Porsche could have called it a day with the already fabulous Cayenne Turbo Coupe. But this is Porsche we're talking about here. There's always room for improvement. The German automaker needs to stay ahead of the competition for obvious bragging rights.
Meet the 2022 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, the new coupe body style that's already a legend having set a new Nurburgring record for SUVs with a time of 7 minutes and 38.925 seconds. That's crazy fast and we wouldn't be surprised if owners frequent the Green Hell to unleash their very special and expensive dream machine.
Is the Cayenne Turbo GT the most powerful Cayenne ever? It is for now but this likely won't last too long because a next-generation Cayenne isn't too far away. Still, we need to recognize greatness when it's here.
Coupe-Only Exterior Design
The Cayenne Turbo GT is only available with the coupe bodystyle, meaning there's a more sloping rear roofline and less cargo space. But it also looks sleeker and sexier than the somewhat more traditional SUV. Compared to the "standard" Turbo Coupe, the Turbo GT has up to a 17 mm lower body height. Other distinguishing features include a new Arctic Grey exterior paint.
It also comes with its own unique front apron, contoured carbon roof and black wheel arch extensions, and special 22-inch wheel designs. The carbon side plates and the adaptively expendable rear spoiler lip (which is 25 mm larger than the one found on the Turbo) are placed lengthwise to the roof spoiler. This results in increased downforce at top speed. Out back there's a carbon fiber diffuser panel.
Next-Generation Infotainment System
A speed demon like this shouldn't go without state-of-the-art infotainment system technology. That's why Porsche chose it to debut the next-generation Porsche Communication Management system. This new user interface boasts faster performance and remains fully compatible with Apple CarPlay, but now enables better integration of Apple Music and Apple Podcasts. And yes, it's also Android Auto friendly.
The rest of the interior is packed with luxury features such as eight-way sport seats up front and an entertainment system for the two rear seat passengers. Perforated seat center panels covered in Alcantara are standard, as are Neodyme or Arctic Grey contrast accents. "Turbo GT" lettering is found on the headrests. The multifunction steering wheel is also pure Porsche with the 12 o'clock position marked with a yellow strip.
Power Is Everything
Under the hood lies the same 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 found in the regular Turbo Coupe, but it's been upgraded with a better crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing chain drive, and torsional dampers. The eight-speed automatic transmission has been tweaked to provide faster shift times. The Porsche Traction Management system's transfer case receives additional water cooling. Weight is shaved off thanks to the new titanium sport exhaust that cuts 40 pounds.
All told, we're looking at 631 horsepower and 626 lb-ft of torque - more than a 90 hp and 59 lb-ft increase over the regular Turbo Coupe. The additional output requires some suspension modifications as well. Some of these include a stiffer three-chamber air suspension and retuned dampers. The Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control system has been adjusted to reduce body roll, while the power steering and rear-axle steering were tweaked. A set of new 22-inch Pirelli P Zero Corsa performance tires, developed specifically for the vehicle, come standard. Stopping power comes courtesy of the excellent Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake system.
Pricing And Competition
The 2022 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT is currently on sale in dealerships across America and deliveries will begin in early 2022. Pricing begins at a hefty $182,150, including destination.
Perhaps the Cayenne Turbo GT's most formidable rival is its corporate distant cousin, the 650-hp Lamborghini Urus. They not only share a platform and engine but have been engineered for outstanding handling rather than just straight-up speed, like the 707-hp Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. The Aston Martin DBX is less powerful (542 ponies) but it's equally exotic and looks stunning inside and out. Come next year, Ferrari will debut its first-ever SUV, the Purosangue. There's a good chance it'll set the new benchmarks and a few records too. But for now, the Cayenne Turbo GT more than holds its own.