The New Porsche Taycan is a Treasure Trove of Technology
Car enthusiasts have been waiting on the edge of their seats for the new Porsche Taycan. Despite it being out of reach financially for most at a starting price of $150,000, the dream is far from dead. While many just want to sit behind the wheel, hear the roar of 750 horsepower, and feel the muscle of 774 pounds of torque, others are equally as enthralled by the fantastic technology inside the car, much of which is based on the 911 and Panamera trims but packs a much bigger punch.
Dashboard Dazzlers
The gracefully arched dashboard from the Mission E model will be mostly replicated in the Taycan, though it will be the first Porsche panel with no mechanical gauges whatsoever. Just use the touch-responsive buttons on the outer edges to control stability, dampers, headlights, etc. You can also personalize each function to best fit your needs. For instance, in the car’s full-screen navigation window, you can opt for highly informational satellite data or stick with basics on navigation, speed, and traffic signs.
Just below the dashboard display is Porsche’s first push button ignition switch. The undersized shifter is on the opposite end of this panel, comparable to the 911 set up, but the Taycan version protrudes straight out instead of upright.
Multi-Plex Screens
The Taycan dashboard boasts three screens, including one in front of the passenger front seat. The 10.9-inch center screen includes Porsche’s most recent MIB 3 user interface software for easy navigation of the infotainment features, including Apple Music, which can be fully integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system also has a voice-interactive digital assistant similar to Alexa and Siri. Whenever Porsche releases a product or software update, you’ll receive a notification right there on the center screen.
Directly beneath the Taycan’s infotainment screen is an 8.4-inch touchscreen with a permanent list of entertainment shortcuts, as well as temperature controls, a track pad, and an assortment of other controls for driving, parking, and broadcast volume. The track pad is tactile and responds to finger gestures such as drawing and spelling.
The third and most innovative screen feature is the optional one facing the passenger front seat, which is roughly the same size as the infotainment screen. It lets the passenger help navigate, scan music options, or search for destinations such as restaurants and lodgings without interfering with the driver’s activities. The third screen is also fully functional while the car is being driven, unlike the driver screen, which has limits in place for safe and undistracted operation of the vehicle.
Extra Perks
The Taycan has a few more extras that make it unique. The ventilation system is adjustable to blow in almost any angle, and the settings are actually tied to the car key, so they’ll automatically switch to your preferred temperature each and every time. Models with the optional four-zone climate system have electronically operated vents in the back seat, too, as well as a touchscreen for operation in between the two front seats. Drivers can choose the best seating position for their ride from Normal, Comfort, and Sport modes. Oh, and the car also comes standard with two full-sizes cup holders — something lacking and desperately needed in the 911.
