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Porsche (P911.DE) said yesterday that it is enhancing the driving experience of all Taycan models. Some of the changes arise from what AutoInformed thinks is an identity crisis caused by long-held Porsche technology and marketing values facing new-age electronics and artificial intelligence programming. Consider as one example that the new E-Shift system now has “virtual gear changes” and an “even more emotive Electric Sport Sound.” The 2027 model year Taycan is now available to order from all Porsche centers.
“By introducing comprehensive innovations for the model-year change, we are strengthening the Taycan in all relevant areas. The latest models offer a more emotive driving experience, greater track performance and more intuitive and customizable operation,” said Kevin Giek, Head of the Taycan model line. The new generation of infotainment also has a modern operating concept, enhanced smartphone integration and voice control with artificial intelligence (AI) are part of the update.
With the new E-Shift option, Porsche said it is enhancing the emotive driving experience of all Taycan models. “Virtual gear changes with noticeable shift jerks, a reinterpreted Porsche Electric Sport Sound and a virtual rev counter guarantee a multi-sensory driving experience. Paddles on the GT-sports steering wheel can be used to shift between eight simulated gears.” [AutoInformed will await potential customer acceptance as indicated by sales numbers. To be fair, all traditional automakers are facing extreme competition from Chinese EV makers that already have most, if not all of these technologies with new applications appearing frequently. Whether these arouse strong feelings in drivers is a debatable, perhaps dubious proposition – AutoCrat.]*
For the top-of-the-range Taycan Turbo GT with the Weissach Package, a Manthey Kit offers extensive performance modifications. Porsche of course already offers Manthey Kits for the racetrack for numerous GT models. Now, for the first time, it is doing so for an electric sports car. The new Manthey Kit with extensive aerodynamic, chassis and powertrain optimizations significantly increases the performance. On the Nürburgring Nordschleife, Lars Kern recently set a record time of 6:55.533 minutes in the ‘electric executive cars’ category. The Manthey Kit is available both as a retrofit kit and, for the first time, direct from the factory
Other 2027 Taycan Tweaks
The Taycan is more efficient. Summer tires with what’s claimed as exceptionally low rolling resistance are now available for the rear-wheel drive models. (Footnote 1)** In combination with the Performance Battery Plus, they enable a WLTP range of up to 700 km for the first time.
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There’s also a new generation of infotainment. The Porsche Digital Interaction operating and display experience “uses a modern, minimalist design language, a 3D vehicle model in the actual color of the customer’s car, freely configurable widgets and improved voice control with AI-supported Voice Pilot. The level of integration of Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto has been expanded, and the navigation system sets new standards with precise online route calculation, 3D representations of buildings and an optimized Charging Planner. The ability to perform over-the-air updates (OTA) for the infotainment system, plus a smartphone storage tray with a magnetic ring mount and charging capacity of up to 25 watts,” Porsche claimed.
New elements of Porsche Digital Interaction are the widgets – small interactive applications. These Smartphone-inspired controls provide quick access to various functions. The widgets can be used to display preferred content, such as navigation, media and telephone, directly on the screen. “The widgets have a high-quality visual design and can be used interactively. Certain apps can be displayed in either split-screen or in full-screen mode across the full display area.
“The Themes app enables comprehensive personalization of the digital environment. There are several color worlds to choose from, which influence the lighting mood and the color scheme of the display content. The themes harmonize with each vehicle’s exterior color scheme and can be combined with the ambient lighting,” Porsche said.
With the App Center, Porsche is expanding to include its own apps and those from outside providers. Customers can select apps individually and download and update them directly in the PCM system. “The range covers various different categories – such as audio and video streaming, navigation and parking and charging – and continues to grow rapidly, tailored to respective markets,” Porsche said.
An enhanced voice control system allows the operation of navigation, vehicle functions, media and selected apps. It has an AI-supported Voice Pilot with natural conversation, Google-supported™ POI search and the possibility to ask follow-up questions without repeating “Hey Porsche” each time. There is also a voice-based handbook with tips and what are likely badly needed how-to guides. In the Taycan, the electric charging flap can be opened via voice command.
Updates for the infotainment system in the Taycan can now be downloaded entirely over the air (OTA) and, following confirmation by the customer, installed in the background. Smartphones can be charged wirelessly ~1.5 times faster than before with an increase in charging power to up to 25 watts.
*AutoInformed on
**Inevitable Taycan Footnotes
- Available in the European Union (EU-27).
- Sport Chrono package, Bose® Surround Sound System (or Burmester® 3D High-End Surround Sound System) and Porsche Electric Sport Sound are also required.
- Data for Taycan sports sedan; value for Taycan Sport Turismo: up to 671 km.
- Available for standard colors.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
First Look – 2027 Porsche Taycan EV. Values Crisis?
Click for more.
Porsche (P911.DE) said yesterday that it is enhancing the driving experience of all Taycan models. Some of the changes arise from what AutoInformed thinks is an identity crisis caused by long-held Porsche technology and marketing values facing new-age electronics and artificial intelligence programming. Consider as one example that the new E-Shift system now has “virtual gear changes” and an “even more emotive Electric Sport Sound.” The 2027 model year Taycan is now available to order from all Porsche centers.
“By introducing comprehensive innovations for the model-year change, we are strengthening the Taycan in all relevant areas. The latest models offer a more emotive driving experience, greater track performance and more intuitive and customizable operation,” said Kevin Giek, Head of the Taycan model line. The new generation of infotainment also has a modern operating concept, enhanced smartphone integration and voice control with artificial intelligence (AI) are part of the update.
With the new E-Shift option, Porsche said it is enhancing the emotive driving experience of all Taycan models. “Virtual gear changes with noticeable shift jerks, a reinterpreted Porsche Electric Sport Sound and a virtual rev counter guarantee a multi-sensory driving experience. Paddles on the GT-sports steering wheel can be used to shift between eight simulated gears.” [AutoInformed will await potential customer acceptance as indicated by sales numbers. To be fair, all traditional automakers are facing extreme competition from Chinese EV makers that already have most, if not all of these technologies with new applications appearing frequently. Whether these arouse strong feelings in drivers is a debatable, perhaps dubious proposition – AutoCrat.]*
For the top-of-the-range Taycan Turbo GT with the Weissach Package, a Manthey Kit offers extensive performance modifications. Porsche of course already offers Manthey Kits for the racetrack for numerous GT models. Now, for the first time, it is doing so for an electric sports car. The new Manthey Kit with extensive aerodynamic, chassis and powertrain optimizations significantly increases the performance. On the Nürburgring Nordschleife, Lars Kern recently set a record time of 6:55.533 minutes in the ‘electric executive cars’ category. The Manthey Kit is available both as a retrofit kit and, for the first time, direct from the factory
Other 2027 Taycan Tweaks
The Taycan is more efficient. Summer tires with what’s claimed as exceptionally low rolling resistance are now available for the rear-wheel drive models. (Footnote 1)** In combination with the Performance Battery Plus, they enable a WLTP range of up to 700 km for the first time.
Click for more.
There’s also a new generation of infotainment. The Porsche Digital Interaction operating and display experience “uses a modern, minimalist design language, a 3D vehicle model in the actual color of the customer’s car, freely configurable widgets and improved voice control with AI-supported Voice Pilot. The level of integration of Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto has been expanded, and the navigation system sets new standards with precise online route calculation, 3D representations of buildings and an optimized Charging Planner. The ability to perform over-the-air updates (OTA) for the infotainment system, plus a smartphone storage tray with a magnetic ring mount and charging capacity of up to 25 watts,” Porsche claimed.
New elements of Porsche Digital Interaction are the widgets – small interactive applications. These Smartphone-inspired controls provide quick access to various functions. The widgets can be used to display preferred content, such as navigation, media and telephone, directly on the screen. “The widgets have a high-quality visual design and can be used interactively. Certain apps can be displayed in either split-screen or in full-screen mode across the full display area.
“The Themes app enables comprehensive personalization of the digital environment. There are several color worlds to choose from, which influence the lighting mood and the color scheme of the display content. The themes harmonize with each vehicle’s exterior color scheme and can be combined with the ambient lighting,” Porsche said.
With the App Center, Porsche is expanding to include its own apps and those from outside providers. Customers can select apps individually and download and update them directly in the PCM system. “The range covers various different categories – such as audio and video streaming, navigation and parking and charging – and continues to grow rapidly, tailored to respective markets,” Porsche said.
An enhanced voice control system allows the operation of navigation, vehicle functions, media and selected apps. It has an AI-supported Voice Pilot with natural conversation, Google-supported™ POI search and the possibility to ask follow-up questions without repeating “Hey Porsche” each time. There is also a voice-based handbook with tips and what are likely badly needed how-to guides. In the Taycan, the electric charging flap can be opened via voice command.
Updates for the infotainment system in the Taycan can now be downloaded entirely over the air (OTA) and, following confirmation by the customer, installed in the background. Smartphones can be charged wirelessly ~1.5 times faster than before with an increase in charging power to up to 25 watts.
*AutoInformed on
**Inevitable Taycan Footnotes
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.