SPORTINESS ELECTRIFIED
Taycan GTS and Taycan 4 Unleashed
Images © PORSCHE AG
Early this year, Porsche extensively modified the Taycan with a sharper design, more power, more range and even better charging performance. Now two new versions complete the family: the latest edition of the Taycan GTS, and the Taycan 4 sports sedan.
With the addition of these models, the Taycan range is expansive, with two body variants, all-wheel and rear-wheel drive and various power levels of the E-Performance motors ranging from 300 to 760 kW. And with up to 515 kW of peak power with Launch Control, the GTS is again the sportiest offering below the Turbo variants.
The first generation Taycan GTS was already the sporty standard-bearer of the model line, positioned between the Taycan 4S and Taycan Turbo. And the new edition is no exception. At the other end of the range, the Taycan 4 sports sedan combines the high efficiency of the entry-level model with superior all-wheel drive handling.
The two new models naturally receive all the enhancements of the updated Taycan, and now have more power, longer range, accelerate faster and charge in less time with greater stability. These improvements can be attributed to a new rear-axle motor with up to 80kW more power, a modified pulse inverter with optimised software, more powerful batteries, revised thermal management, a new heat pump, modified energy recuperation and all-wheel-drive.
At 800-volt DC charging stations, for example, the latest Taycan can be charged at up to 320kW. The maximum recuperation capacity during deceleration from high speeds has increased to up to 400 kW.
TAYCAN GTS
As a sporty all-rounder, the latest Taycan GTS and GTS Sport Turismo impresses with up to 515 kW of overboost power when using launch control – 75 kW more than its predecessor. The new push-to-pass function in the standard Sport Chrono package boosts up to 70 kW for 10 seconds at the touch of a button.
In the GTS, push-to-pass also has an exceptionally sporty character because, at low speeds, the torque is raised to launch control levels. This boost is indicated by a countdown timer (similar to Turbo GT) and dynamically staged with animated rings on the speedometer.
The GTS accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in only 3.3 seconds – 0.4 seconds faster than its predecessor – and needs only 10.4 seconds to complete the 0-200 km/h sprint, 1.6 seconds less than before. Its range has also been improved by over 120 km and is currently up to 628 km in the WLTP cycle.
It also possesses a distinctive sound profile, analogous to the Taycan Turbo S, setting it apart from other Taycan models. It also has distinctive traits on the outside and inside. The numerous revised black and grey external details are typically GTS.
Inside, many of the materials have been adopted from the Turbo GT models. This includes extended scopes in sporty Race-Tex, smooth black leather elements, Adaptive Sports Seats Plus (with electric 18-way adjustment), a GT multifunction sports steering wheel with mode switch and steering wheel heating, plus the Sport Chrono package and BOSE Surround Sound System.
The GTS-specific chassis (with optional rear-axle steering) includes adaptive air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) combined with Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus). The Porsche Active Ride suspension control system (with GTS-specific tuning) is optionally available.
THE NEW TAYCAN 4
Customers wanting to combine the high efficiency of the entry-level Taycan with all-wheel drive have already found it in the Cross Turismo, but Porsche now offers such a variant as a sports sedan. The new Taycan 4 corresponds to the normal Taycan in terms of performance, with an overboost output of up to 300 kW or 320 kW (with launch control) depending on the battery (standard or more powerful optional) fitted.
Similarly, the range also depends on the type of battery. A Performance battery can travel up to 559 km; with the Performance Plus battery, the Taycan 4 can travel up to 643 km in the WLTP cycle. This is only about 35 km less than normal Taycan models can achieve.
With an electric motor on the front and rear axle, the Taycan 4 offers greater driving stability and more traction than its rear-wheel-drive sibling, and despite being 80 kg heavier, the Taycan 4 is two-tenths of a second faster than the standard model from zero to 100 km/h (4.6 seconds vs 4.8 seconds).
Regarding driving dynamics, the front electric motor of the Taycan 4 is electrically decoupled when not needed but switches back on within milliseconds when called upon, for example, when accelerating or recuperating.
External standard equipment includes 19″ Taycan aero wheels, black brake calliper, and matrix LED headlights. Porsche Traction Management (PTM) and Adaptive Air Suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) are also standard.
Standard in the interior are comfort seats in the front (with electric eight-way adjustment), black partial leather trim, a dark silver accent package, a leather multifunction sports steering wheel, brushed silver aluminium door entry guards and the Sound Package Plus.
New exterior colours for the Taycan models include Slate Grey Neo and Pale Blue Metallic in the Legends category, while Purple Sky Metallic has been added to the Dreams category. The Taycan 4 sports sedan and the latest Taycan GTS can now be ordered, with availability at dealerships set for early next year.
PRICING
Porsche Taycan GTS R3,938,000
Porsche Taycan 4 R3,006,00
ALPHABET SOUP
PHEVs, EVs from O&J
Images © O&J/CHERY
As part of the influx of Chinese automotive companies into South Africa, brand O&J – the Chery Group division comprising the Omoda and Jaecoo marques – has quickly established itself as a serious player in the premium SUV segment. Both brands are now gearing up to expand their respective ranges further by introducing PHEVs and EVs alongside their traditional offerings, to cater to an even broader audience.
O&J entered the South African market in 2023 with the launch of the Omoda C5, and since then, the lineup has grown with the addition of the J7 and, more recently, the upmarket C9. Omoda plans to introduce the strikingly styled C7, positioned between the C5 and C9, next year.
OMODA C7
Measuring 4,621 mm in length, the C7 is still compact enough for urban driving conditions, but its generous 2,700 mm wheelbase provides ample room for occupants and luggage. Like its siblings, the C7 has bold styling, its frameless X-shaped grille lends the front fascia an unmistakable presence.
The grille is complemented by slim headlights that flow with the sleek bodywork to, according to Omoda, create a dynamic yet sophisticated appearance. The interior exudes elegance and a generous specification list, with premium materials, a 15.6″ touchscreen, leather upholstery, and a 14-speaker sound system heightening the luxury experience.
OMODA C9 PHEV
The C9, flagship in the Omoda range, was introduced locally in October. This premium SUV is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine delivering 192 kW and 400 Nm of torque with power sent to either the front or all four wheels (depending on the variant) via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
According to O&J, the C9 lineup will be expanded next year by introducing the C9 PHEV, marking the brand’s first foray into electrification in South Africa. The C9 PHEV is powered by a 1.5-litre engine that receives electrical assistance from up to three motors. Local specifications are yet to be confirmed.
JAECOO
Concentrating more on mid-size adventure SUVs, Jaecoo has quickly established a niche for itself with the popular J7. Now, the brand plans on bringing the new J5, positioned below the J7 and the brand’s first entry into the popular SUV segment, to South Africa, as well as a full line-up of J-models.
JAECOO J5
The attractive J5 borrows styling cues from its larger sibling, featuring prominent vertical grille slats and squared-off styling to balance upmarket and rugged styling elements. Inside, the J5 is endowed with a 13.2″ touchscreen and the largest panoramic glass roof in its class. Other impressive features include an advanced air filtration system, smart climate control, and pet-friendly accessories, making it a versatile compact SUV.
JAECOO J6
Following the J5, the all-electric J6 (in essence, a rebadged iCar 03) will also be made available in South Africa starting next year, offering consumers a premium battery-powered crossover with light off-road capability. As the first fully electric vehicle to wear the Jaecoo badge, the J6 has two powertrain options.
The powertrain in the two-wheel drive variant delivers up to 184 kW and 220 Nm of torque, while the 4WD version boosts outputs of up to 279 kW and 385 Nm, ensuring strong performance, regardless of the terrain. The luxury features in the J6 include electrically adjustable front seats, a massage function for the front row, and a 15.6″ touchscreen. Final specifications and pricing for South Africa will be announced closer to the on-sale date.
JAECOO J7 PHEV
The J7 has proven to be a popular model in South Africa. Adding a plug-in hybrid will bolster appeal by offering consumers a J7 variant that emits fewer emissions without sacrificing performance, and at a reasonable price. In a recent 1,300 km endurance test conducted in China, the J7 PHEV averaged a fuel-use figure of 3.3 l/100 km, considerably lower than the 5.99 l/100 km rating. A 90 km all-electric range can be expected, but the test yielded results of 125.2 km.
JAECOO J8
Also set to arrive in 2025, the J8 will occupy the top spot in the Jaecoo lineup. This luxury SUV offers seating for up to seven passengers, wrapped in premium materials and equipped with all the features expected from a flagship model. In international markets, the J8 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine delivering 195 kW and 400 Nm of torque. A plug-in hybrid variant (reportedly with a range of up to 1,000 km) is also available overseas but has yet to be confirmed for South Africa.
Report by FERDI DE VOS
