Porsche Cayenne Turbo e-Hybrid: SUV for the race track

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What was that? We get out of the car and look back in disbelief. The length of the piece is 4.93 meters, its height is 1.65 meters and its weight is 2.5 tons. Still, we cruised around the Parcmotor de Castelloli circuit near Barcelona in his driver’s seat. Because not even a 911 can beat the Porsche Cayenne Turbo e-Hybrid with GT package.

Performance boost

After the Cayenne Turbo GT became history again after less than two years of production in most markets due to stricter emissions regulations, a worthy successor is now following in the form of the facelifted Cayenne. Introduced a few weeks ago, the Cayenne Turbo e-Hybrid sends an impressive system output of 739 hp (544 kW) and maximum torque of 950 Newton meters to all four wheels and is housed in the Cayenne’s flattened coupé body. The twin-turbocharged four-liter V8 delivers 599 hp (441 kW), and the revised electric motor delivers 176 hp (130 kW). In addition to higher performance (30 kW more than the previous model), the new model can handle up to 88 kW of power recovery. Electric driving is also possible at speeds up to 135 km/h.

The drive south along the coast from Barcelona is mostly all-electric and whisper-quiet. Thanks to the battery with a capacity of 25.9 kilowatt hours (kWh) (21.8 net), the electricity should last only 71 kilometers. In recharge mode, the battery is charged and the drive operates in hybrid operation at speeds of up to 55 km/h; The internal combustion engine and the electric motor work together and the charge level remains constant. At higher speeds, the combustion engine takes over the drive completely and charges the battery to a maximum of 80 percent.

Brutal acceleration

Driving the Cayenne in hybrid mode is enjoyable: the V8 turns on smoothly, noticeable only by engine noise that remains moderate when the exhaust flap is closed. The standard air suspension with special shock absorber settings provides a comfortable suspension, at least for now. Because now we are moving towards narrow mountain passes; It’s time to switch to sports mode. The chassis gets stiffer and the V8 rumbles as the titanium exhaust covers open.

On the racetrack there should be Sport Plus mode: after 3.6 seconds the 100 km/h limit is broken, after 8.3 seconds it is already in 2nd place. Acceleration is brutal but controllable; The brakes grip firmly thanks to ceramic discs and ten brake pistons. But once in a while, when the dosage is precise, recovery begins to take hold.

everything has a price

Tires with a width of 285 millimeters at the front and 315 millimeters at the rear, variable differential lock and excellent torque control on all wheels ensure incredible traction. Lowering the vehicle by 10 millimeters compared to the regular Turbo e-Hybrid lowers the center of gravity and eliminates the tendency to roll. Lighter wheels, carbon roof and ceramic brakes save approximately 100 kilograms compared to the version without the GT package. You can still feel the 2,495 kilogram weight when cornering as the five-seater is slightly pushed towards the outside of the bend, meaning understeer.

After fast laps the battery needs to be installed. Thanks to the 11 kW onboard charger, the stopover lasts around two and a half hours until we arrive back in Barcelona quietly and comfortably. The Cayenne Turbo e-Hybrid is offered for sale in Switzerland at 203,100 francs, while the Turbo e-Hybrid with the GT package we tested is offered for sale at 240,200 francs. But it’s questionable how many Porsche customers will use their Cayennes on the racetrack. But with many high-horsepower cars, one thing’s for sure: You can do it.

Source: Blick