What's all this about?
It's very simple, really. Porsche has created a new GTS trim for the Taycan sports saloon, and it slots in between the existing 4S and Turbo models in the line-up. At the same time, the engineers in Zuffenhausen have gone about de-SUVing the Cross Turismo estate model to create a less off-road-inspired Taycan estate.
Sounds interesting. Tell me more...
Let's start with the GTS, which is described (by Porsche) as the "sporting all-rounder" in the Taycan range. In essence, it follows exactly the same recipe laid down by other internal combustion-powered GTS Porsches, in that it's a kind of halfway house between the fast S models and the even faster models - the turbo-free Turbo, in this case.
To fit that bill, Porsche has given the GTS a 598hp maximum power output, allowing it to accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds. At full chat, it'll do 155mph. In short, it's slightly faster than the 4S and slightly slower than the Turbo, which is exactly what you would expect.
However, Porsche has differentiated its newbie with GTS-specific suspension settings and its own synthesised motor sound. And if you splash out on rear-axle steering, you get a bespoke set-up that makes it even more responsive.
But for all those performance-enhancing features, Porsche has chosen to make this one of the most eco-friendly Taycans. Of course, every version will travel without creating any tailpipe emissions, but the GTS will travel further than its stablemates on a single charge. Thanks in part to the new "drivetrain control strategy improvements" introduced earlier this year, the GTS offers a range of up to 312 miles.
Finally, the GTS is also set apart from its siblings by a handful of styling tweaks that will be familiar to anyone who's looked closely at a Macan GTS. Or a 911 GTS. Or even a Panamera GTS. You get the picture: dark exterior trim on the door mirrors and side window surrounds, black Race-Tex upholstery inside and dashboard trim with a black anodised finish.
No, no, no. I meant the estate!
Patience. We're coming on to that. The new Sport Turismo is essentially a sportier version of the already quite sporty Taycan Cross Turismo. But where the Cross Turismo has jacked-up suspension and a gravel mode for - um - gravel, the Sport Turismo has a more road- and track-orientated suspension set-up.
As a result, the Sport Turismo does without the Cross Turismo's body cladding, preferring a cleaner look more akin to that of the four-door saloon. Except it's more spacious, with maximum boot space of more than 1,200 litres and 45mm of extra rear headroom.
So when can I get my hands on one?
Well, if you want to get the tape measure out and check our figures, you can pop over to the Los Angeles Auto Show this weekend, where Porsche launched its new models. Or you can head down to your local Porsche dealer to place your order today, then wait until the spring, when the company hopes to deliver your shiny new Taycan.
If that's your preferred approach, you had better have a healthy bank balance. The Taycan GTS starts at £104,190, the GTS Sport Turismo just £800 more. You'll have to wait a bit longer to get your hands on other versions of the new estate, but Porsche has promised they're coming.
James Fossdyke - 17 Nov 2021