‘Taycan Turbo S (left) and Taycan Turbo K Edition’

Porsche Korea officially launched the new Taycan model, enhancing its innovative E-performance with significant upgrades on the 22nd.

The newly designed Taycan, a pure electric vehicle, boasts increased performance across the board compared to its predecessor. It features high output, extended range, improved acceleration, and fast, reliable charging capabilities. All models are equipped with expanded standard specifications, full digital displays, extensive personalization options, and the latest generation Porsche Driver Experience with an intuitive operating method.

Porsche Korea will begin the launch of the new Taycan (rear-wheel drive), 4S, Turbo, Turbo S, and Taycan 4, 4S, and Turbo Cross Turismo, expanding to feature the ‘Taycan Turbo GT Byjak Package’ in September and ‘Taycan Turbo GT’ in December.

During the official launch event held at the Grand Hyatt Seoul on the morning of the 22nd, the new Taycan and the Taycan Turbo K Edition, a limited model created through the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur Sonderwunsch program, attracted significant attention.

The event featured Kevin Giek, president of Porsche AG’s Sedan Division, and Alexander Fabig, president of Porsche AG’s Personalization and Classic Division, who introduced the new Taycan and Taycan Turbo K Edition. Korea has solidified its position as the fifth-largest market globally, having sold 1,805 Taycan units last year.

‘Front view of the Taycan Turbo K Edition’ Photo by Lee Sang-jin

Kevin Giek stated, “The Taycan, which heralded Porsche’s electrification era, sets the standard for electric sports cars.” He expressed optimistic anticipation for the new Taycan, saying it is expected to create a new success story.

Holger Gehrmann, president of Porsche Korea, emphasized, “The new Taycan, fully upgraded in performance, battery capacity, and range, re-establishes the benchmark for Porsche E-performance through outstanding driving dynamics.” He added, “We are especially pleased to introduce the ‘Taycan Turbo K Edition,’ created in collaboration with the Style Porsche and Porsche Exclusive Manufacture Sonderwunsch teams to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Porsche Korea and to show our gratitude to our Korean customers.” He further wished for the ‘Taycan Turbo K Edition,’ crafted with Porsche’s technology and craftsmanship to embody Korea’s traditions and culture, to inspire more positive feelings among Porsche fans and customers in Korea.

All models of the new Taycan offer improved acceleration compared to previous models. Positioned at both ends of the product portfolio, the Taycan and Taycan Turbo S accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h in reduced times of 4.8 seconds and 2.4 seconds respectively, an improvement of 0.6 seconds and 0.4 seconds. The Taycan 4S and Taycan Turbo take 3.7 seconds and 2.7 seconds, respectively. The Taycan Cross Turismo 4, 4S, and Turbo models achieve the same speed in 4.7 seconds, 3.8 seconds, and 2.8 seconds, respectively.

Models equipped with the Performance Battery Plus can gain a boost of up to 70 kW for 10 seconds via the new Push-to-Pass feature in the Sport Chrono Package, increasing the acceleration. Thanks to a higher system output, the Taycan rear-wheel drive model now offers 60 kW greater power compared to its predecessor. The Taycan Turbo S delivers an extraordinary total system output of 952 horsepower (PS), boosting additional power of 140 kW with launch control.

The Taycan 4S offers 598 horsepower with the Performance Battery Plus, while the Taycan Turbo generates 884 horsepower. The Taycan 4 Cross Turismo boasts 435 horsepower, with the 4S and Turbo producing 598 horsepower and 884 horsepower, respectively.

‘Rear view of the Taycan Turbo K Edition’ Photo by Lee Sang-jin

The driving range has been increased by 65% (197 km) to a maximum of 500 km, depending on the model. The new Taycan can now drive longer and charge faster than previous models for long-distance driving. At 800-volt DC charging stations, it can charge up to a maximum of 320 kW, an increase of 50 kW over the previous model. The rapid charging technology of the new Performance Battery has also been improved, maintaining a charging capacity of over 300 kW for up to 5 minutes, even at lower temperatures.

The charging time from 10 to 80 percent state of charge has also been cut in half. While the battery capacity of the new Taycan has increased, a high-voltage battery at 15 degrees Celsius can be charged in just 18 minutes (previous model took 37 minutes). The Performance Battery Plus offers an increased total capacity of 105 kWh, up from the previous 93 kWh.

All Taycan models come standard with adaptive air suspension. The new Porsche Active Ride suspension can be selected as an all-wheel-drive option, vastly widening the spectrum between driving dynamics and comfort.

Thanks to Porsche Active Ride suspension, the Taycan’s body remains level during dynamic braking, steering, and acceleration, absorbing most road shocks while ensuring a smooth ride. During dynamic driving situations, the Porsche Active Ride suspension balances wheel loads perfectly with the surface, and by activating the feature in Normal Mode, it actively corrects pitching and rolling, reducing the acceleration felt by passengers.

The new Taycan has improved performance and efficiency. It features a powertrain with a rear axle motor with a maximum output 80 kW higher than before, optimized software with a pulse inverter, a more powerful battery, enhanced thermal management systems, and next-generation heat pumps, along with improved regenerative braking and all-wheel-drive strategies.

Regenerative braking capacity during deceleration at high speeds has increased by over 30%, now reaching a maximum of 400 kW from its previous 290 kW. All models will be equipped with aerodynamically optimized wheels and tires designed to reduce rolling resistance as standard.

‘Side view of the Taycan Turbo S’ Photo by Lee Sang-jin

Additionally, the new Taycan is now up to 15 kilograms lighter while offering more extensive standard specifications than before. Features like ambient lighting, a 3D surround camera included in Park Assist, heated and ventilated front seats, a new heat pump with cooling system, a wireless charging smartphone tray, charging ports for both the driver and passenger, a drive mode switch, and Power Steering Plus are all part of the standard equipment. Furthermore, it is equipped with adaptive air suspension and aluminum door entry protectors, featuring improved batteries that are lighter despite increased capacity.

The Style Porsche experts have further refined the Taycan’s clean and pure design through impactful improvements. New headlights and taillights enhance the Taycan’s clean design, and the new front wing accentuates the vehicle’s width with flat headlights.

The Taycan Cross Turismo encapsulates all the representative advantages of the Taycan, including outstanding performance and long driving range. It also provides expansive headroom for rear passengers and a trunk space exceeding 1,200 liters behind a large tailgate. Off-road design elements include wheel arch covers, uniquely styled lower sections in the front and rear, and side skirts. The off-road design package features special flaps at the corners of the front and rear bumpers and the ends of the door sills, creating a striking appearance while protecting the vehicle against stone chips.

The new headlights incorporate high-resolution HD matrix technology with detailed optical features, displaying Porsche’s unique 4-point graphics even at night.

Moreover, the Taycan is one of the first model lines to strengthen the differentiation of Turbo models. Porsche emphasizes the uniqueness of Turbo models—a defining characteristic that positions them as the top models across all series—through a new Turbo model design. The Taycan Turbo S features an aerodynamic exterior along with a special Turbonite color used both inside and outside to distinctly differentiate it from other models.

In addition, the instrument cluster and central display, plus the optional passenger display, offer optimized user interfaces with various functions. The mode switch on the steering wheel comes standard, and for applicable models, the mode switch for the Taycan, which may include the Sport Chrono Package and Performance Battery Plus, features the Push-to-Pass button. The Taycan Cross Turismo now includes a gravel driving mode for light off-road driving, selectable directly via the mode switch.

On this day, Porsche Korea unveiled its first market edition from the Porsche Sonderwunsch team, stirring excitement following the special edition of the Taycan 4S Cross Turismo model, created in collaboration with a Korean artist in 2022.

Alexander Fabig, president of Porsche AG’s Personalization and Classic Division, expressed pride in the Taycan Turbo K Edition, stating, “It embodies Korea’s traditions, innovations, and identity, resembling Porsche’s essence of pursuing both tradition and innovation.” He noted that it was an honor to express the beauty of Korea, encompassing the young and vibrant cityscapes contrasting with majestic nature and solemn cultural heritage.

The ‘Taycan Turbo K Edition’ features details inspired by Korea’s diversity. It showcases five exterior colors (Ruby Red Metallic, Oak Green Metallic, Ipanema Blue Metallic, Macadamia Metallic, Alex Gray) derived from Korea’s rich culture and nature, including expansive lands, pine trees, basalt, seas, and the traditional royal robe, along with two exclusive interior leather options (Basalt Black, Truffle Brown) combined with unique design elements.

‘Taycan Turbo S interior’ Photo by Lee Sang-jin

The vehicle in Ruby Red Metallic showcased during the event emphasized its uniqueness and distinctiveness with a graphic embossing motif inspired by national insignia and racing tracks, featuring the Taycan name in Hangul. The graphic embossing is engraved on the headrests and leather key pouch, while the driver’s side charging port is painted in black high gloss.

Design elements complete the aesthetic with a ‘Korean Skyline Graphic,’ depicting a unified line representing iconic structures like the traditional Hanok houses and grand bridges, symbolizing the harmony of tradition and modernity in the heart of Seoul. The skyline graphic is delicately debossed on the passenger trim, softly illuminating the door sill guards, and is painted in black (high gloss) on the rear spoiler and driver’s side key case.

Additionally, Porsche decals matching the exterior color adorn both sides of the body, while the 21-inch Mission E design wheels showcase a two-tone paint finish in Turbo Night and Satin Black colors. Accent colors from the Turbo Night palette are reflected throughout the interior and exterior, and the B-pillar special badge features the Porsche Exclusive Manufacture lettering in the Turbo Night material.

Moreover, the center console presents a badge with the ‘Taycan Turbo K Edition’ logo engraved in Turbo Night material, while the newly developed Atacama Beige color with elegant piping and cross-stitching is applied to door panels, center console, dashboard, steering wheel, seats, and floor mats, highlighting the luxurious interior.

Alexander Fabig noted, “Every time we start a market edition project, a new challenge is inevitably accompanied, and I’m proud that the market experts in Korea, together with the Sonderwunsch team in Stuttgart, successfully developed an entirely new product concept and its final product.”

The Taycan Turbo K Edition will be produced in limited quantities, with just 10 units per color, available exclusively in Korea as only 50 units. The vehicles in Oak Green Metallic, Ipanema Blue Metallic, Macadamia Metallic, and Alex Gray color will be revealed in October this year.

The pricing for the new Taycan, 4S, Turbo, and Taycan Turbo S is set at 129.9 million won, 155.7 million won, 209.8 million won, and 247.4 million won, including VAT. The new Taycan 4, 4S, and Turbo Cross Turismo are priced at 144.1 million won, 161.7 million won, and 212.2 million won, respectively.

‘Taycan Turbo S wheel’ Photo by Lee Sang-jin

The sales price of the Taycan Turbo K Edition starts at 323 million won. Customer deliveries will commence in early next year.

Meanwhile, the Taycan Turbo K Edition will be displayed at the ‘Basic Studio’ in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, during the ‘Porsche Art of Dreams’ event, from September 4 to 8.

Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr