Taycan Turbo Outpeforms the GT3 RS and GT3 Cup on a Race Track?
We know that we said that EVs like the Taycan Turbo are the future of the road, but how did they get this fast on the circuit?
Every Porsche fan knows that the Stuttgart giant has taken a bold stance on the future direction of the company and their vehicles in recent times. Regulatory and environmental restrictions have forced a change to the modern car company, rewarding those who adapt and crushing those who lag behind. As always, Porsche likes to be ahead of the curve. Ideally, leading the rest of the pack in the process. Without a doubt, they have accomplished this with the new Porsche Taycan. Besides being the company’s first fully electric vehicle, it has become a preview of the brand’s forward thinking direction. However, while Porsche might be forced to look to the future with its upcoming models, that does not mean they have lost their heritage. Their heritage being amongst the absolute best at going fast and winning on a race track.
This brings us to Sandown International Raceway in Springvale, Australia. Back in December 2020, Porsche thought, well, why don’t we match the Taycan Turbo up against the ultra-rare motorsport-bred 911 GT3 RS and a literally race car, the 991 GT3 Cup. Thankfully, they allowed us to witness some of this action on their YouTube channel. Let’s figure out how this electric luxury sedan edged out both of these high-octane track legends.
We are joined by an all-star cast of both Australian and Kiwi racing drivers, including Chris Pither in the GT3 RS, Luke Youlden in the Taycan Turbo, and Tony D’Alberto in the 991 GT3 Cup. While these gentlemen were all out there just to enjoy the drive and the experience, don’t forget they are all pro racing drivers. That means each of them wants this win and the bragging rights under their belt.
Obviously, each of these fine-crafted machines each has their strengths and weaknesses. While the Taycan Turbo is make to be very quick and agile, it without a doubt is not a track car out the box and is for sure not a race car. How the hell did it manage to finish first in both of their rounds? Well, let’s talk about it.
Round 1: Speed Comparison
The first test is a hot lap around the race track with a staggered start. For the sake of comparison, the Taycan Turbo got a 3.4 second advantage, while the GT3 RS got a 2.0 second advance.
Off the line, the Taycan’s insane torque and AWD capability propels it healthily forward. However, the GT3 RS’ 520 horsepower is far from slow. With overall lower weight and agility, the GT3 RS quickly begins to close the gap as the corners come.
While the 991 GT3 Cup may have the least power overall at 460 HP, it is still a racecar designed with one sole focus: be faster than everybody else. So while it maybe down a significant amount of time due to the handicap, D’Alberto is confident that the “high speed stability, braking, and traction out the corners” will win this one.
While both the 911s managed to close gap down to the millisecond by the final chicane, the Taycan still managed to close out the victory with its overall consistent pace. Obviously, if this race had continued even a lap more, it would be game over for the electric sedan. However, this in itself proves just how damn fast the Taycan actually is and it truly holds its own.
Round 2: Drag Race
As we previously discussed, the Taycan is an undisputed beast off the line due to its instant torque, AWD traction, and the highest overall horsepower at 610. So while the 911s might be built for racing, this Taycan does have a trick up its sleeve the motorsports heroes simply can’t match: the power of electricity!
So is it exactly fair to say that the Taycan Turbo is truly faster than either of these cars? Not even slightly. However, it is fair to say that Porsche hasn’t lost any bit of pace in its journey towards the new era of cars. We’d like to say they are ahead of the curve. What do you guys think of the Taycan Turbo?