Two-time World Rally Champion and Porsche Brand Ambassador Walter Rohrl recently completed numerous test laps in a new high-performance version of the Cayenne Coupe SUV, at the Hockenheimring circuit.
In his assessment of its driving dynamics, he described the lightly camouflaged new Cayenne as a “great leap forward compared to everything that has gone before. He even said that it redefines the meaning of the term SUV.
Tighter chassis
According to Porsche, a host of enhancements have been incorporated into the chassis and control systems, alongside the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control active roll stabilisation system which also makes a major contribution to the stable handling of the new Cayenne model with a new, performance-oriented set-up.
“They were off-road vehicles that could be driven like sports cars – a real sensation at the time,” says Röhrl, when looking back at the first Cayenne generation, which had the internal designation ‘E1’.
With the new model, which is currently undergoing final testing and optimisation as part of development to series production maturity, Porsche aims to underline its claim to best-in-class performance once again.
Based on Cayenne Turbo Coupe
The focus for this derivative has been on exceptional on-road performance without neglecting driving comfort and everyday usability. It is based on the current Cayenne Turbo Coupé, but has been designed and developed even more single-mindedly to provide the ultimate in terms of longitudinal and lateral dynamics.
“The PDCC always keeps the body balanced and level even during very spirited cornering,” explains Porsche test driver Lars Kern, who has accompanied development of the high-performance model right from the start. Its handling is also improved by its comprehensively 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 tyres newly developed especially for this model,” says Kern, who recently invited Walter Röhrl to Hockenheim for the test drives.
Like a compact sports car
While the visual highlights of the new Cayenne were still largely hidden under black camouflage, Röhrl was already able to gain an in-depth impression of the outstanding driving dynamics potential of the new Cayenne model.
Accompanied by the emotive sound of the new titanium exhaust system, which is equipped with centrally positioned tailpipes, the brand ambassador drove lap after lap on the Hockenheimring and was very impressed afterwards: “The car remains incredibly stable even in fast corners, and its turn-in behaviour is extremely precise. More than ever, you have the feeling that you are sitting in a compact sports car rather than in a large SUV.”
