Taycan Preview Event

The other day, my spouse and I attended the sneak preview(preview event) of Porsche’s first EV sports car, the Taycan. On this special occasion, I decided to bring along my rarely used Porsche Design bag, just for fun w

When we arrived at the venue, we spotted the Taycan logo and saw Mr. H, our contact person, waiting outside(he kindly waited for us outdoors). No doubt about it, this was the place!

Inside, the room was dimly lit, with the Taycan bathed in red light and draped under a veil at the center.

As the start time approached, we took our seats. Soon, a countdown began and a Taycan introduction video was projected on the screen. After a few minutes, the veil was dramatically lifted, revealing the Taycan in all its glory!

The smoke made it hard to see clearly… (-_-) w

The displayed model was the Taycan Turbo, and since I had mostly seen Taycans in white before, the red color was a refreshing change. Just then, Alexander Quarsh, the Product Manager from Porsche Japan’s Marketing Department (Alex), took the stage.

Alex gave a fluent 10-minute presentation about the Taycan, and afterward, we had the chance to get up close, take photos, and ask him detailed questions directly.

We often chat with Alex on various occasions, but

Since he wasn’t at yesterday’s preview, I wondered, “Did he not get the message!?” so I checked with the dealership. Then I heard he’d be coming today, which was a relief (laughs).

Feeling encouraged by this, we grilled Alex with questions and he kindly explained every detail thoroughly.

I think we were probably the only couple asking such detailed questions at this Taycan sneak preview w(and right beside us, our sales rep Mr. H was also taking diligent notes and learning enthusiastically w)

So, starting with this article, I’d like to share what we learned over three installments.

Taycan / Exterior

Design

The Taycan’s design is described as “completely new yet somehow familiar.” It inherits traditional Porsche 911 design cues like pronounced fenders and the two lines on the hood, while seamlessly blending in entirely new elements such as the four-point LED headlights and the air curtains below them.

The air curtains installed under the headlights are placed where turbulence tends to occur, allowing air to escape through vents and thereby reducing aerodynamic drag.

According to Alex, “The Taycan has the lowest drag coefficient among Porsche models. The Taycan’s Cd value(drag coefficient) is 0.22, which is significantly lower than the 911’s Cd of 0.29.” That’s impressive.

Until I saw the air curtains in person, I thought “the cutouts below the headlights were just a design feature,” but I learned they serve an important function.

By the way, the Taycan Turbo on display was equipped with the Sports Design Package, which features air curtains that are thicker than the standard model’s, giving a more dynamic impression.

Looking at the whole front, you can see the difference in the overall expression.

Viewed from the side, the Taycan’s style is closer to the 911 than the Panamera. Naturally, since there’s no engine under the hood, it’s designed lower. Indeed, it has a lower overall height than the Panamera, giving it a sportier look.

At the rear, without an engine, there’s no need for an exhaust system or tailpipes, and a large diffuser is fitted to utilize airflow for aerodynamic purposes.

Also, the rear section featuring the “PORSCHE” logo is made of glass. Such fine details highlight the freshness of the design.

Next page → Choose from 17 Taycan body colors including new shades!