DRIVEN + VIDEO: As Porsche Hits Its 70th Anniversary, We See What Its Next-generation Vehicles Will Be Like With This FIRST Drive Of The Taycan Prototype

While Porsche's celebrating this weekend, it's also looking into the future. Just the other day the legendary performance-oriented brand announced the name of its all-new, fully electric vehicle.

Dubbed the Taycan, it will usher in the next-generation of Porsche vehicles.

The Germans are determined to take Tesla down. Not that they really have a choice at this point given the market shift.

A friend of AutoSpies, Tim Stevens, recently had the chance to drive the Taycan Cross Turismo Concept on public roads out on the left coast. It's literally the show car displayed at Geneva so to say it is fragile is probably an understatement.

While it doesn't give an entirely accurate depiction of what's to come given it is a prototype, it provides a taste.

Having said that, scope out the clip below and let us know your thoughts, Spies!

Porsche's Mission E prototype is now the Porsche Taycan. It won't hit the road for real until late 2019, but we've already had a go. Join us for the world's first drive in the Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo Concept.

TheSteve - 6/10/2018 1:17:45 AM

0 Boost

According to this guy, he was the first journalist to drive this car:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBADJfA5Bo4

Agent00R - 6/10/2018 1:34:11 AM

+1 Boost

Does it really matter?

It appears to be the same junket...

Roadshow's posted on June 5. Voelk's published on June 6.

You know what they say: Second is the first loser...

TomM - 6/10/2018 1:18:16 PM

+2 Boost

Since NONE of the Press people were among the first 100 to drive the vehicle - claiming first is nonsense.

Frankly - all my life - one of the features of a very high performance car was how it sounded. WHile there are those who might prefer the stealth of a silent performance car - I am not sure you can take the sound away and have the same experience.

However - Matt is correct - when other high performance EVs become available - with real PRESTIGE PREMIUM names - and the support Tesla never plans to offer - I would suspect that sales of higher end Tesla Product to come down - since they are now long in the tooth as well. ANd as Elan has admitted that if he had to sell the BASE Model 3 - Tesla would be in big financial trouble - what does that translate to? How can Tesla survive if its Model 3 is not profitable enough - and they have reduced sales of more expensive vehicles.

Then - no doubt add in a number of Lower line cars - maybe Second tier Buicks -that compete with Tesla Model 3 - but with local dealers for sales and service. The window of opportunity was open a long time - but Tesla never could take advantage of it - and when it closes - and we have FULL BLOWN competition - the Tesla no discount sales model will collapse. Still - I believe Tesla will be BOUGHT rather than close.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 6/10/2018 9:08:20 AM

0 Boost

Can we make an agreement on Autospies not to call it the Taycan?

Agent00R - 6/10/2018 3:09:33 PM

0 Boost

Haha, perhaps you should start a petition?

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 6/10/2018 10:43:48 PM

+1 Boost

@AgentR I am thinking about it. But I think the market will judge them accordingly for this naming error.

MDarringer - 6/10/2018 9:10:50 AM

0 Boost

The guy needs to be slapped for his affected pronunciation of TeZZZla and is wannabe hipster look. #dumbass

I have zero doubt that when Porsche and Audi hit the market soon with their EVs that Tesla will be in deep caca.

Agent00R - 6/10/2018 3:10:32 PM

+1 Boost

For the record, Tim is a great guy, very knowledgeable about cars and a true enthusiast.

Pretty lame to attack the way he talks and his appearance.

MDarringer - 6/10/2018 3:33:33 PM

-2 Boost

Thankfully he has you to defend him.

carloslassiter - 6/10/2018 10:09:40 AM

-3 Boost

I guess Tesla should fold up shop right now based on another ironclad guarantee from DickDarringer - pretty soon there will be $165,000 Taycans everywhere.

MDarringer - 6/10/2018 10:36:06 AM

+1 Boost

I see you're fantasizing about me now.

malba2367 - 6/10/2018 3:19:12 PM

+5 Boost

Tesla should be on notice...I would estimate they have 7-8 years to completely fix their production system so that they can have a properly functioning production line and acceptable build quality. This Taycan will be out in 2019, and the technology will quickly trickle down to Audi and VW. Remember that VW has to spend $2 billion on "EV infrastructure and awareness" by 2026...I am sure they will have 3-5 vehicles at Porsche, Audi and VW combined by this time at varying price points to take advantage of this investment they have to make.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 6/10/2018 10:47:00 PM

+1 Boost

This just keeps getting better. From the article link, apparently, Porsche wants you to pronounce the name tie-con. I kid you not.

https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/8/17442724/porsche-mission-e-taycan-rename

mre30 - 6/11/2018 8:03:52 AM

+1 Boost

Rename the thing 'Porsche Blitz' and all these problems would go away.