When Porsche decided to have a crack at the SUV genre, we thought they were insane. Now Porsche is taking the SUV concept a step further with its first driver-focused SUV model – the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT. Should we give them the benefit of the doubt they deserve or see it as another cynical exercise?
When it comes to Porsche, observers usually sit up and take notice. Not only does Germany’s favourite sports car maker take measured steps with the introduction of each new model, but they also do a bloody good job at developing it.
Just what is the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT? A new flagship? The performance tentpole for the Cayenne SUV range? Not quite.
A Quicker Porsche Cayenne
It is based exclusively on the Cayenne Coupe body style. A clear statement of intent of who Porsche is targeting with this new variant. The more performance-minded SUV buyer.
Powering the Cayenne Turbo GT is an uprated 4-litre bi-turbo V8 engine of the standard Cayenne Turbo. Instead of the regular 404kW and 770Nm, the engine produces 471kW and 850Nm of torque. That is a generous increase, but not anywhere near the mammoth 500kW/900Nm output of the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid flagship.
That said, the Cayenne Turbo GT does dispense some impressive performance figures. Its 0 to 100km/h boast of 3.3 sec and a top speed of 300km/h trumps the Turbo S E-Hybrid 3.8 sec and 295km/h claim.
However, of all the performance figures touted, its Nürburgring Nordschleife time of 7 min 38.9 sec is the most significant. Recognised as the new official SUV lap record, the Cayenne Turbo GT can lap the challenging circuit quicker than a Ferrari F430 Scuderia.
Changes on the Cayenne Turbo GT
Porsche left nothing to chance in ensuring the Cayenne Turbo GT’s place on the Nordschleife lap board. Its ride is lowered by 17mm, chassis components re-engineered and electronic driving aids recalibrated for better handling and performance. Lastly, it sports new model-specific Pirelli P Zero Corsa performance tyres.
Perversely, the Cayenne Turbo GT has the hallmarks of being a Cayenne GT3. Even its exhaust tips is relocated to the middle, similar to the motorsports-inspired products of Weissach. From what we can gather, the Cayenne Turbo GT doesn’t bear any input from the esteemed Porsche Motorsports Department.
Yet, one could be fooled into guessing that Porsche is gunning for driving enthusiasts who want a practical SUV. Pundits may scoff at the futility of SUV lap times on the Nordschleife, but the fact that Porsche committed themselves to the Cayenne Turbo GT, is indicative that they know there is a ready audience.
Dawn of the driver-focused SUV
If rumours are true, Porsche isn’t the only ones dipping its toes into this unforeseen market. BMW’s M Division is set to produce a bespoke model – an all-new model that isn’t based on a standard model. And it will be a towering SUV.
Forget those starry-eyed dreams of a hybrid supercar, M is going massive with the driver-focused SUV concept. Fans will disavow its association, that much is certain. But will it sell? Even for an SUV, it is a difficult case to build and an intriguing one nonetheless.
The world is already familiar with fast SUVs and ultra-luxury SUVs, but is it high time for the driver-focused SUV? It sounds incredulous, impossible, unimaginable. But those were the same words heard when Porsche rolled out the original Cayenne. Look at how well the performance SUV genre is doing. If history is any lesson, we shouldn’t be too hasty to judge.