2020 Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo Understeers, Ploughs Into Snow (Updated)

We’ve come across new photos of a Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo prototype (or is it a Cross Turismo?) that got a taste of the snow as it understeered into a corner while being pushed hard by the test driver. Our photographers say the Porsche pulled itself out of the snow. The new photos have been added to the gallery below. (Update 02/21/2019)

The all-electric Taycan is likely the most anticipated car debut of 2019 as well as one of Porsche’s most important launches ever.

It may not be the world’s first electric vehicle but it’s the first one to come from a major sports car brand. Naturally, everyone is curious about Porsche’s first EV since we already know that the Taycan will bring significant technological breakthroughs.

Highlights include the 800V charging system that ensures recharging times as low as just over 15 minutes for a range of 400 km (248 miles) and the powertrain consisting of permanent magnet synchronous motors with combined outputs of up to 450 kW (603 hp/612 PS). The Taycan will also be able to cover up to 500 km (311 miles) on a single charge thanks to an LG-supplied lithium-ion battery pack with an unspecified capacity.

Marvel at the size of the front brake discs and calipers

There have been several sightings of the Taycan so far but the latest one is the most revealing yet. It shows three prototypes (including the Taycan Sport Turismo shooting brake) undergoing cold weather testing and recharging, with the latter activity providing our photographers with plenty of time to get some detail pictures.

While the camouflage doesn’t seem to have changed since the last sighting, the new photos offer a closer look at the Taycan revealing details such as the retractable door handles, 911-style taillights, massive brake discs and calipers, as well as a glimpse inside the trunk — which seems pretty roomy despite the rather narrow opening. That’s because, unlike the Panamera, the Taycan has a sedan-style trunk lid instead of a tailgate.

We also get to see Porsche testing different alloy wheel designs, including aero-look rims. Unfortunately, the photographers couldn’t get close enough to take photos of the interior.

Porsche promises “reproducible performance,” lap after lap

The Taycan aims to be the Porsche of electric vehicles and that won’t translate in performance numbers alone. Sure, the top-of-the-range model will go from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 3.5 seconds and will reach a maximum speed well over 200 km/h (124 mph) but the Taycan will also be worthy of the Porsche name on the circuit and on winding roads.

More than once, Porsche has said the Taycan will be able to provide “reproducible performance,” i.e. the ability to go fast repeatedly without drops in performance and maintain the top speed for long periods.

With a center of gravity lower than the Porsche 911, torque vectoring, all-wheel steering, a two-speed automatic gearbox for sustained high-speed performance, and rear-biased handling characteristics, the Taycan should be a hoot to drive. Just ask rally legend Walter Röhrl.