Porsche set to stun auto world with 2021 Taycan ‘rocket’

Porsche is set to roll out a new Taycan Cross Turismo, a kind of versatile ‘rocket’, going by reports from multiple sources including auto spies and reviewers.

Autocar, for instance, says the car has entered its final stages of development, having been delayed until 2021 because of robust demand for the regular EV during the coronavirus pandemic.

It claims to have spotted new images showing a prototype stripped of all camouflage.

It also confirms that styling changes over the existing saloon model will be limited primarily to the extended roofline and reshaped rear end.

Expect the new car to have greater performance off-road, in view of its added ground clearance like the 2018 Mission E Cross Turismo concept on which it is based.

Porsche’s boss, Oliver Blume, says the estate variant of the Taycan was originally due to open for orders in late 2020 but was pushed back.

Although caranddriver.com also says Porsche has yet to release full details of the car, it hints that it will feature subtle moldings around its wheel arches and the standard air springs will likely provide a more ground clearance than the Taycan sedan.

“We’ve yet to drive a production model, but we did get a brief stint in a European-spec prototype, which was in California for photography ahead of its on-sale date this summer,” it states.

The addition of a fifth door does nothing to affect the Taycan Turbo S’s performance credentials.

While the Turbo S’s drivetrain is just as quiet in the Cross Turismo as it is in the sedan, the open cargo area does seem to make the noise from the tyres slightly more audible. But it will also offer far more space than the sedan’s 16-cubic-foot trunk.

The auto reviewer says, “We expect the Cross Turismo model to weigh just slightly more than the Turbo S sedan. But any difference between how the two body types handle was undetectable on our short drive.

“The Taycan, unlike many other electrics, isn’t imbued with the type of strong regenerative braking when lifting off the throttle that allows for one-pedal operation. Porsche wanted the Taycan to feel much like its other models, which means using the brake pedal to engage the regen function and the very capable friction brakes.”

It also notes that the substance of the Turbo S model’s awesomeness centres on its two electric motors—one at the front axle and one just behind the rear axle.

Its review also read in part, “Filling the space between them is a tray holding 396 battery cells delivering electric current at 800 volts.

“In normal operation, that’s good for 616 horsepower, but activate the over-boost feature with launch control engaged and the output briefly jumps to 750 horses.

“Torque is simply astonishing, with 774 pound-feet present in overboost from the moment the motors start turning. From our previous testing experience, the Taycan Turbo S sedan warps to 60 mph in 2.4 seconds and obliterates the quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds at 130 mph.

“A small reduction to the Turbo S sedan’s 192-mile EPA-rated range is expected.

“Let us acknowledge here that there is no actual boost involved in any electric car, and that the Taycan’s Turbo S modifier stems from Porsche’s glorious internal-combustion past (and present).

“There are no turbochargers in the Taycan Turbo S. If that bothers you terribly, but you still want a low-slung Porsche with an adult-habitable back seat, migrate across the showroom to the Panamera lineup. Those come with turbos.”