The argument for RAS

[Mike in CA]

A lot of water has passed under the bridge in this thread already so I don't know how additive this will be but here goes anyway.

My philosophy on buying a performance car (and IMO the Taycan is definitely in that category) is to prioritize options that can potentially enhance performance over other options in my budget. If I can afford luxury and cosmetic items as well as performance ones then all the better, but performance will always be the priority.

RAS not only improves turning radius, which is a borderline performance feature, but more importantly it increases handling response at lower speeds and stability at higher speeds. I believe that in conjunction with other performance options like PTV and PDCC it maximizes the performance potential of the car. There's a reason why Porsche includes RAS as standard on their GT cars and other high-performance models and why other manufacturers are offering it on their cars as well.

One can argue that RAS isn't critical to the enjoyment of the Taycan or even overtly obvious to the average driver but that isn't really the issue, AFAIC. Whether the extra increment of performance is important to someone or not, the fact is that by objective measure it is still there. I will check the boxes for performance options every time and on the Taycan that meant checking the one for RAS. Just my $.02.

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[RCorsa]

Didn’t have it on my 4s but it’s on my turbo s and it makes a BIG difference in handling at speed and slow driving. The turn radius is better than my 911 or my model 3 in tight spaces which is nice for such a large car but at speed you really feel it

 

[tigerbalm]

Did you option PDCC on your Turbo S @RCorsa ?

 

[RCorsa]

Nope. Im sure its tighter in tight corners with it however….

 

[Skilly]

So, I have been pushing my Turbo with some 'on the limit' moments in cornering etc just to see how far I could take it and get a better comparison between my previous 4s that had performance package and this new one that doesn't.

Without a doubt the lack of RAS is significant as you push the cars to the outer limits. Taking the same corners at the same speeds, the 4S has zero complaints where my turbo without RAS gets fussy. Like, very fussy...same weather, same corner, same speeds...one breezes through the other kicks out. Still manageable, but not nearly as elegant. The more you push, the more significant the absence is going to feel. Turning radius is a 'tell' for sure, but in that moment of push, its very clear.

For what it's worth, as a result, I would click that option before most, especially those that are esthetics vs functional. I miss it a LOT.

Funny for those that have driven a stick with a rev match option, it reminds me a lot of that. It sounds like a bit of a gimmick until you try to downshift as smoothly as the computer when its not activated....it can be done, but not even close to as well as the option does it!

 

[BJCanadaMax]

I am going to configure mine with it. It will be an option that i won't do without. It's relatively cheap for something that can make the car handle better. So why not?? If i have to, the option i will remove is Burmester and the Electric Charge port cover...

 

[4thPcar]

So, I have been pushing my Turbo with some 'on the limit' moments in cornering etc just to see how far I could take it and get a better comparison between my previous 4s that had performance package and this new one that doesn't.

Without a doubt the lack of RAS is significant as you push the cars to the outer limits. Taking the same corners at the same speeds, the 4S has zero complaints where my turbo without RAS gets fussy. Like, very fussy...same weather, same corner, same speeds...one breezes through the other kicks out. Still manageable, but not nearly as elegant. The more you push, the more significant the absence is going to feel. Turning radius is a 'tell' for sure, but in that moment of push, its very clear.

For what it's worth, as a result, I would click that option before most, especially those that are esthetics vs functional. I miss it a LOT.

Funny for those that have driven a stick with a rev match option, it reminds me a lot of that. It sounds like a bit of a gimmick until you try to downshift as smoothly as the computer when its not activated....it can be done, but not even close to as well as the option does it!

Couldn't have said it better! The car seems to grab the road on tight turns like an all-wheel drive vehicle.

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