While it is widely known for iconic models like the 911, Carrera GT, 918 Spyder, and Cayman, to name a few, Porsche has revolutionized the category for luxury sports cars to befit the taste and nostalgic aspirations of a new generation. This can be seen in the continuous popularity of the RAUH-Welt BEGRIFF (RWB) custom tuning builds around Asia and the Pacific, the unconventional, rugged off-road upgrades on Cayennes and Macans in North America and Europe, and most recently, the radically creative body designs on the Porsche Taycan all over the globe.
Every new campaign and innovation is designed to highlight the distinct beauty of a Porsche. A Porsche, regardless of age and era, carries with it a signature design philosophy that is unique to its proposition and able to gracefully traverse beyond pop culture trends. It holds its own when it comes to culture and sets a benchmark for remarkable style. Complementing this characteristic is the undeniable performance that makes a Porsche a force to be reckoned with, synonymous with the ideals of precision, prestige, and power. What’s great about it, however, is how a Porsche can be driven on a city street and the racetrack and still deliver the same kind of experience for any enthusiast.
This philosophy holds true for its veteran models all the way to the Porsche Taycan, the brand’s legendary all-electric sports car. More than a head turner when speeding smoothly down the highway, the Taycan was undoubtedly created to be the supercar that is meant to be driven, and driven well. The Porsche badge says it all — it is a sight to behold and an experience to be had. More than this, it is the electric car that makes you forget that you are driving an EV altogether.
Taking a Porsche out on the streets rings all the necessary bells that can make you anxious and intimidated. After all, how does one handle a supercar worth millions through the busy, traffic-laden streets of the metro? Add to that, the interior layout of the Porsche Taycan is unconventional, with the gear shift positioned slightly behind the steering wheel, fully digital climate controls, including vent adjustment, and even a dual-monitor system that can potentially be confusing at first (or, second) glance.
That aside, we’re here for the Porsche experience and that largely has to do with its performance. Coming from having only driven one other Porsche (the Macan), I was both excited and nervous. It wasn’t until I officially maneuvered the car out of the driveway and onto the narrow backstreets that I began to appreciate what it means for a Porsche to be called “the people’s sports car.” Clearly a looker, the Taycan is every bit an enthusiast’s dream, with a sustainable engine to boot. Foot on the accelerator and the throttle responds swiftly and smoothly, without any sudden uncomfortable lurching. Step on the brake and the car immediately slows, quickly but gradually. It features a triple-level lift that allows you to adjust the height of the car, depending on the road condition and traffic humps that you are anticipating. In addition, the adaptive air suspension and Porsche active suspension technology delivers an ultra-light stable bounce when passing over uneven roadblocks.
That being said, I went from intimidated to comfortable in less than a day. Perhaps, a little too comfortable that I had nearly forgotten that I was behind the wheel of a luxury all-electric. Electric vehicles are often viewed as cars that are sustainable, but lack the kind of performance that would thrill hardcore drivers. The Porsche Taycan just debunked that theory by becoming the electric vehicle to beat. Sitting in the cabin offers the premium, high-roller feel of luxury, while still maintaining the imagery that the car is the perfect deserving complement to your everyday, however way it looks. Taking it through the city and stretching its legs out on the highway peaks that sense of excitement that makes you want to push it further to allow you to get an even better sense of what it means to handle a machine built for power.
The Porsche experience is extraordinary and, dare I say, immediate. Porsche is a brand that is aspired to and has set a benchmark in the industry that others have yet to catch up to — all in style, creative design, and innovative engineering. It is not only iconic, but also distinct in delivering an experience that is memorable for driving enthusiasts the world over. This is what it takes to drive the future and with the Taycan under its belt, Porsche is clearly ahead of the game.
