What is the Porsche Taikan base model?

This time, we had the opportunity to test drive the base model of the Porsche Taikan. The Porsche Taikan comes in a variety of grades,So far I have experienced Turbo S, Turbo, GTS, 4S and most models, except for the Taikan 4.

We were able to borrow the base model for a few days and would like to report on its differences from the other grades.

First of all, to conclude, the impression of the base model Taikan is quite different from the other grades. Of course, since they are the same Taikan, they share the same basic ride and feel, but their intensity is completely different.

The Turbo S and Turbo are a concentrated version of all that is good about the Taikan.
To use an analogy, Turbo S is like extra thick milk, while the base model is like low-fat milk.

This is Turbo S

Features unique to the base model

Compared to other grades, the base model Taikan has some outstanding features. Let's take a closer look at them step by step.

The first is the difference in drive system. The base model Taikan uses only rear-wheel drive. In contrast, all grades 4S and above are equipped with a 4WD system.
This difference has a significant impact on driving performance.Riding the base model, the front area feels lighter than the 4WD model.In four-wheel-drive models, for example, there is a sense of weight holding the front end down with the front tires, but this is not the case in the base model.
The difference is also noticeable when driving on the highway on a rainy day. In particular, when passing over metal joints, the rear tires of the rear-wheel drive base model feel as if they shift if the accelerator pedal is depressed even slightly. On the other hand, there is no such behavior in the 4WD model.

The second difference is in the suspension. The base model Taikan in this case is the one that uses the usual steel spring PASM suspension.
In contrast, all grades 4S and above have air suspension.

This difference is especially noticeable in city driving. At speeds below 50-60 km/h and when the road surface is very uneven, the steel-spring base model has more suspension movement.
The air suspension is also gentler in terms of thrust when passing over bumps.
In addition, air suspension has better tracking ability for minor road surface irregularities. The base model with steel springs tends to pick up fine gaps as road noise.
However, the base model's suspension does not have a strong thrust feel. Compared to other high-performance sedans from other manufacturers, the ride quality is high enough. It is only a matter of time before the car is ready for the road,Just because the Taikan with air suspension is exceptionally superior does not mean that the base model is inferior.

Interestingly, it is also difficult to feel the difference when switching from the base model's steel suspension to the air suspension. However, when one gets used to driving the Tycoon with air suspension and then drives the base model, the difference is clearly noticeable. That is how high quality the air suspension of the Taikan is, and it is an option that raises the car's class by many levels.

However, theIn highway driving situations, the suspension does not make much difference.Regardless of which suspension is used, the outstanding straight-line stability typical of the Taikan is still there. When cruising at high speeds, it is difficult to feel the difference in suspension from inside the car.

Enjoyment unique to the base model

Driving on a winding road, the character of the base model Taikan is clearly visible.Compared to the 4S and above, this setting requires more skill from the driver.
The 4S and above benefit greatly from electronic control, and will turn automatically if you steer to a certain extent. On the other hand, the base model does not provide that much driving assistance. It is necessary to read the course to some extent by yourself and drive while being aware of the load transfer.

The 4S and higher models can be driven as fast as a cyborg, but the base model is sold for its analog operability. You can fully enjoy the pleasure of controlling the car with your own hands. If anything, it can be said that the Taikan has a feeling similar to that of an engine-powered car.

The steering response and accuracy on curves is outstanding on the 4S and above. The effect is especially great if the car has a rear axle, and it turns as sharply as a 992 Carrera.
The base model, on the other hand, is not this agile. The roll is a little larger, and there is a strong sense of turning with the load firmly on the outside, similar to the feeling of engine-powered cars up to now.

However, there are ways to enjoy the base model. It is a great pleasure to be able to steer the car with one's own skill and turn a corner well.

In terms of power, to be honest, the base model is inferior to the 4S and above. In particular, the 4S or higher model is more advantageous in situations where a certain amount of power is required, such as overtaking acceleration and highway merging.
However, the power is more than sufficient for normal use. Within the legal speed limit, the base model will be sufficient for enjoyment.

General Comments｜Who is the base model Taikan for?

The base model Taikan is one that has the flavor of an old sports car. It has a setting that emphasizes analog operability with little benefit from electronic control.
If you are an extension of an engine car feeling or,If you are looking for the joy of driving a car with your own hands, the base model Taikan is the perfect choice.

However, theIn terms of comfort, the 4S and above, especially the grades with air suspension, are superior.If you are looking for a higher quality and smoother ride from city driving to high speed driving, you may want to choose that option.
As for power, the base model is fast enough and enjoyable. However, the 4S and higher grades have significantly more room for acceleration. If driving is important to you, you should choose 4S or higher.

If I were to buy a base model Taikan, I would install air suspension. I think that if I drive on winding roads with the ride height lowered by the air suspension, I will be able to enjoy the analog operation of the rear drive system even more.

If you are looking for power and a digital driving experience, the 4S or higher is a good choice, but if you are a connoisseur who wants to enjoy the pure driving experience of a traditional sports car, the base model is sure to be the right choice.