January 20th 2021
So far, the most affordable Taycan was the 4S, costing $103,800 for all-wheel-drive and output of 522 horsepower (390 kilowatts). However, we got to know some months ago that the Chinese customer will get their hands on a less-expensive rear-wheel-drive model. That entry-level variant arrives in the U.S. starting at $79,900.
Power and Battery Packs
By discarding the 4S from the Taycan and saving $24,900 in the meantime, you get 2021 Porsche Taycan RWD, featuring a single motor at the rear axle, creating 402 hp (300 kW) and 254 pound-feet (344 newton-meters). Those looking for better performance and higher range can opt for Performance Battery Plus good for 469 hp and 263 lb-ft (350 kW and 357 Nm). The standard battery pack is 79.2-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion unit while the performance pack gets 93.4 kWh of power.
Performance and Charging
Porsche says the base Taycan can accelerate from zero to 60 mph (96 kilometers per hour) in 5.1 seconds. The bigger battery is slow off-the-line, but it makes out in the quarter-mile run.
Performance Battery Plus offers 270-kW charging against 225 kW for the 79.2 kWh battery. Both the packs can get 80 percent charge in just 22.5 minutes, but evidently, the bigger pack can offer more range.
Range
While the automaker did not reveal EPA rating, we can get some idea from the NEDC standard. In China, the base model offers 256 miles (412 kilometers) of range or 303 miles (489 kilometers) in case of Performance Battery Plus. According to some experts, it should translate to EPA-estimated 200 miles for the standard battery and 230 miles for the performance pack. These figures correspond to the dual-motor 4S.
Is it a wise choice?
Shelling out $80K for an EPA range of 200 miles in place of $69,420 Model S offering 400 miles does not look like a smart decision. However, the 2021 Porsche Taycan RWD offers so much more than just a below-par range. We are talking about Porsche-signature fit and finish, low-slung design with a drag coefficient of 0.24 (matching the Model S) as well as premium materials that are certainly better than its competitor Model S.
Apart from that, the German EV comes with standard Porsche Active Suspension Management with an available air suspension for better aerodynamics (with a Cd of 0.22), and more adaptability.
Like other variants in the Taycan range, the RWD variant provides you with three years of free Electrify America charging, and an optional 19.2-kW on-board charger for those looking to charge their EVs away from home frequently. Other salient features include wireless Apple CarPlay, embedded Apple Music, and over-the-air updates.
As accessible for the Porsche 911, the 2021 Taycan buyers can trace their car’s development via their cellphones. The base Taycan should hit the dealerships in Spring.
Source and Images: Motor1