Porsche Cayenne Electric Sets Records Even Before Hitting the Market
The Porsche Macan Electric will soon have a big brother based on the Cayenne. Worldwide testing on public roads is in full swing, and a near-production prototype recently set off in search of a record in England.
The German automaker demonstrated the high-performance potential of its upcoming all-electric SUV at the Shelsley Walsh hill climb, which has been running since 1905 and is one of the oldest motorsport events in the world. The upcoming Cayenne Electric mingled with entrants competing in the British Hillclimb Championship. Gabriela Jílková, simulator and development driver for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, was behind the wheel.
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By the way, the track is no more than 3.5 metres wide at some points, has a steep gradient of up to 16.7 percent and totals 1,000 yards (914 metres) in length. On her very first attempt, Jílková beat the previous record time for an SUV.
The Cayenne Electric was equipped with Porsche Active Ride, an active chassis system that keeps the body level at all times, even during hard braking, steering and acceleration. It’s also designed to offer an ideal connection to the road through a balanced distribution of wheel loads.
“The drive power and equipment of the record-breaking car were already at production level,” said Michael Schätzle, VP of the Cayenne product line. For now, the official specs are kept a mystery.
Prior to the event, British TV and former Top Gear host Richard Hammond used the camouflaged prototype as part of a film shoot to transport a classic car more than 100 years old and weighing over two tons from his workshop in Hereford to his garage.
“We were trailing significant weight behind us, but you wouldn’t know it. The Cayenne handled it effortlessly,” he said. And why wouldn’t it? The max tow rating of around 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs), lb) easily beats most other electric luxury SUVs and is basically tied with the Rivian R1S.
The official debut of the Porsche Cayenne Electric could take place by the end of the year. This model will be sold alongside the gasoline- and hybrid-powered Cayennes currently available.
“It will set new standards without compromising on everyday usability and practicality,” Schätzle added.