Porsche targets Lamborghini Urus with new 631bhp Cayenne

A more powerful top-end version of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo is being plotted by Porsche , aimed squarely at the most potent super-SUVs on sale, including the Lamborghini Urus and Bentley Bentayga Speed.

To be revealed as a member of the updated Cayenne line-up at the end of June, ahead of planned UK deliveries later this year, the heavily upgraded model is the most powerful pure-combustion Cayenne yet, boasting up to 631bhp from a tweaked version of Porsche’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine. It will be called the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT.

The as-yet unnamed new variant will be sold exclusively in the rakish-roofed Porsche Cayenne Coupé bodystyle, in a move aimed at ensuring it offers the best possible combination of performance and dynamics. The standard Cayenne Turbo will remain on sale. 

First drive review: Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupé prototype tested ahead of launch

“There are advantages in choosing the Coupé. It is lighter and has a slightly lower centre of gravity than the SUV. Our intention is to deliver not only the most powerful but the sportiest Cayenne to date,” Rico Löscher, the engineer in charge of the new variant’s development, told Autocar during a recent prototype drive of the new model in Germany.

Bespoke features for the range-topper include a sophisticated, carbonfibre-heavy active aerodynamic package, claimed to provide greater downforce as well as more effiicient engine bay and brake cooling.

There is also a reworked front bumper, featuring a more pronounced lip spoiler and larger air ducts than those of the standard facelifted Cayenne, seen recently in prototype form. Meanwhile, the roof spoiler gains additions at each side and the rear wing, which deploys from the trailing edge of the tailgate at speed, has been visibly upsized. A new rear diffuser houses a pair of substantial centrally mounted exhaust outlets. 

The newcomer uses various parts from the Lightweight Sport package offered as optional equipment on the standard Cayenne Turbo Coupé, including a contoured carbonfibre roof panel. Porsche has yet to confirm a kerb weight, although it is claimed to undercut the 2200kg of the standard model.