Porsche Cayenne Turbo E Hybrid GT Package: Running Shoes For Porsche's Heavy Hybrid SUV

As the new range-topping Cayenne is slower than the outgoing model, can the GT Package infuse much-needed athleticism?

by Dimitar Angelov on September 26, 2024, 08:00

About 20 years ago, Porsche raised a few eyebrows by introducing its first SUV – the Cayenne. This exercise paid off big time since this high-riding Porsche is widely viewed as the model responsible for saving the German automaker from bankruptcy. Fast-forward to 2024 and the two best-selling Porsche models are still SUVs, i.e. the Cayenne and its smaller sibling, the Macan. The Cayenne was recently updated, but its range-topping Turbo E Hybrid model seems a bit puzzling to me.

For 2024, the range-topping Cayenne hybrid is heavier and slower, but Porsche believes it can make up for that by introducing the GT Package. Not that many Cayenne owners would take their SUV off-roading, but the GT Package is geared for maximum on-road performance. What I wanted to find out is, if this is enough to give this hefty Cayenne that much-needed dose of athleticism owing to the added weight, or if are you better off sticking with the non-hybrid models. Let’s find out.

How much better is the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E Hybrid with the GT Package?

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By adding the GT Package to the Cayenne Turbo GT, Porsche wants to give us the sportiest possible version of the hybrid SUV. Regardless of whether you choose the standard, passive suspension or the optional adaptive air-ride, Porsche’s GT Package optimizes both setups for better lateral acceleration and makes sure the big SUV feels more composed under hard acceleration. Porsche also says you now get more steering feel from the front wheels, partially thanks to a negative camber of 0.58 degrees, which improves grip. The GT Package also includes the speed-sensitive Porsche Power Steering Plus as standard.

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The front wheels are also 1.0 inches wider than the standard 21-inch wheels and 0.5 inches wider than the optional 22-inch wheels. In short, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E Hybrid GT Package adds a comprehensive array of improvements that go way beyond a more aggressive styling. The brains at Porsche have recalibrated everything system (standard and optional), including lowering the suspension, to make the big, heavy SUV feel lighter on its feet. This includes the following features:

Features	Porsche Cayenne Turbo E Hybrid GT Package
Bodywyrok	Carbon-fiber roof, carbon-fiber fixed ducktail spoiler, adaptive (upper) rear spoiler, carbon-fiber side mirrors, matt black accents, HD Matrix LED headlights, center dual exhaust, carbon-fiber rear diffuser, gloss black door handles with keyless entry, a third brake light relocated under the rear privacy glass
Interior	Extended Alcantara inserts on the upper dashboard, steering wheel, shifter, grab handles, and roofline, including A, B, and C pillars, armrests, upper door trim, seat centerpieces, contrast stitching in Neodyne or Arctic Gray, Turgo GT embroidery on headrests that matches the seatbelts, carbon trim, 30-20-30 folding rear seats, cargo capacity of 25-53 cubic feet
Drivetrain and suspension	Sport Chrono with Launch control, 22-inch Turbo GT wheels wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero Corsa, wider front wheels - 285/40 ZR22, 315/35 ZR22 rear, Carbon Ceramic Brakes (PCCB) with 410 mm front and 365 mm rear rotors and yellow, 10-piston calipers, GT-specific suspension settings, 10 mm lower suspension, 0.58 degrees of negative camber, GT-specific traction control calibration, GT-specific rear-axle steering (if equipped), adaptive Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC),

Has Porsche’s GT Package transformed the heavy Cayenne Turbo E Hybrid?

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Yes and no. It is true that very few carmakers can make a heavy car feel light. Porsche is certainly a pioneer in this endeavor as testified by the heavyweight Porsche Panamera Turbo E Hybrid, which turned out to be the fastest four-door sedan around the Nordschleife. The Porsche Taycan Turbo GT is another great example as it matches the pace of the track-focused 718 Cayman GT4 RS, but what about Porsche’s big SUV?

The Cayenne Turbo E Hybrid GT Package replaces the Cayenne Turbo GT in the markets where it is no longer available. The Cayenne Turbo E Hybrid is the fastest version of Porsche’s big SUV, capable of reaching 189 mph (306 km/h). However, this only tells part of the story. The Cayenne Turbo GT is a much lighter version of the Cayenne, which sadly isn’t available in most markets anymore. A non-EU version of the Cayenne Turbo GT is even less restricted due to some markets still allowing models without OPF (on-board particulate filter), which unlocks extra power.

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The GT Package sheds more than 220 pounds off the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E Hybrid’s 5,721-pound curb weight. That’s still around 600 pounds more than the non-hybrid Cayenne Turbo GT, which sits at 4,894 pounds, allowing for a 0 to 60 mph time that’s very close to the 992.2 Carrera 4 GTS, equipped with the T-Hybrid powertrain. Porsche claims 3.5 seconds for this model, but we know the company often downplays its figures.

Can the GT Package drop a few tenths off the 0 to 60 mph acceleration time? Tuners like Friedrich Performance are still choosing to upgrade to the non-hybrid Turbo GT as it is the most athletic version of the Cayenne. Further testing will help us discover whether the GT Package can squeeze much-needed oomph from the Cayenne Turbo E Hybrid. With what we know so far, this is how the Turbo E Hybrid and the Cayenne Turbo GT stack up.

Performance specifications	Porsche Cayenne Turbo E Hybrid GT Package	Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT
Engine	4.0-liter, DOHC, twin-turbo V-8 + 1 e-Motor	4.0-liter, DOHC, twin-turbo V-8
Power	729 hp at 5,500-6,800 RPM	631 hp at 6,000 RPM
Torque	700 lb-ft at 900-5,130 RPM	627 lb-ft at 2,300-4,500 RPM
Transmission	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Electric range	43.5-45.5 miles	N//A
Battery	25.9 kWh Lithium-ion	N/A
Curb weight	approx. 5,500 lbs	4,894 lbs
0-60 mph	TBA	3.1 seconds
Top speed	189 mph	186 mph

How much does Porsche’s GT Package for the Cayenne Turbo E Hybrid cost?

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Looking at the Porsche configurator, there are a few iterations of the GT Package, depending on the exterior finish and whether or not you want to combine it with the Premium Package Plus. To make the hybrid Cayenne Turbo more athletic, you must spend an additional $15,560 or $19,060 if you want more carbon fiber. The more expensive packages will set you back $20,830.

Dimitar Angelov

Dim has been an automotive journalist since 2014. Although he is interested in all things automotive, his main interests revolve around, Asian, classic, and sports cars. He is particularly fond of Porsche sports cars as well as JDM classics from Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and others. Dim operates mainly from Bulgaria, but can, occasionally, be seen attending Europe's most reputable Auto shows, and events. Read full bio