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The world was just turned upside down. What’s down is up, up is down, and it’s unclear, but water may not be wet. Hyundai created something so good that Porsche just had to have it. And now it does.
On Wednesday, the 2027 Porsche Taycan debuted with fake gear shifts and as the German automaker put it, “more emotive electric sport sound.” Other small changes debuted as well including a native Tesla-like NACS charge port.
The fake gear shifts are being dubbed “virtual gears” with the feature known as E-Shift, according to Porsche. It’s an option on all 2027 Taycan models, though it’s standard on the Turbo GT trim, and will deliver a “perceptible shift motion,” according to the automaker.
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The virtual gearbox can be controlled by paddle shifters on the GT Sport steering wheel to simulate eight gears. The E-Shift function can be engaged via a new mode switch on the steering wheel itself. The system features both automatic and manual mode.
Taycans already had fake noise, but now Porsche said the system, which uses speakers to pump fake noise into the world just like Hyundai’s does, has been “reinterpreted,” according to the automaker. It’s also officially called Porsche Electric Sport Sound. Dangerously close to sport exhaust.
Porsche also added a virtual rev counter to the 2027 Taycan to count the fake revs from the fake transmission.
Every 2027 Taycan except the Turbo GT with Weissach Package, features a Tesla-like NACS DC fast-charging port on the passenger-side front fender. The driver-side front fender soldiers on with a J1772 AC port. Porsche said a CCS adapter will come with the Taycan.
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The Taycan also receives a new infotainment system for 2027. Porsche said the revised system is modern, minimalist, and now features a 3D vehicle model in the actual color of the customer’s car. Configurable widgets are now part of the system along with improved voice control featuring AI-supported Voice Pilot. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both still along for the ride and are more deeply integrated including optimized charging planner functionality. Porsche also updated the wireless smartphone charger with MagSafe tech and up to 25 watts of power.
Taycan, Taycan 4, and Taycan 4S models receive a larger 105 kWh battery pack as standard, and it’s dubbed the Performance Battery Plus. It’s rated for a peak charge rate of 320 kWh on a 800-kW DC faster charger.
Porsche said order books for the 2027 Taycan are now open with a base price of $114,250 including a hefty $2,350 destination fee. Deliveries will begin in the fall.
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As Director of Content and Product, Joel draws on over 15 years of newsroom experience and inability to actually stop working to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media. He’s also a World Car Award juror.
