Porsche telah mencapai pencapaian luar biasa dengan melancarkan varian baru bagi kenderaan elektrik Taycan, mencatat rekod pusingan baru di litar Nürburgring. Dipandu oleh pakar pembangunan Porsche, Lars Kern, Taycan pra-siri mencapai masa pusingan yang mengagumkan, iaitu 7:07.55, melampaui versi pendahulunya, Taycan Turbo S 2022, sebanyak 26 saat. Prestasi ini juga melebihi 911 Turbo S 992, menunjukkan keupayaan tinggi kenderaan elektrik tersebut.
Varian Taycan ini, yang kemungkinan akan dinamakan Turbo GT, dijangka akan memimpin kemas kini pertengahan kitaran bagi model Taycan. Dikenali dengan spoiler belakangnya yang mencolok, kereta elektrik ini menunjukkan keupayaannya untuk memberikan prestasi tinggi secara konsisten, menangani kebimbangan biasa yang berkaitan dengan kenderaan elektrik.
Dilengkapi dengan tiga motor, Turbo GT dijangka akan menawarkan tahap kuasa asas melebihi 800PS. Dua motor di aksen belakang menyumbang kepada pengedaran kuasa yang lebih baik dan pengekalan tork, menunjukkan kepelbagaian kereta ini.
Peminat Porsche dan komuniti automotif dengan penuh semangat menantikan pelancaran rasmi Taycan Turbo GT, yang dijangka pada separuh pertama tahun 2024. Butiran tambahan dan rakaman penuh pusingan rekod akan dikeluarkan oleh syarikat pada bulan Mac, menambah keghairahan sekitar kenderaan elektrik yang revolusioner ini.
In a sensational feat, Porsche has unveiled its upcoming Taycan variant, setting a new lap record at the iconic Nürburgring circuit. Driven by Porsche development ace Lars Kern, the pre-series Taycan achieved a remarkable 7:07.55 lap time, surpassing its predecessor, the 2022 Taycan Turbo S, by an impressive 26 seconds. This performance even outpaced the 992 911 Turbo S, firmly establishing the electric vehicle’s prowess.
Identified by its distinct rear spoiler, the Taycan variant, speculated to be named Turbo GT, is expected to lead a mid-cycle update for the Taycan model, which entered the scene four years ago. This achievement highlights the electric car’s ability to sustain high performance consistently, addressing a common concern associated with electric vehicles.
Under the hood, the Turbo GT is anticipated to boast three motors, delivering a baseline power level exceeding 800PS. The two motors at the rear axle promise enhanced power distribution and torque vectoring, contributing to the car’s versatile performance capabilities.
Porsche enthusiasts and the automotive community eagerly await the official unveiling of the Taycan Turbo GT, expected within the first half of 2024. The company plans to release additional details and full footage of the record-breaking lap in March, adding to the excitement surrounding this groundbreaking electric vehicle.
Electric vehicles require special handling when operating and maintaining them because they are intricate. Thus, navigational software is crucial to an EV. That has been General Motors‘ justification for excluding CarPlay and Android Auto from its next models and directing owners to its own Google-based built-in map app instead.
But Porsche has revealed that the Taycan now supports Apple Maps EV routing as a reminder that enabling CarPlay doesn’t always mean giving up such services.
Most people have their smartphones with them all the time, and as these devices show the time and date, the watch may seem unnecessary. Nevertheless, it still has a place in our lives and sales still continue. Now Porsche owners will also find more reason to wear watch – specifically the new TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 – Porsche Edition.
This is a new luxury connected timepiece that does more than just show the time and other information usually found on the more sophisticated (and expensive) watches. It has Wear OS which can show information from Porsche vehicles on its face, turning it into a more useful accessory.
The watch follows the launch of the TAG Heuer x Porsche Carrera Chronograph, which celebrated the two companies’ rich history of motor racing heritage and the launch of their global partnership in 2021.
Both the physical watch and the software have design features used in the all-electric Taycan, which evokes the car’s exterior. The watch face was inspired by printed circuit boards and racing circuits, offering an animated visual effect which connects Porsche’s models and TAG Heuer watches with a feeling of technology and speed.
Car-related design The design of the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 – Porsche Edition has numerous features inspired by the frozen blue lacquered Taycan electric sportscar. For example, the large 45 mm case in black titanium is highlighted with details in the distinctive metallic shade seen on the car. The case is sandblasted black titanium, giving the watch a light, sporty feel and the black ceramic polished bezel has a dedicated scale going from zero to 400, referencing a Porsche car’s speed, which can be used to read functions relating to the car or to display metrics like heart rate.
The ceramic bezel of the watch gives it the feel of a traditional high-end timepiece. The crown has a large diameter, and stands out from the watch, so there’s lots of room for a finger to access the crown, making it easy to access apps on the go.
The pushers have a mechanical feel, highlighting TAG Heuer’s 162 years of heritage in making high-end mechanical watches. Running a customised version of Google’s Wear OS system, the watch offers a range of exclusive timers and sport and wellness apps which highlight TAG Heuer’s expertise in sports timing, including motorsports.
Connection to the car Owners of specific Porsche models will be able to connect their watch to their vehicle. When connected, they will see information displayed in ‘complications’ on the watch face. At the time of launch this week, there are four complications available.
The first shows how much energy is left in the car’s battery pack and works with both fully electric as well as hybrid models. The second shows ‘car autonomy’ information, displaying how many kilometres remain before the battery pack or fuel tank are empty.
The third is a shortcut to the Wear OS My Porsche app which enables users to control their vehicle heating and air conditioning. The last complication shows the total mileage driven. To activate these features, users need to have Porsche ID, Porsche Connect Subscription and the My Porsche app on the watch and phone.
The Taycan electric sportscar is one of the models that can be connected to the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 – Porsche Edition.
Porsche and TAG Heuer Although Porsche and TAG Heuer a strategic partnership in February last year, the two companies have been associated various times for over 50 years. Similarities of heritage can be traced all the way back to the entrepreneurs of the companies whose visions changed their chosen fields forever. Edouard Heuer was responsible for the first manufactured chronograph and Ferdinand Porsche constructed a new electric wheel hub motor. Both these accomplishments earned medals at World Fairs held in Paris 11 years apart.
The true cornerstones of today’s partnership, however, are descendants of the brands’ founders. In 1963, the first Heuer Carrera chronograph was introduced, designed to let drivers tell the time at a glance in the heat of action. Jack Heuer, the great-grandson of the founder, was also responsible for the Heuer Monaco, the first square-faced, water-resistant automatic chronograph watch. Its name evoked the Monaco Grand Prix as well as the renowned Monte Carlo Rally which Porsche won in from 1968 to 1970 with its 911 model.
With its sale to the TAG Group, Heuer became TAG Heuer in the mid-1980s. At this time, Porsche and TAG Heuer jointly developed and produced the TAG Turbo Engine that enabled the McLaren team to win three consecutive F1 world titles.
The Porsche 99X used in the all-electric single-seater Formula E World Championship.
In 1999, the relationship between Porsche and TAG Heuer grew even stronger – from the Porsche Carrera Cup and Supercup competitions, followed by the Endurance World Championship and more was yet to come. Porsche created its own Formula E team with TAG Heuer as title and timing partner in 2019.
Porsche has long distinguished itself in endurance events and together with TAG Heuer, its GT Team has competed in the World Endurance Championship. In addition to physical competitions, TAG Heuer also engages in virtual racing by supporting the Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup. More recently, both companies have partnered in Formula E, the all-electric single-seater world championship.
Besides having a works team in the Formula E World Championship for single-seater all-electric racing cars, Porsche also has a second car that sometimes leads in the races. It’s a Taycan which the sportscar maker has supplied for use as the Official Safety Car and it’s most appropriate since it too has a fully electric powertrain.
As the Official Safety Car, the Taycan is deployed from the pitlane whenever there is an incident to manage the cars on the track. This is to allow marshals to remove a car that has had an accident or to carry out other duties in safety, and the cars must follow behind the Safety Car.
First season for the Taycan
Porsche supplied two units of the Taycan Turbo S which began their duties at the first round of the latest season in Saudi Arabia in January. It is designed to be more than just the Formula E Safety Car and the striking paintwork flies the colours of all 11 teams competing in the championship, as well as the colours of the FIA and Formula E. The number 22 acknowledges the performance of the 22 drivers who contest the series this season.
“We’re proud that Formula E has entrusted a Porsche with this task – one that is important for the safety of its drivers,” said Thomas Laudenbach, Vice-President Porsche Motorsport. “With the Taycan Turbo S as the Official Safety Car, we’re making an important contribution to track safety and also underlining the importance of Formula E for Porsche Motorsport. The distinctive design illustrates our commitment to the successful future of this innovative racing series. Although we’re rivals out on the track, we’re spreading this message to the world together. What’s more, we hope that this also enables us to appeal to a younger target audience who are not yet motorsport fans.”
High performance necessary for Safety Car
A Safety Car must have a level of performance which enables it to lead the racing cars around at a brisk pace, and also have driving dynamics that allows it to negotiate a track at high speeds. The Taycan definitely meets this requirement with its driveability as well as its output of up to 560 kW (761 ps). With Launch Control, the flagship model of the Taycan range can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 260 km/h.
To prepare the Taycan Turbo S for its role as a Safety Car required the installation of a roll-cage and racing bucket seats with 6-point seatbelts for the crew. Additionally, wire harnesses for the Safety Car lighting and the Marelli Logger System were needed and flashing lights were integrated into the bumpers. The new workplace of Bruno Correia, the long-standing Formula E Safety Car driver, was also equipped with a fire extinguisher and a high-tech communications system.
Porsche team on home ground
The Porsche Taycan Safety Car will be seen at the historic Tempelhof airport in Berlin this weekend, on standby at rounds 7 and 8 of Season 8 of the Formula E World Championship. TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team drivers Pascal Wehrlein and Andre Lotterer will be aiming to build on the historic 1-2 achieved at round 3 in Mexico City, the first ever win for the team.
“For us as a German team, the races in Berlin are the most important of the year. I have good memories of the event and was already on the podium there,” said Lotterer. “Driving races at home and especially in front of the home fans is a very special motivation. It would be fantastic to get another win, this time on home soil,” added Wehrlein.
In earlier years, the BMW i8 (above) was used as the Official Safety Car and more recently, the MINI Electric Pacesetter inspired by JCW (below) took on the role.
The Porsche World Road Show is a unique event that takes place the world over.
It is held at circuits that allow a driver to fully exploit a Porsche’s potential.
And when it comes to the Cayenne, rather than on-circuit driving, the now iconic SUV is driven on dirt tracks to show off its off-roading capabilities.
The PWRS in short, was recently held at the Sepang International Circuit.
And the entire circuit was booked, because half-track driving in a Porsche is borderline nonsense.
The cars were pretty amazing too – we got to spend time behind the wheel of the Cayenne, Macan GTS, Macan Turbo, Taycan Turbo and the Taycan Turbo S.
The star of the show though was the new 992 Porsche GT3. A car so brilliant that it deserved an article of its own, which you can read here.
Our day started in the Taycan Turbo S – a car deemed as the hardest accelerating electric car ever built.
It does the 0-100km/h in just 2.8 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 260km/h.
The electric motors that power the car are also some of, if not the best in the industry.
The motors give the car 622hp and 1050Nm of torque.
But with the overboost function selected, the car puts out a staggering 750hp!
Of course, such amazing capabilities doesn’t come cheap – the Taycan Turbo S costs an eye watering RM1.15 million!
Then we hopped into the Taycan Turbo.
I do wish we would have done it the other way around though.
Because after the brutality of the Turbo S – the Taycan felt subdued. Like a hungover horse being asked to gallop.
But despite that, it too puts out some unworldly numbers.
It too offers 622hp but torque stands lower at 850Nm.
However, unlike the Turbo S, the Turbo puts out 670hp when you select the overboost function.
The Turbo though is slightly more affordable than the Turbo S, with prices starting from a little over RM963,000.
This was the first time I got to drive both Taycans.
There was a similar drive event held at SIC when Porsche introduced the Taycan to the Malaysian market earlier this year.
But back then, we had passed our seat to legendary Malaysian rally driver Karamjit Singh to get his thoughts on a car the world was raving about.
You can watch that video below.
As a first timer behind the wheel of the Taycan, it was the acceleration that really blew me away, especially in the Turbo S.
Handling too was sharp but that is to be expected of a Porsche.
But you really do feel the weight of the car because the Taycan weighs over two tons.
You feel this going into corners, but then the acceleration more than makes up for it.
The brakes too felt spongy, but that is a typical character of electric and hybrid cars as the brake pedal also regenerates the batteries.
So you don’t really feel the initial bite of the brakes, and if you get caught out by it, you could end up with an expensive repair bill.
But once you learn to trust the brakes though, you realise that behind all that sponginess is the same iconic Porsche anchors that the German marque is so well known for.
We later jumped into the Cayenne for a spot of off-roading.
The off-road section was a purpose built course on the outskirt of the SIC.
The course was initially designed for dirt bikes.
But it was also a perfect place to display the Cayenne’s off-roading abilities.
In just about 300-500 metres, we found out that the Cayenne could hold its own in gravel, some loose mud, and some very uneven surfaces.
This involved some dabbing on the massive touch screen at the centre to raise the ride height of the Cayenne.
And some further dabbing was needed to tell the Cayenne that you were about to take it off-road.
And then you drive.
The off-road section is where the Cayenne truly put on a show as it sent power to wheels that were planted on the ground.
And sent zero power to wheels that were hanging in the air.
Intelligent is an understatement.
But I wasn’t too surprised here, because the Cayenne has already been proven to be a very capable off-roader plenty of times before.
If you didn’t already know, a couple of years ago, a few rally teams had contested the Cayenne in the gruesome Trans-Siberian rally that takes place in Russia, Siberia and Mongolia every spring.
It is a hardcore 4,400km rally where only road-legal cars with a few modifications are allowed.
The Porsche Cayenne won that race three years in a row.
There’s even a special edition Cayenne to commemorate that feat.
So there really is no better testament to the Cayenne’s off-roading capabilities than that.
But the Cayenne is unlikely to be used in such a manner, but just in case you needed to drive your Cayenne to the end of the world, know that you could.
After spending time with the Cayenne, we jumped into the Macan – a baby-SUV named after a Tiger.
This is another SUV that does not need any introduction, but it was a refreshment of sorts to show what it is really capable of doing when the road opens up.
First the Macan GTS.
I love Porsche’s GTS models because it’s a nod to what cars were like in the past.
Fun beasts that make you miss the old times when men drank their whisky (or whiskey if you’re so inclined) without worrying about it being fake, and chased girls without their antics being posted on social media.
There was a time when the GTS models were pure naturally-aspirated models.
But times have changed and the Macan GTS is now a twin-turbo’d V6 model with a 2.9-litre engine putting out 437hp and 550Nm of torque.
It’s still capable of some brutal numbers though with the 0-100km/h sprint seen off in a little over four seconds with a top speed rated at 272km/h.
These are numbers that were once associated with the top of the line Macan Turbo.
Of course, we were not given a chance to fully exploit its potential.
Just enough to tell you that acceleration was fantastic, and that it makes some encouraging sounds along the way, and that for an SUV that weighs a little under two tons, it actually handles quite well.
I was quite surprised by the brakes though because they lacked that initial bite.
Porsche didn’t give us the spec sheet of all the cars we drove but I suspect the Macan GTS had regular brakes fitted rather than the optional Porsche Surface Coated Brakes or the Ceramic Brakes. Both optional of course.
The Macan Turbo though was a whole different ball game, and that’s the car we got to drive next.
The Macan Turbo is the big dog of the Macan line-up. The Macan you want to have.
It offers the same performance figures as the Macan GTS, and that’s because the updated Turbo model is yet to be introduced.
Despite that, the driving experience between the two is vastly different.
Both cars have twin-turbo engines.
But the engine note in the Turbo is deeper while the GTS has a screaming engine note that mimics a naturally-aspirated engine.
It almost sounds like the sound has been artificially induced and piped into the cabin through the speakers, similar to what Porsche has done with the Taycan.
Artificially induced sounds are not new to the industry, but it is a bit of a let down because there’s nothing better than a raw engine note. Not what a car maker thinks an engine should sound like.
But it is what it is.
And that is quickly overlooked as you put your foot down and the car lurches forward before your brain even registers what is going on.
Jumping from the GTS into the Turbo, we really didn’t think the difference will be all that big. But it is truly vast.
Perhaps it is the way that power is delivered, or how the sound is generated. But the performance in the Macan Turbo is how a Porsche should ideally perform.
Brakes too are much more confidence inspiring in the Turbo model we drove.
We found ourselves braking later and turning in deeper into a corner. A true performance machine the Macan Turbo definitely was.
And that is no surprise considering the Turbo is the flagship model of the Macan line up.
Our experience at the Porsche World Road Show at SIC ended with the Macans.
And though it was similar to the one we attended in 2018/2019, it was still perfectly laid out for us to experience Porsches at their finest.
And if there is one thing we can say about modern Porsches, it is that they are a complete paradox.
On one side you have a race car for the road with the GT3.
And on another side you have a tree-hugging electric supercar in the Taycan Turbo S.
Then you have the ultra-capable go anywhere Cayenne.
And the Macans are the cute in betweens if you don’t want something too big but with fun performance.
If there is one car maker that is completely future-proof to whatever may come in the next 10 years, it would be Porsche.
And there are rumours that Porsche may make an entry into the wonderful world of Formula 1.
Either as an engine supplier or as a works team remains to be seen.
Whatever comes, it is an awesome time to be a Porsche owner.
You’re probably heard of the BMW Art Cars, a series of classic models which were turned into works of art by renowned artists. They have been displayed all over the world (including Malaysia) since the first one was created in 1975.
Perhaps less well known is the fact that there are also art cars which are from another German brand – Porsche. Over the years, innovative artists have made Porsche models their ‘canvas’ and also made them works of art. Following the recent release of the 968 L’ART, here are some of the best examples of Porsche art cars, from Taycans to a 356 to a colourful array of 911 models.
968 L’ART by Arthur Kar
Embodying the connection between vehicles and fashion, this outstanding redesigned car – the brainchild of L’Art de L’Automobile’s founder Arthur Kar – transports a retro look to the modern era. Unveiled at Paris Fashion Week this year alongside a matching capsule collection, attendees saw the worlds of fashion, art and cars collide to mark the 30th anniversary of the 968. The 968 L’ART comes alive in Green Pearl, with the added mystique of appearing to be three other hues, depending on which angle you view it from. TAG Heuer created a matching chronograph to accompany this one-off car, while the roof was removed and Recaro seats were added, incorporating graphic leather in the centre panel that matches the exterior colour. A custom-designed audio system by BOSE was also installed and the headlights were elevated with chrome.
996 Swan by Chris Labrooy
Porsche offered Scottish digital artist Chris Labrooy the opportunity to transport one of his digital artworks into the real world for the first time. The result is the 996 Swan, which was designed for the anniversary ‘20 years of Porsche in China’. The 911 Type 996 was the first car sold in China two decades ago. The choice of ‘swan’ is because, in China, the swan stands for happiness.
911 Carrera by Nelson Makamo
Famed South African artist Nelson Makamo always knew he would own a Porsche, but what he didn’t expect was the manner in how it happened. Having fantasised since childhood about what it would feel like to hold the keys to one, it was an unexpected meeting with a modern-day example during a residency in Western Cape that reignited his Porsche dream and he would eventually own a Jet Black Metallic 911 Carrera. The painter ordered his first ever Porsche with the view to putting his mark on his most unusual canvas yet. Makamo’s Porsche art car saw him hand-paint a number of elements, from the rear bumper to the seat mouldings, door panel inserts and side mirror covers. Look closely enough and you’ll find three letters – ‘Mma’ – in the left door panel insert, which mean ‘mother’ in his native tongue. For Makamo, the art car in its entirety is a reflection of his success, the important people he’s met along the way and his hope that his work will spark the imagination of children all over the continent of Africa.
Taycan Art Car by Richard Phillips
This is the kind of artwork that makes watching paint dry a legitimately fun pastime, thanks to American artist Richard Phillips. His vision has applied an artful second skin for the all-electric sportscar which bloomed to life in Zurich. There, it was created live at a pop-up restaurant in December 2020. To create the final masterpiece, Phillips applied his 2010 painting, Queen of the Night, onto the body of a Porsche Taycan 4S, with the lush piece spreading its leafy and floral arrangement from the front bonnet to the rear. Earlier this year it was auctioned off for charity, with all proceeds being donated to a non-profit organisation which supports artists hit hard by the pandemic.
Taycan with Artwork by Dale Chihuly
Another electrifying artwork also sparked to life in 2021. The horticultural oasis of Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay not only plays host to a diverse collection of over 1.5 million plants but became the temporary home for this floral Taycan. With Porsche as the official automotive partner for American glass artist Dale Chihuly’s ‘Glass in Bloom’ exhibition, audiences were exposed to the idea of sportscars beyond the simple need for speed. Wrapped in an unmissable livery from Chihuly’s Persians series – comprising ultra-bright flowers in a diverse palette – the car was more than a match for its foliage-laced surroundings. Sitting pretty on a pedestal, set against the futuristic backdrop of the SG50 Lattice – it provided a harmonious reflection of the future-forward DNA of the sustainable Taycan, all amid an organic green oasis.
Taycan Artcar by SUMO!
On the occasion of the opening of the Porsche Centre Roost, Porsche of Losch Luxembourg decided to create a unique artwork on the theme of ‘Future’ in collaboration with the renowned Luxembourg artist SUMO!. In close cooperation with the Porsche Centre team, the car was first completely disassembled. Then the individual parts were transported to an unknown location where SUMO! could begin its work over the next 5 months. The interior, the inside of the doors, the rims and the keys of the car were also painted.
Janis Joplin’s 356 C
Rock legend Janis Joplin sung ‘my friends all drive Porsches’, and she actually owned a number herself. She bought this car in 1968 in Dolphin Grey using it as an everyday car that fans would soon come to recognise as one of her closest companions. Describing the 1964 356 SC as having a colourful paint job is somewhat of an understatement. Janis paid her roadie, David Richards, $500 to portray ‘The History of the Universe’ on the car in almost every hue possible. It was a history that included images of her band, Big Brother and the Holding Company, Californian landscapes, the eye of God, Capricorn, skulls, mushrooms and much more. It became so synonymous with its owner that fans would leave notes to her under the windscreen wipers. When it was stolen in 1969, the thief tried to hide his crime by spray painting over the giveaway mural, only to be caught by police.
Tragically, Joplin died in 1970, just 2 years after purchasing the car. Her beloved Porsche eventually found its way into the hands of her siblings, with her brother restoring it to its original Dolphin Grey condition, as it had deteriorated. Then, in the 1990s, it was decided to return it to psychedelic glory, with her family commissioning artists Jana Mitchell and Amber Owen to replicate the original mural. After doing the rounds at museums for decades, it was finally put up for auction to support charities in their sister’s name. The price? An astonishing $1.76 million – breaking all records for the sale of any Porsche 356 at public auction.
911 RSR Le Mans by Richard Phillips
This 911 RSR is more than just a work of art. It also became the first Porsche art car to win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, when it took victory in the GTE Am class in 2019. Its existence is the result of a firm friendship between the artist, Richard Phillips, and the Porsche factory driver, Jorg Bergmeister – a relationship that had already resulted in Phillips designing a helmet for Bergmeister in 2013. It proved to be a stepping stone, 6 years later, to designing this Porsche art car, when the artist used some of his existing work to project an intricate 2D livery onto the car. The oversized details and bold contrasting colours meant there was no need to have a grandstand view to take in the full design – spectators could more than follow it from afar.
911 Fat Car NFT by Erwin Wurm
Austrian sculpture and painter Erwin Wurm is known for his larger-than-life artworks – his collection of Fat Sculptures has spanned the subject areas of houses and cars for 2 decades. On the 20th anniversary of his iconic Fat Car, in 2021, Wurm’s quirkiness came to the fore once more to breathe life into – literally his first NFT, entitled ‘Breathe in, breathe out’. The video showcases his interpretation of what it would look like if a 911 inhaled in and breathed out. Already well-known for his eccentric depictions of day-to-day life, and with a signature nudge and a wink as he takes a sideways look at consumer society, the disfigured style on show here is an example of Wurm’s inimitable style.
In future, the Porsche you drive could have an invisible ‘twin’ in the digital world. No, it’s not something to do with science fiction and parallel worlds but a possibility being explored by researchers at the German sportscar company. With continuously improving performance of integrated sensors, networking and data processing capabilities, it may become possible to create a virtual copy of an existing object – like a car. This will allow data-driven analysis, monitoring and diagnostics without the challenges and constraints of real-world tests.
The digital twin of a vehicle comprises not only the operating data it collects but also any related data, such as information collected during planned maintenance work and unexpected repairs. Elements of this digital twin already exist in control unit memories and in the databases maintained at Porsche Centres.
Centralised intelligence system
The main advantage of digital twins is the fact that they can be networked and the data combined with a centralised intelligence system. Conclusions that benefit every single vehicle and therefore every individual customer can be drawn from data relevant to an entire field. For example, an algorithm can compare big data against sensor data from a specific vehicle’s powertrain and chassis to identify a customer’s driving style.
The algorithm can then recommend not only the optimal time for service work on the vehicle but also the required scope of that work. This data makes it possible to customise service intervals and allow servicing for specific components as needed, based on how the customer uses their vehicle.
For instance, with this approach, the hardworking suspension bushes of a sportscar that spends most of its time on a racetrack could be replaced at exactly the right time. By contrast, service work on the engine is more important for vehicles predominantly driven for long distances on motorways. Another even more important benefit of this approach is the fact that potential component wear and even faults can be identified before they have actually occurred, which is a significant advantage from a safety perspective.
For the past 3 years or so, software specialists at Porsche have been working on a digital twin concept that focuses on the chassis, known as a ‘chassis twin’. This project is now being managed by CARIAD, the standalone automotive software company within the Volkswagen Group. In addition to data from Porsche vehicles, the project now has access to data from all Volkswagen Group vehicles, which increases the data pool by a factor of 20.
High importance of the chassis
The reason for focusing on chassis components is clear. On a Porsche, the chassis is subjected to the highest loads, particularly when the vehicle is used on racing circuits. Sensor technology in the vehicle and the intelligent neural algorithms used for centralised analysis allow the load on the chassis to be detected within the vehicle and conveyed to the driver. This intelligent use of data makes the vehicle safer for its passengers because any specific faults are identified immediately, even before the driver or the workshop notices a problem signified by noise or vibration.
The digital chassis is already being used for its first practical testing scenario: monitoring the components in the air suspension of the Taycan EV. This project is primarily for collecting data about body acceleration in this initial stage. The data is evaluated and transferred via Porsche Connect to the central backend system.
This system continuously compares the data from each vehicle against the fleet data. The algorithm calculates thresholds based on this comparison and, if these are exceeded, the customer is notified via the onboard Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system that the chassis may need to be inspected at a Porsche Centre. While this approach ensures that wear does not go beyond specified limits, early repairs also help to prevent consequential damage.
Artificial intelligence with data privacy
Artificial intelligence within the vehicle and within the centralised intelligence system continuously improves contingency planning and the accuracy of the algorithms. Data privacy during the testing phase and after the model’s launch is the top priority so customers are prompted via the PCM to provide their consent to data being collected anonymously. Around half of all Taycan customers have agreed to take part in this pilot project, which has pleased Porsche.
The first version of the digital twin will be launched next year and only sensor data directly from mechatronic components will be evaluated. Other functionality will be added in the future, such as functions that allow wear on specific components to be calculated without the need for physical gauges to be used. For example, if multiple vehicles require adjustments to their wheel alignment or a track rod replacement and multiple sensors have already detected corresponding deviations, this information can indicate a pattern. If the same data is then identified on a further vehicle, the driver will accordingly be told to visit a Porsche Centre.
Early diagnostics in this format can prevent consequential damage which, in this example, would be worn tyres caused by track misalignment. The fault-finding process at the workshop will be faster, because the specific components responsible for a fault can be replaced, thereby reducing throughput times in the workshop and lowering costs for customers.
The digital twin offers other benefits for customers beyond operation of their vehicle. Digital vehicle records can be used to show the residual value of a vehicle, making the process of buying and selling used vehicles more transparent. In addition, manufacturers could consider offering an extended approved warranty based on seamless documentation of component status updates, and even a certificate with a price recommendation for selling on the vehicle.
They say that many good things happen at a bar. And I would agree to that, many good things have taken place at many watering holes. And one of those good things is the topic of this article.
There were three of us at a bar in Petaling Jaya, and one was no other than Malaysian rally legend himself – Karamjit Singh.
We were discussing many things that day, from how rally life was like back then, to how a mechanic forgot to add engine oil during a race, forcing Karamjit out of the race. And to how, despite being 59 years old now, he is faster today than he has ever been, you can watch Karamjit talking about that in the video below.
And then it came in the form of an email, the invite to drive one of the fastest electric cars ever built – the Porsche Taycan. And it struck me, why not get Karamjit to drive it, he was already sitting opposite me anyway.
“Bro, how would you like to drive an electric Porsche at Sepang,” I asked Karam.
The look he gave me was one of disbelief, the type that couldn’t believe I had just asked that question.
“Of course la, I have never driven an electric car before, what more an electric Porsche at Sepang. Im in,” was his reply.
The reply from our friends at Porsche was also of disbelief.
“You sure you want to send Karamjit ah? He will still have to drive like any other member of the media you know, he has to follow a pace car. He won’t be able to drive the car to its limit.”
Yes, Yes, I know, but it will be interesting to see what a rally champion has to say about the Taycan.
A couple of days passed, and I found myself picking up Karamjit and heading to Sepang Circuit at about 8am.
“I usually do the driving,” said Karamjit to me.
“Kinda in a hurry bro, you drive on the way back?” – was my nonchalant reply to this multiple time rally champion, only to realise what I had said a few moments later.
Nevertheless, I got some good driving tips all the way to Sepang.
“It is smaller than what the photos make it look like,” was Karam’s first comment upon seeing the Taycan for the first time.
“It is actually smaller than the Panamera,” was mine.
The Taycan is indeed smaller than the Panamera, and is one of the reasons why it is outselling the Panamera in some markets like the UK. And this is giving rise to speculation that the Panamera could be discontinued if this trend continues and the shift towards electric cars gets stronger.
But that’s a different story.
After breakfast, an introduction to the overall drive program as well as the instructors, all of whom have either worked with Karamjit in a racing capacity, or at some point or another, we got on with the drive.
First up, sitting position. This is where lead Porsche instructor Admi Shahrul demonstrated the ideal sitting position when driving the Taycan or any other car.
From my vantage point (because I was not given a drive seat since I chose to give up my seat for Karam), I found Karam listening attentively. I thought that was incredibly gracious of him, considering he probably understands the importance of sitting positions better than anyone else there that day.
After that came the acceleration test, a part that had some Malaysian motoring journalists and youtubers giggling like girls (insert eye roll emoticon here) after experiencing what is said to be one of the fastest acceleration in a production car this side of a hypercar.
The two cars on hand were the standard Taycan 4S as well as the Taycan Turbo (there was no Turbo S for us to experience that day).
I didn’t expect Karamjit to be fazed by the acceleration, after all this is the man who said that the most powerful car he had ever driven was the Ford Escort Cosworth Group A rally car, which is a proper fire breathing monster that puts out over 300hp at the wheel in a lightened and strengthened body (pictured below).
“The acceleration difference between the two cars is huge,” said Karamjit. There is zero wheel spin despite the Taycan 4S putting out 650Nm of torque (with Performance Battery Plus, and 640Nm without the dearer battery) while the Turbo puts out 850Nm. Of course this is due to the Traction Control and Electronic Stability Control playing a role in keeping the wheels in check during hard acceleration.
There is no telling how the car would have felt with all the electronic safety nets turned off, and if there is anyone that could have tamed an out of control electric car, it would be Karamjit. But there were strict instructions to not turn anything off.
When asked what he thought of the acceleration, Karamjit had this to say, “The Turbo is fantastic, the G-Force is amazing, there is no drama, it accelerates very fast in a straight line and it doesn’t twitch. It is an easy car to drive fast. I love the instance response.”
The next program was a classroom session that explained the intricacy of the Taycan, but after that there was the track drive and that is where Karamjit got to drive both the Taycan 4S and the Turbo around the north track of the circuit.
“You do feel some body roll in the Taycan in normal mode, but in Sport mode the handling is very impressive for such a heavy car. The brakes are not so bad either, this is a car that weighs over two tons so you have to brake much earlier.”
“I also took some corners at over 160km/h and it does feel like you’re driving a race car around some parts of the circuit, this is still a proper Porsche.”
When asked about whether there is anything he didn’t quite like about the Taycan, Karamjit simply pointed out that excessive body roll in normal mode (but perfectly fine in Sport and Sport Plus), and his concerns about charging the car.
“I like this car, there is no doubt that this is a sports car you can drive everyday, but the disadvantage it has is charging it.”
“You have to plan your route very carefully to ensure there are charging points. You then have to spend 20-30 minutes while the car charges up and then point the car towards the next charging station.”
“But in terms of driving, the Taycan is a fantastic experience. I really like the fact that it has four-wheel steering. This minimises the turning circle and makes such a heavy car feel quite agile in corners. I just don’t understand why people need four-wheel-steering to help them park the car.”
But ultimately, what does a rally legend who has spent a huge part of his life with internal combustion engines think of the paradigm shift towards electric cars?
“Electric cars are the future we have to accept that, I used to worry but this is a great example of how awesome an electric car can be. It drives well, it accelerates well, it stops well, and it is still very much a Porsche, and a great Porsche at that.”
The performance game is starting again; from the time the car was born, rivalry between carmakers saw performance levels rising as internal combustion powerplants grew more powerful with new technologies. Now, in the 21st century, there is again the same competition in the industry – but with a zero emissions electric powertrain. It’s not just the traditional performance measures that are the challenge but also how far an electric car can go.
Audi’s latest representative in this race is the new e-tron GT, which mark its entry into a different segment of the electric range. With the e-tron GT, Audi is demonstrating that electric mobility can still offer exhilarating motoring in complete contrast to the perception 30 years ago that electrically-powered cars would be dull machines.
Third and fourth all-electric models
The e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT join the e-tron SUV and e-tron Sportback that debuted in 2018 and 2019, respectively. They are part of the electrified model offensive Audi has planned up till 2025 which will see more than 30 electric and hybrid models being introduced into markets around the world.
Porsche Taycan
Relative of Porsche Taycan
The exterior of the e-tron GT is a dynamic work of art. A relative of the Porsche Taycan, Audi’s new 4-door coupe offers a new, very progressive interpretation of the classic Gran Turismo. It has the proportions like a sportscar, with the usability of a 4-seater. Each surface and each line is harmonious, from the headlights, which are available with Audi laser light, to the large diffuser at the rear.
Following the Audi Prologue design study, which offered a preview of the design language of the subsequent full-size class models as a showcar in 2014, the e-tron GT constitutes the next evolutionary stage of the Audi design language. In combination, the details create a sculpture that looks like it was shaped by the wind. The body line is extremely aerodynamic, and the drag coefficient is just 0.24 Cd.
2014 Audi Prologue Concept
Classic gran turismo interior
The interior also corresponds to that of a classic gran turismo. The strong focus of the interior on the driver, inspired by the monoposto idea, is a characteristic of sporty Audi models and the e-tron GT in particular. The driver and front passenger seats are installed in a sporty low position and separated by a wide centre console, and the rear seats provide sufficient space even for adults.
The central dashboard is tilted slightly to the left, and the pronounced three-dimensional instrument panel looks light and lean. Its upper section is drawn away from the driver in a large, elegant arc. The display of the Audi virtual cockpit plus stands freely in this space, while the MMI touch monitor is surrounded by a black piano finish bezel that seems to float above the instrument panel.
Like all Audi models, the e-tron GT is connected extensively. The infotainment, the online services from Audi connect, and the assist systems are state-of-the-art. And since the dynamic work of art must also sound good, Audi has composed a unique sound – powerful and progressive – for the e-tron GT.
Range of up to 487 kms
Depending on the version, the electric motors can generate 350 kW (476 ps) or 440 kW (598 ps). The stated range of up to 487 kms which is made possible by the battery and its net capacity of 85 kWh, is equally important. Its 800V technology enables fast DC charging with an output of up to 270 kW.
The suspension is also based in the balance of dynamism and comfort, thanks to technologies such as Audi drive select, all-wheel steering, controlled damping, three-chamber air suspension, electric all-wheel drive, and the rear-axle differential lock. The brake discs – which are available in carbonfibre ceramic as an option – have a diameter of up to 420 mm.
Presales of the two models start this month with the e-Tron GT priced in Germany from €99,800 (about RM490,000), rising to €138,200 (about RM677,235) for the RS e-tron GT.
