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Find out why Porsche gives you the choice to leave out the rear bench on this 4-door sedan
by Khris Bharath on August 6, 2024, 15:00Porsche has taken the electric vehicle landscape by storm with the Turbo GT trim of the Taycan facelift. But beyond the subtle revisions in exterior design and improvements in overall performance on the Taycan, there’s a twist when it comes to the flagship Taycan trim for the 2025 model year.
What truly sets the Turbo GT apart isn’t just its blistering speed. It’s the Weissach package, which is a no-cost option that transforms the car into a full-blown track-weapon. And the most striking bit about this package? The absence of rear seats. That’s right. Porsche has sacrificed practicality for the sake of performance with the Weissach pack.
- Extensive use of carbon fiber components
- Rear seat delete for weight reduction
- Adaptive Sport Seats Plus with Memory Package
- Optimized aerodynamics with fixed rear wing
- Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS track-oriented tires
- Stiffer suspension and chassis tuning
The Taycan Turbo GT Weissach Package
While a rear-seat delete is not unheard of in the world of two-door Porsche sports cars, the Taycan is a four-door model. Another track-focused sedan that I can think of with a similar setup is the Jaguar XE SV Project 8 which was available with an optional two-seat only track pack.
With the Turbo GT Weissach edition, the German automaker has ripped out the back bench, leaving behind a minimalist, driver-focused cockpit. When compared to the Taycan Turbo trim, the weight savings are substantial at 137 pounds. The space, now devoid of passengers, instead has a storage bin, surrounded by expensive carbon fiber.
The decision to remove the rear seats is more about the intent that this sedan is not about family hauling or running to the supermarket. It’s about pure, driving dynamics and shaving off-precious seconds on the track.
Porsche Taycan Turbo GT: A New Benchmark in Electric Performance
Compared to its main rivals, the Tesla Model S Plaid and Lucid Air Sapphire, the Taycan Turbo GT holds its own. With a 0-60 mph time of 2.1 seconds, it’s a car that can leave even the most seasoned gearheads on the edge. Top speed with summer tires is rated at 190 mph. To put this into perspective, the Tesla Model S Plaid claims a 0-60 mph time of around 1.99 seconds, while the Lucid Air Sapphire boasts an even more impressive 1.89 seconds.
At $83, 490, while the Tesla offers a more affordable entry point into the high-performance E.V. market, the Lucid ($250,000) and Porsche focus on luxury and driving dynamics. The removal of rear seats in the Turbo GT Weissach package further differentiates the Porsche sedan from its competitors.
| Feature | Porsche Taycan Turbo GT Weissach Package | Tesla Model S Plaid | Lucid Air Sapphire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power (hp) | 1,019 (overboost) | 1,020 | 1,200+ |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 981 | 1,050 | 1,111 |
| 0-60 mph (sec) | 2.1 | 2.0 | 1.9 |
| Range (EPA est.) | 340 | 396 | 460 |
| Battery Capacity (kWh) | 93.4 | 100 | 118 |
| Charging Speed | Up to 270 kW | Up to 250 kW | Up to 280 kW |
| Weight (lbs) | 4,700 | 4,766 | 5,000 |
| Seating Capacity | 2 (Weissach Package) | 5 | 5 |
| Top Speed (mph) | 190 | 175 | 207 |
| Focus | Track Performance, luxury, handling | Performance, technology, range | Luxury, performance, range |
| MSRP | $231,900 | $83,490 | $250,500 |
At the end of the day, despite pushing the boundaries of electric performance, the Taycan Turbo GT still retains the core DNA of a Porsche. It’s fast, it’s exhilarating, and its impressive pace pays dividends on the track, with a record-breaking Nürburgring time of 7:07.551. at the hand of Lars Kern. The Model S Plaid got around the ring in 7:25:379. But at $231,900, it’s a four-door sedan for those who demand the absolute best in terms of track-bred performance, regardless of practicality.
So, is the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT worth it? If you’re looking for a family car, probably not. But if you’re a driving enthusiast with a penchant for carving corners on the race track, then this four-door, two-seater might just be the car for you.
Khris Bharath
Khris is a Mechanical Engineer and a classic car aficionado, who adores his Jags, Alfas, and old-school American muscle cars. He keeps tabs on everything from super exotics like an old EB 110 to the latest from Lucid and geeks out on three-row family haulers. Formula One remains very close to his heart, and he diligently makes time to tune in for the Grand Prix on Sundays. Khris also loves his road trips and he prefers a stick shift over an auto. Read full bio
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