Reviving a famous format from their days presenting the world’s most popular motoring TV show, British TV presenters Richard Hammond and James May recently embarked on a race across the south of England. They pitted the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT against the Pipistrel Velis Electro – one of the world’s first commercially available electric aircraft. This race marked a modern twist on their previous escapades, where they teamed up to race a car against an airplane.
The race began at Henstridge Airfield on the Somerset/Dorset border and ended at Dunsfold Aerodrome, the former workplace of the two presenters and home of the famous TV test track. While the 174-kilometre route wouldn’t challenge the Taycan Turbo GT’s impressive range, the electric plane needed a planned charging stop at Thruxton Aerodrome halfway through the journey. The race showcased the different challenges faced by each vehicle, with the car navigating road obstacles while the plane enjoyed unimpeded progress.
The Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, with its exceptional acceleration and power output, took an early lead in the race. The car’s torque and system output allowed it to showcase its impressive performance, outmatching even supercars and hypercars from just two decades ago. The race demonstrated how high-performance electric vehicles have become more accessible, offering not only power but also advanced control and safety features.
As the race unfolded, Hammond and May experienced the unique characteristics of each vehicle. Hammond praised the Taycan Turbo GT’s ride and handling, highlighting the Porsche Active Ride chassis control system that provides comfort and dynamic performance. Meanwhile, May piloted the electric plane, benefiting from a tailwind that kept the race neck and neck until the final stages.
The close contest between land and air kept viewers on the edge of their seats. The race highlighted the advancements in electric mobility, showcasing the potential for high-speed travel using sustainable technologies. The competition between the Taycan Turbo GT and the electric plane underscored the evolving landscape of transportation, where performance and efficiency coexist in harmony.
Ultimately, the race between the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT and the electric plane served as a testament to the progress made in electric mobility. The event captured the excitement of modern transportation technology, showcasing the capabilities of electric vehicles on both land and air. As electric mobility continues to evolve, races like these not only entertain but also inspire innovation and progress in the automotive and aviation industries.
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