Porsche unveils its first electric GTS

THE GTS badge has become integral to virtually every Porsche range, so it’s fitting that the Taycan electric sports sedan line-up now features a GTS version, replete with enhanced styling and performance, unique suspension tuning, as well as upgraded Electric Sport Sound. 

Simply put, this is Porsche’s first electric GTS.

The Taycan GTS sedan is powered by a permanent magnet single-speed front motor in combination with a larger permanent magnet rear motor with a diameter of 245mm and an active length of 210mm, as well as a two-speed rear transmission. 

This setup provides a total power output of 440kW with Launch Control, slotting the GTS version in between the Taycan 4S (390kW) and Taycan Turbo (500 kW).

Like the Taycan Turbo and Taycan Turbo S, the Taycan GTS comes standard with the 93.4-kWh Performance Battery Plus and its 800-volt architecture means it can handle continuous demand while minimising heat build-up, which is part of the reason it can be charged up from 5 to 80 per cent in 22.5 minutes. 

Porsche claims a top speed of 250km/h, a 0-to-100 km/h sprint time of 3.5 seconds, and an optimal long distance range of 385 km.

Visually, the Taycan GTS is distinguished by the front-end styling of the SportDesign package, with matching side skirts (bearing GTS logos) and high-gloss black side window trim. 

The rear diffuser features a high-gloss black inlay and GTS badging in matte black. The standard 20-inch Taycan Turbo S Aero Design wheels, meanwhile, has an exclusive satin-black finish, while the rear light strip features the Porsche logo in black. 

Finally, the LED-Matrix-Design headlights (with PDLS Plus) are tinted in black, and the exterior mirror cap-bottoms are painted in body colour, although their bases are black.

Although the Taycan GTS carries over the suspension and performance equipment of the flagship Taycan derivative, the calibration and tuning of those components are all bespoke to the newcomer. 

The standard braking system comprises the same red six-piston front callipers and four-piston rear callipers as fitted to the 4S derivative, but the GTS is additionally equipped with larger (390 mm) front discs. The rear disc size, incidentally, is the same as the 4S (358 mm). Porsche Surface Coated Brakes, with tungsten carbide coating, and Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes are also available.

Standard features include adaptive air suspension (with Smart Lift and Porsche Active Suspension Management), Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, and the Sport Chrono package, including the GT multifunction steering wheel (with mode dial). 

Furthermore, the Porsche Electric Sport Sound has been tuned to be deeper and louder inside and outside of the vehicle, the Zuffenhausen-based brand says.

Inside, the Taycan GTS features the familiar multi-screen instrument panel and fascia and sporty seating position of its siblings. What’s more, many of the standard technology and comfort features from the other Taycan derivatives, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, climate control, Porsche Connect with Porsche Charging Planner also come standard in the GTS.

A unique Race-Tex interior package, which mimics similar treatments in other GTS versions, includes driver and front passenger seats with 18-way electric adjustability and memory functions with “GTS” logos on the headrests. 

The door sill guards and interior trim are finished in brushed black aluminium and the accent package is black. The roof lining and steering-wheel rim are also trimmed in Race-Tex.

Also optionally available is the GTS Interior Package, which includes deviated stitching in either Carmine red or Chalk on the dashboard, doors, armrests, steering wheel, and seats, with matching seat belts, “GTS” embroidery on the front and rear headrests, Sport Chrono instrument dial and the Porsche logo on the floor mats. 

The trim on the steering wheel, centre console and door cards are in matte carbon.

The Taycan GTS starts from $237,000 (excluding on-road costs) and is expected to arrive in Australia from the second quarter of 2022.