The driving dynamics of the Cayenne Turbo GT have been comprehensively set up to sports car standards and designed with the potential for track use in mind. This starts with the car's centre of gravity: compared with the panoramic glass roof usually installed on all Cayenne Coupé models, the carbon roof saves around 22 kg at the highest point on the car. The lighter roof not only reduces the overall weight of the vehicle, it also lowers its centre of gravity – so important for driving dynamics – and reduces body roll. This effect is reinforced by the car riding 17 mm lower than the Cayenne Turbo Coupé. This creates the prerequisites for outstanding driving dynamics. Both the passive chassis components and the active control systems have been modified to this end in order to achieve optimum performance and handling. The way that the components and systems interact has also been configured especially for the Turbo GT.
The new sporty Cayenne flagship has every active system for enhancing driving performance offered in the product line fitted as standard. In addition to the adaptive three-chamber air suspension with Porsche Active Stability Management (PASM), Power steering Plus, the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) adaptive roll compensation system, rear axle steering and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) are all fitted as standard.
Performance tyres specifically developed for lateral dynamics
The basis for the new set-up was provided by the 22-inch Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres developed especially for the Cayenne Turbo GT. Compared with the 21-inch performance tyres that are already available as an option on all Cayenne models, these offer even more grip, are balanced for enhanced performance and reduce understeer. On the front axle, the flange-to-flange rim width is now 10.5 inches – one inch wider than the standard Cayenne Turbo wheels and 0.5 inches wider than the optional 22-inch GT Design wheels of the Cayenne Turbo Coupé. The front 285/35 ZR22 tyres can therefore transfer increased cornering forces, and the Turbo GT turns in more precisely and allows higher lateral acceleration. This increased cornering grip is supported by 0.45 degrees more negative camber. The chassis specialists have extended the limit range along with the tyre size and camber setting: during extensive testing, they ensured that the wheels clear the arches during even the most dynamic driving manoeuvres. The actively steering rear axle delivers the lion's share of the power via 315/30 ZR22 tyres.
Systematic coordination with all active systems
In order to optimally handle the higher loads, the rigidity of the air suspension has been increased in all three stages. The system is approximately ten per cent firmer in Normal mode, and approximately 15 per cent more so in Sport Plus mode. This has made it necessary to also adapt the damper characteristics, which are now significantly firmer at the front. As a result, the higher roll stability, better roadholding and more precise turn-in behaviour permit higher cornering speeds. In addition, longer helper springs have been installed, which also reduce pitching and roll movements. On the rear axle, stiffer damper mounts ensure a more sensitive response.
When setting up the running gear, the goal was to fully exploit the dynamic potential of the Turbo GT in Sport Plus mode, while still generating the harmonious chassis characteristics typical for Porsche. The set-up guarantees that the driver has the feeling that the car offers a pleasant ride in Normal mode, despite the distinctly firm chassis settings.
The sporty chassis set-up is supplemented by the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) electro-mechanical anti-roll stabilisation system, which features adapted control software. The system adapts the torsional rigidity of the anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles within a few milliseconds, thereby actively supporting the vehicle's body. At lateral acceleration of up to 0.8 g, any body lean in a Cayenne Turbo GT with two occupants is suppressed. This also controls the load on the tyres and prevents early slip on the inside wheels.
Handling like a compact sports car
The steering systems have also been updated, with increased feedback from the front-axle steering to ensure that the driver receives even more precise information about the driving situation and road conditions. The changed set-up does not have any influence on the steering forces and steering comfort. Thanks to its standard rear-axle steering, the Cayenne Turbo GT turns in without delay and builds up lateral acceleration at the rear axle much sooner. Both axles steer in the same direction at higher speeds. This function has been modified on the Turbo GT in order to exploit the potential of the specially designed sport tyres. The effect is a further increase in driving stability, which is particularly evident on high-speed sections of race circuits. The adapted Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) supports turn-in behaviour with targeted brake interventions and ensures better traction when accelerating out of bends thanks to the fully variable differential lock. This completely new system set-up ensures that the Cayenne Turbo GT feels much smaller and lighter from the driving seat.
To match its distinctly dynamic performance, the Cayenne Turbo GT has the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system. The grip potential of the sporty tyres has made it possible to achieve even more exact ABS interventions. This precise control at the slip limit is especially advantageous when braking into corners on a racetrack. The Cayenne Turbo GT exploits the limit of the factory-fitted tyres so that the Coupé is not just very fast, but also very easy to drive.
Wide range of assistance systems
Porsche offers a comprehensive range of driver assistance systems for the new Cayenne Turbo GT, which were developed for the complete Cayenne range. Increased safety and greater comfort on journeys are ensured by the warning and braking assist system, Night Vision Assist, Lane Change Assist and Lane Keeping Assist with Traffic Sign Recognition as well as Porsche InnoDrive with Adaptive Cruise Control. Remote Park Assist, Park Assist with Surround View and front and rear Park Assist with rear-view camera make it easier to park in tight spaces, manoeuvre in multi-storey car parks and drive into garages.
