Porsche’s commitment to internal combustion engines (ICE) appears far from over, despite its aggressive push towards electrification. Insiders have hinted at the possible revival of a petrol-powered Macan, a move that aligns with recent statements from Porsche’s Chief Financial Officer, Lutz Meschke, regarding hybrid and ICE developments.
Meschke stated “We are exploring the possibility of equipping some of the models originally planned only as electrics with hybrid or internal combustion engines. Decisions are being made that are only conceptual for now, but it is clear the combustion engine will remain longer than planned.”
When Porsche first introduced its first all-electric model, the Taycan, it was met with mixed reactions. For some, it was a step into the future for the legendary brand with technology derived from its motorsport exploits, particularly the 24 hours of Le Mans. Afterall, Porsche has had tremendous success at the legendary endurance race for nearly a century.
For others, Porsche had lost the plot with the Taycan.
For some fans, the German sports car maker is known for its boxer engines, and also happens to build some of the best SUV’s in the industry, so it should continue building just that.
For hardcore fans Porsche is the 911, the Boxster, the Cayman, the Cayenne and the Macan. For them, Porsche has no business producing electric vehicles. Hybrids was as far as they should go since that is what the company used in motor racing as well.
But the naysayers had always put down Porsche’s future models. The antagonism was at its height when Porsche wanted to introduce the Boxster. Fans were up in arms against it, but the Boxster ended up saving the company from bankruptcy.
Porsche fans once again had their pitchforks and torches in the air when it introduced the Cayenne. And despite initial scepticism, the success of the Cayenne provided much needed funding for the company to continue racing.
But the most successful Porsche in terms of sales is the Macan. It is the best-selling Porsche model of all time, and yes it too was met with cynicism from the fanbase in its early years.
Then came the Taycan in 2019. Despite all the negativity levelled against it, the Taycan outsold the 911 in 2021. That was not a difficult milestone to achieve though because the 911, Porsche’s halo car, was already outsold first by the Cayenne and later by the Macan.
But for an all-electric model to outsell the car that arguably defines Porsche is quite shocking. But is it really?
China is Porsche’s biggest market by far, and the Chinese market is all about electric powertrains due to government legislations. So, it is quite natural for the Taycan to do well there.
Besides China, the United States too is a big fan of the Taycan as well and in 2022, Porsche sold a near equal number of Taycan’s in China and the United States.
According to Porsche’s own media site and an interview with the former CEO of Porsche China by CarNewsChina.com, Porsche sold 7,315 Taycan’s in China and 7,271 units in the United States.
Canada and Europe are the other big markets for the Taycan.
And then sales plummeted by a staggering 51% by early 2024, forcing Porsche back to the drawing board to rethink its strategies.
In 2022, Porsche set out a rather ambitious goal, the company said that it half of its cars sold in 2025 will either be plug-in hybrids or battery electric vehicles (BEV). And that by 2030, a staggering 80% of Porsche cars sold will be BEV’s.
But with declining, Porsche announced in early 2024 that it will re-strategize its goals and will instead focus on hybrids and internal combustion engines once again since that is what its customers want.
But that does not mean that Porsche has abandoned the Taycan, in fact the company has introduced the latest version of it. Porsche does not like to use the term facelift, but rather calls it an evolution of the original, and we have driven it.
Porsche Malaysia organised a drive to Kuantan for select members of the Malaysian motoring media. The drive, called the Taycan E-xperience, involved putting the long-distance capability of the Taycan to test. The route was from Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan, to Genting Highlands and back to our starting point at Saujana Hotel.
What’s new and why is it a big deal?
The Taycan is a big deal because it is a Porsche and that means status. It is a big deal because there are few other brands that have the heritage and sporting pedigree of a Porsche. It is also a big deal because despite it being a heavy electric vehicle, it is capable of some ferocious performance very much expected of a Porsche.
The new Taycan builds on that and though it looks the same from the outside there are some minor updates, particularly the new front bumper that has lost the black tear that drips from the headlights to the side air vents.
The headlights too have been revised and now come with quad-projector matrix LED’s as an option. Also optional is the Porsche logo in the rear light strip that now features a three-dimensional, glass-look design that can also be illuminated.
Other than that, though, the key updates are under the skin. For example, the new Taycan is now lighter than before thanks to clever weight savings around the car.
But being a Porsche, you can customise your Taycan whichever way you want. And that is what makes Malaysian Taycan’s so unique because it already has an extensive list of standard equipment before any customisation.
The list of standard items for the new Taycan include air suspension, ambient lighting, Porsche Intelligent Range Manager (PIRM), a redesigned cooling system for better battery thermal management, and electrically opening charging ports on the driver and front passenger side.
The list continues with 20-inch wheels offered as standard as well, and ParkAssist with Surround View.
Inside, the new Taycan comes with electrically folding exterior mirrors with mirror surround lighting, a cooled smartphone tray for wireless charging and Drive Mode Select Switch as standard.
Topping that off is the Advanced Climate Control functions, 14-way comfort seats with memory function for both driver and front passenger, and a BOSE surround sound system.
And in case you are wondering, you must pay for these in some markets. The fact that these are offered as standard equipment in Malaysia is impressive.
The real star of the show for the Malaysian Taycan though is the suspension system as it now comes with the latest generation Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system as standard.
The latest version of this system comes with a two-chamber air suspension and two-valve damper technology. This works to ensure that the car always remains glued to the road, providing the driver with remarkable precision by responding to steering input without lag or delay. All of this while maintaining comfort for all passengers.
What about power and performance?
There’s a hike of course. The base Taycan now produces 408PS on overboost and does the sprint to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds, 0.6 seconds faster than its predecessor.
On the other end of the spectrum lays the Taycan Turbo S, and it makes a stunning 952PS while the Taycan Turbo GT makes an almost unbelievable 1034PS. Zero to hundred you ask? A ballistic 2.2 seconds, which makes it one of the quickest cars on the planet when it comes to acceleration.
Other than the trick new suspension, the Taycan sits low and wide. This makes it one of the best-handling EV’s in the industry, with an ability to carve through corners with incredible ease and near zero body roll. The Taycan can make mediocre drivers feel like heroes.
This is ultimately still a Porsche and that means performance. It switches directions on a dime. The sitting position for the driver is perfect, developed from decades of building race cars of course. The electronic steering rack is quick and surprisingly chatty. You feel everything the road throws up to the wheels through your palms. It may have four seats, but this is still a fun Porsche.
What about range and charging?
Improved as well. The Taycan is built on an 800-volt electrical architecture, which means that it can charge at fantastic speeds. DC charging capability has jumped from 270kW to 320kW, and it can sustain high power charging of 300kW for up to five minutes, which is quite significant.
This means that charging from 10% to 80% is now quicker, taking just 18 minutes despite the Taycan having a 12% bigger battery (a jump from 93kWh to 105kWh with the Performance Battery Plus).
Also significant is the improved regenerative braking, now 30% more powerful than before, and pulling 400kW of kinetic energy to provide better energy retardation and quicker battery charge when braking or decelerating.
As for range, the new Taycan has a WLTP range of up to 678 kilometres, which meant that we reached Kuantan with more than enough battery state of charge to spare.
But it can’t be all that great
As a Porsche and an electric sports car, the Taycan is undoubtedly fun to drive. It ticks all the boxes in the sports category, but Porsche also wants us to believe that it is a great family car, one that is good for long distance journeys with fast charging capabilities that makes it more convenient to live with an EV.
Though we agree that the Taycan is fun, fast and is convenient to recharge, but we found that the interior can be overly snug. There is enough space for four adults, but it can be tight. The backrests of the rear seats are too upright for this writer’s liking and there is no space under the front seats to tuck your feet into. Which means you sit almost upright in a knee in chest position, particularly if you are on the tall.
Boot space is just alright as well. Measuring in at just 407 litres, the boot was already packed to the brim with the bags of four adults who packed light for an overnight trip to Kuantan. Not exactly very compelling for a car Porsche wants us to believe is suitable for the family.
That aside, should you buy one?
When the Taycan was first introduced in 2019, it did not have a lot of competition, and it was well accepted. Partly because it is a Porsche, but also because it is very good at what it was built to do – go fast, go far, charge quick.
The automotive landscape has changed quite significantly in the five years since, and there are more competitors now which is partly why sales have slowed quite significantly for Porsche. Some reports say that sales of the Taycan have dropped by 51% in some markets.
Not in Malaysia though. We reached out to Porsche Malaysia to ask how well the Taycan is doing here, and a spokesperson described it as a “bread and butter model”.
That is not all that surprising considering the sheer number of Taycan’s on our roads. It is not surprising either because it is one of the best EV’s you can buy.
There might be others that offer more interior room, bigger boot’s, bigger infotainment screens and more comfort. But they lag far behind in two key areas – sheer driving pleasure and pure performance. And that is the essence of a Porsche, and for that reason alone, the new Taycan is worth every Ringgit.
Specifications (Porsche Taycan RWD)
Motor: Single, Rear-Mounted, Electric Motor
Transmission: Two-speed
Power: 408PS
Torque: 410Nm
Acceleration (0-100kmh): 4.8 seconds
Top speed: 230km/h
Range (WLTP): 678km
Base price (As tested): RM575,000
We like: Power, Handling, Good looks
We don’t like: Feels small for taller drivers
Porsche telah memperkenalkan 2025 911 Carrera S, model terkini yang memperkukuh reputasi ikonik siri 911. Model ini berada di antara 911 Carrera dan Carrera GTS T-Hybrid, menawarkan peningkatan prestasi dan ciri standard yang dipertingkatkan. Tersedia dalam varian Coupe dan Cabriolet, Carrera S 2025 menggabungkan kesukanan dengan kecanggihan yang tiada tandingan.
Enjin Boxer 3.0 Liter: Kuasa Diperbaharui
911 Carrera S dikuasakan oleh enjin boxer enam silinder pengecas turbo berkembar 3.0 liter yang telah dinaik taraf. Dengan output 480PS dan tork 530Nm, model ini menghasilkan tambahan 30PS berbanding generasi sebelumnya.
Peningkatan Prestasi:
0-100 km/j dalam 3.3 saat.
Kelajuan maksimum: 308 km/j.
Porsche memperkenalkan pengecas turbo baharu dan sistem penyejukan cas-udara yang dioptimumkan, memastikan keseimbangan antara kuasa tinggi dan kecekapan bahan api. Kuasa dihantar melalui Porsche dual-clutch (PDK) 8-kelajuan.
Porsche has unveiled the 2025 911 Carrera S, an exciting addition to the iconic 911 lineup. Positioned between the 911 Carrera and the Carrera GTS T-Hybrid, the new Carrera S boasts significant performance upgrades and enhanced standard features, delivering an exhilarating driving experience and exceptional value. Available in both Coupé and Cabriolet variants, the 911 Carrera S redefines sportiness and sophistication.
Performance Boost with the Upgraded 3.0-Litre Boxer Engine
At the heart of the 911 Carrera S lies a re-engineered 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder boxer engine. Producing 480PS and 530Nm of torque, the engine delivers 30 PS more than its predecessor, achieving performance levels previously reserved for the Carrera GTS of earlier generations.
To achieve this leap in power, Porsche introduced new turbochargers and optimized the charge-air cooling system. These innovations ensure a balance between increased output and reduced emissions. The Carrera S accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in a blistering 3.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 308km/h. Power is seamlessly delivered to the wheels via an eight-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK).
Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), wakil rasmi Porsche di Malaysia, telah memperkenalkan Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe, menambah variasi terkini dalam barisan model SUV mewah jenama tersebut. Model ini bukan sahaja menjadi SUV kedua yang dipasang secara tempatan tetapi juga yang pertama disediakan untuk eksport serantau, menandakan kejayaan penting untuk Porsche di Malaysia.
Pencapaian dan Permintaan yang Berkembang
Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif SDAP, Christopher Hunter, menekankan kejayaan operasi pemasangan tempatan Porsche sejak 2022, di mana lebih 1,000 unit Cayenne telah dihantar kepada pelanggan dalam tempoh satu tahun. Pada tahun 2024, Porsche telah memperluas jejak serantaunya dengan melancarkan Cayenne pemasangan tempatan pertama untuk pasaran Thailand, mengukuhkan peranannya sebagai rakan perhimpunan utama di Asia Tenggara.
Reka Bentuk dan Ciri Premium
Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe tampil dengan reka bentuk atletik yang anggun dan ciri premium, termasuk:
Pilihan warna menarik: Carrara White Metallic, Chromite Black Metallic, dan Dolomite Silver Metallic tanpa kos tambahan.
Roda Reka Bentuk Cayenne S 20-inci dalam warna Vesuvius Grey.
Lampu hadapan LED HD Matrix dengan lebih 32,000 piksel setiap lampu untuk pencahayaan optimum.
Kabin menawarkan kemewahan mutlak dengan:
Stereng GT Sports dan pakej Sport Chrono.
Jam Reka Bentuk Porsche sebagai elemen standard.
Sistem bunyi BOSE Surround dan upholsteri kulit premium dalam warna Hitam atau Bordeaux Red.
Ciri kemudahan: Sistem kawalan iklim empat zon, pelindung matahari elektrik, dan tempat duduk boleh laras 14 hala.
Prestasi dan Kecekapan Cemerlang
Dilengkapi dengan enjin turbo V6 3.0 liter dan motor elektrik yang dinaik taraf, Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe memberikan gabungan sempurna antara prestasi dan kecekapan:
Kuasa keseluruhan 519PS, dengan pecutan 0-100km/j dalam hanya 4.7 saat.
Kelajuan maksimum 263km/j.
Jarak elektrik sahaja sehingga 90km, sesuai untuk perjalanan harian dalam bandar.
Suspensi Termaju untuk Keselesaan dan Dinamik
SUV ini dilengkapi sistem suspensi udara adaptif baharu dengan Pengurusan Suspensi Aktif Porsche (PASM), yang memastikan:
Julat kadar spring yang luas, memberikan keseimbangan antara pemanduan selesa dan berprestasi tinggi.
Pengendalian dan kestabilan yang luar biasa dalam semua keadaan jalan raya.
Harga dan Tempahan
Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe kini tersedia di Malaysia pada harga bermula RM728,000. Pelanggan yang berminat boleh mengunjungi Pusat Porsche terdekat atau melayari laman web Porsche Malaysia untuk maklumat lanjut dan membuat tempahan.
Dengan gabungan kemewahan, prestasi luar biasa, dan kecekapan teknologi hibrid, Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe mengukuhkan kedudukan Porsche dalam segmen SUV premium. Langkah ini juga membuktikan komitmen Porsche untuk memenuhi permintaan kenderaan hibrid yang semakin meningkat di Malaysia, sambil menetapkan penanda aras baharu untuk industri automotif serantau.
Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the official representative of Porsche in Malaysia, has announced the introduction of the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe, a highly anticipated addition to Porsche’s lineup in the country. As the second Porsche model to be locally assembled and the first to be assembled for regional export, this sporty SUV aims to set a new standard in luxury and performance.
Milestone Achievements and Growing Demand
Christopher Hunter, CEO of Sime Darby Auto Performance, highlighted Porsche’s growing success in Malaysia since establishing local assembly operations in 2022. Over 1,000 units of the locally assembled Cayenne were delivered to customers in just one year. In 2024, Porsche expanded its regional presence by launching the first regionally assembled Cayenne for Thailand, solidifying its role as a key assembly partner in Southeast Asia.
Ketika Porsche memperkenalkan Taycan, ia menetapkan piawaian baharu untuk kenderaan elektrik (EV), mentakrifkan semula apa yang boleh dicapai oleh EV dalam prestasi dan reka bentuk. Namun, keadaan pasaran yang berubah dan penurunan minat terhadap EV memaksa Porsche untuk menyemak semula strategi elektrifikasinya, menyeimbangkan inovasi dengan warisan enjin pembakaran dalaman (ICE).
Cabaran Jualan Taycan dan Penilaian Semula Strategi EV
Pada 2024, Porsche mengakui cabaran dalam rancangan elektrifikasinya. Walaupun awalnya bercita-cita untuk mencapai 80% barisan EV menjelang 2030, jualan Taycan yang mengecewakan mendorong penyusunan semula. Dalam tempoh sembilan bulan pertama 2024, jualan Taycan menurun 50% tahun ke tahun, dengan hanya 14,000 unit terjual sehingga September.
Sebaliknya, model ICE seperti 718 Cayman dan Boxster menikmati kebangkitan populariti, mencatatkan peningkatan 10% dalam jualan global pada tahun yang sama, walaupun menghadapi larangan di beberapa pasaran Eropah kerana peraturan keselamatan siber.
When Porsche debuted the Taycan, it redefined electric vehicles (EVs), setting records and reshaping perceptions of what EVs could achieve. However, public sentiment surrounding EVs has cooled, and changing market dynamics have led Porsche to reconsider its ambitious plans for a predominantly electric fleet.
EV Plans on Hold Amid Falling Taycan Sales
In July 2024, Porsche openly acknowledged challenges in its EV strategy. Initially targeting an 80% EV lineup by 2030, the automaker scaled back those goals following disappointing Taycan sales. In the first nine months of 2024, Taycan sales plummeted by 50% year-over-year, with only 14,000 units sold by September.
Meanwhile, Porsche’s internal combustion engine (ICE) models like the 718 Cayman and Boxster are enjoying a resurgence. These mid-engine sports cars, set to transition to all-electric models after 2025, have seen a 10% increase in global sales in 2024, even as they were discontinued in several European markets due to cybersecurity regulations.
Pada 15 Disember 2024, Das Treffen 9, perhimpunan terbesar peminat Porsche di Asia Tenggara, berlangsung dengan penuh gemilang di litar karting Impact Speed Park, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok. Acara ini, yang diasaskan oleh Sihabutr Xoomsai atau Tenn, bermula sebagai pertemuan kecil tetapi telah berkembang menjadi festival yang meriah, meraikan warisan, inovasi, dan semangat komuniti Porsche.
Kehadiran Rekod dan Tema Eksklusiviti
Edisi tahun ini mencatat sejarah dengan kehadiran 3,050 peminat dan paparan 627 kereta Porsche dari seluruh rantau, termasuk pengunjung dari Singapura dan Vietnam. Tema “Edisi Terhad” memberikan sentuhan eksklusif, menampilkan model langka seperti Carrera GT (hanya 1,270 unit dihasilkan) dan 911 GT3 RS 4.0 generasi 997 (terhad kepada 600 unit). Kereta vintaj dan moden ini menjadi daya tarikan utama di tengah-tengah pameran.
Memupuk Komuniti Porsche yang Aktif
Pengasas acara, Tenn, menyatakan rasa bangganya atas sambutan luar biasa itu, dengan berkata, “Kehadiran rekod di Das Treffen 9 membuktikan bahawa komuniti Porsche di Asia Tenggara adalah antara yang paling bersemangat di dunia.”
On December 15, 2024, the ninth edition of Das Treffen—the ultimate gathering for Porsche enthusiasts—brought the karting circuit at Impact Speed Park in Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, to life. What began as an intimate meet-up among friends with a shared love for Porsche, envisioned by founder Sihabutr Xoomsai (fondly called Tenn), has grown into a full-fledged festival celebrating the legacy, innovation, and community spirit of the Porsche brand.
Record-Breaking Turnout and a Theme of Exclusivity
Das Treffen 9 broke records this year, attracting 3,050 attendees and showcasing more than 627 Porsche sports cars. Enthusiasts travelled from as far as Singapore and Vietnam to be part of this vibrant celebration. The event’s theme, “Limited Edition,” added an extra touch of exclusivity.
A highlight was the showcase of rare Porsche models, affectionately referred to as “unicorns,” which included iconic creations like the Carrera GT (limited to 1,270 units) and the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 from the 997 generation (only 600 units produced). These vintage and modern masterpieces stood proudly in the heart of the circuit, drawing admiration from fans and collectors alike.
