Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT Facelift Spied, Looks Ready To Conquer The Track

It is no secret that Porsche will soon unveil the facelifted Cayenne range, since during the past year we have seen plenty of spy shots of both the regular SUV, and its Coupe derivative. What we hadn’t seen though, is the performance flagship – the Cayenne Turbo GT – which made its spy debut at the Nurburgring flaunting its aggressive bodykit and active rear spoiler.

The Coupe-only Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT premiered in 2021, four years after the introduction of the third-gen Cayenne it is based on. However, with all of the other variants getting a visual and technological makeover, it would be unfair for the Turbo GT to be left behind, which is why Porsche opted for an early facelift.

The model will adopt the redesigned headlights we have already seen in earlier spy shots but is distinguished from lesser variants thanks to a unique bumper. Light camouflage is hiding some details but it is clear that the bumper intakes have grown compared to the outgoing Turbo GT, while the front splitter is more pronounced. The profile appears to be unchanged, featuring the same 22-inch alloy wheels and the fender extensions.

At the back, the SUV retains the roof-mounted carbon-fiber wing and the signature active rear spoiler which deploys at higher speeds for extra downforce. The bumper appears to be unchanged with the massive diffuser and the titanium dual exhaust pipes. The full-width LED taillights however are up for a makeover, currently hiding behind a layer of camouflage. Interior updates will be focused on the digital cockpit and possibly a revised shifter.

The Turbo GT is the fastest and quickest member of the Cayenne range, a title that is expected to retain. In the current model, the twin-turbo 4.0-liter engine produces 631 hp (471 kW / 640 PS) and 850 Nm (626 lb-ft) of torque, allowing a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 186 mph (297 km/h). According to the latest rumors, the same engine will be used in the facelifted Turbo which leaves room for improvement for the Turbo GT although nothing has been confirmed yet.

What is more important than power is the model-specific chassis setup of the model which is expected to be carried over. Lowered and firmer active air suspension, tuned electronics, active aerodynamics, rear-axle steering, revised torque vectoring, and beefier carbon composite brakes resulted in a lap time of 7:38.9 around the Nurburgring which is the fastest for any SUV. The facelifted model could improve this time a little bit further, in order to retain its record against the fierce competition.

The facelifted Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT is expected to debut together with the rest of the Cayenne range before the end of the year, as a 2023 model.