Porsche Tests Tesla's Plaid-Topping Taycan

Posted on October 21, 2022
Spy shots
Porsche Tests Tesla's Plaid-Topping Taycan

Porsche was spotted testing a prototype of the Taycan with elements normally found on Porsche's GT sports cars.

Just recently, we brought you spy shots of a prototype of the updated Taycan, which will be introduced next year at the midpoint of the electric sedan and wagon's life cycle. The latest prototype, however, is something entirely different.

New aerodynamic elements like the extended front splitter, chunky side skirts, rear diffuser, and rear wing are hard to miss. The front air curtains are also sealed, suggesting that the prototype may feature new air channels hidden behind the front mask. Also, a makeshift sensor is mounted on the roof, but its purpose remains a mystery.

It is also worth noting that Lars Kern drove the prototype. He was the Porsche hot shoe responsible for many of Porsche's official lap times at the Nürburgring and was also the driver of the Taycan Turbo S, which set a lap time of 7:33.35 on the German race track in the summer. The time was more than two seconds faster than the time set by the more powerful Tesla Model S Plaid and is the current record for a production EV at the Nürburgring. [But it's not just the Tesla Plaid, there are rumors of a more powerful three-motor model designed to rival Lucid's Air Sapphire and other EVs with four-digit horsepower. Such a variant could be badged the Taycan Turbo GT, similar to the Cayenne Turbo GT grade.

You may also like

Alfa Romeo Milano's debut EV begins charging on April 10.
Alfa Romeo Milano's debut EV begins charging on April 10.

Alfa Romeo has unveiled the first photos of the new Milan, revealing that it will debut on April 10.The Milan is an electric subcompact crossover, whi...

Jan 26

2025 Chevrolet Silverado HD Trail Boss joins lineup
2025 Chevrolet Silverado HD Trail Boss joins lineup

Following a major update for 2024, Chevrolet Silverado HD will add a new "Trail Boss" grade for the 2025 model year.This trim level is aimed at buyers...

Jan 25

2027 Porsche Cayenne EV, 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Black Wing: top photos of the week
2027 Porsche Cayenne EV, 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Black Wing: top photos of the week

The Porsche Cayenne EV test mule, scheduled for launch in 2027, began cold weather testing on public roads. Although it looked like a spliced-together...

Jan 27

Trending

U.S. Postal Service to Purchase Six Canoe Electric Delivery Vans
U.S. Postal Service to Purchase Six Canoe Electric Delivery Vans

Canoo announced Thursday that it will sell six electric delivery vans to the U.S. Postal Service.The vans, which will be delivered to the Postal Servi...

Jan 25

GM to discontinue UltraCruise brand and integrate technology into SuperCruise.
GM to discontinue UltraCruise brand and integrate technology into SuperCruise.

General Motors has abandoned plans to introduce a new "Ultra Cruise" brand, a further evolution of the "Super Cruise" automated driving assist feature...

Jan 24

Lucid Teases Tesla Model Y Rival
Lucid Teases Tesla Model Y Rival

Lucid's third vehicle will be a compact crossover comparable to the Tesla Model Y.A teaser photo posted to X on Wednesday by automotive journalist and...

Jan 25