Regular readers know I’m a bit of a dinosaur. Addicted to fossil fuels. My decision tree on car motors starts with the number of cylinders (12 preferred) and works down to eights, sixes, and an occasional four for special cars. Entertained a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) once when feeling guilty about my gas guzzlers, but never a true electric vehicle (EV). I know they’re economical and luxurious and quick and quiet. Just can’t see myself in one just yet.
But this one is consistent with my unicorn theory as an enthusiast’s vehicle and deeply depreciated. Like $200,000 new down to $87,000 depreciated. And crazy fast. Like shot out of a cannon. Speaking of which, thanks to reader Cannon for bringing this to my attention and pointing out why the Porsche is special.
The 2020 Porsche Taycan Electric Turbo S is rated at 750 horsepower and 774 lb-ft of torque with both electric motors spooled up, and with AWD silently screams to 60 mph in 2.4 seconds, per Car and Driver. Shocking! The third quickest vehicle they’ve ever tested. As fast as the Bugatti Veyron. Their review also points out this is the first EV with a multi-speed transmission (2 to be exact) and will hit an estimated 162 mph. The down side is range – 192 miles. A Tesla will do over 300 I think. (Read somewhere that 95% of the EVs sold in America are still on the road today. The rest were able to be driven home. 🙂 )
Car and Driver also notes the Taycan will charge from 5 to 80 percent in 22 minutes at the most powerful charging stations, although they are far and few between. Last, Car and Driver distinguishes the Taycan over other EV’s by writing, “Equally unusual, there is no one-pedal driving in the electric Porsche. The Taycan bucks EV convention and provides minimal or no regenerative braking when the driver lifts off the accelerator, depending on which of the three selectable modes is in use.” I have no idea why that matters.
The 2020 Porsche Taycan Electric Turbo S has a handsome interior, with Apple CarPlay, air conditioned and heated seats, and a Bose audio system. (You know what Taycan owners listen to on the Bose audio? AC/DC, ELO, or something current.) Not a very long list of features for a $200,000 car. Can’t see it in this CarMax photo, but Car and Driver also notes, “The Taycan’s hood slopes away too fast to see it from the cockpit, framing the road between its suggestive fenders. ” Having owned a 911 I sort of get that, although “suggestive fenders” sounds like something you’d see in an online dating app?
Front and rear boots have plenty of luggage space for those 192 mile trips.
Making light of this Porsche Taycan Electric Turbo S, and yet this is a serious high performance EV that I wouldn’t say no to if it showed up in my driveway. Still steamed that CarMax is sometimes weaseling customers with only one key. On such a high end car no less. The Porsche may be under manufacturer warranty for a bit, and MaxCare is available for five years and up to 125,000 miles.
At the moment this single owner, accident free EV race car is reserved here in San Jose, California. It says price unavailable, but it’s listed for $86,998. Cash or charge (ha!). Track it with the stock number and/or the VIN below if it doesn’t show up in your search. Thanks again, Cannon!
Stock No: 25631535 VIN: WP0AC2Y11LSA71904
Sexy. But OOF that short range. Only someone who has an at-hole charger will put up with less than 150 miles to empty (I know the range but s 192 but LOL if anyone thinks a Porsche will be driven gently enough to match EPA mileage numbers). Then again, anyone who can afford a $90K car can probably afford an $8000 wall wart.
Good to see you back Chuck!
Hey Scott! Agree with your observations. I’m done with letting exotic overrule logic. Unless I see a 2020 S600….