Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT Debuts as $200,000 SUV With 631 Horsepower
The Porsche Cayenne is getting a new halo model representing the pinnacle of performance and handling. Meet the 2022 Cayenne Turbo GT, available exclusively in Coupe configuration.
Motivated by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine that produces as much as 631 horsepower (90 more than the Cayenne Turbo Coupe) and 626 pound-feet of torque, this almighty SUV sprints from 0-100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds, an improvement of six tenths of a second that makes it quicker than the Lamborghini Urus, Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ and BMW X5/X6 M Competition. Top speed is rated at 300 km/h.
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With Porsche test driver Lars Kern behind the wheel, the Cayenne Turbo GT lapped the 20.8 kilometres of the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7:38.9 minutes, setting a new official record for production SUVs. It would be interesting to see how the new 1,020-horsepower Tesla Model X Plaid fares on this track since it can reportedly shoot to 100 km/h in a mere 2.6 seconds.
Optimized in Every Way
Since the Turbo GT rides up to 17 millimetres lower than the Cayenne Turbo Coupe, both the passive chassis components and active control systems have been re-engineered and optimized. For instance, the rigidity of the three-chamber air suspension has been increased by 15 percent. The damper characteristics of the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as well as the application of the Power Steering Plus and rear-axle steering have also been adapted.
The Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active roll stabilization system now operates with performance-oriented control software, while the Porsche Torque Vectoring system allows higher torque bias ratios, the company explains. The front wheels are an inch wider and wrapped in new 22-inch Pirelli P Zero Corsa performance tires that were specially developed for the Turbo GT.
Other highlights include a faster-shifting eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission, modified Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system and model-exclusive sport exhaust system with central tailpipes.
It Looks Fast, Too
Optionally available in the new Arctic Grey colour, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT visually stands out with a specific front apron featuring a striking spoiler lip and enlarged side cooling air intakes. A contoured carbon roof and black wheel arch extensions, together with 22-inch GT Design wheels in Neodyme, dominate the side view. In the rear, the adaptively extendable spoiler is 25 millimetres larger than that fitted to the Turbo.
Inside, look for eight-way sport buckets in the front and two individual sport seats in the rear. They all come with perforated centre panels in Alcantara and contrast accents in Neodyme or Arctic Grey. Plus, similar to Porsche’s sports cars, the multifunction sport steering wheel features a yellow 12 o’clock marking.
Naturally, the next-generation infotainment system (PCM 6.0) unveiled a couple of weeks ago powers the driver interface. It’s now compatible with Android Auto.
The 2022 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT is available to order now and will arrive in Canadian dealerships by the end of this year. We hope your bank account is sized to match because pricing starts at $200,700, or about $50,000 above the Cayenne Turbo Coupe.