My beloved Taycan Turbo GT Weissach Package.

What is the true capability of this car? Am I just hyping it up? To answer these questions, I asked Tatsuya Sugawara for his honest impressions.

Sugawara is a former Japanese representative in Gran Turismo with extensive real-world racing experience. He placed third in the FIA Gran Turismo Championship 2021 Manufacturer Series (Team Porsche) and won the Porsche Gran Turismo Cup Asia Pacific.

So, what did Sugawara think of my Taycan Turbo GT? Through his candid words, let’s explore the true performance of the Taycan Turbo GT Weissach Package.

A Magical Transformation from an Ordinary Sedan

“In Normal mode, it feels like just a regular car,” Sugawara said.

Indeed, one of the Taycan Turbo GT’s greatest charms is the dramatic change brought by switching driving modes. Despite its massive 2-meter-wide body as listed on the vehicle registration, his comment that you “don’t feel the size” left a strong impression.

In Normal mode, it behaves like a “nice, everyday sedan.” But the moment you switch to Sport Plus mode, the car reveals a completely different character. The ride height lowers, the suspension tightens, and the initial brake force changes.

What’s especially fascinating is the change in perceived weight. Sugawara’s remark, “Even though it weighs 2.2 tons, it doesn’t feel heavy,” is no mere politeness. The heavy battery pack is positioned at the lowest point, giving it a center of gravity even lower than the GT3. This physical advantage creates a nimbleness that belies its substantial mass.

A New Dimension of Comfort Thanks to Active Ride

What surprised Sugawara most was the unique ride quality delivered by the Active Ride system.

“The scenery flows by, but you don’t really feel like you’re driving. It’s like watching a video while sitting,” he said, perfectly capturing the effect of this innovative system.

In a typical car, body roll occurs during cornering, and bumps are directly transmitted to the cabin. But the Taycan Turbo GT’s Active Ride actively controls these physical forces. As Sugawara put it, “There’s no roll, and it doesn’t pick up road ruts at all.” This system overturns conventional expectations of ride comfort.

His frank comment, “It’s harder to make someone motion sick than the other way around,” speaks volumes about the system’s excellence. Even the small bumps at convenience store entrances cause “no shaking at all.” This suspension setup not only boosts driving performance but also greatly enhances everyday comfort. For both driver and passengers, traveling becomes stress-free.

The Subtle Art of Brake Feel Changing with Modes

Porsche is known for brakes with strong initial bite. However, Sugawara noted that the Taycan Turbo GT deliberately softens this characteristic in Normal mode. “In Normal mode, the brakes feel like they have weaker initial bite,” he observed, which might surprise seasoned Porsche drivers.

“I like the strong initial bite of typical Porsche brakes,” Sugawara said. Porsche’s powerful brakes often require care when driving with passengers. But in Normal mode, he explained, “You can brake gently and it still slows down nicely.”

This change is intentional. By stabilizing the chassis with the Active Ride system and tuning the brakes to be gentler, Porsche prioritizes comfort for everyday driving. Switch to Sport Plus mode, and the brakes transform into the classic Porsche feel with strong initial bite. This dual personality in one car is a feat made possible by modern technology.

Balancing Overwhelming Acceleration with Grounded Stability

Regarding performance in Sport Plus mode, Sugawara’s description was striking. “It accelerates like a rocket,” he said, followed by the candid admission, “But it doesn’t feel insanely fast. That’s actually kind of scary.” This may sound contradictory but perfectly captures the unique nature of EV acceleration.

Unlike internal combustion engines, EVs lack the vibrations and engine noise that typically enhance the sensation of speed. Sugawara’s words, “There’s no vibration, so you wonder how far you can push it. It just glides smoothly,” beautifully illustrate this phenomenon. The speedometer confirms rapid acceleration, but the experience is quiet and seamless.

Yet, the car’s true strength lies in its grip. Sugawara praised its “incredible planted feel,” “no play in the controls,” and “excellent use of the rear tires.” The combination of a low center of gravity, rigid body, and precise suspension tuning results in what he described as “super sharp handling.” The lightness that belies its 2.2-ton weight, paired with rock-solid stability, is the Taycan Turbo GT’s defining trait.

A New Standard of Versatility

After the test drive, Sugawara’s final verdict was, “It’s seriously fun. I think I’d end up driving this all the time.”

He added, “This car can go anywhere—mountain roads, highways, even short trips and touring.” This statement perfectly encapsulates the essence of the Taycan Turbo GT.

Traditionally, Porsche models were specialized: GT3 and RS for circuits, Carrera for long-distance and daily use. The Taycan Turbo GT, however, combines all these qualities in one versatile package. Comfort from the Active Ride system, dramatic personality shifts via mode switching, and the quiet instant torque unique to EVs.

Sugawara’s phrase “it runs like it’s glued to the ground” speaks to the car’s exceptional refinement. With a center of gravity lower than the GT3, precise control systems, and overwhelming power, this is a new kind of supercar that transcends traditional categories. It’s not just electrification—it’s Porsche’s vision of the ideal realized in the Taycan Turbo GT.