On November 20th, Porsche held the Japan premiere of the Taycan, its first all-electric four-door sports saloon, in Tokyo.

Michael Kirsch, who took office as President of Porsche Japan in August, stated, "As a German, I am the first to serve as President of Porsche Japan, and I am eager to actively learn about Japan's unique business customs, which differ from other Asian countries, and to interact with our users. I am committed to working with the Porsche Japan team and our dealers to further the success of the Porsche brand." He introduced the new Taycan as embodying "Soul Electrified."

The unveiled new Taycan was a vibrant red "Turbo" model. The Taycan lineup will also include the top-tier "Turbo S" and the standard "4S."

Alexander Kwass, Product Manager in the Marketing Department, explained the Taycan's technical features. Having previously studied in Kyoto, Kwass's fluent Japanese presentation allowed for a deeper understanding of the Taycan's technology.

"The Taycan is an icon for a new generation of Porsche. I can confidently say it is undoubtedly a true Porsche," Kwass explained. The exterior showcases a new style that blends traditional Porsche characteristics with features unique to EVs.

The prominently flared fenders and sculpted hood are classic Porsche design elements. However, the absence of an engine allows for a lower hood than in conventional models, creating a stronger contrast with the fenders, reminiscent of classic Porsches, he explained.

The four-point headlights, featuring Matrix Beam technology, are equipped with air curtains below them. These channels air into the wheelhouse, reducing aerodynamic drag as if the car were narrower.

Despite its large four-door sedan profile, the side view, with its sloping roofline and powerful rear fenders, is said to be closer to the 911 than the Panamera, reflecting its design as a sports car.

The rear, free of mufflers due to its electric nature, features a horizontally extending glass light strip and a glass-look PORSCHE logo, lending it a futuristic image, which was highlighted as a key feature.

The interior, meanwhile, adopts a horizontal theme reminiscent of the first-generation 911, characterized by a driver-centric "Advanced Cockpit" dashboard.

This cockpit, reinterpreted for the digital age, features a curved 16.8-inch display behind the steering wheel (showing three round dials), a 10.9-inch center display, and a center console with direct touch controls. It also includes a fourth display for the passenger, with nearly all mechanical switches replaced by digital ones.

Furthermore, an optional fifth display, a 5.9-inch touchscreen for the rear seats, is available, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail.

The Taycan's drivetrain features all-wheel drive with permanent magnet synchronous electric motors on both front and rear axles. A key characteristic is the two-speed transmission integrated with the rear axle motor, along with the adoption of an 800-volt high-speed charging system, among the world's most advanced.

Specifications include: Turbo S: 625 hp (761 hp maximum) / 1,050 Nm; Turbo: 625 hp (680 hp maximum) / 850 Nm; 4S: 435 hp (530 hp maximum) / 640 Nm. In terms of performance, the Turbo S accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 260 km/h. The 4S offers a maximum range of 463 km (WLTP cycle).

This high performance is matched by reliability, demonstrated by its ability to maintain stable performance even under demanding conditions, with less than a one-second difference in time over 26 repeated 0-200 km/h acceleration runs.

Regarding charging, the announced models were European specifications. The charging ports on both sides of the fender, which open when pressed, are compatible with European standards. However, the Japanese model is planned to have a Type 1 AC charging port on the driver's side (right) and a CHAdeMO-compatible DC fast-charging port on the left.

The battery system voltage is a powerful 800 volts, with a total capacity of 93.4 kWh. Solutions and support for installing home chargers will be provided. New 150 kW chargers will be installed at Porsche dealerships and select locations in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.

Sales will commence in late 2020. Those who register for the limited-time reservation program will receive purchase information.