Porsche Introduces Most Powerful SUV Ever: Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid

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Porsche will make doubters rethink the hybrid with this 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 powered Cayenne tearing it up with 670 horsepower. 

Remember when hybrids first appeared on the scene? It seemed as if everyone thought, sure it’s great for fuel efficiency, but it just won’t feel like a car, it won’t drive like a car. Well, Porsche has effectively shut down any reservations with the announcement of the three new additions to their lineup: the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupe, and Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe.

The Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid and Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupe are the most powerful Cayenne model ever. Porsche utilitzed plug-in hybrid technology to enhance its performance, while keeping the cars true Porsche DNA through and through. Both new models will arrive as part of the 2020 model year, in addition to the the 2020 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe.

Appearance 

All three models bear distinctive Acid Green coloring around their badges, and on their brake calipers. The Sport Chrono Package, which includes a mode switch featuring the Sport Response button, is also standard on all three vehicles. In the case of the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, the same active roof spoiler found on the Cayenne Turbo is able to make aerodynamic adjustments with five different positions depending on a variety of factors including speed and drive mode.

The Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupe and Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe also share the same design as other Cayenne Coupe derivative models. The roofline is 0.78 inches lower and there is an increase in rear track width of 0.70 inches to create a more muscular appearance and stance. For all Cayenne Coupe models, Porsche combined a fixed spoiler above the rear window with a new adaptive rear spoiler below it. The adaptive spoiler extends by 5.3 inches at speeds of 56 mph and up to enhance aerodynamic stability.

Performance 

Powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine making 541 horsepower, combined with a 134-horsepower electric motor; the Turbo S E-Hybrid produces a total system output of 670 horsepower with 663 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor sits between the gasoline engine and the eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission, allowing the respective power sources to propel the vehicle in combination or independently, depending on the selected drive mode.

Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive is standard equipment on all Cayenne models including the newly announced versions. The electric motor is connected to a 14.1 kWh lithium ion battery offering 30 percent more energy capacity than the battery used in previous generation plug-in hybrid Cayenne models. The same battery is used in other current plug-in hybrid Cayenne models.

The new Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid and Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupe models can go from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds, with a top track speed of 183 mph. Pretty impressive!

Interior

As expected, the interior offers a number of luxe details and top of the line amenities. 18-way Adaptive Sport Seats are standard. The seating layout for the standard body style includes a rear bench seat with three seating positions. By contrast, the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupe and Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe feature two seating positions with separated individual bucket seats. For those customers who wish to take advantage of three rear seating positions, the rear bench seat design from the standard body is available to customers as a no-cost option. The rear seats in the coupe sit lower to offset the Coupe roofline.

The same Lightweight Sport Package versions associated with the other Cayenne Coupe models are also available to the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupe and Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe. New changes include: a carbon fiber roof, 22-inch GT Design Wheels, the Sport Design Package, the Carbon Interior Package, a Heated Multifunction Sport Steering Wheel in Alcantara, an Alcantara roof liner, black and silver Houndstooth seat centers, and various exterior body parts in carbon fiber.

Additional Details

The Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe combines the same 3.0-liter single-turbo V6 and electric motor as the standard Cayenne E-Hybrid; with 455 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. With the Sport Chrono Package, a 0-60 mph spint is only 4.7 seconds, and a top track speed of 157 mph.

Thankfully, the wait won’t be too long, as the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupe, and Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe are all expected to reach U.S. Porsche dealerships in the beginning of 2020.

Photos: Porsche

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S.J. Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.