2027 porsche taycan gets fake gears larger battery manthey kitPorsche is rolling out a series of significant mid-cycle updates for the 2027 Taycan lineup. Rather than chasing headline-grabbing horsepower figures, which the electric sedan already possesses in spades, the Stuttgart automaker is focusing on real-world usability, charging convenience, and an intriguing play for driver engagement.The update brings North American Charging Standard (NACS) ports directly to the factory floor, standardizes the brand's largest battery pack across the volume trims, and introduces an optional software-driven "gearbox" designed to mimic a traditional internal combustion powertrain.Battery Standardization and NACS IntegrationFor the 2027 model year, the entry-level Taycan, Taycan 4, and Taycan 4S variants receive a substantial hardware upgrade under the floorboards. The larger 105-kWh Performance Battery Plus is now standard equipment across the entire range. No details on how much more range that will provide have been given.AdvertisementAdvertisementBeyond adding driving range, this battery utilizes an 800-volt architecture capable of pulling a 320-kW peak charge rate at compatible DC fast-charging stations. Porsche has also added a dedicated battery state-of-health display within the instrument cluster to give owners long-term degradation transparency.Crucially for North American buyers, Porsche is altering its charging port layout:Passenger Side: Upgraded to a native NACS port handling DC fast charging (and eliminating the need for an adapter at Tesla Superchargers).Driver Side: Retains the traditional J1772 AC port for home and public Level 2 charging.Note: This NACS integration applies to all models except the extreme, track-focused Taycan Turbo GT equipped with the Weissach Package. A CCS adapter will be bundled with the vehicle for legacy network compatibility.2027 porsche taycan gets fake gears larger battery manthey kitE-Shift: Simulating the Combustion ExperienceIn an engineering twist that targets traditional enthusiasts, Porsche is introducing an optional E-Shift system (standard on the Turbo GT). Recognizing that the seamless, single-speed acceleration of high-performance EVs can occasionally feel clinical, E-Shift uses software to simulate an eight-speed transmission.AdvertisementAdvertisementOperated via tactile paddles on a GT Sport steering wheel, the system introduces simulated gear-shift jerks, gear-specific drag torque to emulate engine braking, and a virtual rev limiter.This digital powertrain behavior is synchronized with an overhauled Porsche Electric Sport Sound profile that shifts frequencies based on calculated virtual engine load and wheel speed. The driver's display complements the sensory feedback with a virtual rev counter and a functional shift light. For purists or those preferring typical EV delivery, the entire system can be completely deactivated via a steering wheel mode switch.Enhanced Digital Architecture and AI UpgradesThe Taycan's cabin tech receives a complete generational overhaul, adopting the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system recently introduced in the Macan and Cayenne electric models. Boasting five times the computing power of the outgoing hardware, the system eliminates menu lag and allows for seamless over-the-air (OTA) updates in the background.Tech Highlights at a GlanceIntuitive UI & Widgets: The central display relies on customizable, smartphone-style widgets that support full- or split-screen configurations. A fully rotatable 3D vehicle model accurately reflects the car's actual exterior paint color and serves as an interactive menu for core vehicle functions.AI Voice Pilot: The natural language voice assistant handles navigation, media, and vehicle settings. Thanks to AI integration, it allows for conversational follow-up questions without requiring the user to repeat the "Hey Porsche" wake word. It can even execute physical tasks, like opening the motorized charging flap.Upgraded Wireless Charging: The center console smartphone tray now features a magnetic ring mount and bumps wireless output up to 25 watts, shortening charging times by roughly 1.5 times.Expanded Paint to Sample: For buyers looking to customize, Porsche has expanded its Paint to Sample catalog to 153 shades, reviving historic colors like Shark Blue and Python Green alongside new options like Loretta Purple.2027 Porsche Taycan: All the Details2027 Porsche Taycan: All the DetailsView GalleryAdvertisementAdvertisement12 photosFactory-Backed Manthey KitsFor the absolute top of the lineup, buyers ordering the Taycan Turbo GT with the Weissach Package can now spec a factory-backed Manthey Kit. This track-oriented upgrade bundles functional aerodynamic revisions, a specialized wheel and tire package, larger front brakes, and custom chassis and powertrain calibration.The hardware proved its capabilities during development testing: Porsche racer Lars Kern utilized the kit to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife in an official 6:55.533 minutes.Manthey-Spec Porsche Taycan Turbo GT Just Flipped China The BirdManthey-Spec Porsche Taycan Turbo GT Just Flipped China The BirdThere's a point in Porsche's performance hierarchy where the numbers stop making much sense on paper, and the Taycan Turbo GT with the Weissach package absolutely lives there. Even so, Porsche has found room to push it further. The latest step comes via Manthey Racing, the Nürburgring-focused outfit that has a long history of refining Stuttgart's quickest cars for track use. The result is a new optional Manthey kit for the Taycan Turbo GT.AutoGuide.com News StaffAutoGuide.com News StaffPricing and Market AvailabilityThe 2027 Porsche Taycan model range is currently open for order at local dealers, with initial North American deliveries scheduled to commence in the Fall of 2026.AdvertisementAdvertisementPricing starts at $111,900 for the base rear-wheel-drive Taycan. This base MSRP excludes taxes, registration, optional equipment, and Porsche's standard $2,350 delivery, processing, and handling fee.