Porsche’s Grade Strategy: Distinct Personalities for Each Model

This time, I’d like to share my impressions of the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT’s position within the Porsche lineup, based on my experience since delivery. First of all, Porsche is known for offering a wide variety of grades within each model.

For example, the 911 lineup ranges from the base Carrera to Carrera S, Carrera GTS, Turbo, Turbo S, GT3, GT3 RS, and GT2 RS, covering a broad spectrum of grades. Additionally, some grades have derivative models like Carrera 4, Targa, and Cabriolet.

The Taycan lineup is similar, consisting of the base model, Taycan 4, 4S, GTS, Turbo, Turbo S, and the Turbo GT, along with the Weissach Package that I purchased.

What’s especially noteworthy is that each Porsche grade has a clearly defined personality.

Comparison with Other Manufacturers: Thoughts on the Inclusion Relationship of Higher Grades

For many car manufacturers, higher grades typically include the features and performance of lower grades, plus added value. In other words, buying a higher grade usually means you also get everything the lower grades offer.

However, this structure doesn’t always apply to Porsche. Purchasing a higher grade does not necessarily mean you get all the characteristics of the lower grades.

Take the 911 Carrera and GT3 as an example.

The GT3 is a high-performance model focused on circuit driving, but it doesn’t have the all-around versatility of the Carrera. The Carrera is a versatile car that handles everything from city driving to highways, winding roads, and even circuits. On the other hand, the GT3 is specialized for circuit performance, with race-oriented engine characteristics and comfort features. Therefore, for users prioritizing daily usability, the GT3 isn’t always the best choice—and vice versa.

Exceptionally, the Turbo and Turbo S models do share the Carrera’s all-around nature. Still, even these models have suspension and power tuned to unleash overwhelming performance, so in terms of everyday usability, the Carrera often comes out ahead in comparisons.

Overall, in Porsche’s lineup, higher grades are more performance-oriented but may require compromises in some aspects of daily driving.

The Uniqueness of the Taycan Turbo GT: Minimal Compromise and Outstanding Driving Performance

However, the Taycan Turbo GT is an exception in Porsche’s grade strategy. Despite being a GT model equipped with the Weissach Package, it has extremely few compromises in driving performance.

This Turbo GT with the Weissach Package features bucket seats, removal of the rear seats, and omission of some comfort features, but when it comes to driving performance, it leaves no room for compromise.

Boasting over 1,000 horsepower, it handles Japan’s narrow winding roads without being overwhelmed by its power, allowing for precise control. The throttle response is extremely natural, enabling acceleration exactly as intended.

What’s especially remarkable is the high level of satisfaction even at low speeds. For higher-end 911 models, you often hear comments like “The Carrera was more fun” or “The Carrera S was enough,” but with the Taycan Turbo GT, there is no such feeling. On the contrary, driving at low speeds is also very enjoyable.

“Almost Perfect Road Surface Adherence”—Porsche’s Claim About the Suspension

The performance at high speeds and during cornering, where GT models truly shine, is also at an extremely high level. Porsche states that the Taycan Turbo GT’s suspension offers “almost perfect road surface adherence.” It is said to be capable of cornering with lateral G-forces up to 2.0G, equivalent to Nürburgring conditions.

True to this claim, the tires stick to the road surface in all situations, enabling stable driving without any bouncing from bumps or loss of load. The tires maintain relentless contact with the road, providing the driver with immense confidence.

While the GT3’s suspension is excellent, the Taycan Turbo GT’s feel surpasses it. It achieves an exceptionally high level of both ride comfort and road adherence, making previous suspensions feel outdated. Although its Nürburgring lap time (7’07″55) doesn’t match the GT3’s, this is largely due to its weight. Even if it doesn’t quite equal the GT3, I suspect that if it were a bit lighter, the Taycan Turbo GT could surpass the GT3.

The Taycan Turbo GT: A Model That Pursues Porsche’s Dual Nature to the Extreme

Previously, I described the Panamera Turbo (early 971 model) as “Jekyll and Hyde” due to its dual nature, but the Taycan Turbo GT goes even further. It balances two opposing personalities at an extremely high level.

In conclusion, the Taycan Turbo GT is a unique GT model in Porsche’s lineup that, despite being a top-tier model, requires no compromise in everyday driving performance or drivability. This is the conviction I reached after several days of driving since delivery.