Porsche targets Lamborghini Urus with new 631bhp Cayenne

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.

The Cayenne Turbo Coupé’s powerplant is boosted by 89bhp to 631bhp. This is 39bhp more than the same twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 produces in the Audi RS Q8 and just 10bhp less than it does in the Lamborghini Urus - one of the most powerful and fastest SUVs on sale today. Torque has also increased by 60lb ft to 626lb ft.

By comparison, the 2535kg Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid’s combination of a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine and electric motor delivers 671bhp.

Details of the engine modifications have yet to be revealed, although Autocar can confirm that it gets a titanium exhaust system and new engine management software among its bespoke upgrades. In line with the added performance, Porsche has revised the software for the eight-speed torque-converter gearbox and four-wheel drive system, which receives a more rear-biased apportioning of power. The electronic differential is also altered to provide enhanced torque vectoring and greater lock-up.

“The idea behind the new model is to mate added performance potential with the heightened engagement and overall dynamic ability of the Porsche Cayenne GTS,” said Löscher.

No performance claims have been made at this stage, although the upgraded Cayenne Turbo Coupé is said to have established a 0-62mph time inside the official 3.8sec of the Audi RS Q8 and 3.6sec of the Lamborghini Urus during recent testing. Top speed is limited at 186mph.