The new Porsche Cayenne Turbo raises the bar for SUV performance

With its world premiere at the 67^th International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany, the new Porsche Cayenne Turbo is taking its place at the top of the model line. The completely new top-of-the-range model from the third generation of the Cayenne is once again raising the bar for sporty performance in its segment.

At the heart of the Cayenne Turbo is the new 4.0-litre V8 engine with twin-turbocharging. With an output of 550bhp, it exceeds the engine of its predecessor by 30bhp, while the maximum torque of 770Nm represents an increase of 20Nm.

The new eight-speed Tiptronic S converts both into acceleration and speed by means of the active all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management. The new Turbo sprints to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds (3.9 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package) and reaches a top speed of 286km/h.

As is characteristic for new engine generations, the exhaust turbochargers are arranged inside the cylinder V, in the central turbo layout. Shortened exhaust paths between the combustion chambers and turbochargers mean that the engine is especially responsive, while the central turbo layout results in significantly improved power delivery.

Another advantage is the compact construction of the engine. This enables a lower installation position, which has a positive effect on driving dynamics. This equates to a lower centre of gravity and higher cornering precision.

The new lightweight chassis of the Cayenne Turbo combines the best of three worlds - the precision of a sports car, comfort of a saloon and adaptability of an off-road vehicle. In particular, the combination of a new three-chamber air suspension with an active shock-absorber system - PASM - extends the range considerably. The concept of new mixed tyres with standard dimensions of 285/40 at the front and 315/35 at the rear comes from sports car construction and produces even better longitudinal and lateral power transmission.

Three air chambers per spring strut are used in the adaptive air suspension design, enabling the chassis to map different spring rates. With six selectable height levels, ground clearance can be manually adjusted to suit off-road terrain. They are also actively controlled via five new driving programmes for on-road and off-road journeys.

Complemented by optional rear-axle steering, the electric Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control roll stabilisation, connected to a 48V vehicle electrical system and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, allows the new Cayenne Turbo to achieve the driving dynamics of a sports car. At the same time, its everyday suitability in terms of parking and turning manoeuvres is improved, as is the comfort level.

The new Cayenne Turbo is the first Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) to have an adaptive roof spoiler as a component of its active aerodynamics. Depending on the position, this optimises efficiency, increases downforce on the rear axle and, in the airbrake position, shortens the braking distance from higher speeds. As a result, the SUV comes to a stop up to 2m earlier at full braking from 250km/h.

The aerodynamic system therefore complements the effect of the new high-performance Porsche Surface Coated Brake, which takes care of deceleration in the Cayenne Turbo as standard. The tungsten carbide layer applied to the steel discs increases braking performance and resistance to wear while reducing the amount of brake dust at the same time, meaning less dirt on the rims. The top system in the programme remains the optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake.

The new Cayenne Turbo will be available to order in Singapore later this year.