Porsche Sets New Records with the Taycan Turbo

At the Laguna Seca and Nürburgring circuits, the electric Porsche Taycan Turbo GT and Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach package have stood out early this year. They set new records with peak power exceeding 1,100 horsepower. Let's take a closer look at this achievement. This is a model that hasn't yet hit the market but has already added a first record to its achievements. The Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach package made its mark on the Californian circuit of Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca on February 23rd. Its first outing on the track immediately placed the new Porsche at the top of the electric production car leaderboard, making it the fastest on this American circuit. Its record? 1:27.87 minutes! This feat was accomplished by the brand's driver, Lars Kern, who instantly ranked the electric model among the most performant cars of our time. A second record followed the one achieved on the Nürburgring circuit a while earlier. Kevin Giek, the head of the Taycan series, shared with the press, "The two records set at Laguna Seca and on the Nordschleife demonstrate the enormous potential of the Taycan on the track. Indeed, to succeed in the premier discipline of 'circuit' racing, it's not enough to have the most power possible: the entire package of longitudinal dynamics, lateral dynamics, aerodynamics, stability, and detailed tuning must be right. Our engineers have achieved this result in an absolutely convincing manner, especially with the Taycan Turbo GT and the Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach package. They have already done an excellent job with the standard Taycan models that have just been updated. But our new GT models far surpass their driving dynamics.” To achieve this performance, an optimization of all paradigms was necessary and implemented on the model. Indeed, nothing was left to chance: a new drivetrain ensuring maximum traction and power; extensive work on the vehicle's longitudinal dynamics, taking advantage of the Attack mode; optimization of lateral dynamics; as well as selecting the right tires to ensure speed and balance. Porsche's development driver unequivocally shared, "It's an incredible pleasure to drive this car on the ascents and descents of Laguna Seca.”

Developed by Porsche, Attack Mode symbolizes the constant quest for power and speed. Its principle? With a simple press of a button, the Taycan Turbo GT benefits from an additional 120 kW of power for ten seconds. "Attack Mode is based on the Push-to-Pass function of other Taycan models. The system has been optimized for use on the racetrack and operates similarly to the 99X racing models Porsche uses in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The additional power is indicated by a countdown in the instrument cluster and dynamically highlighted by animated rings in the tachometer," explained the Porsche teams. This technology, already used in other models of the Taycan line, is here optimized to perfectly adapt to racetrack driving. Indeed, in other cars of the brand equipped with Attack Mode, it was necessary to press the mode switch located on the satellite. But to adapt to racetrack driving and facilitate access to this function, the designers envisioned an exclusive steering wheel with paddles. Thus, with a simple gesture on the right paddle, Attack Mode is engaged for ten seconds of superpower. Driver Lars Kern applauds this design decision, which completely changes the driving experience, "This additional power can also be activated with racing gloves, without taking a hand off the wheel. With this simple, safe, and quick command option, the Taycan Turbo GT models are designed to meet the needs of a racing driver."

Every decision regarding the look of the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT and Taycan Turbo GT with Attack package is informed by the goal of increasing the performance and power of the electric car. First and foremost, the quest for lightness, in service of speed, was a priority in the design of the race car. Carbon is one of the main materials used in its construction, found in numerous elements, including the door panels, exterior mirror housings, and the side skirts with carbon fiber inserts. For the chassis, the production model was selected, and enhanced with Porsche Active Suspension Management specifically tuned for the Taycan Turbo model. When it comes to brakes, ceramic is the material of choice, but they have been made lighter through various modifications: "Based on the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB), the braking system has been optimized for weight. Structural changes to the brake disc pot and caliper housing have saved more than two kilograms. This positively affects driving dynamics and performance. Reducing unsprung and rotating masses increases performance. The brake calipers feature an exclusive Victory Gold paint," comment the Porsche teams. To further increase the aerodynamics of the electric car, a front spoiler with aero blades was specially designed for this model, also made of carbon with a glossy finish to add even more to the aesthetics of the Taycan Turbo. On the interior finishes, Porsche designed the essence of a true circuit-ready car. Equipped with the Race-Tex range, the bucket seats, also with a carbon frame, are clad in standard black leather. For those seeking an experience worthy of the greatest races, adaptive sport seats Plus with 18 adjustments and a memory package can also be chosen as an option, ensuring comfort and thrilling sensations.

Porsche offers one of its most sophisticated and refined vehicles with the Taycan Turbo GT model equipped with the Weissach package. Even lighter and more aerodynamic, it enables the electric car to accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 2.2 seconds, making it even faster than the Taycan Turbo. Its maximum speed? 305 kilometers per hour, which is 15 more than the Turbo model. To achieve this record, work was done on the car's very structure, as explained by the German brand's teams, "Additional aerodynamic measures have been taken, including air deflectors on the underside and a new front diffuser. At the rear, the model equipped with the Weissach package sports a visible carbon-fixed rear spoiler with sturdy spoiler supports attached to the chassis. The total downforce reaches up to 220 kilograms." This improvement is further enhanced by the removal of superfluous elements, further lightening the car. Among these, are the analog clock, the rear seat trim replaced by ultra-light carbon, as well as a reduction in insulating materials, and a choice of glass that also helps to reduce weight. In total, the model equipped with the Weissach package manages to shed 70 kilograms. A difference that is crucial to the vehicle's performance. However, comfort and luxury are not sacrificed. As a sports car, the interior of the Porsche Taycan Turbo Weissach package is adorned with standard black Race-Tex trim, with the Weissach logo placed on the passenger side. For drivers seeking more originality in colors, the interior can also be dressed in Volt blue or GT silver, with the seat stitching done in a contrasting color to further enhance the elegance of the track car. If the price starts at 272'500 CHF, Swiss Porsche customers can count on numerous attentions provided by the brand. Among these, a warranty extension reaching four years, as well as assistance also extended to four years, complemented by a currency exchange compensation premium. Finally, the Porsche Swiss Package includes several options available at no extra cost, including cruise control and distance control, ionizer, lane change assistant, and the HomeLink© system, which allows for the automatic opening of your garage door. This complements the sports experience with everyday usability comfort.