Porsche has once again been spotted testing a Taycan prototype fitted with elements normally seen on the automaker’s GT sports cars.
We previously published spy shots of a prototype for an updated Taycan that should arrive later this year to mark the midway point in the electric sedan and wagon’s lifecycle. However, the prototype shown here is for something very different.
There’s no missing the new aerodynamic elements, such as the extended front splitter, chunky side skirts, rear diffuser, and rear wing. The front air curtains have also been sealed, suggesting the prototype might feature active shutters or new air channels hidden behind the front fascia.
Lars Kern has been seen behind the wheel at times, including during some of the Nürburgring testing, which also points to the prototype as a new high-performance Taycan variant. He is Porsche’s hot shoe responsible for many of the automaker’s official lap times at the ‘Ring, and he was the driver of the Taycan Turbo S that last summer clocked a 7:33.35 lap time at the German racetrack. Tesla has since posted a time of 7:25.231 with a Model S Plaid equipped with its available Track Package, setting the current lap record for a production EV.
2024 Porsche Taycan Turbo GT spy shots – Photo credit: Baldauf
Porsche hasn’t said whether it plans to introduce faster versions of the Taycan, though rumors have held that a more powerful three-motor variant designed to match not only Tesla’s Plaid but also Lucid’s Air Sapphire is in the pipeline. Such a variant could be badged a Taycan Turbo GT, similar to the Cayenne Turbo GT‘s top grade.
Performance in the Taycan currently tops out with the Turbo S grade whose output registers at 616 hp (750 hp temporarily), or enough for 0-60 mph acceleration in 2.6 seconds and a top speed of around 162 mph. Rumors point to the potential new Taycan range topper packing as much as 1,000 hp, which might drop the 0-60 mph time closer to 2.0 seconds and raise the top speed to around 200 mph.
The mid-cycle update will be introduced across the Taycan range and include more advanced matrix LED headlights with a brighter, more precise light pattern. An updated infotainment system is also likely.
