Fancy an electric Porsche Taycan in any colour? Paint To Sample now available to order
Porsche has announced 2022 model year changes to its electric Taycan range, including Paint To Sample options, the addition of Android Auto and real-world range and efficiency improvements.
The Taycan in Rubystone Red is incredibly striking. Images: Porsche Newsroom
Porsche has announced a number of updates for its electric Taycan range, set to take effect from the upcoming 2022 model year. The headline change is the ability to now order a Paint to Sample (PTS) or Paint to Sample Plus colour. For those unfamiliar with these terms, PTS is the holy grail for Porschephiles with cash to splash.
The Zuffenhausen brand will allow —for a hefty fee— customers to order (almost) any colour for their Porsche, though PTS requests for its range of GT cars are strictly controlled. As production of the Taycan has been normalised, this option is now available for the battery electric range. Porsche states that colours like Acid Green, Moonlight Blue Metallic and Rubystone Red (pictured) are available in the PTS lineup.
The latter garnered a huge number of new fans as its popularity increased on the previous generation 991, and while it may not be to everyone’s tastes, It’s certainly great to see colours other than the usual Volcano Grey or Carrara White.
More tech, more connectivity
Other updates for the 2022 model year include the option of Remote Park Assist, allowing drivers to maneuver their vehicle in to and out of parking spaces from outside their Taycan, through a smartphone app. The driver presses and holds a button on the interface, and the car takes over steering and forward/backward controls.
Android Auto is also finally available for the Taycan (and other Porsche models are to follow), after Porsche allegedly shunned the tech giant due to concerns over its collection of vehicle data through the interface. Voice Pilot voice assistant now also understands instructions in everyday language, and allows for online search for points of interest.
2022 Taycan technological enhancements
Porsche states this latest Taycan won’t be homologated separately, and will therefore retain current WLTP range ratings (You can view our specifications comparison here). In practice though, real-world range will increase, thanks to smart technology that decouples and de-energises the front motor (on AWD models) during a light accelerator load, and shuts off drive to all axles when coasting.
Thermal management is also improved, as the battery is pre-conditioned prior to charging with even greater efficiency, and waste heat from the electrical components is used to an even greater extent for battery temperature regulation.
It’s not known if the software changes to the Taycan will be available to current Taycans via dealerships or an over the air update.
The Taycan has been a strong seller for Porsche, delivering 20,000 units globally from January-June 2021. The company sold 5,285 in the United States during this period, and has scooped up an impressive 400 sales in Australia from its market introduction in April 2021, to the end of June.
2021 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo launches as the rugged, practical EV
Porsche has pulled the wraps off the Taycan Cross Turismo range, and to no one’s surprise, it looks very similar to the Mission E Cross Turismo concept. Let’s get straight to the point; we love the look of this uber-fast wagon.
Porsche’s Taycan Cross Turismo arrives with more space, practicality, and off-road looks
Four all-wheel-drive variants available, starting with the 280 kW (380 PS) Taycan 4 Cross Turismo
Australian buyers limited to 4S and Turbo variants, priced from AUD$201,000
Similar silhouette to Mission E Cross Turismo concept; optional Off Road Design package available
30mm increase in ride height; 36mm increase in rear headroom for passengers
Adaptive air suspension, 93.4 kWh battery standard-fit for Cross Turismo
Porsche has pulled the wraps off the Taycan Cross Turismo range, and to no one’s surprise, it looks very similar to the Mission E Cross Turismo concept. Let’s get straight to the point; we love the look of this uber-fast wagon. Fast German wagons are an underappreciated niche in Australia, but there is much enthusiasm for the likes of Audi’s RS4 and RS6, Mercedes-Benz’ C63S AMG Estate and Porsche’s own Panamera Sport Turismo.
On that note, the slightly larger Panamera 4S Sport Turismo is available in Australia from $217,000, meaning that the equivalent Taycan 4S Cross Turismo is $16,000 cheaper. The second model to make it to Australia is the Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo, priced from $271,200.
Globally, four models will be available, with identical specifications to the Taycan sedan:
The Taycan 4 Cross Turismo with 280 kW (380 PS), overboost power for Launch Control 350 kW (476 PS), acceleration 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds, top speed 220 km/h, range (WLTP) 389 – 456 km - USD $92,250 (not available in Australia)
The Taycan 4S Cross Turismo with 360 kW (490 PS), overboost power with Launch Control 420 kW (571 PS), acceleration 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, top speed 240 km/h, range (WLTP) 388 – 452 km - USD $111,650/AUD $217,000
The Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo with 460 kW (625 PS), overboost power with Launch Control 500 kW (680 PS), acceleration 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, top speed 250 km/h, range (WLTP) 395 – 452 km - USD $154,850/AUD $271,200
The Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo with 460 kW (625 PS), overboost power with Launch Control 560 kW (761 PS), acceleration 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, top speed 250 km/h, range (WLTP) 388 – 419 km.- USD $188,950 (not available in Australia)
The Taycan Cross Turismo adds just a little bit more space everywhere over the regular Taycan, with a wheelbase of 2,904mm (+4mm), a length of 4,974mm (+11mm), a width of 1,967mm (+1mm) and a height of 1,412mm (+31mm).
This results in an additional 36mm of headroom for rear seat passengers; a lack thereof in the sedan was a common criticism. Rear cargo space is increased too, with the 4 and 4S variants up to 446 litres with the rear seats upright (+80 litres), or 1212 litres with the seats flat. There’s also an 84-litre front trunk/boot.
For our money, we think the Cherry metallic with 20 inch turbo aero wheels, roof rails, panoramic roof and off road design package is the right specification.
With adaptive air suspension fitted as standard, five drive modes including a gravel mode are available to the driver. Gravel changes the air suspension's firmness, controls torque to the wheels to suit slippery surfaces, and optimises traction control and stability control systems for loose surfaces. An optional Off Road Styling package can be added, increasing ride height a further 10mm in gravel mode. The package also includes visual elements such as a larger rear diffuser, front aero pieces and a faux skid plate.
The Cross Turismo receives the larger Porsche 93.4 kWh battery pack as standard, presumably to deal with additional hauling and range requirements of wagon buyers.
