[Taboleo] 'SUV Evolved Again with Sports Car DNA'... Cayenne Turbo GT

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] "The Cayenne, which broke the stereotype of 'Porsche is not an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle),' has evolved once again under the name Turbo GT."

When the Cayenne was first launched in 2002, it changed the negative perception of consumers who believed it could not deliver Porsche's driving sensation. Especially this year, out of the 217,198 Porsche vehicles sold worldwide up to the third quarter, 62,451 were Cayennes, making it an indispensable model loved by Porsche fans. Porsche plans to showcase its evolved technology once again by launching the Cayenne Turbo GT model in Korea by the end of this year.

On the 19th, I attended the 'Porsche GT Media Track Experience' test drive event held at Inje Speedium in Inje-gun, Gangwon Province, and got an early look at the Cayenne Turbo GT. True to the GT model that embodies the car Ferry Porsche dreamed of, it allowed me to feel the powerful spirit of motorsports. Porsche Korea's claim that the Cayenne Turbo GT is on a different level from other SUVs was palpable. After completing the track drive, I was instantly convinced by Porsche Korea's explanation that this vehicle guarantees spaciousness and convenience while delivering powerful performance and driving stability ? it was a driving experience that completely captivated me.

- The Cayenne is famous as an SUV that aims to be a sports car. How has it changed in the Turbo GT?

▲ The Cayenne Turbo GT has even better driving performance than the existing Cayenne Turbo model. It is equipped with Porsche’s most powerful 8-cylinder 4-liter biturbo engine. It delivers a maximum output of 650PS and a peak torque of 86.7 kg·m. The zero to 100 km/h acceleration time (0-100 km/h) is shortened by 0.6 seconds from the previous Cayenne Turbo model (with Sport Chrono Package) to 3.3 seconds, and the top speed reaches 300 km/h. It also set an official SUV record by completing the 20.8 km N?rburgring Nordschleife circuit in 7 minutes 38.9 seconds.

- SUVs often experience turbo lag (a delay in acceleration due to the time it takes for the right amount of air to be drawn into the cylinder) or body roll at high speeds. Is the Cayenne Turbo GT different?

▲ Even when rapidly accelerating over 200 km/h on a straight track section and producing high output, I could not feel any vehicle vibration or turbo lag, which gave me a sensation similar to driving an electric car. Porsche improved a wide range of components to enhance the driving stability of the Cayenne Turbo GT, including the crankshaft driver, turbocharger, direct fuel injection, intake system and intercooler, and suspension. Especially when switching driving modes between Normal, Sport, and Sport Plus, you can feel the lowered ground clearance and firmer suspension.

In particular, Porsche Korea explained that the 22-inch Pirelli P Zero Corsa performance tires developed specifically for the Turbo GT model increased the contact patch, and the ceramic composite brakes (PCCB) improved braking power. When maintaining speeds over 100 km/h and entering cornering sections, even when braking hard and turning the steering wheel, the body did not slide or shake, and it felt stable and precise enough to move exactly in the direction I wanted.

The Cayenne Turbo GT is equipped with a Turbo GT-exclusive front apron and an expanded cooling air intake to enhance vehicle performance, and the roof and rear diffuser are made of carbon.

Photo by Ki-min Lee victor.lee@

- How is the design of the Cayenne Turbo GT?

▲ The exterior features Porsche GT’s distinctive dynamic design tailored for motorsports. It is equipped with a Turbo GT-exclusive front apron and expanded cooling air intakes. To reduce body weight while presenting a sleek and sophisticated image, the roof and rear diffuser are made of carbon fiber.

The interior uses Alcantara material on the seats, providing a sense of stability and luxury. Additionally, front sports seats and a sports rear seat system are standard, emphasizing that this vehicle is specialized for motorsports. The headrests are embossed with Turbo GT lettering, and the multifunction sports steering wheel with a yellow color point at the 12 o’clock position adds a touch of sophistication.

- Have the convenience features been improved?

▲ The Cayenne Turbo GT is equipped with the next-generation Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system, PCM 6.0, which was unveiled in June. Unfortunately, due to the limitations of the track drive on that day, I could not operate PCM 6.0, but it supports Apple CarPlay and integrates Apple Music and Apple Podcasts to provide a variety of content. It also includes Android Auto, allowing connectivity with various smartphones. Furthermore, the Cayenne Turbo GT’s voice command system enables drivers to receive navigation information or adjust temperature and volume without taking their hands off the steering wheel or eyes off the road, helping drivers focus more on driving.

- What about the price?

▲ The selling price of the Cayenne Turbo GT, which will be introduced domestically by the end of this year, is set at 234.1 million KRW (including VAT).