Suddenly, I remembered a question from a business school: How do you evaluate the differences between Coca-Cola and Pepsi?
One answer: The former is a Timeless brand, while the latter is a Timely brand.
Just like many other brands in the world, some live as they like, while others live for what others like.
Undoubtedly, our fondness for Porsche does not depend on whether it is gasoline or electric, but simply because it is always that Porsche, a timeless machine.
(Click the video for a high-definition journey into the electric world of Porsche)
Taycan, a proper Porsche.
If Tesla’s ultimate goal is to become a means of transportation on Mars, then the Taycan’s goal is to be the best Porsche on Earth—one of the best (gasoline) cars. In the era of internal combustion engines, it was one of the best, and inevitably, even with a change in power form, our expectations for it will not diminish at all.
Defining what is ‘good’ has many dimensions: performance, craftsmanship, design—many aspects are visible to the naked eye, whether from data, sensory experience, or aesthetics; while some things require the body to answer, through the feeling of muscle, the resonance of spirit, or even a kind of soul connection.
Even outside the Taycan, you can still tell that this is a Porsche, even without the logo.
Sitting in the Taycan, closing your eyes, you can also know that this is a Porsche. Those legacies are so profound that even your backside can give you the answer; that is the feeling of Porsche.
Is there a Porsche without flaws?
On the most beautiful face, there are no most beautiful features; the most beautiful features do not make up the most beautiful face.
Some say it was a ‘mistake’ that created Porsche, the rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive 911, because an ‘irrational’ layout shaped the brand’s unique character. So, will the pure electric Taycan become mediocre because of its ‘perfection’?
No, what truly captivates about the 911 is not the rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, but the pure and extraordinary passion and fun; the Taycan inherits this passion and fun, which are never constrained by form.
Yes, the Taycan certainly has flaws, such as the rear space being quite average, and as Chris Harris said, its ‘rain noise’ is a bit loud on rainy days.
TURBO≠TURBO,
TURBO=VERY VERY FAST
Describing its performance with terms like High Performance and Dual Motor is too technical; although the Taycan indeed fits both descriptions, it still carries the name Turbo inherited from the 911. Of course, there is no Turbo on a pure electric vehicle; this is not a question of words, but a question of culture.
The Taycan Turbo means—very, very fast, with 500kW/680 horsepower (overboost), accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, from 0 to 160 km/h in 6.9 seconds, from 0 to 200 km/h in 10.6 seconds, with a maximum torque of 850Nm.
If you think that’s not fast enough, then add an S.
The Turbo S has a maximum power of 560kW/760 horsepower (overboost), accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds, from 0 to 200 km/h in 9.8 seconds, with a maximum torque of 1050Nm.
However, speed is just one dimension; driving is the soul of the Taycan, the soul of Porsche.
Those Who Praise the Taycan, I Am One of Them
From Germany to Beijing, and then from Beijing to Chengdu, I have driven the Taycan three times. Each time I was filled with anticipation, and it has repeatedly met my expectations, adding to the delight.
In a way, Porsche is not just a car manufacturer; it is a brand that creates dreams. In the past (and present), how many people’s wish lists have the three digits 911 on them? Next, I guess many people’s wish lists will feature the name Taycan, May the Porsche be with you.