When it comes to the 2024 Porsche Cayenne Turbo, the main question is how you prefer your V-8 engine: natural or supplemented? The latest version of the Cayenne offers three options for the new twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine: the Cayenne S with 468 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid with 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, and the Turbo GT with a whopping 650 horsepower and 626 lb-ft of torque. It’s worth noting that this is the largest variety of V-8 engines offered on a single non-truck model for 2024.
Porsche made significant revisions to the V-8 engine in the 2024 Cayenne to enhance power and reduce emissions. However, the Turbo GT version does not incorporate electric power, which means it cannot be sold in Europe and most Asian markets due to stricter emission regulations. The changes to the V-8 engine include higher direct injection pressure to optimize combustion, variable valve lift to improve efficiency, and new electronic wastegates in the turbos that reduce emissions. The engine management system has also been improved, allowing for the use of more compact single-scroll turbochargers with better performance.
The 2024 Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid relies heavily on electric power from a larger 25.9 kWh battery pack and a more powerful 130-kw electric drive unit. The twin-turbo V-8 engine is only used at speeds above 84 mph, which led to a humorous comment from Dr. Christoph Oerleke, the product manager of the Cayenne, who mentioned that Germans frequently drive at such speeds.
On a racetrack outside Barcelona, the capabilities of the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid were put to the test. Equipped with various upgrades such as rear-wheel steering, active anti-roll bars, and carbon-ceramic brakes, the Turbo E-Hybrid showcased impressive performance. It reached 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, just shy of the Turbo GT’s 3.1 seconds, but made up for it with a quarter-mile time of 11.7 seconds. The Turbo E-Hybrid is the most powerful Cayenne ever thanks to its total system output of 729 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque.
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In terms of everyday driving, the changes to the 2024 Cayenne Turbo E were even more apparent and appreciated. Porsche encourages the use of the larger battery pack and electric motor on every start-up, defaulting to the electric mode known as E-Power. The presence of the electrified powertrain is not explicitly noticeable, but there are various display options that allow the driver to monitor the power delivery. The regenerative brake system functions smoothly and seamlessly transitions from electric to friction braking when the brake pedal is applied.
One interesting feature is the E-Trip meter, which tracks the distance covered in electric power. On a 39.9-mile loop, 11.7 miles were completed in electric mode, with an efficiency rating of 1.9 miles per kilowatt-hour. While this might not be particularly efficient compared to other electric vehicles, it is still more economical than using a gas engine alone.
Overall, the 2024 Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid offers exceptional performance on the track and in everyday driving, thanks to its combination of a powerful V-8 engine and electric motor. With the diverse range of V-8 options and improved efficiency, Porsche has once again delivered a standout SUV that showcases the brand’s commitment to performance and innovation.
