PRICE: $130,370
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| Massive performance, surprising agility, refinement, high-quality cabin | |
| Still heavy, still thirsty, err, still an SUV? |
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Love it or loathe it, the Porsche Cayenne, and in particular the Turbo, is a key entry in the historical tome of the modern performance car. It was the original Cayenne Turbo of 2003 that dumbfounded all who drove it – re-educated us on what was possible when you applied German engineering thoroughness to the task of making a two-ton SUV go, stop and handle in a manner that would put the frighteners on a contemporary hot hatch.
The second generation of 2010 toned down the original’s eye-watering styling, and added a more luxurious cabin as well. Meanwhile, others have tried to muscle in on Porsche’s territory with varying degrees of success, but as the originator of the species the ‘Cayenne Turbo’ badge still holds more than a little cachet: sports car, off-roader, family wagon, luxury GT, its well-heeled aficionados would see it as all those things and more, while many of its detractors still struggle with that badge even appearing on the nose of such a vehicle.
Engine, transmission and 0-100 time
There are no great surprises in this area – either in the Cayenne’s technical makeup or in the fact that it is very, very fast. As with the latest generation of Panamera, the new Cayenne Turbo receives the ‘down-sized’ 4-litre V8 with twin turbochargers nestled within the vee. It may be a more compact engine than the old 4.8-litre V8, but it’s also a more potent one, offering 543bhp and 568lb ft of torque (up from 513bhp/533lb ft in the outgoing car), the latter from as low as 1960rpm.
Hooked up to a revised eight-speed torque converter transmission, the big Porsche’s accelerative abilities are somewhat shocking, sprinting to 100kph from rest in just 3.9sec with the benefit of the Sport Chrono Package’s launch function. And this with a kerbweight of 2175kg, despite Porsche’s best efforts in cutting the flab. The top speed is quoted as 285kph, a speed at which the Cayenne must sound hugely intimidating as it punches a very large hole in the air.
Technical highlights
A little longer, a little lower, the new Cayenne is a chunky but relatively reserved-looking car compared with the brutalistic original of 2003. This new third-generation version is no longer a twin of the VW Touareg; rather it sits on the same platform as the Bentley Bentayga and the Audi Q7. A Turbo variant can be identified by its special lighting treatment at the front end, colour-coded wheel arch extensions covering unique 21-inch alloy wheels, and the familiar quad tailpipes at the rear.
Once inside, it retains the relatively low-set driving position and high transmission tunnel that conspire to promote a ‘sports car on stilts’ feeling. With the same 12.3-inch HD touchscreen first seen on the new Panamera, along with HD digital screens either side of the big analogue tacho, the look is modern but relatively simple and clutter free. It also feels very well screwed together – as you might expect at the price, but not always a given with some rivals.
Delve into the big screen’s functions and you’ll find five different driving modes: an on-road mode, with Sport and Sport+ options, plus the off-road modes of Gravel, Mud, Sand and Rocks. As Turbos get the new three-chamber PASM air suspension as standard, there are also six different ride height levels.
Overseeing the suspension’s activities and a whole lot more is the new 4D chassis Control setup, which includes the options of Porsche’s take on active roll stabilisation (now with the electrically-operated 48v system first seen on the Bentayga) and electric rear-wheel steering. The four-wheel-drive system is of the ‘hang-on’ type with an electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch, while Porsche’s PTV+ torque vectoring is also fitted. Overall, it’s a considerable arsenal of technology to help something that sits high and weighs over two tons do things it shouldn’t really be able to do.
Stopping, of course, is another significant challenge for a vehicle such as this, so Porsche has developed new 10-pot front calipers with 415mm discs that have a special tungsten carbide outer layer. PSCB is the acronym you need to add to the list. Mighty PCCB carbon ceramics remain an option, and further assistance is provided by an active rear spoiler with air brake function.
What’s it like to drive?
For those that have a dislike of SUVs, the answer to this question will be something like ‘infuriatingly good’. Yes, the new Cayenne Turbo builds on the talents of its predecessors, but with some important new qualities for good measure.
The first thing you notice is what a refined, relaxing car it is to cover large distances in. Most of the time the V8 is little more than a deep murmur, effortlessly dragging the Cayenne forwards, while the interior is a really nice place to be. But what’s most apparent is the abilities of the PDCC roll bars to slacken off when the car is cruising in a straight line, removing the sort of head toss that could blight a stiffly sprung high performance SUV over uneven road surfaces.
The bedrock of the Cayenne’s driver experience is its steering, which as usual is precise, consistent and well-weighted in a manner not usually associated with the type. Traction, unless provoked as we shall see, is absolute, and the Turbo simply stampedes down a road, undeflected by surface, gradient or anything else. Very quickly the V8 goes from meek to mad, pulling with smooth but ferocious consistency and never feeling out of breath whatever the road or scenario. It’s just as well then that the brakes are verging on heroic given what they have to deal with.
Try turning in sharply to a corner then getting on the power early and you’ll need some counter steering to stabilise the car as it powers on through, which feels alarming at first, and then very, very naughty. It’s a crazy party trick for such a vehicle, but it does also illustrate just how keen the Cayenne is to turn into a corner and hold its line, and used more sensitively, the combination of torque vectoring and rear-wheel steering makes this big hulk of a car feel surprisingly agile.
Nevertheless, physics are still physics, and while the Cayenne can pull a variety of magic tricks, ultimately it can’t disguise its weight and general make-up. It can make stunningly good progress and its ability to do so in a comfortable, practical package is very appealing, but its ultimate driver enjoyment is more about shock and awe rather than the subtleties of driver interaction.
Price and rivals
With their heavyweight kerbweights, power outputs and price tags, there’s some serious competition for the new Cayenne Turbo – cars like the 567bhp Range Rover SVR at $130,880, the similarly powerful BMW X5M at $124,620 and the even more potent 577bhp Mercedes AMG GLE 63 S at $133,775. Even so, the $130,370 Cayenne Turbo needn’t have any worries about justifying its price in that company.
This article originally appeared at evo.co.uk
