Like fine wines paired with fine cheeses, fine performance vehicles are always a match with open, scenic roads en route to a great destination.
Most people know Porsche for high performance, but not everyone may know that the brand also crafts comfortable, opulent, bespoke interiors. Endless exterior colour choices and wheels are also available. To help with this, every Porsche Centre (their term for a dealership) across Canada has an in-house specialist who can help you personalize your Porsche so it becomes a one-of-a-kind unit you can truly call yours.
An Electrifying Drive
We had the opportunity to experience a handful of Porsche’s newest models in July. A fleet of bright-coloured vehicles resembling an artist’s palette were on hand, and with a beautiful summer morning greeting us, I was directed to a Carmine Red Taycan GTS electric vehicle (EV). Our destination was Langdon Hall in Cambridge, Ontario, a quaint 19th century country-house hotel offering a spa, acclaimed fine dining, an outdoor pool, trails, and serene spaces to rejuvenate. The site offers subtle grandeur with just enough olde worlde charm to remind you that you are at a unique place. It is also a popular wedding venue. I took the suggested scenic route that went through Belfountain, Erin and downtown Guelph before arrival.
The Taycan became an instant icon because of its style, track-tested performance, and cutting-edge drivetrain technology. I experienced it all first-hand, and the swells of immediate, velvety-smooth power were staggering. While driving, I also enjoyed the view of the car’s sculpted, bulging fenders. I accelerated fast every chance I got, and savoured the quiet cabin. The seats were extremely comfortable even after 2 hours of driving, and the interior had a premium, futuristic feel. Afterward, I couldn’t help but marvel at what a work of art and technological stand-out this EV is.
Upon arrival at Langdon Hall, we were treated to a private on-site garden tour by head gardener Jeremy Gehl. We learned about trees on the property that were well over 100 years old, why apple trees are grown slanted, and naturally-occurring bioactive compounds in the plants and contribute to taste, scent and human health. It was also fun to learn that the many herbs, fruits and vegetables we saw would be used to prepare restaurant menu items and as decor.
Following the garden tour, a fabulous 3-course lunch was served that indeed featured some of the herbs and produce we saw.
“Lettuce” enjoy a fine salad
A great catch for lunch
Berry good dessert
Green Miles
On the drive back to conclude our indulgent day, I once again take green-forested scenic roads, but this time through Halton Hills in a bold, bright Python Green Macan GTS. This conspicuously-coloured compact SUV also came with bespoke colour-matched interior stitching, seatbelts and floor mats that showcase the extent of personalization shoppers have access to in building their dream Porsche.
Despite a taller ride height, it handled the road’s curves and hills with aplomb like a true sports coupe. The vehicle felt very confidence-inspiring overall, and this level of engineering where Porsche somehow resolved contradictions need to be truly appreciated.
The 2.9L twin turbo engine was coarse, but spirited, exciting, and very quick. When put in Sport+ mode, the engine becomes noticeably angrier and the suspension tightens, demanding that you drive hard. If you do the right thing and oblige, you will be rewarded with thrilling pull, surefooted handling, and angry exhaust snarls that demonstrate why Porsches are so beloved by car enthusiasts.
The day was adrenaline-inducing, exquisite, and educational, filling both the heart and stomach. Thankfully, with a bit more of summer left and autumn forthcoming, perhaps a nice road trip to a beloved destination is in order for you, along with a visit to your closest Porsche Centre to build your dream road trip machine.
Langdon Hall Country House Hotel and Spa (4-star hotel)
1 Langdon Drive
Cambridge, Ontario
N3H 4R8
| Porsche Taycan GTS | Porsche Macan GTS | |
| Canadian Price | From $150,100 ($187,080 as tested with selected colour and options) | From $85,500 ($113,620 as tested with selected colour and bespoke options) |
| Powertrain | 93.4 kWh Battery with All-Wheel Drive
Two Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (1 – Front axle, 1 – Rear axle) |
2.9L Twin Turbo V6 with All-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | Front Axle: Single Speed
Rear Axle: Two Speed
All-wheel drive (AWD) |
8 Speed Automatic, all-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Horsepower (hp) | 590 | 434 at 5,700 to 6,600 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 627 | 406 at 1,900 to 5,600 rpm |
| Range/Fuel Consumption | 396km electric driving range | 13.5/10.7/12.2 L/100km (city/highway/combined) |
| 0-100km/h Acceleration | 3.7 seconds | 4.5 seconds |
| Cargo Capacity (Litres) | 84 L (front)
407 L (rear) |
458 L (2nd row seats up)
1503 L (2nd row seats down) |
| Ideal For…. | Green car enthusiasts who still like sports sedans, and want head-turning style, exclusivity, and the best in track-ready electric performance | Driving enthusiasts who need the versatility of a premium compact SUV, and refuse to compromise on exciting performance and style |
