Latin America has become one of the key focuses of Porsche’s strategy for the electrification of vehicles and contributions to the environment through new technologies.
For several years, the brand has been fully committed to sustainability in the region, where it expects to sell around 50% of its cars with electric powertrains by 2025.
The manufacturer is also working on the production of synthetic fuels (e-fuels). Along with Siemens Energy and other international companies, it has already started the construction of an industrial plant in Punta Arenas, in the south of Chile, for the production of this type of fuel, which is practically carbon neutral (CO2).
This 2022, Porsche has launched an offensive with the presentation of several cars in different countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, a list headed by Paraguay with the arrival of the first Taycan Cross Turismo.
The model employs an innovative electric propulsion based on an 800-volt architecture. The new high-tech chassis with all-wheel drive and adaptive air suspension also ensures uncompromising dynamism when the car travels on unpaved roads. It has 47 millimeters more height in the rear seats and more than 1,200 liters of trunk volume.
Available Ranges
The Taycan Cross Turismo will be available in three versions in Paraguay, equipped as standard with the Performance Plus battery, which has a total capacity of 93.4 kWh.
One of them is the Taycan 4 Cross Turismo, which has an output of 380 hp (375 hp, 280 kW), which with the overboost for the Launch Control function can be increased to 476 hp (469 hp, 350 kW). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds, has a top speed of 220 km/h and a range of 389 – 456 km.
Another prototype available on Paraguayan soil is the Taycan 4S Cross Turismo, whose power output is 490 hp (483 hp, 360 kW), which with the overboost for the Launch Control function can be increased to 571 hp (563 hp, 420 kW). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.1 seconds, has a top speed of 240 km/h (150 mph) and a range of 388 – 452 km (388 – 452 km).
Finally, there is the Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo. It has a power output of 625 hp (617 hp, 460 kW), which with the overboost for the Launch Control function can be increased to 680 hp (671 hp, 500 kW). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.3 seconds, has a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) and a range of 395 – 452 km (395 – 452 km).
Exterior Design
According to information provided by Porsche, the silhouette of its new electric jewel is defined by a sporty roofline that slopes backwards.
Off-road design elements include unique front and rear fender moldings and side running boards. As part of the Off-Road Design package, the Cross Turismo incorporates protective wings at the ends of both bumpers and at the rear of the side sills. In addition to their protective function against stone impact, they provide an eye-catching exterior appearance.
With regard to its technology, the Taycan Cross Turismo is equipped with the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system’s sixth generation, which includes the integration of Android Auto.
In addition to Apple iPhones, smartphones with Google’s Android operating system can now also be integrated into the infotainment systems of the new Taycan Cross Turismo.
As soon as the cell phone is connected to the vehicle via a USB cable functions and apps that do not impair driving safety can be used via the PCM.
Other Cars Shine in the Region
While it is true that the models introduced by Porsche in Colombia, Mexico and Puerto Rico are not electric, they are made up of new-age technologies proving the innovative character of the Teutonic brand.
The 911 GT3, one of the most powerful and fastest of all 911s manufactured to date, is already in Colombian territory. The fourth generation of this high-performance sports car was developed in close collaboration with Porsche Motorsport, the brand’s competition department.
It is distinguished in the sum of its properties, presenting a top speed of 320 km/h (318 km/h with PDK gearbox). It is even faster than the previous 911 GT3 RS, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. Porsche also offers the new model with a six-speed manual gearbox, for an even purer driving experience.
In Puerto Rico, the new Macan entered the scene in three versions that come with even more power than its predecessors. The Macan GTS, is at the top of the range with its 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that boasts an output of 434 hp (324 kW), an increase of 59 hp (44 kW).
With the typical Porsche GTS response and power delivery, it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds (equipped with the Sport Plus package) and reaches a top speed of 169 mph.
It has among its most original features, the sport air suspension that is now standard and lowers the body height by 10 millimeters. The dynamic benefits of the GTS come, above all, from the fact that this air suspension is 10% stiffer at the front axle and 15% stiffer at the rear, compared to its predecessor.
In Mexico, the new Cayenne Turbo GT was unveiled with a combination of outstanding dynamic qualities and great versatility for everyday use. In order to get the best performance and behavior on tracks such as the ‘Green Hell’, the Porsche engineering team worked tirelessly to fine-tune it.
The model’s twin-turbo engine is currently Porsche’s most powerful eight-cylinder engine. The twin-turbo V8 with 3,996 hp and 631 HP (471 kW) provides the basis for outstanding performance.
With 89 HP (67 kW) more than the Cayenne Turbo Coupé and a maximum torque of 850 Nm (+ 80 Nm), it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds (0.6 s less than the other model) and reaches a top speed of 300 km/h (14 km/h more).
