The global reveal of the new Porsche Taycan, held at three different locations - at Niagara Falls, a solar farm in Neuhardenberg near Berlin, and the wind farm on Pingtan Island - represents the pivotal point for the company that embarked on a whole new automotive pilgrimage.

The new Porsche Taycan, spectacularly revealed by former Formula 1 driver Mark Webber, has two electric motors with a combined power output of 761 horsepower, a four-wheel-drive system, and four doors. It is not a replacement for the Panamera or just one more cash-cow for the company, though. The new Porsche Taycan, with a 93.4 kWh battery and a range of 280 miles launches the brand into the brave new world of electric cars. Considering its low center of gravity, Porsche build-quality, and spirited performance (0-62 mph in 2.8 s), the Taycan will be a drivers sweetheart just as the first Porsche 911 became instantly when it was launched in 1963.

The New Porsche Taycan Can Lap the Nurburgring Almost Two Seconds Quicker Than the Honda Civic Type R

- Top track speed 260 km/h - 0-62 in 2.8 seconds - 0-124 in 9.8 seconds - It lapped the Nurburgring in 7 minutes and 42 seconds - Its two synchronous motors develop 761 horsepower in over-boost mode with 744 pound-feet of torque - Range of 280 miles - It can charge with a peak power of 270 kW - Recharges 62 miles of range in 5 minutes - First series production car with an 800-volt system - Battery capacity of 93.4 kWh - Lower center of gravity compared to 911 - Drag coefficient of 0.22

Porsche Revealed the Taycan at three locations that celebrate renewable energy, but these locations also represent three main markets for the new Taycan. This car truly represents a new era of electric mobility. Combining hydropower of the Niagara falls, Windpower of Pingtan Island, and a solar farm of Neuhardenberg, the new Taycan tries to be a world-changing car that is not only fast and badass but also eco-conscious.

Before the reveal, Oliver Blume, CEO of Porsche AG talked a lot about Porsche's plans. He said that by 2025, one out of two new Porsches sold would have an electric drive. The Taycan is a critical part of that plan, and it should change Porsche buyers' perception and habits.

Enough of that!



The 2020 Porsche Taycan

Mark Webber is the one that told us the trivia we all wanted to know. To prove the consistency of Taycan performance, Porsche engineers and racecar drivers (including Webber), did an incredible 26 consecutive acceleration tests, during which they only lost 0.7 seconds in acceleration time. Furthermore, for the first ten acceleration runs, the Taycan proved that it can always deliver consistent performance. This is a huge deal as all-electric cars suffer from the problem of falling performance with a depleted battery. Not the Taycan, though, as it can offer almost the same performance with 50-percent of battery charge as it provides with a 100-percent charged battery.

Obviously, the innovation, timeless design, and futuristic technology provides an ideal platform for the creation of a new way of mobility. The Taycan features two permanent magnet synchronous motors with a two-speed transmission for the rear axle. Interestingly enough, it looks a lot like the concept car we saw some years ago. And, that is important because Porsche managed to design it in such a way and achieve a low drag coefficient of 0.22 Cd.

I know that you are now thinking about the Tesla Model S P100D. Porsche did want to beat Tesla at its own game. It proved that with the tireless and endless work that improved the Taycan's acceleration time. Only some months ago, we thought it would be able to accelerate to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds. Porsche surprised us today with the Tycan's acceleration time to 62 mph in 2.8 seconds. And it is a tad faster than the Model P100D with a top speed of 260 kph (162 mph)

How Much Range Does the 2020 Porsche Taycan Have?

The Porsche Taycan can cover 280 miles on one charge. Its 93.4 kWh battery can charge at a peak power of 270 kW. That means you will get 100 kilometers (62 miles) of range every five minutes. No other electric car recharge system on earth can achieve such performance. To prove just how capable the Taycan is, Porsche took it to Nardo oval track. There, engineers wanted to see just how many kilometers it can cover in 24 hours. The Taycan managed to cover 3,425 kilometers on Nardo in 24 hours. That is 2,128 miles - basically a trip from Los Angeles to Chicago in less than 24 hours - with an electric car. Amazing. The only problem in the real world is that we still don't have enough charging stations to support such a trip. But, the tech exists, and the vehicle that can do it exists. It's the Taycan!

As far as recharging goes, it goes like this:

Both Taycan models - the Turbo and the Turbo S - can charge from 5 percent to an 80-percent state of charge in 10.5 hours on a 9.6-kilowatt charge connection. It needs 93 minutes when plugged into a 50-kW charge point. It needs 22.5 minutes at a 270-kW charger.

2020 Porsche Taycan Pricing and Availability

The Porsche Taycan is available in two base guises - the 2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo and the 2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo S.The cheapest 2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo starts at $153,310, while the top-gun - the 2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo S - starts at eye-watering $185,000. Bear in mind that none of these Turbo cars actually have a turbocharger as they are all-electric. As far as availability goes, Porsche hasn't released a definite date quite yet, but we expect it to go on sale by the end of the year or in the first quarter of 2020 at the latest.

2020 Porsche Taycan Cargo Space

The 2020 Porsche Taycan has a frunk. That is a big deal! It is not a very big frunk, but I am sure you will know what to do with 2.8 cubic-feet of cargo room under the bonnet. On the other hand, the rear trunk has a somewhat respectable 12.9 cubic-feet of cargo space.

2020 Porsche Taycan Battery

With a 93.4-kWh capacity, the Porsche Taycan's battery weighs in at staggering 1,389 pounds. More importantly, it is wired to provide an exceptional and world-leading 800 volts. That is double of what any other production electric car or hybrid can achieve. The tech found its first application in the 919 Hybrid Le Mans racer.

As expected, the batteries are integrated into the floor. They are shaped in such a way to provide a bit of comfort for the passengers. Cooling comes from radiators that sit on the edges of the front end of the Taycan. As I have learned before, the battery has 33 modules of 12 LG Chem cells.

2020 Porsche Taycan Interior

The Porsche Taycan's biggest asset compared to its immediate competitors, is the high-end interior layout with flushed out features from the 911 and the Panamera. Although far lower compared to the Panamera and the Model S, the smartly laid out battery provides a whole lot of headspace for the rear passengers. On the other hand, passengers in the front seats will have that proper Porsche feel. The center of gravity is even lower compared to that of the 911. More importantly, the Taycan features four massive screens (yes four), an innovative infotainment system that includes a dedicated Apple Music app, and a smart navigational system.

Porsche also flaunts with Taycans eco-conscious dedication with the offer of leather-free recycled microfiber material should you choose. Don't worry, though. With many interior options - such as different wood trims, aluminum/carbon fiber inlays, and colors - you will be able to enhance your Taycan as you see fit.

Further Reading

Read our full review on the 2020 Porsche Taycan.

Read our full review on the 2020 Porsche Taycan CUV.

Read our full speculative review on the 2020 Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo.

Read our full speculative review on the 2021 Porsche Taycan GTS.

Read our full review on the 2018 Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo Concept.

Read our full review on the 2015 Porsche Mission E Concept.