China Gets Base Model Rear-Wheel-Drive Single-Motor Taycan
Porsche chooses China to introduce its base Taycan, which is now available to order.
Base Debut
We've known for some time that Porsche would eventually build and sell an entry-level Taycan, but until now, we haven't seen one. Porsche chose China to unveil the "cheap" Taycan, interestingly enough. The base car is a rear-wheel-drive, single-motor version as expected. And starting now, citizens in that country are able to order one for themselves.
Photos: Porsche
Rear Wheel Propulsion
The base Taycan becomes the fourth member of its family, joining the Taycan Turbo S, Taycan Turbo, and Taycan 4S. With a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PSM) on the rear axle, the new variant is currently the only rear-wheel-drive model in this series. The base Taycan also comes equipped with the same two-speed transmission as the rest of the lineup.
Photos: Porsche
>>Join the conversation about the Chinese market Taycan right here in Rennlist.com.
Power Options
As is the case with the Taycan 4S, the base model offers a choice between a 79.2 kWh battery pack (Performance Battery) and a 93.4 kWh pack (Performance Battery Plus). The Performance Battery offers up 300 kW (402 horsepower), while the Performance Battery Plus enables 350 kW (469 horsepower). The latter is good enough for a 0-60 time of 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 149 miles-per-hour.
Photos: Porsche
>>Join the conversation about the Chinese market Taycan right here in Rennlist.com.
Range Differences
Both options come with overboost power with Launch Control for extra performance when it's needed. And in terms of range, the Performance Battery will travel up to 414 kilometers (257 miles) on a full charge, while the Performance Battery Plus will travel up to 489 kilometers (304 miles). However, these ratings are based on the generous NEDC rating system, so they may drop when converted to EPA or WLTP standards.
Photos: Porsche
>>Join the conversation about the Chinese market Taycan right here in Rennlist.com.
Regen Power
Both models with two battery sizes can be charged with 800 V high power chargers from 5% to 80% State of Charge in 30 minutes. Like the rest of the Taycan family, the base also boasts best-in-class recuperation power, with an output of up to 265 kW. The Taycan can also add another 4 km as its energy recovers from decelerating from 200 km/h down to zero.
Photos: Porsche
>>Join the conversation about the Chinese market Taycan right here in Rennlist.com.
Other Equipment
While the rest of the Taycan lineup comes equipped with air suspension, the base car features a standard steel-spring suspension, though the air system is optional. LED headlights to come standard, along with 19-inch aero wheels and black anodized brake calipers. Inside, a color heads-up display is optional.
Photos: Porsche
>>Join the conversation about the Chinese market Taycan right here in Rennlist.com.
Pricing
In China, the base price of the entry-level Taycan is 888,000 RMB, or $127,064. In the U.S., it would likely sell below the $100k mark, as the Taycan 4S is already on sale here with a base price of $105,150. As of right now, it's unclear if the rear-wheel-drive Taycan will be sold in America, but if we had to bet, we imagine that it will eventually make its way here.
Photos: Porsche
>>Join the conversation about the Chinese market Taycan right here in Rennlist.com.
For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our How-to section in the forum.