The 2019 Porsche Cayenne Turbo made a grand entrance, claiming its throne as the flagship model at the 67th Frankfurt International Motor Show. This iteration, hailing from the third-generation Cayenne lineage, boldly elevates the benchmark for sporty performance within the luxury SUV domain. Propelled by a formidable twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine generating 541 horsepower, the Cayenne Turbo masterfully combines groundbreaking innovations to deliver unparalleled driving dynamics. Features like the three-chamber air suspension, staggered tire configuration, and the cutting-edge Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB) technology synergize to enhance the driving experience. Furthermore, optional enhancements such as rear-axle steering and electric roll stabilization, powered by a 48-volt system, bestow upon this SUV the agile handling characteristics typically associated with sports cars. Equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package, the new Cayenne Turbo catapults from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds, achieving a top track speed of 177 mph – surpassing the performance metrics of the previous Cayenne Turbo S.
Sharper Design Aesthetics
The 2019 Cayenne Turbo immediately commands attention with its distinct front-end design and the integrated LED main headlights from the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS). At night, the double-row front light modules serve as a unique identifier, setting the Turbo model apart from its Cayenne siblings. The widened wheel arches, accentuated with painted trims, and the exclusive 21-inch wheels, specifically designed for the Cayenne Turbo, define its powerful side profile. Moving to the rear, the Turbo-specific twin tailpipes clearly distinguish this model from its six-cylinder counterparts, reinforcing its top-tier status.
Stepping inside, the interior of the third-generation Cayenne Turbo maintains design elements like the center-mounted grab handles, a signature feature of the Cayenne lineage. Mirroring the advancements across the new Cayenne family, this model showcases the Porsche Advanced Cockpit. This sophisticated system integrates a high-resolution 12.3-inch screen seamlessly into the dashboard, complemented by a traditional analog tachometer flanked by dual 7-inch full-HD screens. The Porsche Advanced Cockpit allows for intuitive operation and display of virtually all vehicle functions via its high-resolution display and touchscreen interface. Adding to the auditory experience, the standard inclusion of a 710-watt BOSE® Surround Sound System ensures premium audio quality. Further enhancing the luxurious interior are standard 18-way sport seats, complete with integrated headrests and heating functionality for all outboard seats and the steering wheel, ensuring maximum comfort and support.
Unleashed Power: The Twin-Turbo V8 Engine
The heart of the 2019 Cayenne Turbo is its formidable twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine, delivering a robust 541 hp and a substantial 567 lb-ft of torque. This represents a notable increase of 21 hp and 14 lb-ft of torque compared to the previous Cayenne Turbo, translating to enhanced performance across the board. Working in perfect harmony with the standard Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive system and the refined eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission, the engine ensures superior acceleration, enhanced speed, and a more relaxed highway cruising experience. The new Cayenne Turbo demonstrably outperforms the previous Cayenne Turbo S in key performance metrics, accelerating to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds (or an even quicker 3.7 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package), and achieving a higher top track speed of 177 mph. The engine’s innovative “central turbo layout,” positioning the turbochargers within the cylinder V, optimizes engine responsiveness and power delivery by shortening exhaust paths between the combustion chambers and the turbochargers. This configuration also contributes to a more compact engine design, enabling a lower engine installation and consequently lowering the center of gravity for improved handling dynamics.
Advanced Chassis and Handling Technologies
The 2019 Porsche Cayenne Turbo benefits from a newly developed lightweight chassis, significantly improving driving dynamics compared to its predecessor. A standout feature is the new three-chamber air suspension paired with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) active shock absorbers. This combination dramatically expands the vehicle’s bandwidth, allowing for a greater differentiation between comfort and performance-oriented driving modes. With three air chambers per spring strut, the chassis can modulate spring rates across a wider spectrum than previous systems, leading to advancements in both ride comfort and handling precision.
The Cayenne Turbo offers six selectable height levels, allowing manual adjustment of ground clearance to tackle varied off-road terrains. These levels are also actively managed through five new driving programs designed for both on- and off-road scenarios. The default setting is optimized for on-road driving, while four additional modes – Mud, Gravel, Sand, and Rocks – prepare the vehicle for light off-road conditions. These modes intelligently adjust drive settings, chassis parameters, and differential locks to suit the selected terrain.
Further enhancing the driving dynamics are optional systems such as rear-axle steering, electric Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) roll stabilization operating on a 48-volt electrical system, and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+). These technologies collectively enable the new Cayenne Turbo to achieve sports car-like agility and handling prowess. Emphasizing its performance-oriented nature, the Cayenne Turbo features staggered wheel sizes, with 285/40 tires at the front and wider 315/35 tires at the rear. This setup optimizes both longitudinal and lateral grip, contributing to more agile handling and enhanced cornering capabilities.
Active Aerodynamics and Braking Innovation
The 2019 Cayenne Turbo incorporates an adaptive roof spoiler as an integral component of its active aerodynamics system. This spoiler dynamically adjusts its position to optimize aerodynamic efficiency, increase downforce on the rear axle for enhanced stability, or act as an airbrake to shorten braking distances from high speeds. During full braking from 155 mph, the airbrake function contributes to reducing the stopping distance by up to 79 inches. This aerodynamic system works in concert with the new, standard Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB) system. The PSCB features a tungsten carbide coating on cast-iron discs, significantly boosting braking performance and wear resistance while simultaneously minimizing brake dust accumulation, keeping the wheels cleaner for longer. For drivers seeking the ultimate braking performance, the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake system (PCCB) remains available as a top-tier option.
The 2019 Cayenne Turbo was made available for order in the U.S. market starting in December 2017, with vehicles expected to arrive at dealerships in Fall 2018. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) was set at $124,600, excluding a processing and delivery fee of $1,050.
Digital Advancements: Porsche Advanced Cockpit and Enhanced PCM
The latest iteration of Porsche Communication Management (PCM) is integrated into the new Cayenne, ushering in a new era of connectivity. The centerpiece of Porsche’s innovative display and control concept is the 12.3-inch full-HD touchscreen, initially introduced with the new Panamera. This system allows for intuitive operation of a wide array of digital functions through both touch and voice commands. Standard Porsche Connect Plus provides subscribers with access to a suite of services, including online navigation with real-time traffic updates. The redesigned center console retains analog controls for essential vehicle functions, while other functionalities are accessed via a sleek, smartphone-like glass-look touch surface that provides both acoustic and haptic feedback upon operation. True to Porsche’s heritage, the driver is presented with a central analog tachometer, flanked by two 7-inch full-HD displays that present crucial driving data, customizable via the multi-function steering wheel. Cayenne owners can further personalize their driving experience with a range of available assistance systems, including Night Vision Assist, Lane Change Assist, Lane Keep Assist, traffic jam assist, ParkAssist with Surround View, and Porsche InnoDrive with adaptive cruise control.
PCM offers extensive customization options, allowing users to save preferred settings and menu layouts within up to six individual profiles. These profiles store a wide range of preferences, encompassing interior settings, lighting configurations, driving programs, and assistance system configurations. Depending on the vehicle’s equipment, each driver can also tailor their audio experience with personalized settings for the optional Bose® and Burmester® sound systems.
The new Off-road Precision App, specifically engineered for the Porsche Cayenne and accessible through Connect Plus, enables detailed documentation of off-road excursions, assisting drivers in refining their skills through video recordings and performance analysis.
Pricing and Availability in the U.S. Market
The 2019 Cayenne and Cayenne S models were also available for order, with base MSRPs of $65,700 and $82,900, respectively, excluding the $1,050 delivery, processing, and handling fees. These models were scheduled to arrive at U.S. dealerships in mid-2018.
