Electro Shock by Platinum Media Lab

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[ The CAR ]

ELECTRO SHOCK Launched in late 2019 the Taycan gave a literal jolt of electricity to the Porsche brand, introduced in the form of the brand’s first-ever full-electric sports car almost a century after the company’s foundation. No regrets, no hardship, no emissions

by Diego Tamone ph. courtesy by Porsche Italia

Four doors, sports saloon with an unmistakeable Porsche identity – but most of all emission-free because it’s all-electric. Taycan is another revolutionary product from the German company

[ The CAR ]

orsche recorded robust growth in the 2023 fiscal year and

paid off. As happened in 1988 with the first all-wheel drive model,

posted a slight gain in deliveries. Their calculators showed

in 2003 and the first SUV and in 2008 with the first diesel. These

that out of 320.221 vehicles delivered across the world –

milestones in the company’s history saw Porsche flout tradition and

around 3% more than in 2022 – 40.629 carried the name Taycan

conventions with models that soon become established successes.

on their rear.

In little less than five years the Taycan has parlayed its design and

An amazing figure that describes the phenomenon of a model

nature into three configurations – saloon, cross turismo and sport

that is now one of the brand’s cornerstones, along with the 911,

turismo, widening its range of use and enhancing its emotional

718, Cayenne, Macan and Panamera. A success story that seemed

content in terms of performance.

unlikely, given the nature of the car in question – entirely electric,

So the Taycan gained the Turbo label, and the even the description

unlike any Porsche before it. For purists and diehards especially a

Turbo S, a configuration that enabled it to set, and still retain, the

long-standing taboo was broken in September 2019 when a Porsche

record for a series-built electric car on the legendary Nordschleife

designed for the future left the gates of the factory in Zuffenhausen,

of the Nürburgring, the definitive test-bed for anything on four

Germany.

wheels. It’s a record the car still holds. For purity, history and

It was a car without the internal combustion engine and distinctive

essence, though, the high point remains the Turbo, a name that

sound that since post-war years has been an unmistakeable feature

appeared on a Porsche in 1975 and from then on changed history

of the brand’s products. It was calculated risk, of course, and it

with iconic models that quickly became collector’s items, especially

Opposite page, the sports saloon version of the Taycan, the third variant in the series that also includes the sport turismo and cross turismo models. From top, clockwise: the front view emphasises the lines developed to minimise aerodynamic drag. The interiors are designed around the needs of driver and passengers. The rear light cluster with “coast to coast” LEDs. The sculpted front lights are integrated into bodywork to form a unit with the Air Curtains, the air intakes that direct airflow beneath the front wheel arches

[ The CAR ] in the sports saloon version, the one that most closely reflects the German brand’s aesthetic philosophy with clean, pure lines, wide and flat at the front, sloping at the back, a perfect way of minimising drag, further emphasised by the pronounced wheel arches and sculpted details along the sides. Elaborate yet essential inside and out, designed around the driver and passengers. Distilled power and elegance, comfort and performance, the Taycan Turbo provides head-spinning performance despite a laboratory-generated artificial sound created to add a touch of spice to the driving pleasure and cover the rather harsh combination of the whistle of the engine and wind and tyre noise. A top speed of 260 km/h, up to 680 hp, 850 Nm of torque and 0-100 in just 3.2 seconds. With zero environmental impact.

porsche.com

Top, a detail of the instrumentation of the Porsche Taycan dominated by digital displays. Above, the full electric Porsche on the road. The turbo version can generate up to 680 hp with zero environmental impact

LAND AND SEA, THE ONE Y&D WAS THERE Two intense days organized by Porsche Italy in synergy with Nautor Swan, strengthening the automotive brand’s link with the world of watersports. This exclusive event also highlighted the numerous points of contact between cars and yachts by Désirée Sormani - ph. courtesy by Porsche Italia

Some press tours are so intense and exclusive they are simply unforgettable. The ONE Yacht & Design recently had the honour of being invited to The Racing Experience | Nautor Swan x Porsche, a two-day event packed with exciting moments. Promoted by Porsche Italy, it was organised in collaboration with Nautor Swan, a Finnish luxury sail yacht brand, to highlight its links with the world of water sport. This exclusive event encouraged us to think about the points of contact between cars, yachts, land and sea - in other words, prestige, performance, design and respect for the environment. It was held at the 5-star Andana resort, and our experience began here in Castiglione della Pescaia, 20 km from Grosseto in the Tenuta La Badiola in Tuscany’s Maremma district 500 hectares studded with olive groves and vineyards, all surrounded by gentle hills in a rural landscape that also enjoys the beneficial influence of Its closeness to the sea. The estate also hosts La Trattoria, chef Enrico Bertolini’s elegant gourmet osteria. Here in the evening we were given the opportunity to enjoy his creative interpretations of the region’s culinary tradition. We immediately set off for a test drive from Andana. On board first the Taycan Cross Turismo and then the

Above, the journalists invited to the event organised by Porsche Italy, who could assist the “Swan One Design Nations League 2023” race from a Swan 78. Previous page, Désirée Sormani, managing director of The ONE Yacht

& Design at the wheel of the Taycan and enjoying the experience among the Tuscan hills

turbo version, The One was able to experience the high performance generated by both vehicles in a variety of modes on the evocative roads of the Maremma. We soon discovered the wonderful versatility offered by these models. The allelectric Taycan Cross Turismo is ideal for everyday travel, but it’s also the perfect solution for long journeys and off-road adventures, with its adaptive height-adjustable pneumatic suspension and gravel mode for the most demanding road surfaces. It was hard to relinquish the wheel after an entire day’s road testing, including a stop at the Azienda Agricola Roccapesta to enjoy some local agricultural produce. In a dialogue between land and sea, the experience continued the following day with a trip on board the elegant Swan 78, a cruiser racer whose design incorporates the modern requirements of owners who seek to sail in safety amid the most elegant comfort but also want the kind of performance that enables them to take part in some high-power races. Its kind owner made her available for the tour journalists as an extraordinary viewing platform, providing a close-up view of a thrilling race. This year Porsche Italy has for the first time lent its support to ClubSwan Racing, Nautor Swan’s sports division, for the Italian stages of the prestigious “Swan One Design Nations League 2023” race. The last Italian leg at Marina Scarlino was an opportunity to connect with nature in harmony with the spirit and values of the two brands, sharing their elegance, quality, performance innovation and reliability.