Porsche E-Shift equips Taycan with 'gear ratios'
Simulated shifts coming to Porsche's EV at last - with more range and new infotainment, too
Time waits for no carmaker in the era of the software-defined automobile. So, just a couple of years after the second-generation Taycan was introduced, there’s another meaningful update. For the MY2027, there’s an entirely new infotainment system, up to 434 miles thanks to some new summer tyres for the rear-drive models, plus the introduction of Porsche E-Shift.
That’s right, after resisting the technology for quite a while, Porsche now has simulated gears on an electric car. As an option rather than standard fit, of course, and requiring at least the Bose Surround Sound to be fitted, because Porsche is still going to Porsche. But with some useful new features (again, Porsche being Porsche) that should elevate the E-Shift experience above comparable systems.
See every derivative in the range is going to get its own version of the feature, with mapping and sound (Porsche Electric Sport Sound has also been revised) specific to each one for a unique ‘acoustic and driving profile’. So a Taycan GTS with Porsche E-Shift is going to feel different to a standard car, a Turbo to a 4S and so on. Which is quite cool. There will be eight ratios included, a new virtual revcounter, and the E-Shift activated by a blue switch on the GT steering wheel. The features we’ve come to expect of EV gears - ‘engine braking’ going down, jolts going up - are included, with the intention to ‘convey an authentic, dynamic gear-shifting sensation’. One to try out asap, for sure.
On top of that, the Taycan infotainment has been totally overhauled, to bring it into line with the battery-powered Macan and Cayenne. The latest PCM promises up to five times the processing power of before, to better respond to your furious finger prodding. There’s even a new Porsche acronym to remember as well: Porsche DI, or Porsche Digital Interaction (and definitely not PDI, because every car dealer has that already), the latest operating and display system which ‘blends aesthetics and functionality.’
So while a lot of the icons look familiar, there are new features like a 3D render of the car on the home screen (which can control key features), a Themes app to personalise appearance, and enhanced voice control. That now extends as far as opening the charging flap without pressing a button, and having access to a voice-based handbook when you can’t remember what side it is. Oh yes, and phones will wirelessly charge faster now also - everyone’s happy.
Finally, for those who want the ultimate in electric performance, the latest refresh opens up ordering for the Taycan Turbo GT Manthey Kit. Remember it must be a two-seat Weissach Package car, and the Porsche you’ll get back will be left-hand drive, but it will get around the Nordschleife faster than a 918 Spyder. And buying one guarantees you GT3 RS allocations for life. Probably.
Head of the Taycan model line, Kevin Giek, said: "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 customisable operation." The MY2027 Taycan is available to order from Porsche Centres now, though there’s no word yet on pricing - either for the cars, or the E-Shift option.
Best to expect a small increase over what’s gone before, which saw the range start at £88,200 (or £89,200 as a Sport Turismo). A 4S was £96,200, a GTS £118,200 and a Turbo £135,200. We’ll let you do your own investigating on those lightly used ones for sale on PH at less than that - but E-Shift does sound worth having…
t on the passenger seat to assist with the transition
Why pretend to be something you are not?
It seems very very weird to me.
Who does this appeal to? Adults with the minds of children?
Stuff like your car making "brum brum" noises for you and the fake jolt to feel like a badly executed gear change in a car based on 120 year old technology really makes it hard to argue that people into performance cars aren't a pack of absolute wallies.
It really wants a full set of Porsche branded clothing to enjoy these new features, I think.
Stuff like your car making "brum brum" noises for you and the fake jolt to feel like a badly executed gear change in a car based on 120 year old technology really makes it hard to argue that people into performance cars aren't a pack of absolute wallies.
It really wants a full set of Porsche branded clothing to enjoy these new features, I think.
Why pretend to be something you are not?
It seems very very weird to me.
Who does this appeal to? Adults with the minds of children?
I don't like the fakeness to be honest, but I appreciate that some folk will like it though, don't get me wrong.
I'm going to start pretending that I'm 6'5" rather than only 5'8" I reckon!
I think there is a difference between tuning the behaviour of something the car has (engine for sound, gearbox for shifts) to suit certain characteristics than to entirely and artificially recreate them. The difference between optimising something you have and just straight up faking it, although speakers in the exhaust of a diesel Audi SUV so people outside think you've got a better engine is very much the automotive equivalent of putting socks down the front of your pants.
There is a total lack of authenticity and honesty of purpose to most cars now though.
I drive cars like these and they can lose control so ridiculously quickly that even when I am expecting it I am at my absolute limit of what I can control.
Why pretend to be something you are not?
It seems very very weird to me.
Who does this appeal to? Adults with the minds of children?
Why pretend to be something you are not?
It seems very very weird to me.
Who does this appeal to? Adults with the minds of children?
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