The Taycan Turbo GT: Porsche Perfecting the Four-Door EV Sports Car

The Porsche Taycan Turbo GT proves that EVs can be thrilling. Porsche's electric masterpiece offers mind-bending performance and a driving experience that rivals the best ICE sports cars.

Porsche, a name synonymous with internal combustion supremacy and a brand known for churning out driver-focused machines for the better part of 93 years, has yet again shown the new chaps exactly how it's done. And, boy, have they made a splash. The Taycan Turbo GT isn't just a sign of the changing times. It's a testament to Porsche's engineering prowess and a love letter to anyone skeptical about the future of performance EVs.

While electric cars have been around for a while, the Taycan Turbo GT proves that the enthusiast spirit can flourish even without the familiar rumble of an engine. With an eye-watering 789 horsepower (up to 1034 with Overboost Power in Launch Control ), an earth-twisting 833 pound-feet of torque, and a 97 kWh battery pack, this electric beast rockets to 60 mph in a mind-bending 2.3 seconds. Top speed? a more than acceptable 161 mph. Not bad for a car that weighs as much as a rhinoceros with a full stomach. 

But the Taycan Turbo GT isn't merely about straight-line acceleration. Porsche has a reputation to uphold. This is the company that gave us the 911, a car that has defined the sports car segment for decades. The Taycan Turbo GT, especially when equipped with the optional Weissach Pack (more on that later), is perhaps the most dynamically gifted EV ever created. With rear-wheel steering, a low center of gravity, and adaptive dampers, it's a miracle of physics-bending engineering. And despite its heft, the Taycan Turbo GT masks its weight with the agility of a car half its size. If you're searching for thrills on a twisty canyon road, this electric Porsche won't disappoint.

Of course, we can't talk about the Taycan Turbo GT without mentioning its rivals, the Lucid Air Sapphire and the Tesla Model S Plaid. All three of these EVs are blisteringly fast and technologically advanced. But where the Taycan shines is its ability to deliver a visceral, engaging driving experience that feels distinctly Porsche.

Stay tuned for part two, where we dive into the key differences between the Taycan, Lucid, and Tesla, and why the Porsche is the ultimate electric sports car for the discerning enthusiast.

Lucid Air Sapphire vs. Tesla Model S Plaid: A Tale of Contrasting Philosophies

The Lucid Air Sapphire is a newcomer, but it's already turning heads. With a colossal 1200 horsepower, a sub-2-second 0-60 mph time, and a sophisticated design, the Sapphire embodies the spirit of American innovation. It's the brainchild of genuine car enthusiasts, and that passion shines through. From the subtle design details to the focus on performance, the Sapphire feels meticulously crafted, like a high-powered love letter to the art of going fast.

Then, there's the Tesla Model S Plaid – the reigning king of straight-line acceleration. With over 1000 horsepower, a 1.99-second 0-60 mph time, and a controversial yoke steering wheel, the Tesla is a tech geek's dream. It boasts a minimalist interior dominated by a massive touchscreen, industry-leading self-driving capabilities, and a focus on cutting-edge software. This focus on tech over raw emotion can make the Tesla feel more like a Silicon Valley creation than an enthusiast's machine.

So, where does that leave the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT? Smack dab in the middle. It has the tech wizardry to compete, but Porsche hasn't forgotten about the importance of driving engagement. Sure, its interior might not be as minimalist as the Tesla's, but that's because it still uses physical buttons and switches. Blasphemy in the eyes of software designers, but a godsend for those who prefer tactile interactions. The Taycan's infotainment system is intuitive, but it doesn't try to reinvent the wheel (or yoke, if you will).

The Taycan Turbo GT feels like a Porsche through and through. It has the classic Porsche design cues, a luxurious and well-appointed interior, and a level of driver engagement that others just can't quite match. It might not win the drag race against the Lucid or Tesla, but in the real world, where roads curve and traffic exists, the Taycan Turbo GT shows its true colors.

The Verdict: Porsche Taycan Turbo GT – Bridging the Enthusiast Gap

Let's be honest, EVs still have a bit of an image problem among die-hard car enthusiasts. Sure, they're lightning-quick, but they often lack the soul and drama of a traditional sports car. That's where the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT comes in. It proves that even without a roaring engine, a car can still deliver genuine thrills and make you grin like an idiot behind the wheel.

The Taycan Turbo GT's magic lies in its balance. It has the tech, the luxury, and the performance capabilities to take on its rivals. But, more importantly, it has that special something that makes it feel like a true Porsche. The steering is precise and communicative, the suspension is taut yet forgiving, and the whole car communicates with you in a way that the others simply can't replicate. And let's not forget that optional Weissach Pack – a suite of performance goodies that includes carbon fiber trim, lightweight wheels, and a retuned chassis. With the Weissach Pack, the Turbo GT becomes a track-ready weapon, taking the 0-60 mph time down to just 2.2 seconds and shedding nearly 75 kgs over the standard Taycan Turbo S, proving that Porsche's commitment to driving dynamics hasn't waned in the electric era. The Weissach pack also put Porsche on top again, setting the fastest electric car record at Laguna Seca with a lap time of 1:27.87, as well as posting a record-breaking lap time of 7:07.55 on the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

Of course, the Taycan Turbo GT isn't perfect. Its range, while decent, isn't class-leading. And those seeking a truly minimalist experience might find its interior a bit busy compared to the Tesla. And let's not forget the elephant in the room – the price. With a starting MSRP of almost $188,000, this electric Porsche isn't what you'd call affordable.

But if you're an enthusiast with the means, who wants a taste of the electric future without sacrificing driving enjoyment, the Taycan Turbo GT is tough to beat. It delivers the performance, refinement, and sheer driving pleasure that we've come to expect from Porsche. It's a testament to the fact that even in the EV era, Porsche remains committed to building driver's cars, even if those drivers now need a charging cable instead of a jerry can.

Images are used from Porsche Newsroom.
 

Author Bio

Bhavik Sreenath is an automotive expert, writer, and founder of Motolog Studio. With a Master's in Automotive Journalism and experience in publications like Bodyshop Magazine, he delivers compelling stories about the cars we love. From designing magazine layouts to reporting on eco-conscious practices, he brings a multifaceted perspective to automotive writing. His experience in Automotive Journalism makes him a vocal voice for car enthusiasts and industry insiders. Follow Bhavik on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook, to stay in touch and up-to-date with the latest EV and battery development news.