Porsche Teases New High-Performance Cayenne Model

Redefining SUV

Porsche has long been known for teasing future models in an interesting way, and the new high-performance Cayenne variant is no exception. The automaker recently gave legendary race car driver Walter Röhrl the keys to this mysterious SUV at the Grand Prix circuit of the Hockenheimring to test out how it feels, and he was obviously impressed, saying it represents a "great leap forward compared to everything that has gone before. This car redefines the meaning of the term SUV."

Photos: Porsche

One Step Further

The new model is currently undergoing final testing as Porsche finishes tweaking it prior to production. The focus of the model is optimized on-road performance, though the automaker notes that it isn't compromising comfort to achieve it. The variant is based on the current Cayenne Turbo S, though it's been tweaked to provide "the ultimate in terms of longitudinal and lateral dynamics," according to Porsche.

Photos: Porsche

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Dynamic Focus

Alongside a host of other enhancements for the vehicle's chassis and control systems, the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control active roll stabilization system makes a major contribution to the stable handling of the new Cayenne model with a new, performance-oriented set-up. "The PDCC always keeps the body balanced and level even during very spirited cornering," explains Porsche test driver Lars Kern, who has helped with the development of the high-performance model right from the start

Photos: Porsche

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Tweaked Suspension

Porsche says the high-performance Cayenne's handling thanks to a revamped front axle. "Compared with the Cayenne Turbo Coupé, the front rims are now half an inch wider, and negative camber has been increased by 0.45 degrees in order to provide a larger contact area for the 22-inch sports tires newly developed especially for this model," Kern said.

Photos: Porsche

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New Exhaust

Though the new Cayenne variant remains clad in black camo meant to disguise a number of features, Porsche also notes that it comes with a titanium exhaust system with center-mounted tailpipes, as we can see in these photos. Otherwise, it isn't sharing much other information about the new SUV.

Photos: Porsche

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Keeping Tradition

Regardless, Porsche promises that this new Cayenne variant will carry on the model's tradition of combining utility with the automaker's reputation for performance. "They were off-road vehicles that could be driven like sports cars - a real sensation at the time," said Röhrl, when looking back at the first Cayenne generation, which had the internal designation 'E1'.

Photos: Porsche

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Feeling Small

"The car remains incredibly stable even in fast corners, and its turn-in behavior is extremely precise," Röhrl said of the latest high-performance Cayenne. "More than ever, you have the feeling that you are sitting in a compact sports car rather than in a large SUV."

Photos: Porsche

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