The Porsche Taycan has already built a reputation for being able to sustain prolonged periods of all-out driving, so why not try the whole thing while going sideways? Since Zuffenhausen couldn't find an answer to that question, a daredevil used the Taycan to set a world record for the longest drift with an electric vehicle.
The adventure took place in early September, using the Experience Center Porsche built at Germany's Hockenheimring. Note that the feat was overseen by Guinness World Record judge Joanne Brent and European drifting champion and engineer Denise Ritzmann, who made sure the wheels were always in the "catch the slide" direction.
With racing driver and Porsche instructor Dennis Retera behind the wheel, the electric grand tourer managed to slide for a total of 26.19 miles (42.171 kilometers). With its tail out at an average speed of 28.6 mph (46 km/h), the machine covered 210 laps of an 0.12-mile (200 meters) circle.
Having used the said facility to test the Taycan, we know that the irrigated asphalt's uneven grip means you always need to be on your toes during such shenanigans. However, the RWD-only version of the Taycan, which is currently only available in China, was used for the attempt. By the way, here are our impressions on delivering slip angles in the AWD models that make up most of the range.
“When the driving stability programs are switched off, a powerslide with the electric Porsche is extremely easy, especially of course with this model variant, which is driven exclusively via the rear wheels. Sufficient power is always available. The low center of gravity and the long wheelbase ensure stability. The precise design of the chassis and steering allows for perfect control at all times, even when moving sideways,” the Dutch racer explains.
Now, before anybody compares this to the current internal combustion engine drifting record, which sits at 232.5 miles (374.1 km), there's something we need to remember. The BMW M5 that set the latter milestone had to be refueled no fewer than five times, using a custom-built system that allowed the operation to be performed on the move. In comparison, this shenanigan was completed using the battery charge anybody can access in the electric vehicle.
While the U.S. and European arrival of the Taycan (this simple designation is used for the RWD model) still hasn't been confirmed, this record could be a hint towards the fact that the tail-happy model will join the Taycan S, Turbo, and Turbo S on certain markets outside China.
With the front motor gone, the RWD powertrain offers 408 PS (402 hp) for the 79.2kWh Performance Battery, or 476 PS (469 hp) for the 93.4kW Performance Battery Plus. The model costs around 20 per cent less than the Taycan S, which means that, in theory, U.S. pricing should kick off at about $85,000.
Check out the Taycan's drifting record in the first YouTube clip below; while you're at it, the second video (the one on the right) showcases the TLDR version of our review.
In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist. Full profile
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