Two-time World Rally Champion and Porsche brand ambassador, Walter Röhrl, has been testing a camouflaged high-performance Cayenne prototype on the GP circuit of the Hockenheimring in Germany.
Following the test program and his assessment of the SUV’s driving dynamics, Röhrl described the vehicle as a “great leap forward compared to everything that has gone before. This car redefines the meaning of the term SUV”.
As the Cayenne completes its final testing program and optimization as part of its development to series production maturity, Porsche has set its sights on best-in-class performance – again. The focus for the vehicle was exceptional on-road performance without losing comfort and everyday usability. During development testing, Porsche’s own Dynamic Chassis Control active roll stabilization system (PDCC) gave the vehicle stable handling characteristics while maintaining a performance-oriented setup.
“The PDCC always keeps the body balanced and level even during very spirited cornering,” explained Porsche test driver, Lars Kern, who was involved in the testing and development of the SUV. “Compared with the Cayenne Turbo Coupé, the front rims are now half an inch wider, and negative camber has been increased by 0.45° in order to provide a larger contact area for the 22in sports tires newly developed especially for this model.”
Porsche states that Röhrl drove multiple laps of the Hockenheimring and has already gained an in-depth impression of the driving dynamics.
Röhrl commented, “The car remains incredibly stable even in fast corners, and its turn-in behavior is extremely precise. More than ever, you have the feeling that you are sitting in a compact sports car rather than in a large SUV.”