The argument for RAS

[4thPcar]

I've been on some other threads advising future owners on the benefits of Rear Axle Steering (and seeing pushback from others), so I thought I'd summarize here all the reasons its a game changer for me. I live in SoCal where our roads are probably much wider than in Europe so take this advice and multiply by 2 if you live there or other more mature communities.

1. Unlike some other features that don't impact performance or are not used often (great example: fake noise, sport chrono clock, any cosmetics), and unless you are driving in circles to show off your new ride, you will use RAS, literally every time you take out the car. Parking is easier in tight places. The chance of curbs grinding your wheels is slightly diminished.

2. You can turn the car like its a spinning top in tight places. Good example: If you are parking at spots that are angled to the curb, you can pull out, turn the wheel the other way, and return in the direction from whence you came.

3. Its a big car and if you are coming from a smaller Porsche, like a 911, you'll appreciate the feature. If you are in a parking lot, did not find a space in the lane you went down, you can turn around without doing a 3-pt turn. I think I can turn in tighter spaces with this car than I could in my 911.

4. In the US, RAS requires air suspension (no idea why, anybody know?). You'll be glad you bought that too, the ride is amazingly smooth. I won't get into the manual raising and lowering benefit here which strikes me a bit gimmicky.

5. When on the freeway, I am able to jet out of tight traffic, changing lanes quickly as if the other cars are standing still. This may be my imagination, but I attribute it to RAS. Again, coming off a 911S my expectations of a sport car driving experience were high. The car is meeting them.

6. Finally, this is a future-proofing feature. I expect more cars will boast RAS. You are paying a premium for a great driving experience. You are a dime and dollar short (compared to the MSRP overall) by not including this in your spec

Go ahead, tell me I am right or I am wrong!

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[XLR82XS]

4. In the US, RAS requires air suspension (no idea why, anybody know?). You'll be glad you bought that too, the ride is amazingly smooth. I won't get into the manual raising and lowering benefit here which strikes me a bit gimmicky.

Not a gimmick. Not only does the air suspension raise for those diving in heavy snow, but it helps me when washing the car. It allows more access to the wheels wells for cleaning. In the lowest setting, it looks great and helps with efficiency at higher speeds.

 

[Skilly]

I moved from a 4S that had Performance Package to a Turbo that didn't. I notice the difference - RAS has a material impact to the driving characteristics of the car. Its fitting that it comes in the performance package as I would describe the handling as less performant without it.

I don't know if I would have noticed it without the 'downgrade'. For example, driving one and then the other option in a short test drive. its things like off ramp speed or the stance of the car in a lane change etc. Tight maneuvering like a U turn its noticable too, but marginally.

 

[4sCT21]

Having not even driven a Taycan yet, I wouldn’t know the difference between a RAS equipped car and one without, I’m totally relying on your experiences.

The guidance is truly helpful.

 

[Deleted member 6348]

Only downside with RAS is that you loose some feel with regards to what the rear end of the car is doing. Aside from that, all upside.

That being said, it’s not a must have, but it is nice.

 

[Archimedes]

Having not even driven a Taycan yet, I wouldn’t know the difference between a RAS equipped car and one without, I’m totally relying on your experiences.

The guidance is truly helpful.

You will notice it the first time you exit a parking lot and turn 90 degrees onto a street. It will feel a bit odd at first, like the rear is sliding a bit, but you quickly get used to it.

 

[Jhenson29]

Go ahead, tell me I am right or I am wrong!

Wrong. On at least some points.

Unlike some other features that don't impact performance or are not used often (great example: fake noise, sport chrono clock, any cosmetics),

Cosmetics impact my enjoyment of the car at least as much as performance.

Its a big car and if you are coming from a smaller Porsche, like a 911, you'll appreciate the feature.

Came from a Panamera, so no issue.

In the US, RAS requires air suspension.

Air suspension is a separate option. This point is not relevant. If air suspension required RAS, then you’d have something. But not the other way around.

Finally, this is a future-proofing feature. I expect more cars will boast RAS. You are paying a premium for a great driving experience.

Driving experience is already great without it.

—————————
I mostly don’t care. If someone wants RAS, then get it. But it’s not that important in my opinion.

 

[Jhenson29]

You are a dime and dollar short (compared to the MSRP overall) by not including this in your spec

This one too. Saying any individual option isn’t that much relative it the cost of the car is very flawed reasoning. They all add up.

 

[4thPcar]

Wrong. On at least some points.


Cosmetics impact my enjoyment of the car at least as much as performance.



Came from a Panamera, so no issue.



Air suspension is a separate option. This point is not relevant. If air suspension required RAS, then you’d have something. But not the other way around.


Driving experience is already great without it.

—————————
I mostly don’t care. If someone wants RAS, then get it. But it’s not that important in my opinion.

Your model may differ from mine, but RAS requires air suspension for the RWD version (see screenshot), and I am simply pointing that out so future buyers will be ready for that additional spend. You say the driving experience is great without it and I did not try to debate that argument. Its a matter of ROI, and I've made the case for it here. YMMV - but general consensus is on my side.

 

[smoothound]

It was an option on my A7 (similar size to Taycan) and I didn't spec it.

Don't miss it at all - even on twisting, hilly, wall-hedge-bounded Devon(UK) roads that are so narrow they have passing places every 200yds or so. Parallel parking is a doddle without it too.

But I am sure, like most decent car-tech - once you get it you wouldn't part with it. (like a bald head)

cheers

 

[4thPcar]

It was an option on my A7 (similar size to Taycan) and I didn't spec it.

Don't miss it at all - even on twisting hilly wall-hedge-bounded Devon(UK) roads that are so narrow they have passing places every 200yds or so. Parallel parking is a doddle without it too.

But I am sure, like most decent car-tech - once you get it you still wouldn't part with it. (like a bald head)

cheers

Yes indeed. I am surprised how many "didn't miss it" comments when the owner did not spec it. This totally misses the point, I'm afraid, as you point out. Its a matter of ROI - the increased performance, enjoyment, safety, capability from the feature. I am not trying to guilt owners that did not spec it, I am trying to help those that are debating whether to budget for it. Like others, I was on a budget and chose RAS over the heads up display and second monitor offered in the US Tech Package. Do I miss not having the HUD? No clue. I don't know what it would have added to my experience and I'll never know.

 

[Browning]

Wrong. On at least some points.


Cosmetics impact my enjoyment of the car at least as much as performance.



Came from a Panamera, so no issue.



Air suspension is a separate option. This point is not relevant. If air suspension required RAS, then you’d have something. But not the other way around.


Driving experience is already great without it.

—————————
I mostly don’t care. If someone wants RAS, then get it. But it’s not that important in my opinion.

Not sure if you have experienced RAS if not then for sure its a must have in my humble opinion as is such a great asset and love it

 

[4sCT21]

It was an option on my A7 (similar size to Taycan) and I didn't spec it.

Don't miss it at all - even on twisting, hilly, wall-hedge-bounded Devon(UK) roads that are so narrow they have passing places every 200yds or so. Parallel parking is a doddle without it too.

But I am sure, like most decent car-tech - once you get it you wouldn't part with it. (like a bald head)

cheers

Unfortunately that particular optional extra I didn’t spec, but I got it anyway ?

 

[4sCT21]

Yes indeed. I am surprised how many "didn't miss it" comments when the owner did not spec it. This totally misses the point, I'm afraid, as you point out. Its a matter of ROI - the increased performance, enjoyment, safety, capability from the feature. I am not trying to guilt owners that did not spec it, I am trying to help those that are debating whether to budget for it. Like others, I was on a budget and chose RAS over the heads up display and second monitor offered in the US Tech Package. Do I miss not having the HUD? No clue. I don't know what it would have added to my experience and I'll never know.

TBF I’ve had a HUD on both my BMW’s and on my wife’s Mazda and I LOVE them, but not for over £1k.

 

[B61]

Yes indeed. I am surprised how many "didn't miss it" comments when the owner did not spec it. This totally misses the point, I'm afraid, as you point out. Its a matter of ROI - the increased performance, enjoyment, safety, capability from the feature. I am not trying to guilt owners that did not spec it, I am trying to help those that are debating whether to budget for it. Like others, I was on a budget and chose RAS over the heads up display and second monitor offered in the US Tech Package. Do I miss not having the HUD? No clue. I don't know what it would have added to my experience and I'll never know.

I haven’t tried RAS on Taycan, but I speced it since I have experiences with Renault….and it’s definitelly one of my favourite options….I’d say one of top 3, or at least top 5.

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