Features - page 168

Porsche’s Taycan is one of the most hyped-up and popular performance EVs on sale today. By Q4 of 2023, Porsche had sold 136,000 Taycans cumulatively. The EV sedan bumped Porsche sports car sales by 3.3 percent, despite the German brand’s overall sales having dropped by 12 percent compared to 2022. While the electric vehicle market is currently experiencing a slowdown, it hasn’t stopped other manufacturers from entering the performance EV segment with their own offerings. Take for instance Lotus, a brand typically known for its lightweight sports cars. Still, now the British carmaker is giving us the Emeya – a large, EV performance sedan that wants to steal potential buyers, from the likes of the Taycan and Tesla Model S.

Porsche’s best-selling model, the Cayenne SUV, recently got a facelift for the 2024 model year, bringing a much sharper and modern look, inspired by the Taycan electric sedan. The update also brings significant changes to the interior, thanks to a fully digital instrument console and an optional 10.9-inch passenger-side display.

Many consider the Porsche 911 to be the ultimate sports car, fit for daily use. While this may be a bit of a stretch when talking about the track-focused GT3 RS, the rear-engine sports car generally remains an aspirational model. In fact, despite the 991 being the first 911 to feature electric steering instead of a hydraulic unit (a feature many purists despise), it is still considered the last truly compact 911. For this reason, those who have driven a 992 GT3 RS after the previous iteration go back to the older model. One person, however, has done something that no one has ever done. Instead of buying a 991 GT3 RS, a guy over in England, decided to build one himself. Normally, Tesla-swapping a 991 GT3 RS would send purists into a spiraling rage, but there is a good reason why this particular car has received the electric powertrain. What you’re looking at here is actually a replica of a 991 GT3 RS, but more surprising is what the car started out as.

Porsche is a brand that doesn’t shy away from resorting to unconventional methods and innovative ways to improve performance. The company’s recent patent filings prove the German automaker’s dedication to keeping the internal combustion engine alive for as long as possible. Most conventional powerplants that rely on internal combustion have four strokes – intake, compression, power, and exhaust. However, according to Porsche engineers, the combustion engine can do with two extra strokes. This development is, as stated in the U.S. patent filings, a result of "continuously increasing requirements to increase energy efficiency and other operational aspects of modern combustion machines". The patents do not clarify whether this technology is for boxer engines or for conventional inline or V-engines, but it is safe to say Porsche’s newly developed combustion method is applicable to all existing configurations of the piston engine. But what does all this added complexity amount to? Here’s how this engine technology works and what it means for the company’s future models.

Porsche’s entry-level SUV, the Macan has gone electric, marking the end of the road for its gas-powered predecessor. Meanwhile, Audi is expanding its EV lineup with the Q6 e-tron, a stylish SUV that fits snugly between the Q4 e-tron and the flagship Q8 e-tron. Both German automakers joined forces to create the PPE platform, a versatile foundation for building high-performance electric vehicles. Also featured on the 2025 Porsche Macan Electric and the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron, this platform boasts an 800-volt architecture, and its flexible design allows for various battery sizes and motor configurations, catering to a range of performance needs.

Despite Porsche making one of the most iconic sports cars of all time – the 911 – the German automaker was in financial trouble for much of its existence. It was only after the 986 Boxster and the Cayenne SUV in 2003, that Porsche managed to stave off the threat of bankruptcy. Of course, the acquisition by Volkswagen helped, and because Porsche’s lineup is a lot more diverse, for better or worse. Four-door models like the Taycan and Panamera are selling well, despite the Panamera’s recent sales drop by 25 percent.

As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, the compatibility of charging networks remains a crucial factor for consumers considering an EV. For Porsche fans, particularly those interested in the upcoming Macan Electric, the question of whether it can charge at Tesla Superchargers should be of significant interest. Based on recent discussions and announcements, here’s an analysis of the current and future charging capabilities of the Porsche Macan Electric.

Porsche’s 718 Cayman and Boxster, will soon go electric! It marks the end of an era for these mid-engine sports cars. So If you’re looking for an entry-level German sports car, the gas-powered 718 still remains a solid choice and this may also be your last chance to snag a brand-new example with gasoline power.

Despite its work on e-fuels, Porsche is firmly stepping into the electrification game. The German carmaker is best known for its 911 sports car, which for 2025 became a hybrid. Porsche is adamant that the iconic, rear-engine model will be the last to go fully electric. Meanwhile, models like the Macan and Cayenne are getting a full range of fully electric variants, with the 718 joining the EV bandwagon, in 2025. There is an obvious trend in the automotive industry, where with each new generation, the cars become bigger, heavier, and more burdened with tech.

Ford introduced its most powerful Mustang, the GTD, back in August 2023 and made it to the headlines because of its claimed 800+ horsepower 5.2-liter supercharged V8. The Mustang GTD is a more hardcore version of the already impressive Mustang Dark Horse and has a starting MSRP of a whopping $325,000, which is almost the price of a Ferrari 296 GTB hybrid supercar.

Porche is one of the leading sports car manufacturers and an aspirational brand for many a car enthusiast. While Porsche emphasizes athleticism and performance across its entire lineup, it’s the German marque’s sports cars that best embody Porsche’s heritage and motorsport prowess. The "Turbo” moniker has become synonymous with the most capable Porsche models, especially when it comes to the 911. Porsche’s obsession with turbocharging comes from motorsports. Competition is a great thing that invites progress, often, through unconventional means.

Like several other automakers, Porsche has a notable hierarchy in its model lineup. Sadly, this means that some platforms will never achieve their full potential unless independent specialists work their magic on them. Such is the case with Porsche’s entry-level performance model – the Cayman/Boxster. The fixed-head, coupe version of the Porsche Boxster is sometimes regarded as the brand’s best sports car. This is due to the mid-engine layout, which is considered superior to the 911’s rear-engine setup. That said, tradition dictates that the 911 remains the top dog in the Porsche lineup. While even the more mainstream Porsche models like the Cayenne and Panamera, feature a Turbo variant, the 718 range tops out with the GT4 RS, and the Spyder RS. So, why is it that Porsche in all its wisdom and rich motorsport heritage, decided to forgo an opportunity to create a Turbo 718? Let’s find out.