All the while, the engine's sound never becomes intrusive. The turbochargers leave little for an exhaust note, though a nice wail penetrates the cabin at higher revs. Some will wish for more sound effects, but the Turbo S is ultimately expert when it comes to the discreet delivery of enormous power output.
Of course, keeping your foot away from the floor is advisable, and the Cayenne Turbo S will effortlessly glide past slower traffic without even gearing down.
550 ponies, with backup
Output is backed by a set of incredible brakes that aren’t shy about clamping down with minimal pedal effort. The feel is precise, delivering an accurate feel of what’s going on between the rubber and the road.
Steering isn’t quite the same story, and the Cayenne might benefit from a heavier steering setup. It’s effortless to park and manoeuvre at low speeds, though it can feel vague at higher velocities. Even with the suspension on its stiffest setting, the Cayenne can feel startled when first pointed into a quick turn.
There’s wicked overall grip though—alongside flat cornering and a composed, clamped-down feeling at all times. Apparently, nobody told the Cayenne how big it is.
Big on discretion
Though distinctive looking when coming down the road, a close inspection is needed to uncover the telltale giveaways of this very special model.
The giant red brake calipers are one clue, as is the highly-vented front fascia. In back, there's an integrated hatch-spoiler and a set of monster quad exhaust tips that protrude an inch or so beyond the bumper. Cayenne Turbo S is also about the only vehicle you'll ever see that's got a rear splitter with a trailer hitch sticking out of it.
Playing nice
If you manage to get earth-shifting torque out of your system and drive gently, you’ll find the Cayenne surprisingly relaxing. It’s comfortable and roomy-- not to mention quiet. The rear sport-buckets fold flat for larger items, and most of the standard luxury SUV hardware is on board.
Gas mileage should average about 14.5L / 100km if you behave, but those with a penchant for giggle-eliciting bursts of acceleration will burn through premium fuel in a serious hurry. It’s the price to pay to get over 5,000 pounds of German steel moving this quickly.
Thing is, under a gentle right foot, compromises are minimal if not nonexistent. Despite the performance, this rocket-propelled sport utility is comfortable, spacious and relaxed enough for family use. That’s more than can be said for the performance coupe you’d otherwise need for thrills like these.
What’s the price of admission to the world’s fastest production SUV? The Cayenne Turbo S starts from $150,400. If you don’t need the rocket-thruster powerplant or speeding tickets, a more sensible Cayenne starts at about a third of that price.
photo:Justin Pritchard
Of course, keeping your foot away from the floor is advisable, and the Cayenne Turbo S will effortlessly glide past slower traffic without even gearing down.
550 ponies, with backup
Output is backed by a set of incredible brakes that aren’t shy about clamping down with minimal pedal effort. The feel is precise, delivering an accurate feel of what’s going on between the rubber and the road.
Steering isn’t quite the same story, and the Cayenne might benefit from a heavier steering setup. It’s effortless to park and manoeuvre at low speeds, though it can feel vague at higher velocities. Even with the suspension on its stiffest setting, the Cayenne can feel startled when first pointed into a quick turn.
There’s wicked overall grip though—alongside flat cornering and a composed, clamped-down feeling at all times. Apparently, nobody told the Cayenne how big it is.
 |
| If you manage to get earth-shifting torque out of your system and drive gently, you’ll find the Cayenne surprisingly relaxing. |
Big on discretion
Though distinctive looking when coming down the road, a close inspection is needed to uncover the telltale giveaways of this very special model.
The giant red brake calipers are one clue, as is the highly-vented front fascia. In back, there's an integrated hatch-spoiler and a set of monster quad exhaust tips that protrude an inch or so beyond the bumper. Cayenne Turbo S is also about the only vehicle you'll ever see that's got a rear splitter with a trailer hitch sticking out of it.
Playing nice
If you manage to get earth-shifting torque out of your system and drive gently, you’ll find the Cayenne surprisingly relaxing. It’s comfortable and roomy-- not to mention quiet. The rear sport-buckets fold flat for larger items, and most of the standard luxury SUV hardware is on board.
Gas mileage should average about 14.5L / 100km if you behave, but those with a penchant for giggle-eliciting bursts of acceleration will burn through premium fuel in a serious hurry. It’s the price to pay to get over 5,000 pounds of German steel moving this quickly.
Thing is, under a gentle right foot, compromises are minimal if not nonexistent. Despite the performance, this rocket-propelled sport utility is comfortable, spacious and relaxed enough for family use. That’s more than can be said for the performance coupe you’d otherwise need for thrills like these.
What’s the price of admission to the world’s fastest production SUV? The Cayenne Turbo S starts from $150,400. If you don’t need the rocket-thruster powerplant or speeding tickets, a more sensible Cayenne starts at about a third of that price.
photo:Justin Pritchard
Article Gallery