Launch control is designed to help a car accelerate as fast as possible. It’s best when combined with racing conditions (on a track) and tires.
Electric cars are, in general, already very quick. Most have 0 to 60 times of less than 4 seconds and are thus highly competitive. Launch control maximizes your acceleration. However, next to the average road car, there’s no need for that extra power and traction.
This article will walk you through activating and using launch control on the Porsche Taycan Turbo.
Before using launch control in your Taycan, read through the owner’s manual. This contains all the information you need to know, including safety considerations. It’s vital to read before you operate the vehicle.
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What is launch control on a Porsche Taycan?
Launch control is a built-in electronic system to maximize your acceleration from a standstill. It combines information from the power-output and traction control systems to accelerate your Taycan as fast as physically possible.
Launch control could help you accelerate to 60 mph in under 3.0 seconds, depending on your specific model. That’s faster than almost anything else on the road today. But be warned! It’s also easier to crash and injure yourself or others.
Bear in mind that the Taycan is already a very speedy car. The instant torque provided by the electric motors means it’s far faster off the line than most others. The launch control will make it even quicker.
This, though, comes with a warning. Most drivers aren’t equipped to handle this kind of power. You could crash if you lose control (which is a real possibility). This would endanger other road users (and yourself) and could write your car off.
Before using launch control on your Porsche Taycan Turbo, read the owner’s manual carefully.
You’ll find some (but not all) of the safety aspects to consider in the next section of this article.
Safety considerations of Porsche Taycan Turbo launch control
You must only use launch control if it’s safe to do so. Most recommend saving it for a track day, off the road, and ensuring everyone is safe.
The launch control will be negatively affected by the following:
- Not paying close attention
- Poor road conditions
- Improper tires
- Failing mechanical components (wheel bearings, suspension, axles, brakes, etc.)
- Bad weather, including rain, floods, snow, ice, sleet, fog, etc.
- Substances on the asphalt (such as an oil spill)
- Launch control system malfunctions
- And so on.
The above list is non-exhaustive.
How to use launch control on the Porsche Taycan
Only use launch control if the circumstances are safe, and you aren’t putting any other road users (or yourself) in danger.
If in doubt, save launch control for off-the-road applications such as racing circuits.
Follow these instructions to learn how to use launch control on the Porsche Taycan Turbo.
Take these steps before preparing to launch your car:
- Bring your vehicle to a complete stop in a safe, otherwise empty location (see above).
- Keep it in Drive (D).
- If you haven’t yet started driving, select Drive (D).
- Point your steering wheel (and, therefore, wheels) straight ahead.
- Select SPORT or SPORT PLUS driving mode.
You’re now ready to launch your Taycan. As per the Porsche owner’s manual, follow these steps:
- Use your left foot to firmly press the brake pedal down.
- Double-check your surroundings for safety.
- Press the accelerator pedal all the way down.
- A launch control message will pop up on your display.
- Release the brake pedal within a short time span.
Your Porsche Taycan will now launch and accelerate quickly. Keep aware and calm. Release the accelerator pedal and be ready to brake if you feel the car losing traction.
You’ll find a screenshot from the Porsche Taycan owner’s manual below. This contains more information about launch control and using it. Read the manual from cover to cover to operate your car safely.
