The Porsche Cayenne Turbo S (955, facelift 2007) represents the pinnacle of performance for the first-generation Cayenne SUV, produced from 2008 to 2010. Positioned as the flagship model, it offered a substantial increase in power and luxury compared to the base Cayenne and even the Turbo variant. This model year benefitted from the mid-cycle facelift (955.2) which included revised styling, updated interior features, and improvements to the powertrain. The Turbo S was Porsche’s answer to demands for an even more potent and exclusive Cayenne, aimed at buyers seeking uncompromising performance in a luxury SUV package. It was a key model in establishing the Cayenne’s reputation as a high-performance vehicle capable of challenging established sports car brands.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Porsche |
| Model | Cayenne |
| Generation | Cayenne (955, facelift 2007) |
| Type (Engine) | Turbo S 4.8 V8 (550 Hp) AWD Tiptronic S |
| Start of production | 2008 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 22.5 l/100 km (10.5 US mpg, 12.6 UK mpg, 4.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 10.5 l/100 km (22.4 US mpg, 26.9 UK mpg, 9.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 14.9 l/100 km (15.8 US mpg, 19 UK mpg, 6.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 358 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 280 km/h (173.98 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.3 kg/Hp, 233.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.1 kg/Nm, 318.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 550 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 114.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 750 Nm @ 2250 rpm (553.17 lb.-ft. @ 2250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M48.51 |
| Engine displacement | 4806 cm3 (293.28 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 96 mm (3.78 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Twin-Turbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 8.5 l (8.98 US qt | 7.48 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 18 l (19.02 US qt | 15.84 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2355 kg (5191.89 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3080 kg (6790.24 lbs.) |
| Max load | 725 kg (1598.35 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 540 l (19.07 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1770 l (62.51 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 100 l (26.42 US gal | 22 UK gal) |
| Length | 4795 mm (188.78 in.) |
| Width | 1928 mm (75.91 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2200 mm (86.61 in.) |
| Height | 1696 mm (66.77 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2855 mm (112.4 in.) |
| Front track | 1641 mm (64.61 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1656 mm (65.2 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 215-271 mm (8.46 – 10.67 in.) |
| Approach angle | 28.5-31.8° |
| Departure angle | 22.3-25.4° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 20-24.7° |
| Wading depth | 500-555 mm (19.69 – 21.85 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission Tiptronic S |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 295/35 R21 |
| Wheel rims size | 10J x 21 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Cayenne Turbo S is the M48.51 engine, a 4.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8. This engine builds upon the 4.5-liter V8 used in the standard Turbo model, but with significant enhancements. These include larger turbochargers, a revised engine management system, and strengthened internal components. The engine utilizes direct fuel injection (DFI) to maximize combustion efficiency and power output. The DFI system injects fuel directly into the combustion chamber, allowing for precise control of the air-fuel mixture. The valvetrain employs double overhead camshafts (DOHC) with four valves per cylinder, optimizing airflow for increased performance. The engine produces 550 horsepower at 6000 rpm and a substantial 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque, available from a low 2250 rpm. This broad torque curve contributes to the Cayenne Turbo S’s impressive acceleration. The engine is paired with Porsche’s Tiptronic S six-speed automatic transmission. This transmission offers both fully automatic operation and manual gear selection via steering wheel-mounted paddles, providing the driver with greater control.
Driving Characteristics
The Cayenne Turbo S delivers a driving experience markedly different from its siblings. The increased power and torque translate into significantly faster acceleration – 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 174 mph. The Tiptronic S transmission is well-matched to the engine, providing smooth and responsive gear changes. While the Cayenne is a large and heavy vehicle, the Turbo S feels surprisingly agile and composed, thanks to its powerful engine and sophisticated suspension system. Compared to the standard Cayenne or even the Turbo, the Turbo S offers a more visceral and engaging driving experience. The manual shift mode allows drivers to exploit the engine’s powerband, while the standard air suspension provides a comfortable ride without sacrificing handling precision. The all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent traction in all weather conditions.
Equipment & Trim Levels
As the range-topping model, the Cayenne Turbo S came standard with a comprehensive list of features. Interior appointments included premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with memory function, a Bose surround sound system, and a navigation system. Standard exterior features included 21-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, and a panoramic sunroof. Optional extras included adaptive cruise control, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), and various customization options for interior trim and exterior paint. The interior typically featured carbon fiber trim accents and unique badging to distinguish it from other Cayenne models.
Chassis & Braking
The Cayenne Turbo S features a fully independent suspension system, with double wishbones at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. Standard equipment included Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which allows the driver to adjust the damping characteristics of the suspension. Large ventilated disc brakes are fitted to all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The braking system is further enhanced by Porsche Stability Management (PSM), which helps to maintain control during emergency maneuvers. The Cayenne Turbo S also features a speed-sensitive power steering system for precise and responsive handling.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Cayenne Turbo S was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its exceptional performance and luxurious features. However, its high price tag and relatively poor fuel economy were often cited as drawbacks. Compared to the standard Cayenne and Turbo models, the Turbo S offered a significant performance upgrade, but at a considerable cost. It competed with other high-performance luxury SUVs, such as the BMW X5 M and the Range Rover Sport Supercharged. The Turbo S’s fuel economy, averaging around 16 mpg combined, was notably lower than that of the base Cayenne or the Turbo.
Legacy
The Cayenne Turbo S (955) remains a desirable vehicle in the used car market, particularly among Porsche enthusiasts. While maintenance costs can be higher than those of more mainstream SUVs, the Turbo S offers a unique combination of performance, luxury, and exclusivity. The M48.51 engine, while powerful, is known to require diligent maintenance, particularly regarding the cooling system and turbochargers. However, well-maintained examples can provide years of reliable service. The Turbo S played a crucial role in establishing the Cayenne as a credible performance SUV and paved the way for future high-performance variants.
