The Porsche Taycan Tempts Teslites
Tesla has come a long way since its Model S vehicle that was released way back in 2012. Since then, the company’s stock price has hurtled forward over 900%! That kind of success turns heads, and incumbent automakers are working long shifts to embrace battery power and brake test Elon Musk’s rapid rise.
Finally, the Porsche Taycan is ready. It may be Tesla’s toughest challenge yet, matching the Model S on performance with its mid-range configuration going from 0-60mph in 3.2 seconds on a range of about 279 miles. The first main difference between the two cars is newness, which explains the second main difference; price!
A world of fresh options is opening up before Tesla’s ‘early adopter’ fans. The strength of their cult allegiance to the brand is being tested now, and some analysts see the brand as Musk’s only hope in competing against the reputation and track record of Volkswagen (which owns Porsche!). Other investors are banking more on loyalty from the masses than from motoring enthusiasts. Still, a Model S bought seven years ago is unlikely to sit on the driveway for many years longer.
President and CEO of Porsche’s North American division, Klaus Zellmer, believes Tesla owners are “open to experiencing something new.” He says he was “surprised right from the get-go to see Tesla be so much in the foreground as a potential source of business.” Is Teslites becoming the prey, here?
Over 20,000 people have registered their interest in the Taycan by placing a $2,500 deposit or visiting a dealership, so retail sales records in the US should be broken next year. Will that success come at the expense of Tesla? It’s not long until we find out!
