Tesla fans have been waiting on tenterhooks for CEO Elon Musk’s response to the new Porsche Taycan Turbo, an EV which is specifically targeted to compete with the flagship Model S. That moment is here, as Musk trolled Porsche on Twitter for using “Turbo” in the name of a car that obviously has no turbocharger.
Um @Porsche, this word Turbo does not mean what you think it does
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 5, 2019
Elon Musk Not Impressed With New Porsche EV
The competition has been lining up for Tesla, but Elon Musk doesn’t sound too concerned about an automotive great like Porsche finally launching a fully electric vehicle. When you look at the facts, perhaps he shouldn’t be.
Taycan Loses Out to Tesla Model S in Many Categories
The obtusely named Taycan is not faster than the Model S. Nor will the new Porsche have a longer range than Musk’s Tesla. Both cars take roughly the same time to charge, which gives the edge to the Tesla here as well given its greater battery capacity. Finally, there is the fact that the Taycan Turbo costs almost double the Model S even before you start adding on basic but pricey upgrades.
So where does Porsche claim its edge? In the consistency of its performance. Evidently, this is not the sexiest sales pitch of all time, and the king of sexy sales tactics, Elon Musk, is performing his traditional right of passage by ridiculing a mass car producer coming late to the EV party. Mr. Musk did precisely the same thing with Audi on the launch of their E-Tron.
“Stop sending me this étron” – Audi https://t.co/maschsi6HB
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 25, 2019
Tesla Stock Enjoys Huge Rally
Although Tesla stock was mainly enjoying the global risk-on rally amid thawing tensions between the U.S. and China, it was still relevant that Porsche’s launch doesn’t appear to have dented enthusiasm among the bulls. Rising an impressive 4%, TSLA doesn’t look to have lost its cult status just yet.
Elon Musk Feels the Heat From Porsche Fans
Um @elonmusk, this word Autopilot does not mean what you think it does
— Jalopnik (@Jalopnik) September 5, 2019
Despite all these facts, Elon Musk will still probably take a beating on Twitter for mocking the Taycan (Turbo-less) Turbo. If there is another carmaker in the world with fans as aggressive as Tesla, it’s Porsche.