Porsche has introduced a new E-Shift option across all 2027 Taycan models, adding virtual gear changes with eight simulated gears, noticeable shift jerks and a reinterpreted Electric Sport Sound. The model-year update also delivers a new infotainment generation, a longer WLTP range and the first Manthey Kit developed for an electric sports car. Kevin Giek, head of the model line, says the changes strengthen the Taycan across driving experience, track performance and operation. The 2027 model year is now open for order at Porsche centers.
Highlights
- E-Shift lets drivers shift through eight virtual gears using steering-wheel paddles; the option is available on every Taycan variant and is standard on the Taycan Turbo GT.
- The first factory Manthey Kit for an electric Porsche helped Lars Kern post a Nürburgring Nordschleife time of 6:55.533 minutes in the “electric executive cars” category.
- New low-rolling-resistance summer tires with the Performance Battery Plus enable a WLTP range of up to 435 miles (700 km) on the rear-wheel-drive sports sedan — a gain of up to 12 miles (20 km).
- The new Porsche Communication Management system offers up to five times the computing power of its predecessor, and wireless phone charging rises to 25 watts, about 1.5 times faster than before.
E-Shift Brings Virtual Gears to Every Taycan
The new E-Shift option simulates a geared driving experience in an electric car. As an alternative to automatic mode, drivers use the paddles on the GT-sports steering wheel to shift between eight virtual gears. The system reproduces several mechanical cues: noticeable gear-shift jerks, gear-specific drag torque comparable to the engine braking of a combustion-engine car, and a virtual rev limiter. A virtual rev counter and a gear indicator with shift light appear in the instrument cluster.
The reinterpreted Porsche Electric Sport Sound adjusts the interior and exterior sound to the driving situation based on load and simulated engine speed. Transmission mapping and sound are tuned per model, so each variant has its own profile. E-Shift is engaged through an additional mode switch on the GT-sports steering wheel.
The option — listed as “E-Shift including GT-sports steering wheel with paddles” — is offered on all Taycan variants and body styles, and requires the Sport Chrono package, the Bose or Burmester surround sound system, and the Porsche Electric Sport Sound. It is fitted as standard on the Taycan Turbo GT.
Summarizing the update, Giek said: “By introducing comprehensive innovations for the model year change, we are strengthening the Taycan in all relevant areas: the latest models offer a more emotive driving experience, greater track performance and more intuitive and customisable operation.”
A Factory Manthey Kit for the Turbo GT
Porsche offers Manthey Kits for track use on several GT models, and this is the first for an electric sports car. The kit adds aerodynamic, chassis and powertrain modifications to the Taycan Turbo GT with the Weissach Package. On the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife, Lars Kern recently set a lap record of 6:55.533 minutes in the “electric executive cars” category. The kit is available as a retrofit and, for the first time, direct from the factory on request.
Longer WLTP Range and New Summer Tires
For the new model year, Porsche offers 20-inch summer tires with low rolling resistance for the rear-wheel-drive entry-level models, the sports sedan and the Sport Turismo. The tires add up to 12 miles (20 km) of range and, combined with the Performance Battery Plus, enable a WLTP range of up to 435 miles (700 km) for the first time on the sports sedan. The Sport Turismo reaches up to 417 miles (671 km). Porsche says the tires are optimized for both long-distance and city driving. The “Summer tires range plus” option is available only in Europe and EU member states.
Porsche lists the following preliminary WLTP electrical consumption figures for the Turbo GT configurations, each rated at 0 g/km CO₂ and CO₂ class A:
- Taycan Turbo GT with Manthey Kit: 24.8 kWh/100 km
- Taycan Turbo GT: 21.2–20.5 kWh/100 km
- Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach Package: 24.8–20.6 kWh/100 km
A New Infotainment Generation
The Taycan adopts the Porsche Digital Interaction (Porsche DI) display experience already used in the Macan Electric and Cayenne Electric. The interface centers on a 3D model of the customer’s car rendered in its actual exterior color (for standard colors), through which the driver controls key functions, plus configurable widgets that can run in split-screen or full-screen. The underlying Porsche Communication Management system delivers up to five times the computing power of the previous unit.
Key infotainment changes include:
- Voice Pilot: AI-supported voice control with natural conversation, Google-supported point-of-interest search, and follow-up questions without repeating “Hey Porsche.” A voice-based handbook is included, and the charging flap can be opened by voice command.
- Navigation: online route calculation, 3D building representations, and an optimized Charging Planner.
- Smartphone integration: expanded Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
- App Centre: first-party and third-party apps that customers download and update directly in the system.
- Over-the-air updates: infotainment updates download fully over the air and install in the background after customer confirmation.
- Wireless charging: a storage tray with a magnetic ring mount and charging up to 25 watts, about 1.5 times faster than before.
- Themes app: color personalization that harmonizes with the exterior color and ambient lighting.
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