Porsche revolutionizes the electric experience: Virtual gear changes "E-Shift" and Manthey kit for Taycan
Porsche continues to redefine the boundaries of electric performance and meet the desires of automotive purists. For the new production year, the Stuttgart-based manufacturer is introducing a series of major updates to the electric Taycan model, designed to make the experience behind the wheel even more immersive, more visceral and more connected to the traditional values ??of motorsport.
In addition to an increase in autonomy and a revised multimedia system, the most spectacular new features are the introduction of the "E-Shift" virtual transmission and the availability, directly from the factory, of a body and performance kit developed together with the legendary racing specialists at Manthey.
The E-Shift Revolution: How an EV simulates the transmission of a combustion engine
The most talked-about innovation on the Taycan is the virtual gearshift system, officially called E-Shift. While electric vehicles traditionally use fixed-ratio transmissions for maximum efficiency, Porsche has created a multi-sensory feature that gives the driver full control over a simulated 8-speed manual transmission.
The system allows for instant switching between conventional automatic and manual mode. Gear selection is done via paddles behind the new GT sports steering wheel, and activation is done via a dedicated button placed on the steering wheel.
- Authentic sensations: The system not only changes virtual ratios, but realistically simulates the mechanical shocks specific to gear changes (controlled "jerk" shifts).
- Dynamic behavior: The car reproduces a specific resistance torque for each gear, providing an authentic engine brake sensation when downshifting.
- Audible and visual accompaniment: The experience is rounded off by a virtual rev counter that goes up to 8,000 rpm and a reinterpreted version of the Porsche Electric Sport Sound system. The sound is mapped and adapted individually for each Taycan version via interior and exterior speakers.
This technology is available as an option for the entire Taycan range and offered as standard for the top version, the Taycan Turbo GT.
Circuit Performance: Factory Direct Manthey Kit Package
For the first time in the brand's history, Porsche is bringing the expertise of the Manthey racing division to a fully electric model. Exclusively for the top-of-the-range Taycan Turbo GT equipped with the Weissach Package, the new Manthey Kit offers extensive aerodynamic optimizations, chassis modifications and powertrain adjustments.
The effectiveness of this package has already been demonstrated on the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit, where Porsche development driver Lars Kern set an impressive new record:
"With the new Manthey kit, the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach Package stopped the clock at 6:55.533 minutes on the Nordschleife, becoming an absolute reference in the executive electric car category."
The package can be ordered directly when configuring the car from the factory or can be installed later as a retrofit upgrade.
Improved range and “Porsche Digital Interaction”
In addition to its emotional and dynamic side, the Taycan also excels in practical aspects. Porsche has optimized energy management, eliminating the lower-capacity battery in certain markets and now offering a larger standard battery (Performance Battery Plus with a usable capacity of 97.0 kWh). This brings a considerable increase in real range and charging efficiency.
Inside, the multimedia system has received a thorough overhaul with the Porsche Digital Interaction concept. The graphical interface features new interactive widgets, deeper integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an AI-enhanced voice assistant. Another practical detail is the wireless smartphone charging tray equipped with a magnetic grip (MagSafe style), capable of a fast charging power of up to 25 watts. All of these major software updates can now be carried out completely over-the-air (OTA).
Porsche Taycan offer and prices in Romania
In Romania, the Porsche Taycan is available in an extremely diverse range that includes three body variants: Sport Saloon (sedan), Sport Turismo (sports station wagon) and Cross Turismo (station wagon with cross-country capabilities and raised ground clearance).
The official Porsche Romania configurator includes advanced customization options and propels the model into the exclusive segment, with base prices starting from the following thresholds (all prices include VAT):
| Model Version (Sport Saloon) | Maximum Power (with Launch Control) | 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) Acceleration | Starting Price (incl. Romanian VAT) |
| Taycan (rear-wheel drive) | 408 hp | 4.8 s | from €109,589.70 |
| Taycan 4 (all-wheel drive) | 408 hp | 4.6 s | from €116,870.27 |
| Taycan 4S | 544 hp | 3.7 s | from €132,071.50 |
| Taycan GTS | 700 hp | 3.3 s | from €159,785.34 |
| Taycan Turbo | 884 hp | 2.7 s | from €189,154.46 |
| Taycan Turbo S | 952 hp | 2.4 s | from €224,106.56 |
| Taycan Turbo GT | 1,034 hp | 2.3 s | from €255,233.77 |
For the Sport Turismo (which starts at EUR 112,940.19 for the basic version) and Cross Turismo body styles, prices vary slightly depending on the chassis packages included. Also, for customers who want a higher level of equipment included from the start, Porsche also offers the Black Edition special editions in Romania (available for the Taycan and Taycan 4S variants).
Deliveries for models equipped with the new technological systems and E-Shift options are scheduled to begin this fall through official Porsche centers in the country.
