by New Porsche Taycan Turbo GT4 RS: Answering the Xiaomi Challenge
Porsche is preparing a super-powered version of the Taycan to respond to the Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi’s record on the Nürburgring. The new model is likely to be named Taycan Turbo GT4 RS and will be equipped with radical aerodynamic improvements, including innovative body elements and increased power.
Key Model Features
Track Competition
Porsche is traditionally one of the leaders in setting records on the Nürburgring, holding several of the fastest times among production cars. However, this year Xiaomi, with the SU7 Ultra model, managed to surpass the Taycan Turbo GT’s result, prompting the German manufacturer to create an even more powerful version.
This is our first chance to see how Porsche responds to the challenge from the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, which set a time of 7:04.957, beating the Taycan Turbo GT’s result of 7:07.55.
Aerodynamic Updates
The differences between the prototypes of the new model and the standard Taycan Turbo GT are significant. The car has received an updated front bumper with an extended splitter, canards, and air louvers inspired by the 911 GT3 RS. Aerodynamic discs on the rear wheels, a large fixed rear wing, and an updated rear diffuser have also been added. The wheel arches are widened, and the interior is equipped with a roll cage and only one driver’s seat.
Track Testing
Both prototypes have already undergone test runs on the Nürburgring, with Porsche factory driver Lars Kern at the wheel of one of them. During one of the runs, the blue car damaged its rear diffuser, while the purple one showed a better time but with suboptimal balance. Porsche is likely planning to return to the track for further record attempts.
Porsche’s Goal
It is unknown whether Porsche aims to beat only the road version of the SU7 Ultra or is also targeting the SU7 Ultra prototype, which posted a time of 6:22.091—the second best among electric vehicles after the VW ID.R. The aerodynamic elements of the Taycan Turbo GT4 RS are less radical than those of the Xiaomi prototype but significantly surpass the road version.
Porsche engineers are likely to increase the power output beyond the 1019 hp of the standard Taycan Turbo GT or the 1092 hp with launch control mode. This should provide the necessary power to reclaim the title of the fastest electric vehicle on the Nürburgring.
Porsche continues to demonstrate its commitment to high performance, especially in the face of growing competition from Asian manufacturers. The new Taycan Turbo GT4 RS model could be an important step in the fight for leadership in the world of electric vehicles, combining innovative technology with the traditional quality of the German brand. The success of this model could influence future developments not only for Porsche but also for other manufacturers seeking to reach the top on the world’s most challenging tracks.
