New 2023 Porsche Taycan range-topper spied without camouflage
Most powerful Taycan yet will have hypercar performance
The Porsche Taycan is one of our favourite EVs, combining the smooth, quiet refinement of an electric car with the sporty, driving dynamics you’d expect from the iconic German manufacturer. And these latest images show the new variant - which is set to be revealed soon - testing without camouflage.
We don’t know what this new model will be called just yet - the current Taycan range-topper is badged ‘Turbo S’ despite obviously not having a turbocharger. Whether or not this even more focused and more powerful variant will follow the 911’s style and delve into the ‘GT’ name remains to be seen.
The spy shots show the new Taycan undisguised and we can see it will feature plenty of performance-focused exterior modifications. There’s an aggressive front splitter with a greater air intake area to help cool the additional motor and big front brakes, while the fixed rear wing and diffuser should work together to provide extra downforce to help put down the power.
A new set of alloy wheels has also been added and the roll cage seen on previous test cars has been retained - although we’d be surprised to see this make its way to the production model, given it’s a full cage. We know Porsche isn’t afraid of ripping out the back seats in its more track-focused sports cars so this approach might apply to its four-door EV.
Tesla and Porsche have been swapping the title of the fastest all-electric car to lap the Nurburgring, with the Model S Plaid and Taycan Turbo S recently rolling up their sleeves. The German firm has just secured the record once again, with this new model with a 7m7sec time, besting the 1000bhp Model S Plaid by 18 seconds.
We expect Porsche's dual-motor configuration to be retained with new electric motor technology for more power. A revised chassis and suspension setup are also expected to be designed specifically for the new Taycan model, to help ensure its extra power is transferred to the tarmac.
A new radar system looks to have been installed behind the windscreen of previous test cars, suggesting that the new Taycan could arrive with an improved suite of driver assist systems. New wheel designs are expected to feature, which should be available on other models later as part of a mid-life facelift.
New trim and upholstery options could be available to lift the cabin, and software changes are likely for the Taycan's triple-display infotainment setup. This comprises a 16.8-inch curved instrument panel, a 10.9-inch central display and a portrait-orientated climate control screen. At extra cost, buyers can specify an additional infotainment screen ahead of the passenger, while software revisions could improve the system's features and responsiveness.
Given the upgrades, we predict the range-topping Taycan to cost well over the £142,400 Turbo S model’s price tag when it arrives in the coming months.
Now read about how the facelifted Porsche 911 will benefit from the Taycan's technology…
