Latest news with #Taycan
Stuff.tv
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Stuff.tv
The Porsche 911 GTS taught me hybrids can be a riot when they want to be
Stuff Verdict Keeps the 911 in the conversation without adding a plug socket. The GTS T-Hybrid is a confident first step towards electrification that's just as dynamic to drive as you'd expect from a Porsche Pros Astounding performance only aided by hybrid system Rides and handles superbly, as a 911 should Luxury cabin feel with plenty of tech Cons Only available with a PDK transmission Introduction Are you one of the small portion of petrolheads that refuse to put the whole 'electrification means the death of combustion' argument in the rear view mirror? Have a blast in the latest 911 GTS. Porsche's new T-Hybrid powerplant will soon change your mind. OK, so one of the world's most recognisable sports cars isn't actually ditching petrol for protons entirely just yet. Porsche's familiar flat-six engine has instead been mated with a single turbocharger – rather than the two seen on the last-gen model – that slots an electric motor between its compressor and turbine. The resulting extra horsepower reduces turbo lag by two thirds at 2000rpm, and improves fuel efficiency to boot. Another e-motor inside the PDK gearbox lends even more assistance when you really get going. Not too shabby for a 50kg kerb weight increase. The first electrified 911 can't use its 1.9kWh battery for propulsion, so you'll still need to head to the Taycan – or wait for the electric Cayman – if you want zero emissions driving. But neither have the sports car pedigree of the GTS. I spend a week with the four-wheel drive Cabriolet, which might just be the best of the bunch. How we test cars Every electric car reviewed on Stuff is tested on a range of road surfaces and, where possible, in varying weather conditions. We use our years of experience to compare with rivals and assess ergonomics, technology features and general usability. Manufacturers have no visibility on reviews before they appear online, and we never accept payment to feature products. Find out more about how we test and rate products. The styling: subtle evolution The 911 silhouette is as distinctive as ever for this latest generation, albeit a larger one than it used to be. The 992.2 refresh added bolder styling front and rear, including LED Matrix headlights that neatly integrate the indicators, aero-optimised flaps in the front bumper, and an updated LED light bar on the back. You get a few extra black trim accents on the GTS, along with model-specific black alloys – 20in front and 21in rear – that give it a purposeful stance. Then there's the dramatic central dual-exit exhaust, influenced by Porsche's GT division. In the right colour, this car can look properly menacing. Yet it's still a 911 at heart, meaning it can be used for pretty much all your driving needs. I got an infant car seat in the front, my wife in the back seat (just), and the fold-down pushchair fit in the front boot. That officially makes it a family car, dads. Clever packaging also means the extra hybrid gubbins hasn't forced the driving position to change, so you still get the same low-slung view of the road ahead, peeking out over the iconic headlight bulges. You can have one in coupe, cabrio, or targa bodystyles; the latter is only available with four-wheel drive, while the hard- and soft-tops have rear-driven options as well. All have a PDK automatic gearbox, necessary for the hybrid system. Arguably that makes the manual transmission Carrera T more of a driver's car, though I've not driven one to confirm. The Cabriolet's roof retracts in twelve seconds, or more than enough to go tops-off at a set of traffic lights. If they do turn green, you're good to keep the button held up to 31mph. There's very little wind turbulence at 50mph, even with the wind deflector stowed. The drive: electrifying The GTS fires up like any combustion 911, the hybrid system preferring to lurk in the background until called upon by your right foot. Once it is, there's an immediacy to the powertrain that you just don't get elsewhere in the range. The turbocharger fires up almost instantly, letting the flat six put its power down with real ferocity. That's not to say the other cars are lethargic, or that we've entered EV-levels of instant acceleration; more that it makes the engine feel that bit more ready to respond to your inputs. It takes total power to a heady 534bhp, a 60 horsepower gain over the last-gen GTS, and means the Cabriolet driven here manages the 0-62mph sprint in just 3.1 seconds. That doesn't leave much legal room to reach the upper end of the rev range, where the exhaust note lets out an imposing roar even without reaching for the Sport setting. You get just the slightest electrical hum from the hybrid system, and even then you've got to really go searching for it. While the hybrid does add extra weight, on top of that gained by optioning the convertible roof, this is still a wonderfully balanced sports car. With rear-axle steering as standard and a sublimely weighted, Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, you're given ample feedback and you feel properly connected with it as you make swift progress. The four-wheel drive system ensures stability as you attack corners, and propels you out of them with authority. The ride is firm, even in the softest damper setting, but it in no way hampers the driving experience. When called for, the more dynamic modes help you feel hunkered own on the road, giving a reassuring amount of grip but keeping some rear-end playfulness accessible if you go looking for it. The technology: preserves the lineage It would've been easy for Porsche's engineers to draw a line under the outgoing car and go all-in on tech for the 922 generation, but instead the 911 keeps one foot in the past. The 12.6in curved digital dashboard has a classic five dial view reminiscent of the 997-era car, and the Sport Chrono clock hasn't gone anywhere. Sure, I miss having to turn an analogue switch to fire up the engine; pressing a button isn't quite as engaging. But the new dash is far more practical, letting you pick and choose which vital stats get shown next to the tachometer. There are plenty of physical buttons, and while the climate controls take some learning, it all falls easily within reach. I'm not entirely sold on the centre console's high gloss finish, but materials quality is otherwise excellent. The 10.9in central infotainment system is easy to navigate and comprehensive. It's got all the goodies you'd expect, including wireless Android Auto – because while a significant portion of Porsche drivers are also iPhone owners, the firm isn't leaving anyone out. Wireless Apple CarPlay is beamed onto the digital cluster. That said, there are no plans to add the dash-transforming Apple CarPlay Ultra to this generation. Naturally the press car came fully loaded with all the toys, including a Surround View camera with active parking support (that'll be £1298, please) and adaptive cruise control (£1468). The latter doesn't include lane change assist as standard – if you want it, expect to spend an extra £739. The 12-speaker Bose surround sound system will set you back a substantial £1468, but it's a box well worth ticking. Porsche 911 GTS T-Hybrid verdict I was never in doubt the GTS would be a corker of a 911, but was still surprised at how little it strays from the established formula, despite the extra technology – and extra weight. It's a reassuring sign of what's to come. It also creates a considerable gap to the regular Carrera in terms of potency, which only adds to the driver appeal. The cabriolet wins out for me over the hard-top: it makes even short drives at pedestrian speeds an event, and doesn't entirely sacrifice rear occupant space to achieve it. That said, in coupe form the GTS can be had with a rear spoiler that looks particularly menacing. There's also the small matter of the price: the most powerful non-Turbo 911 will set you back £154,400 before options, or £168,145 as tested here. On the other hand, you're getting faster acceleration than either a McLaren GTS or Ferrari Roma, with quite a bit of change to boot. If you're in the market for a junior supercar, this looks like an excellent addition to your shortlist. Stuff Says… Score: 5/5 Keeps Porsche's iconic sports car in the conversation without adding a plug socket. The 911 GTS T-Hybrid is a confident first step towards electrification that's just as dynamic an experience as you'd expect from the badge. Pros Astounding performance only aided by hybrid system Rides and handles superbly, as a 911 should Luxury cabin feel with plenty of tech Cons Only available with a PDK transmission Porsche 911 GTS T-Hybrid technical specifications Powertrain 3.6-litre turbocharged flat six petrol engine Battery 1.9kW Power 534bhp Torque 450lb ft 0-60mph 3.1sec Top speed 194mph Fuel economy 25.7-26.4mpg Cargo volume 135 litres
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Luxury car brand's CEO warns weak EV demand ‘hitting us hard' with thousands set to lose their jobs
They currently expect to sell 250,000 units this year, compared to 311,000 sold last year HARD TIMES Luxury car brand's CEO warns weak EV demand 'hitting us hard' with thousands set to lose their jobs LUXURY car maker Porsche is feeling the squeeze - with their CEO warning staff of job cuts in the near future. The German giant is currently trying to navigate a significant crisis that affects its business model, workforce and financial performance. 4 Porsche has been feeling the squeeze in recent months with their CEO warning staff of job cuts in the near future Credit: Getty 4 The may be forced to cut thousands of staff as they prepare for a drop in annual car sales Credit: Getty According to Fortune, the firm is planning to cut over 3,900 jobs in Germany by 2029 and is in the process of negotiating further reductions with its labour union - in response to an ever-changing market. This comes as the car maker - famous for the 911, as well as the Cayenne and Macan - is preparing themselves for a drop in annual car sales with their current forecast reading 250,000 units to be sold, compared to 311,000 sold last year. One key issue is their demand in China, a key market for Porsche, which has seen sales plummet by 28% in the first half of the year. This is largely down to a price war in the EV sector, with Porsche - which has two all-electric cars in its range, the Taycan and the Macan Electric - previously anticipating that 80% of its sales would come from EVs by 2030. 'Business conditions have deteriorated massively within a short period of time" Oliver Blume, Porsche This target is now considered unrealistic, largely due to slower adoption rates. EVs, while necessary to meet CO2 regulations, generate lower profit margins compared to combustion engine cars, something the firm's decision-makers are identifying as a major concern. Chief executive Oliver Blume, said: 'Our business model that sustained us over many decades no longer is functioning today in its current form. 'Business conditions have deteriorated massively within a short period of time.' On EVs, he added: 'On the one hand we need EVs to fulfil regional CO2 regulations, but on the other the profit margins are far below those of our combustion engine cars.' Another issue is the current climate in the US, with Porsche facing challenges from a weaker dollar and President Donald Trump's tariffs - which are impacting its profitability. Inside Dua Lipa's one-off 184mph Porsche 911 GT3 RS set to raise £100,000s for charity Furthermore, Porsche's operating margin is forecast to drop significantly - from 14.1% to between 6.5% and 8.5% - which means in the worst-case scenario, their margins could fall to as low as 7%. They have also seen a decline in their share value, with prices falling by 29% this year. Worse still, investors who bought stocks during its 2022 public offering - when Porsche was seen as the world's third most valuable carmaker after Tesla and Toyota - have since seen losses of nearly 50%. Amid the turmoil, the marque is restructuring its leadership team, appointing four new executives to handle critical areas such as finances, marketing, personnel and procurement. TOTAL RECALL Another recent issue for Porsche is related to the Taycan. In May, the company mysteriously told its retailers to stop selling a specific batch of the electric sports car, following a request from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) which manages motor recalls in the UK. The problem reportedly relates to a previous recall issued in November by the DVSA which said it could pose a fire risk. According to the DSVA, the reason for that recall was: "A short circuit within the battery modules during the vehicle's service life cannot be ruled out under certain circumstances which could lead to thermal events and later to a fire in the vehicle." New software that will detect the problem and display a warning to the vehicle owner if it occurs has since been made available. Porsche GB said in a statement: "Enhanced battery monitoring software is anticipated to become available for first generation Taycan models towards the end of June. "With its imminent arrival, we've advised our retail partners not to sell a small, specific batch of first generation Taycan models until the software update is live." One Porsche dealer said: "Unfortunately Porsche and the DVSA haven't put a definitive timeframe on approved Taycans so at the minute we're now having to remove all Taycans from sale for the foreseeable future. "Porsche head office have sent out a bulletin to say we need to remove them from sale and not deliver any until further notice." Both Porsche GB and the DVSA have previously issued 12 safety recalls on various Taycan models. This includes recalls to replace brake hoses, address problem with welding and suspension components and replacing cell blocks in the high voltage battery. 4 Porsche have been forced to recall the Taycan model for numerous issues Credit: AFP
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Luxury car brand's CEO warns weak EV demand ‘hitting us hard' with thousands set to lose their jobs
LUXURY car maker Porsche is feeling the squeeze - with their CEO warning staff of job cuts in the near future. The German giant is currently trying to navigate a significant crisis that affects its business model, workforce and financial performance. Advertisement 4 Porsche has been feeling the squeeze in recent months with their CEO warning staff of job cuts in the near future Credit: Getty 4 The may be forced to cut thousands of staff as they prepare for a drop in annual car sales Credit: Getty According to This comes as the car maker - famous for the 911, as well as the Cayenne and Macan - is preparing themselves for a drop in annual car sales with their current forecast reading 250,000 units to be sold, compared to 311,000 sold last year. One key issue is their demand in China, a key market for Porsche, which has seen sales plummet by 28% in the first half of the year. This is largely down to a price war in the EV sector, with Porsche - which has two all-electric cars in its range, the Taycan and the Macan Electric - previously anticipating that 80% of its sales would come from EVs by 2030. Advertisement Read more Motors News 'Business conditions have deteriorated massively within a short period of time" Oliver Blume, Porsche This target is now considered unrealistic, largely due to slower adoption rates. EVs, while necessary to meet CO2 regulations, generate lower profit margins compared to combustion engine cars, something the firm's decision-makers are identifying as a major concern. Chief executive Oliver Blume, said: 'Our business model that sustained us over many decades no longer is functioning today in its current form. 'Business conditions have deteriorated massively within a short period of time.' Advertisement Most read in Motors Latest Breaking On EVs, he added: 'On the one hand we need EVs to fulfil regional CO2 regulations, but on the other the profit margins are far below those of our combustion engine cars.' Another issue is the current climate in the US, with Porsche facing challenges from a weaker dollar and President Donald Trump's tariffs - which are impacting its profitability. Inside Dua Lipa's one-off 184mph Porsche 911 GT3 RS set to raise £100,000s for charity Furthermore, Porsche's operating margin is forecast to drop significantly - from 14.1% to between 6.5% and 8.5% - which means in the worst-case scenario, their margins could fall to as low as 7%. They have also seen a decline in their share value, with prices falling by 29% this year. Advertisement Worse still, investors who bought stocks during its 2022 public offering - when Porsche was seen as the world's third most valuable carmaker after Tesla and Toyota - have since seen losses of nearly 50%. Amid the turmoil, the marque is restructuring its leadership team, appointing four new executives to handle critical areas such as finances, marketing, personnel and procurement. TOTAL RECALL Another recent issue for Porsche is related to the Taycan. In May, Advertisement The problem reportedly relates to a previous recall issued in November by the DVSA which said it could pose a fire risk. According to the DSVA, the reason for that recall was: "A short circuit within the battery modules during the vehicle's service life cannot be ruled out under certain circumstances which could lead to thermal events and later to a fire in the vehicle." New software that will detect the problem and display a warning to the vehicle owner if it occurs has since been made available. Porsche GB said in a statement: "Enhanced battery monitoring software is anticipated to become available for first generation Taycan models towards the end of June. Advertisement "With its imminent arrival, we've advised our retail partners not to sell a small, specific batch of first generation Taycan models until the software update is live." One Porsche dealer said: "Unfortunately Porsche and the DVSA haven't put a definitive timeframe on approved Taycans so at the minute we're now having to remove all Taycans from sale for the foreseeable future . "Porsche head office have sent out a bulletin to say we need to remove them from sale and not deliver any until further notice." Both Porsche GB and the DVSA have previously issued 12 safety recalls on various Taycan models. Advertisement This includes recalls to replace brake hoses, address problem with welding and suspension components and replacing cell blocks in the high voltage battery. 4 Porsche have been forced to recall the Taycan model for numerous issues Credit: AFP 4 Earlier this year, the company mysteriously told its retailers to stop selling a specific batch of the electric sports car Credit: AFP
Time of India
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Not just Renault and Tesla, 6 car brands ditched leather interiors; here's what they are using instead
A leading French car manufacturing brand, Renault, has pledged to completely eliminate animal leather interiors from all its vehicles by the end of this year. The move is most likely to be welcomed by the vegan community. According to the Daily Mail, the decision has been confirmed by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), who will see Renault ditch animal leather options from across its global car line-up in a few months. Moreover, it has already stopped offering leather seats and steering wheels to UK customers. One Billion Animals are Killed Annually for Leather The PETA report reveals that the global leather trade kills nearly one billion animals annually. It takes the hides of three cows or bulls to cover the interior of the standard-sized car. PETA's Vice President of Corporate Projects, Yvonne Taylor, said. "Renault is showing that true luxury doesn't come at the cost of animal welfare." The new Renault 5 E-tech Electric, Symbioz, and Rafale all feature seats that are made of eco-friendly fabrics. After talks with @PETA_France & @PETADeutschland, @renaultgroup pledged to ditch leather by the end of this year 🎉🐮We applaud this compassionate decision & can't wait to see their gorgeous leather-free interiors soon 👏🫶 Not just Renault, but other cars like Tesla and Porsche took part in the initiative According to PETA India, not only Renault but also prominent brands including Tesla, Porsche, and Volvo are also phasing out animal leather in favour of sustainable and cruelty-free alternatives. The shift is driven by growing consumer demand for ethical and eco-friendly vehicles. The report says that these companies are also offering 'vegan' or leather-free interiors, using materials like recycled plastics or polyester. Here's a look at some other brands and their initiatives: Tesla: Tesla is known for its all-electric lineup and has completely embraced vegan interiors by eliminating animal leather from all its models. Porsche: According to The New Indian Express, the brand is currently offering a leather-free interior option in its Taycan electric vehicle, marking a significant step towards sustainability. Volvo: Volvo is focusing on going leather-free across its entire range by 2030, utilising materials like Nordico that incorporate recycled plastics, cork, and other organic materials, reported ET. BMW: BMW's i3, an all-EV sedan, features all door panels and dashboards made from natural kenaf plant fibres and seat cloths made from 100 per cent recycled polyester. Mercedes-Benz: Mercedes-Benz also uses Artico, a synthetic vinyl-based leather material, in some of its vehicles. Fisker: This car also features a vegan interior made with recycled nets, T-shirts and rubber, as per PETA. Land Rover: While Land Rover uses a wool-polyester blend from Kvadrat in some of their vehicles. (Note: These brands are also offering vegan leather options for customers in a move to utilise synthetic materials like Sensatec and Artico.) FAQs Q. Which Renault models feature leather-free interiors? The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, Symbioz, and Rafale are among the models featuring eco-friendly, leather-free interiors made from sustainable fabrics. Q. What are some of the most important aspects of the design? The automobile has a '5' on the bonnet that shows the vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) functionality, and the charge status (for techno trim and up).
The Irish Sun
19-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Iconic supercar brand ‘bracing for more cost cutting' weeks after halting all sales of EVs in the UK
AN ICONIC supercar brand is reportedly bracing for more cost cutting after halting all sales of its electric motors in the UK. The luxury carmaker is seeking ways to offset declining sales in China and the escalating cost of US tariffs. Advertisement 2 Porsche is bracing for more cost cutting measures Credit: Getty 2 The luxury carmaker seeks ways to offset declining sales in China and the escalating cost of US tariffs Credit: Getty Porsche CEO, Oliver Blume, has initiated negotiations on another round of cost-cutting measures. Blume had already announced additional savings in March while presenting the firm's 2024 results. An excerpt of a letter sent to the company's leadership said: "In the second half of 2025, employer and employee representatives will negotiate a second structural package to secure the company's long-term performance." Blume wrote: "Our business model, which has served us well for many decades, no longer works in its current form." Advertisement Read more Motors news Details about what the possible savings measures might look like weren't included in the letter. Porsche has been particularly struggling with low sales in China. But the carmaker is also facing difficulties in the US where import duties of 27.5% on motors have been in place since April. The company doesn't have production facilities in the US, importing its cars exclusively from Europe instead. Advertisement Most read in Motors Breaking Exclusive At the beginning of the year, Porsche had announced that it would cut 1,900 of around 40,000 jobs by 2029. This came after 2,000 temporary employees did not have their contracts renewed. Inside Dua Lipa's one-off 184mph Porsche 911 GT3 RS set to raise £100,000s for charity It's a fall from grace from the motor company which, at its 2022 stock market debut, was valued higher than parent company Volkswagen AG. Experts have linked the company's struggles to its overly aggressive and inflexible electrification strategy. Advertisement Porsche has had a goal of being 80 per cent electric worldwide by 2030 But the brand dramatically halted all sales of one of its electric vehicles in the UK in May. The company mysteriously told its retailers to stop selling a specific batch of the electric sports car. Several main Porsche dealers were asked to remove a selection of electric Taycan models from sale. Advertisement It followed a request from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) which manages motor recalls in the UK. The problem related to a previous recall issued in November by the DVSA which said it could pose a fire risk. that month too over the risk of the wheels falling off while driving. It issued a notice on three of its most popular models including the iconic Advertisement Owners were urged to "stop driving immediately".
