Porsche Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach Pack review
Our previous report on the 2024 Porsche Taycan highlighted how the latest luxury EV from Porsche has become quicker, more powerful and quicker at charging its larger battery pack. But this time around they aren't stopping there. They have created a new halo model for its EV portfolio and it's ridiculously fast! It's called the "Porsche Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach Pack" and it can hit the standing ton quicker than the time it takes for the average human to say its name!
With lap times that redefine what's possible on iconic tracks like Laguna Seca and the Nürburgring, the Turbo GT is in a league of its own. It's not just about setting records; it's about pushing the boundaries of what electric propulsion can achieve and doing so with style and finesse.
Park the 'standard' Taycan Turbo and the GT WP (let's just shorten it to that, shall we?) and you will notice it wears carbon fibre wings on the front bumper, big splitters at the rear and an even bigger wing on the boot lid. It's still not as massive as the 911 GT3 RS, but I'm afraid that leaves room for Porsche to create something even more manic on the Taycan platform in the future. As for the GT WP, it retains the rear doors but throws out the rear seats and plonks a small carbon fibre storage trunk in their place. The underbody is completely flat too. All this translates to 80kg and 140kg of down force respectively at the front and the rear, and a weight saving of about 75kg lighter than the Taycan Turbo.
The driving experience
Behind the wheel of the Turbo GT, you're not just a driver; you're a maestro conducting a symphony of power and precision. What's Boost Mode on the standard Taycan (with the Sport Chrono pack) is called Attack Mode in the GT WP and it will shove an additional 120kW (70kW in the standard Boost mode) down to the road for 10s, making for some unbelievable corner exits. During their lap record runs on the Nurburgring, for example, the Attack Mode allowed corner speeds/exits that were up to 25kmph faster than the Taycan Turbo! For road users, this adds an extra layer of excitement, providing a surge of power at the touch of a button. And with a top speed that leaves lesser vehicles in the dust, this car will persuade you to take EVs seriously.
But it's not just about speed; it's about balance and control. Thanks to its GT-specific tuning and Porsche Active Ride suspension, the Turbo GT glides effortlessly through corners with the poise of a seasoned player. Every twist and turn becomes an opportunity to push the limits of what's possible, with the Turbo GT responding to your every input with grace and agility. Even on the wet Monteblanco circuit in Spain where we sampled this car, the GT WP was able to put power down cleanly and go sideways only when I wanted it to!
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this car is its relentless pursuit of perfection. By shedding unnecessary weight and focusing on what truly matters - performance - Porsche has created a machine that makes you rethink everything that you have thought about EVs. For that matter, I had a hard time making a connection with the standard Taycan even though I enjoyed the road test bit of it - but the GT WP within a couple of laps was already making a soft corner in my heart for electric cars.
Summing it upIn conclusion, the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach Pack isn't just a car; it's a masterpiece - an elegant fusion of power, precision, and passion. From its record-breaking performance to its refined design, every aspect of the GT WP is a testament to Porsche's commitment to excellence. For them to throw the kitchen sink at an electric car even when their pursuit of sustainable synthetic petrol (e-fuel) looks close to fruition, speaks volumes about the carmaker's passion for performance. For those fortunate enough to experience it firsthand, it's a journey into the future of automotive innovation - one that is unforgettable.