Porsche has announced that the Taycan Turbo GT Byjak package has taken the title of the fastest production electric vehicle ever.
Porsche development driver Lars Kern set a new record for road-legal electric cars on February 23 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, achieving a lap time of 1 minute 27.87 seconds.
Recently, Porsche set a new record at the Nürburgring with a pre-production version of the same model. Kern’s lap time of 7 minutes 7.55 seconds surpassed the Taycan Turbo S with the performance package by 26 seconds, making the Taycan Turbo GT the fastest four-door model regardless of powertrain type at the Nürburgring.
Kevin Gieck, head of the product line, stated, “The new records achieved at Laguna Seca and Nordschleife prove the exceptional potential of the Taycan.” He added, “To achieve results on the track, high output alone is not enough; acceleration, braking performance, cornering grip, aerodynamics, stability, and precise settings must be optimized as a complete package.”
Gieck emphasized, “Porsche engineers have refined the conditions through the Taycan Turbo GT and the Taycan Turbo GT with the Byjak package, achieving a higher level of driving dynamics compared to the recently unveiled new Taycan.”
Kern noted, “I was able to push the Taycan Turbo GT to its limits at Laguna Seca,” adding, “The Taycan Turbo GT Byjak package has set new standards across all metrics.” He pointed out that the performance is based on acceleration performance, braking capabilities, an intuitively usable attack mode, maximum traction, and a performance-maximized powertrain. He specifically remarked that the tires offer impressive cornering grip levels and excellent control and agility, maintaining a proper balance in all driving situations.
The Taycan Turbo GT can achieve up to 120 kW of additional output for 10 seconds at the push of a button.
The attack mode is optimized for track driving, based on other Taycan models’ push-to-pass feature. It operates in a manner similar to the Porsche 99X racing car participating in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The boost is indicated on the dashboard’s countdown timer, and the speedometer’s animated ring dynamically reflects each step.
The attack mode operates differently from the push-to-pass feature, providing an additional 50 kW of boost output. It can be activated via the mode switch on the side of the steering column or the right-hand paddle, allowing for easy use on the track. Kern remarked, “You can operate the boost without taking your hands off the wheel, even with racing gloves on,” emphasizing that the Taycan Turbo GT offers a simple yet safe and swift operating method designed for racing drivers, as well as allowing for regeneration braking levels to be set and adjusted according to the driving situation using the left steering wheel paddle.
Porsche has recently made extensive upgrades to the Taycan model line and improved overall system output. With the introduction of a new rear axle motor, the enhanced powertrain delivers dynamic performance exceeding that of previous models. The Taycan Turbo GT and the Taycan Turbo GT Byjak package serve as new sports flagship models, bringing Taycan’s performance to a higher level. Both models now generate 580 kW of system output, thanks to the installation of a more powerful pulse inverter. With launch control, they can provide maximum power of up to 760 kW or up to 815 kW for 2 seconds, depending on the power measurement method.
The Taycan Turbo GT accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.3 seconds, while the Taycan Turbo GT Byjak package does it in just 2.2 seconds, making both 0.1 and 0.2 seconds faster than the Taycan Turbo S respectively. Both models achieve 0 to 200 km/h in 6.6 and 6.4 seconds each, making them up to 1.3 seconds faster than the Taycan Turbo S.
The pulse inverter is a key component that controls the electric motor. The pulse inverter with a maximum current of 900 amps, used in the Taycan Turbo GT’s rear axle, delivers greater output and torque than the 600 amps pulse inverter in the Taycan Turbo S. Silicon carbide semiconductor material is used for higher efficiency, significantly reducing PWR switching losses, allowing for a higher switching frequency. It also improves the gear ratio and gearbox durability, leading to enhanced torque figures. Both models provide a maximum torque of 136.6 kg∙m, and the Taycan Turbo GT has a driving range of up to 555 km (WLTP standard).
With its intelligent lightweight structure, the Taycan Turbo GT is up to 75 kg lighter than the Taycan Turbo S. The number of carbon components contributes to weight reduction. Carbon fiber is utilized in various components, including the B-pillar trim, the upper shell of the door mirrors, and the side skirt inlays. Full bucket seats made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, lightweight luggage compartments, and the omission of the powered soft-closing function in the tailgate also help in weight savings.
The dynamic package, offered as standard for the Taycan Turbo GT, includes GT-specific tuning alongside the Porsche Active Ride Suspension. This allows for optimal weight distribution on the wheels even in dynamic driving scenarios, perfectly connecting the car to the road. The dynamic package also includes 21-inch lightweight forged wheels fitted with special performance summer tires. The exclusive Turbo GT wheels have relief-milled spokes that reduce weight while effectively cooling the brakes.
The Taycan Turbo GT features lightweight ceramic brakes as standard. The brake system based on Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) optimizes weight. Design changes to the brake disk chambers and brake caliper housings have reduced weight by over 2 kg. Reducing unsprung and rotating mass improves both driving dynamics and performance. The brake calipers are finished in a special Victory Gold color.
Porsche has developed a front spoiler equipped with special aero blades for the Taycan Turbo GT. The rear view features an adaptive spoiler with a tear-off edge, characterized by a high-gloss carbon weave finish and a Gurney flap.
Matrix LED headlights are standard equipment, and on the Taycan Turbo GT, they can be upgraded to HD Matrix LED headlights at no extra charge. Carbon fiber parts are mounted on the sides, with the side window trim finished in high-gloss black.
Just as the Taycan Turbo and Taycan Turbo S are differentiated by their Turbo Night color, the Taycan Turbo GT stands out with its racing vibe. Both models feature the Porsche crest on the front hood and the lightweight alloy wheel hub covers, while the rear lid’s ‘Turbo GT’ logo is finished in matte black.
The exterior is available in a total of six colors, including the new Pale Blue Metallic and Purple Sky Metallic. These two colors will be available exclusively for the Taycan Turbo GT for one year. The extensive Paint to Sample program by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur offers additional personalization options. Bolt Blue or matte black and high-gloss black colored Taycan logos can be selected for decals on the lower door and front hood.
The sporty Race-Tex is provided as standard with black leather trim and lightweight full bucket seats finished in high-gloss carbon weave. The front adaptive sports plus, including an 18-way power memory package, is available as a no-cost option. The front headrests feature the Turbo GT logo, while an individual model badge is located below the temperature control panel. Contrast colors such as Volt Blue or GT Silver for the interior equipment are also selectable.
The GT sports steering wheel rim is made of black Race-Tex with a point at 12 o’clock. The Taycan Turbo GT comes equipped with the Sport Chrono package from the Taycan Turbo S.
The Taycan Turbo GT Byjak package is positioned as a model focused on performance, featuring additional aerodynamic and lightweight structures. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.2 seconds, making it 0.1 seconds faster than the Taycan Turbo GT. The top speed reaches 305 km/h (290 km/h for the Taycan Turbo GT).
Additional aerodynamic elements include an air deflector under the body and a new front diffuser. The rear of the model equipped with the Byjak package features a fixed rear wing with a carbon weave finish, supported by wing supports connected to the body. Downforce reaches a maximum of 220 kg, and the Byjak package logo is featured on both sides of the rear wing. Customized stripe wraps in Bolt Blue, Black, or Matte Black can be offered upon customer request, emphasizing the motorsport characteristics. The stripe design can be combined with a black colored decal set.
By removing unnecessary equipment for track driving, the Taycan Turbo GT Byjak package is about 70 kg lighter than the Taycan Turbo GT model. Instead of a conventional rear seat system, it features customized high-quality lightweight carbon cladding and a storage space behind the driver and passenger seat shells.
The analog clock mounted on the dashboard of the Sport Chrono package and the floor mats and boot mats are omitted, and the use of sound insulation material is reduced. The Taycan Turbo GT Byjak package has a charging port door only on the passenger side, which operates manually rather than electrically. Special soundproof and insulating glass and the Sound Package Plus also reduce weight, as it operates without rear speakers, replacing the Bose surround sound system.
The GT interior package made of black Race-Tex is provided as standard.
On the passenger side, there is a badge with the Byjak package logo. Interior packages in Bolt Blue and GT Silver coloring can be selected, with contrasting color stitching to complete the interior.
The sale price of the Taycan Turbo GT and the Taycan Turbo GT Byjak package in the German market starts from €240,000, including 19% VAT.
Jaegwon Lee daedusj@autodiary.kr