2022 Cayenne Turbo GT
February Car of the Month
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Most SUVs are built to be reliable, "do-it-all" family haulers. They’re safe, they’re practical, and usually a bit predictable. But when Porsche gets their hands on the segment, they don't just follow the rules; they rewrite them. Our February Feature isn't just a utility vehicle; it’s the pinnacle of what happens when race car DNA is integrated into an SUV body.
This Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT is finished in a sophisticated Mahogany Metallic and complemented by a Black/Bordeaux Red leather interior. This Cayenne is as much a visual statement as it is a performance powerhouse. When I first saw this vehicle, I was immediately drawn to the 10-piston front and 4-piston rear brake calipers. Honestly, the sheer size of them is incredible. Since Porsche is all about performance, I wanted to highlight how that power is integrated into something that can set track records while still grabbing your groceries on the weekend.
The Turbo GT boasts 650hp from its 4.0 litre twin turbocharged V8 engine, launching from 0 to 100 km/h in a staggering 3.3 seconds. It also set the official SUV record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 2021 with a lap time of 7:38.9. The Turbo GT truly "walks the walk," sitting 17 millimeters lower than the Cayenne Turbo Coupé. This aggressive stance is made possible by re-engineered active control systems and passive chassis components specifically tuned for performance. The Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) features an infinitely adjustable roll bar controlled by advanced suspension software, ensuring flat cornering and exceptional road-holding even at high speeds.
The introduction of the Cayenne Turbo GT in 2021 was a masterclass in what an SUV can aspire to be. It possesses the sports car DNA to exist in a league of its own, with aesthetics worthy of bedroom-poster real estate. This example features 22-inch GT Design wheels finished in Satin Neodyme, accented by "Turbo GT" lettering on the doors. One of the key features that stood out to me when selecting this car for February was the paint colour combination and the sharp, accented details. The Turbo GT represents a vehicle that can win a “one car only challenge.” If I was asked, “What car would you choose to race around a track, use as an everyday driver and still look like a sports car?” this would forever be my choice.
To be taken seriously in the world of high-performance pedigree, carbon fiber is a must and this Turbo GT has it in spades. With SportDesign carbon fiber mirror trims, an extended rear diffuser, GT-specific side plates on the rear wing and a contoured carbon fiber roof, it’s clear that every detail is as much about performance as it is about presentation. Furthering its exclusivity, the centrally located titanium tailpipes are unique to the Turbo GT, signaling that this Cayenne is truly a model apart.
Driving any Porsche will always have a unique feeling you cannot find in any other car. The Turbo GT was selected as our car of the month because even though it is classified as an “SUV,” it offers so much more than its competitors. Take the Sport Response Button, for instance. It gives you peak engine performance for any occasion. The last time I saw a “push-to-pass” button like that, it was in a Hollywood movie!
The Cayenne Turbo GT is not just an SUV; it is a vehicle that proves what is possible when the boundaries of conformity are challenged. It is the perfect marriage of track-ready performance and the practicality of daily life. It dares to stand out, setting the bar for what it means to be a vehicle that truly has it all.
This article was written by:
Ace Jakeman
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