Just in case Porsche’s new 2022 718 Cayman GT4 RS isn’t intense enough for you, a new Clubsport model adds a handy helping of track-ready components after almost completely gutting the interior, resulting…

New Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport provides track-ready alternative to racers

2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport
Porsche’s 2022 718 Cayman GT4 RS and new Clubsport model (left) are perfect track warriors for your next Sunday afternoon autocross session.

Just in case Porsche’s new 2022 718 Cayman GT4 RS isn’t intense enough for you, a new Clubsport model adds a handy helping of track-ready components after almost completely gutting the interior, resulting in one of the most enticing OEM race cars the auto industry has ever produced.

Let’s face it. The 718 Cayman GT4 RS is already one of the best road-going performance cars available, thanks to a lightweight mid-engine layout, plenty of 911 components, and a 4.0-litre horizontally opposed six pulled from the fabulous GT3 RS, this mill good for a sensational 500 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque. The engines spins to a stratospheric 9,000 rpm, makes peak thrust at 8,300 rpm, maximum twist at 6,000 rpm, and comes with a special six-speed manual transmission that’s said to be pure bliss to shift.

2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport
The Clubsport’s huge rear wing is adjustable, just like most other track-ready components that make it an out-of-the-box force to be reckoned with.

The new Clubsport version does away with the DIY gearbox, however, substituting it for a quicker shifting seven-speed dual-clutch PDK with paddles, which is more ideally suited for track use, while additional racecourse-ready performance parts include a gargantuan swan-neck rear wing that teams can adjust for optimized downforce or increased straight-line speed, while under this special Cayman are two-way adjustable shocks as well as a set of anti-roll bars that can be tweaked individually too. Likewise, the Clubsport’s ride height, toe, and camber can also be adjusted as required, plus teams can opt for one of three pre-set spring rates with either the front or rear axle.

Clamping down on velocity, performance calipers bite into sizeable 15.0-inch front rotors that are actually cooled by the big NACA vents atop the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport’s hood, while enhancing braking control and handling further is race-tuned stability control system.

2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport
As cool as the Clubsport is, most of us would be much happier at the wheel of a regular 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS.

A quick peek inside shows an interior devoid of the types of leather, microsuede, carbon fibre and electronics normally found in a 718 Cayman GT4 RS, instead replaced by white painted metal for most surfaces, along with a welded-in roll cage, one sole Recaro driver’s seat with a six-point racing harness, and a fire extinguisher. The Clubsport gets a built-in air-jack too, while an optional 138.2-litre (30.4-gal) fuel cell can be included for longer races.

All added up, it only makes sense that removing the high-end hides, metals and electronics should decrease the price, right? Hardly. In fact, all the Clubsport fittings nearly double the window sticker, from a base of $160,600 for the 2022 718 Cayman GT4 RS, to $229,000 USD, or approximately $293,400 CAD for the race-spec version.

The new Clubsport is nevertheless considered a good value within racing circles, however, something you’ll know all too well if you’re actually considering buying one. Everyone else would be better served behind the leather-wrapped wheel of a regular 718 Cayman GT4 RS, and currently Porsche is offering factory leasing and financing rates from zero percent, while CarCostCanada members are saving an average of $1,000 off of retail. Check out how the CarCostCanada system works, and remember to download their free app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store.

The new 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport (12:18):

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Porsche

The future is here, or at least Porsche wants us to know they’ve got our electric recharging needs covered when it comes time for us to invest in a new EV. The German performance marque has been doing…

Porsche creates cute “Back to the Future” promo to highlight 1.21 gigawatts of fast-charging infrastructure

Porsche Taycan and a DeLorean go "Back to the Future"
Together with a highly modified DeLorean sports car, Porsche reminds us that we can also go back to the future thanks to 1.21 gigawatts of fast-charging Electrify America stations.

The future is here, or at least Porsche wants us to know they’ve got our electric recharging needs covered when it comes time for us to invest in a new EV.

The German performance marque has been doing well with their new Taycan four-door coupe and Taycan Cross Turismo five-door crossover, even outpacing sales of Tesla’s competitive Model S in Canada this year, with 576 units sold compared to 452 for the American electric brand, so therefore promoting its recharging network only makes sense.

In the case of Electrify America, which is connected to Porsche’s U.S. operations via VW Group ownership south of the 49th, your personal benefit may only be realized during weekend excursions across the border or the occasional extended road trip in the same direction.

Either way, when Electrify America’s combined capability with its affiliated European network (Ionity, a collaborative effort between BMW, Daimler, Ford and the VW) is tallied up, more than 1.21 gigawatts of fast-charging power is made available to Taycan owners, meaning you’ll be able to get where you want to go easier and faster than ever while traveling in the U.S.

2022 Porsche Taycan
Porsche Taycan features an 800-volt electric system capable of being recharged from 5 to 80 percent in just 22 minutes.

Commemorating this achievement, Porsche produced a humourous short video starring the ultra-modified DeLorean sports car from 1985’s “Back to the Future” film (watch it below). Those familiar with the classic comedy might remember a young Michael J. Fox (Marty McFly) playing a video tape of an older Christopher Lloyd (Emmett “Doc” Brown) explaining that he’d need 1.21 gigawatts of power to send the DeLorean back through time, at which point a younger mid-50s-era Doc expressed bewilderment (over and over) that it would take “1.21 gigawatts!” of power to achieve such a feat (enjoy a YouTube video of the scene below).

The two companies make up the largest DC fast charging networks in the U.S. and Europe respectively, with 670 stations to Electrify America’s credit, and 372 location under the Ionity banner (so far).

2022 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
The Taycan is available in four-door coupe and five-door Cross Turismo body styles.

DC fast charging is the best way to refuel your Taycan, being that the 800-volt super-EV only requires 22 minutes to replenish its battery from five to 80 percent. Thanks to the Taycan’s 270-kW charging speed, you’ll spend “less time spent charging and more time traveling,” claimed Porsche in a press release.

Additionally, the Taycan’s Plug-and-Charge system, which Porsche jokingly stated is “second only to Mr. Fusion for convenience,” all you need to do is plug it in for charging to begin automatically. Better yet, Taycan owners receive “30 minutes of free charging for the first three years of ownership” at Electrify America locations. Porsche claims that it’s easy to locate recharging stations too, thanks to a “Charging Planner” featured within the Taycan’s Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system.

Porsche earned over 20,000 Taycan buyers worldwide in 2020, while even better, the sport-oriented automaker had already sold 19,822 of its ultra-quick EVs by Q2 of 2021. With sales growth like that, a growing network of fast chargers will be a necessity.

 

The Porsche Taycan x Back to the Future (1:00):

1.21 Gigawatts – Back to the Future (6/10) Movie CLIP (1985) HD (3:15):

The fabulous 911 GTS is back, and just like in 2019, the last time Porsche offered the performance-first model with the car’s previous seventh-generation 991 body style, it comes in five distinct variations.…

New 2022 Porsche 911 GTS debuts with 473 horsepower

2022 Porsche 911 GTS
The SportDesign package comes standard on all GTS models, making the front fascia, side sills, and rear styling unique.

The fabulous 911 GTS is back, and just like in 2019, the last time Porsche offered the performance-first model with the car’s previous seventh-generation 991 body style, it comes in five distinct variations.

Now based on the 911’s eighth-generation 992 model (see our first story about the 922 model here), the 2022 version is available as the $150,700 Carrera GTS coupe, $165,300 Carrera GTS Cabriolet, $159,100 Carrera 4 GTS, $173,700 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet, and lastly the $173,700 Targa 4 GTS (see all other 2022 Porsche 911 models here).

The 3.0-litre flat-six engine’s displacement is unchanged as well, as is its twin-turbo forced induction system, but a new sport exhaust, together with reduced interior insulation, provides louder, more exhilarating sounds, while the GTS’ engine output has been pumped up by 23 horsepower to 473, while torque has increased by 15 lb-ft to 420, both thanks to 2.3 psi of additional boost.

2022 Porsche 911 GTS
With 473 hp to draw from, this is the side of the new 911 GTS you’ll likely see more often than not, unless you step up to purchase your own.

The massaged powerplant slices 3/10ths from the old GTS’ launch time when utilizing its eight-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox together with the standard Sport Chrono Package (which includes dynamic engine mounts, launch control, and Sport Plus mode), combining for standstill to 100 km/h sprint time of just 3.4 seconds in base Carrera GTS coupe trim, all before a 1-km/h-faster 311 km/h top track speed.

The AWD-enhanced Carrera 4 GTS is even quicker off the line, launching from zero to 100 km/h a mere 3.3 seconds, but its terminal velocity is a hair slower at 309 km/h. The Carrera GTS Cabriolet can achieve the same top track speed as the Carrera 4 GTS, although at 3.6 seconds to 100 km/h it’s the slowest of the five. This said, the Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet and Targa 4 GTS coupe each shave a 10th from the most affordable GTS convertible, with 0-100 km/h sprints only requiring 3.5 seconds, and their top speeds maxxing out at 307 km/h.

2022 Porsche 911 GTS Targa
The Targa is the way to go if your summers aren’t as long as the winters.

Of note, those wanting a DIY transmission can opt for Porsche’s seven-speed manual, at no difference in price from the PDK. The short-throw shifter is a full 10 mm stubbier than the gear lever in the regular 911, but this isn’t the drivetrain to get if drag racing is your thing, as straight-line acceleration is down some 0.7 to 0.8 seconds (depending on the model) compared to the PDK. Instead, the manual is best for those who enjoy the art of driving.

The best of such moments can often be found when a given road starts to wind, and to that end the new GTS includes a Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system that was pinched from the newest 911 Turbo, while coupe and convertible models now roll on a 10-mm lower sport suspension that to improves aerodynamics and provides enhanced transitional response.

2022 Porsche 911 GTS Targa
The 911 GTS Targa gets a special darkened roll hoop with black lettering.

The GTS’ 20-inch front and 21-inch rear Satin Black alloys were pulled from the 911 Turbo S, however, as were their 245/35R20 front and 305/30R21 rear summer performance tires, while the high-performance brakes hiding behind the spokes were initially developed for the regular 911 Turbo. These boast red-painted six- and four-piston aluminum monobloc fixed calipers, with 408- and 380-mm cross-drilled and internally vented rotors front to back.

Additionally, a new Lightweight Design package, that chops up to 25 kilograms from the model’s curb weight, can be had for the first time on a GTS, featuring a set of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) full bucket seats, lightweight side and rear window glass, deleted rear seats, plus more.

2022 Porsche 911 GTS
The steering wheel is covered in a suede-like microfibre dubbed Race-Tex.

As far as aesthetics go, the SportDesign package is standard on all GTS models, so therefore the front fascia, side sills, and rear styling is unique when put side-by-side with other 911 models. Additionally, black is once again the theme from the outside in, most noticeable with the cars’ tail lamps that feature darkened lenses, while the Targa features a darker roll hoop with black lettering on both sides.

Inside, black suede-like Race-Tex microfibre surfaces the steering wheel rim, shift knob, centre seat panels, door handles, armrests, and the centre storage compartment lid/armrest, aiding grip and adding plush style. What’s more, buyers can opt for optional red stitching in key areas, or just keep it black on black.

2022 Porsche 911 GTS
A set of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) full bucket seats can be had when ordering the new Lightweight Design package.

Being based on the new eighth-gen 911, the new GTS features the upgraded Porsche Communication Management (PCM) 6.0 infotainment system, that features a more user-friendly interface design, faster response to inputs, plus Android Auto smartphone integration (joining Apple CarPlay that was already available).

Porsche improved the PCM’s voice assistant as well, which can now recognize natural speech more easily. All a user needs to do to activate the upgraded system is say, “Hey Porsche,” and then follow the prompts. Another PCM 6.0 bonus is the Porsche Track Precision app that lets track driver’s time laps and much more, plus a tire temperature display is also part of the standard package when choosing a GTS.

2022 Porsche 911 GTS
PCM 6.0 comes standard, as does more psuede.

You can order a new 2022 Porsche 911 GTS now, and likely qualify for factory leasing and financing rates from zero percent. Check out CarCostCanada’s 2022 Porsche 911 Canada Prices page to learn more, and while you’re at it find out how dealer invoice pricing can save you thousands off your next new car. You can also download the free CarCostCanada app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store, to guarantee you’ll have all the information you need to get the best deal possible on your next new vehicle.

The new 911 Carrera GTS: More of What You Love (2:41):

The new 911 Carrera GTS: Drone POV (1:00):

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Porsche

It’s been a strong year for Porsche’s new Taycan so far, and the German performance brand isn’t about to let the all-electric model’s momentum ebb anytime soon thanks to new updates for the 2022…

Porsche enhances connectivity and personalization options in updated 2022 Taycan

2022 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
Porsche’s Taycan receives some important updates for 2022.

It’s been a strong year for Porsche’s new Taycan so far, and the German performance brand isn’t about to let the all-electric model’s momentum ebb anytime soon thanks to new updates for the 2022 version of both its regular four-door coupe body style and the new sport-wagon-like Taycan Cross Turismo.

Number one of the update list is a revision of the sixth-generation Porsche Communications Management (PCM 6.0) infotainment system within the centre stack, which now adds Android Auto to a smartphone integration package that already included Apple CarPlay.

2022 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
The Taycan Sport Turismo adds right height for some useful off-pavement capability.

Android Auto permits users of Google Android-based smartphones to completely connect to the centre display for greater ease of use. A 2022 Taycan owner can now simply plug their Android handheld device into the assigned USB-C port and follow the necessary prompts, at which time a modified version of their phone’s features, apps and personal info is displayed within the in-car touchscreen.

Porsche has updated the new PCM 6.0 operating system’s graphic design as well, with five menu options on the left side of the display rather than merely three, while each icon can now be organized separately.

2022 Porsche Taycan
Some not new colours really spice up the Taycan palette.

What’s more, the 2022 Taycan’s Voice Pilot auditory assistant is now capable of better understanding instructions in everyday language, plus the PCM 6.0 satellite navigation system is quicker to respond to inputs, and also displays info with more clarity thanks to the just-noted graphics refresh.

Better yet, owners of 2022 Taycans will also be capable parking and retrieving their car remotely via their smartphones, by downloading Remote Park Assist. Remote Park Assist, which can remotely park perpendicularly and parallelly, will automatically detect a given parking space by first measuring it with ultrasonic sensors and cameras, and if ample space is available will park the Taycan by using the Porsche Connect app’s smartphone prompts.

2022 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
The Cross Turismo offers up a lot of practicality to the EV market.

Also important for this higher end premium class, new 2022 Taycan owners can now utilize more personalization options, such as Paint to Sample and Paint to Sample Plus. Along with the 17 standard paint colours already offered, Porsche will provide the choice of 65 Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur colours (so far) when opting for Paint to Sample, the palette including a number of past favourites like Acid Green, Moonlight Blue Metallic, Riviera Blue, Rubystar, and Viola Metallic.

The Paint to Sample Plus option, on the other hand, lets customers provide a unique sample of any colour, after which their Taycan will be doused in a coat of colour-matched paint from the factory.

2022 Porsche Taycan
Taycan personalization has taken a big step forward for 2022.

To learn more about the 2022 Taycan, check out CarCostCanada’s 2022 Porsche Taycan Canada Prices page, which is currently showing factory leasing and financing rates from zero percent. CarCostCanada members benefit from plenty of money-saving car-buying help, with everybody’s favourite being dealer invoice pricing that lets you know exactly what the retailer is paying for the vehicle, before you go into negotiate your best deal. Find out how the CarCostCanada system works now, and remember to download their free app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store now.

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Porsche

Although some automotive brands struggled last year for reasons I shouldn’t need to explain, Porsche’s Taycan EV was on a mega roll. In fact, the upstart electric nearly demoted Tesla’s Model S…

Porsche Taycan EV outselling Tesla Model S in Canadian market

2022 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
Porsche’s Taycan, shown here in its new more accommodating Cross Turismo body style, is now beating the Tesla Model S in Canadian sales.

Although some automotive brands struggled last year for reasons I shouldn’t need to explain, Porsche’s Taycan EV was on a mega roll. In fact, the upstart electric nearly demoted Tesla’s Model S from the top step of the podium, but when the checkered flag finally waved at the end of 2020, the champ was still in the lead with 960 deliveries, although the new contender was uncomfortably close with 824 sales of its own.

This said, six months into 2021 the story completely changed, with Porsche having sold 445 new Taycan models, and Tesla only able to push 300 examples of its Model S out of company store doors over the same two quarters.

To be fair to Tesla, or maybe more accurately to question the company’s priorities, the Model S, at nearly a decade old, is downright antiquated compared to the fresh, new Taycan. Good on them for making the most of a very well executed initial design that’s managed to last the test of time, the flagship model still arguably more attractive than anything else in the California-cum-Texan tech company’s four-model lineup, but even Tesla’s most ardent fans must be hoping for something new in this class.

2021 Porsche Taycan
The Taycan not only sells fast, but it’s brilliantly quick too.

The Taycan, on the other hand, is that “something new” that EV fans have been waiting for, a two-bodied, four-door coupe and five-door crossover-style sport wagon capable of duking it out with the best electrics in the business, and coming up on top.

You’d be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t like the way it looks, while its levels of luxury, refinement, electronics, and features are all as good as it gets, but Porsche might need to return to Germany’s legendarily demanding 20.8-km Nürburgring Nordschleife racetrack in order to claim its production car single-lap title back, where the geriatric Model S just laid waste to its EV-powered record.

2021 Tesla Model S Plaid
Tesla’s Model S, shown here in fabulously funny Plaid trim, is once again king of Germany’s Nurburgring, something Porsche will want to remedy soon.

A stock Taycan Turbo (funny name for an EV, we know) easily smacked down the old 2015 Model S P85’s single-lap record of eight minutes and 50 seconds flat (8:50) in August of 2019, with a superb seven-minute and 42-second lap time of its own (7:42.34, to be exact), but Tesla’s brilliantly named Model S Plaid (you’ve got to love Elon Musk’s hilarious “Spaceballs” reference—as if the 1987 sci-fi comedy’s Ludicrous speed wasn’t fast enough) just managed a new record-setting lap of seven minutes and 35 seconds (7:35.579) on September 9, so Porsche will want to “run the ‘Ring” in its new Taycan Turbo S in order to maintain bragging rights.

Fortunately for Porsche, more buyers are interested in how the Taycan performs on city streets, winding backroads and highways than racetracks, not to mention styling and everything else it does well, evidenced by its recent sales gain. As for its ability to hold onto this top spot, only time will tell, but upcoming Q3 sales results will shed new light on this exciting new rivalry, allowing a better idea of which EV will outshine the other over the entire year.

2022 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
There’s more to sales success than merely going fast, giving the Taycan Cross Turismo an edge for real-life livability.

The just-noted Taycan Turbo S is capable of sprinting from zero to 100km/h in a mere 2.8 seconds, by the way, before attaining a top track speed of 260 km/h, or when driven more conservatively can achieve a total range of 340 km between charges. That model starts at a cool $215,000 (plus freight and fees), while the more accommodating Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo can be had for $218,000.

The most affordable Taycan, at $119,900, is also from the Cross Turismo line, and given the 4 designation for its standard all-wheel drivetrain, while the least expensive regular four-door coupe, dubbed Taycan 4S, will set you back at least $121,700. Additionally, a Cross Turismo in 4S trim can be had for $128,000, while bridging the gap between 4S and Turbo S is the Turbo model that ran the ‘Ring, starting at $175,000 for the four-door coupe and $178,000 for the Cross Turismo.

2022 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
Porsche is even touting the Cross Turismo’s light off-road capability.

To find out more about the latest Taycan, check out CarCostCanada’s 2022 Porsche Taycan Canada Prices page, where you’ll be able to learn how to take advantage of factory leasing and financing rates from zero percent, not to mention the ability to obtain valuable dealer invoice pricing information that could save you thousands upon purchase. Likewise, CarCostCanada’s 2021 Tesla Model S Canada Prices page will show you the same zero-percent leasing and financing rate, which you can also access by downloading CarCostCanada’s free app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store.

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Porsche