquid-crystal film can change the roof from clear to matt. This protects the occupants from glare, without making the interior darker. At the same time, the panoramic roof with Sunshine Control provides better protection against heat than a normal glass roof.
The GTS interior package is available as an option. With it, the steering wheel trim, the side decorative elements on the centre console and the decorative surfaces on the doors are finished in Matt Carbon. Either Carmine Red or Crayon can be chosen for numerous contrasting seams on the dashboard, the door trim, the rim of the steering wheel and the seats.
Inside the Taycan GTS, there are many of the standard technology and comfort features from the other Taycan sports cars, such as the familiar multi-screen dash, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, Porsche Connect with Porsche Charging Planner also come standard in the GTS variants.
Pricing for the Taycan GTS sedan starts at $131,400 US, and deliveries are set to start in the second quarter of 2022.