The New Porsche Cayenne Turbo Accelerates As Quickly As A Manual GT3

Modern all-wheel drive systems and automatic gearboxes are wondrous things. They can allow for incredible traction off the line, meaning even a big, heavy lump of a car like the new Porsche Cayenne can hit 62mph from rest in exactly the same time as a manual-equipped 911 GT3.

Granted, it needs the optional Sport Chrono pack to do the deed in 3.9 seconds (otherwise it’s 4.1), but you have to admit that’s pretty astonishing.

Powering the new Cayenne range-topper (its reign at the top will last until the inevitable Turbo S gets here) is a 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8. It’s the same weapons-grade unit currently doing service in the Panamera Turbo, and it’ll eventually find its way under the bonnet of the next Audi RS6.

It churns out 542bhp and 568lb ft of torque, allowing the Cayenne Turbo to top out at 177mph. Partly thanks to its ‘hot V’ setup - which sees the turbochargers nestling neatly between the cylinder banks - it’s a very compact engine, meaning Porsche has been able to mount it lower in the engine bay.

Thankfully, it’ll be able to do more than just travel fast in a straight line. Three-chamber adaptive dampers come as standard, while a 48-volt electrical subsystem powers active roll stabilisation and (optional) rear-wheel steering.

On the braking front there’s the usual fade-resistant carbon ceramic option, but one thing you might not have expected is a new airbrake function. Yep, the Cayenne has an adaptive rear spoiler - the first time such a thing has been fitted on an SUV according to Porsche - and when it’s not adding downforce or position to increase efficiency, it’s able to tilt up and increase drag considerably. As a result, if you brake hard from 155mph, you’ll stop anything up to two metres sooner.

Building on the rather subtle styling changes showcased by the rest of the Cayenne range, the Turbo adds massive 21-inch wheels, wider wheel arches, “double-row” front light modules, various body coloured bits of trim and new tailpipes.

As with lesser Cayennes, the Turbo lifts its interior straight from the Panamera, complete with the massive 12.3-inch screen. The Turbo adds a unique steering wheel, sportier seats with 18-way adjustability, and a standard-fit 710 watt Bose sound system.

It’s available to order now for £99,291, with first UK deliveries taking place in April 2018.