Porsche has a habit of introducing new derivatives of its existing range that fans and buyers didn’t know they wanted. The Porsche GT3 is a prime example. Fans were crazy about the racy sportscar, until Porsche created the more covert GT3 Touring, which is the version many people now prefer. The latest example is the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, which debuted in the early hours of this morning.

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New look

The Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT is the new apex derivative of the current Cayenne line-up. It is, according to Porsche: a sporting hero: consistently set up for maximum performance and handling. Various upgrades have been made to the already quick and dynamic Cayenne Turbo (which we drove and reported on here).

Helping to set the Cayenne Turbo GT apart is a GT-specific front bumper with spoiler lip and larger side air intakes. A contoured carbon roof and black wheel arch extensions, carbon end plates fitted to the roof spoiler, the adaptively extendable rear spoiler lip and a diffuser panel made of carbon are other ways to tell it apart from its lower powered siblings.

More power

The headline change for the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT is an increase in power from the 4,0-litre twin-turbo V8. With 471 kW it has an additional 67 kW over the Cayenne Turbo Coupé. Maximum torque of 850 N.m reflects an 80 N.m increase. Those peak figures place the latest Cayenne in the same territory as the Lamborghini Urus (read our drive review here). 

Check out how quick the new 911 Turbo S is in independent testing.

The more powerful engine breathes through a sports exhaust system with central tailpipes. From the middle of the vehicle, the exhaust system, including the rear silencer, is made from titanium. A quicker-acting eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission and reprogrammed Porsche Traction Management (PTM) allow the newcomer to blitz the 0-100 km/h sprint in 3,3 seconds; top speed is 300 km/h. 

Better control

To deal with the added power there are several suspension and systems upgrades on the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT. These include recalibration of the three-chamber air suspension, retuning of the dampers, the adoption of rear-wheel steering and more control of the active roll stabilisation system. The Porsche Torque Vectoring system has also been reprogrammed for more dynamic responses. The Cayenne Turbo GT has model-specific 22-inch alloys shod with Pirelli P Zero Corsa performance tyres, specially developed for this car. These alloys cover standard-fit Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB).

Unique inside

Four individual bucket seats are a highlight of the cabin, these are eight-way adjustable in the front. Each has a GT-specific perforated centre section in Alcantara with contrasting details and ‘turbo GT’ lettering on the headrests. The multifunction sports steering wheel features a yellow 12 o’clock marker.

Pricing

R3 350 000 including a three-year/100 000km Driveplan