Melbourne. The second most powerful Porsche ever homologated for road use has just been announced.

The new Porsche Cayenne Turbo S – with 383 kW of power at 5500 rpm and 720 Nm of torque from 2750–3750 rpm from its enhanced biturbo 4.5-litre V8 engine – is second only to the Carrera GT as the most powerful production model Porsche ever built.

With an extra 52 kW and 100 Nm over the “regular” Cayenne Turbo model, the new Turbo S variant’s truly outstanding road performance is reflected in a 0–100 km/h sprint time of 5.2 secs, acceleration from 80–120 km/h in fifth gear in 5.4 secs for superior overtaking, and a top speed of 270 km/h.

This performance gain is achieved through upgraded and more efficient intercoolers, increasing turbo boost pressure by 0.2 bar (to a maximum of 1.9 bar) and modifying the 4.5-litre biturbo V8’s engine management system.

Larger and superior brakes are fitted to the Turbo S to complement the higher performance levels. Brake discs now measure 380 mm at the front (up 30 mm over the Turbo) and 358 mm at the rear (up 28 mm). The specially designed brake discs also provide greater brake cooling, allowing 10 per cent more heat dissipation.

The extra performance brings no penalty to fuel consumption; the Turbo S matching the “regular” Turbo model’s fuel usage in the EEC testing cycles while fully complying with the EU4 emission standard.

Subtle differences distinguish the new Cayenne Turbo S, namely: 20-inch SportTechno wheels, quad tailpipes, Turbo S badging inside and out, and a new Navy Blue Metallic exterior colour exclusive to this high-end model. The special 275/40 tyres on the Cayenne Turbo S are rated for speeds up to 300 km/h.

The inherent characteristics of the Cayenne’s permanent four-wheel drive chassis allow the Turbo S variant to cope with the extra performance. The well-balanced and efficient power distribution is ensured by Porsche Traction Management (PTM) conveying 62 per cent of the engine’s power to the rear wheels and 38 per cent to the front wheels in its basic mode.

With the system able to detect via sensors the need for a modified distribution of power when required, PTM responds instantaneously, ensuring a very high level of maximum grip and active safety.

And at the same time, PTM gives every model in the Cayenne range excellent traction and pulling force even in difficult terrain; activating the longitudinal lock and, if necessary, the optional transverse lock at the rear whenever required. The incorporation of adjustable air springs and constantly superior damping and shock absorption through Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) bestows the Turbo S with exceptional body control.

The Cayenne Turbo S will be sold in Australia in limited numbers. Pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle’s launch before mid-2006. 

Specification highlights

Body: Unitary lightweight all-steel bodyshell

Aerodynamics: Drag coefficient Cd = 0.39

Power unit: Eight-cylinder in V-arrangement, four overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, infinite camshaft adjustment (VarioCam), two exhaust gas turbochargers, two intercoolers, multipoint fuel injection
 
Capacity:   4511 cc

Engine power: 383 kW at 5500 rpm

Engine torque: 720 Nm from 2750 – 3750 rpm

0 – 100 km/h: 5.2 secs

Top speed: 270 km/h

1/9/2006