Porsche has officially announced the name of its first all-electric sports car: Taycan. Derived from oriental roots, Taycan can be loosely translated to “lively young horse,” a direct nod to the iconic leaping horse that has proudly adorned the Porsche crest since 1952. This name encapsulates the core essence of Porsche – power, dynamism, and a spirited forward motion into a new era of automotive excellence.
Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, emphasizes the significance of the name: “Our new electric sports car is strong and dependable; it’s a vehicle that can consistently cover long distances and that epitomises freedom.” Taycan not only marks the beginning of Porsche’s electric journey but also embodies the soul and spirit of the brand in an entirely new form. The unveiling of the Taycan name was a highlight of the “70 years of sports cars” ceremony, underscoring its pivotal role in Porsche’s history and future.
Names with a Legacy of Meaning
Porsche’s naming philosophy has always been deeply rooted in the characteristics of each model. The Boxster cleverly combines “boxer engine” and “roadster design,” while Cayenne evokes the spirit of “fieriness.” Cayman suggests “incisive and agile” handling, and Panamera, named after the Carrera Panamericana race, signifies a Gran Turismo capable of conquering long distances and challenges. Macan, inspired by the Indonesian word for “tiger,” embodies “suppleness, power, fascination, and dynamics.” Taycan now joins this esteemed lineage, adding “electric spirit” to Porsche’s meaningful nomenclature.
Doubling Down on the Electric Revolution
Porsche is making a bold statement about its commitment to electromobility, significantly increasing its investment to over six billion euros by 2022 – double the initially planned expenditure. This substantial financial commitment will fuel various aspects of Porsche’s electric future. Approximately 500 million euros are allocated for Taycan variants and derivatives, demonstrating Porsche’s dedication to expanding the Taycan family. A further one billion euros will be invested in the electrification and hybridization of the existing Porsche model range, ensuring a comprehensive transition towards sustainable mobility. Hundreds of millions are earmarked for expanding production sites to accommodate electric vehicle manufacturing, and around 700 million euros will be channeled into developing new technologies, charging infrastructure, and smart mobility solutions to support the electric ecosystem.
Zuffenhausen Transformation: Building the Future
Porsche’s headquarters in Zuffenhausen is undergoing extensive modifications and expansions to become the epicenter of Taycan production. A brand-new paint shop, a dedicated assembly area specifically for the Taycan, and a sophisticated conveyor bridge are under construction to streamline the manufacturing process. This bridge will efficiently transport painted bodies and drive units to the final assembly line. The existing engine plant is being expanded to accommodate the production of electric drives, and the body shop is also undergoing significant development. Furthermore, investment is planned for the Weissach Development Centre, Porsche’s hub for research and innovation. The production of the Taycan is projected to create around 1,200 new jobs in Zuffenhausen alone, highlighting the positive economic impact of Porsche’s electric initiative.
Celebrating 70 Years and the Dawn of Taycan
The year of Taycan’s name reveal coincided with Porsche’s 70th anniversary of sports car manufacturing, adding historical weight to this electric milestone. To commemorate this dual celebration, Porsche hosted a grand event on June 16–17, 2018, at its Zuffenhausen plant. Employees, local residents, and prospective customers were invited to partake in festivities that included plant tours, music, food trucks, and live broadcasts of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race and the Germany vs. Mexico World Cup game. This free event served as a public celebration of Porsche’s rich heritage and its exciting leap into the electric future with the Taycan.
The Porsche Taycan is poised to redefine the electric vehicle landscape, embodying Porsche’s legacy of performance and innovation while paving the way for a thrilling electric future. With its evocative name, groundbreaking technology, and Porsche’s unwavering commitment, the Taycan is more than just an electric car; it’s a true Porsche.
