An observant resident of Shanghai, China has spotted a Porsche Taycan e-SUV coursing along the city streets with hardly any test mule cladding on. The model hasn’t even properly debuted yet, so let’s take a closer look at it while we can.
Porsche’s first all-electric car sports deep-seated LED headlights built straight into the air intakes. This represents a major step away from the traditional ‘headlamp cluster’ design and should ideally translate into a reduction in aerodynamic drag.
The chief designer of the marque said in an earlier interview that the SUV would mostly have 911-like body proportions. The company also revealed that it would benefit from a lower center of gravity, even despite the fact that most EVs are taller than their ICE counterparts. A special element called Foot Garage will ensure low ride height, make getting in and out of the car more convenient, and provide more legroom for the passengers, the company claims.
The Taycan will arrive on the market in two main configurations. The top-spec trim will get a 600-hp (447-kW) powertrain and will be able to sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.5 seconds.
The official reveal event is scheduled for September 2019.
Photos: Zhoushan Guo