The Porsche Cayenne II Turbo S, produced from 2013 to 2014, represented the pinnacle of performance within the second-generation Cayenne (958) model range. Positioned as the flagship variant, it offered a substantial increase in power and luxury compared to the base Cayenne and even the Turbo model. Built on the Volkswagen Group’s PL71 platform, shared with the Audi Q7 and Volkswagen Touareg, the Turbo S aimed to deliver a sports car experience within the body of a luxury SUV. This model year saw refinements to both the engine and transmission, solidifying its status as a high-performance contender in the burgeoning luxury SUV segment.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Porsche |
| Model | Cayenne |
| Generation | Cayenne II |
| Type (Engine) | Turbo S 4.8 V8 (550 Hp) Tiptronic |
| Start of production | 2013 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 15.8 l/100 km (14.9 US mpg, 17.9 UK mpg, 6.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 8.4 l/100 km (28 US mpg, 33.6 UK mpg, 11.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 11.5 l/100 km (20.5 US mpg, 24.6 UK mpg, 8.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 270 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 283 km/h (175.85 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4 kg/Hp, 248.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3 kg/Nm, 338.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 550 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 114.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 750 Nm @ 2250-4500 rpm (553.17 lb.-ft. @ 2250-4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M48.52 |
| 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.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Twin-Turbo, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 9.5 l (10.04 US qt | 8.36 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2215 kg (4883.24 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2880 kg (6349.31 lbs.) |
| Max load | 665 kg (1466.07 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 670 l (23.66 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1780 l (62.86 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 85 l (22.45 US gal | 18.7 UK gal) |
| Length | 4846 mm (190.79 in.) |
| Width | 1939 mm (76.34 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2155 mm (84.84 in.) |
| Height | 1705 mm (67.13 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2895 mm (113.98 in.) |
| Front track | 1655 mm (65.16 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1669 mm (65.71 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 215 mm (8.46 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.36 |
| Approach angle | 26° |
| Departure angle | 24.5° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 20° |
| Wading depth | 500-555 mm (19.69 – 21.85 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission Tiptronic |
| 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 | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 295/35 R21 |
| Wheel rims size | 10J x 21 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Cayenne Turbo S lies the M48.52 engine, a 4.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8. This engine is a significant evolution of Porsche’s V8 architecture, featuring direct fuel injection and variable valve timing. The twin turbochargers, strategically positioned within the V of the engine, minimize turbo lag and deliver a broad, flat torque curve. The engine produces 550 horsepower at 6000 rpm and a substantial 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque available from a low 2250 rpm all the way to 4500 rpm. This power is managed by an eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission, which allows for both fully automatic operation and manual gear selection via steering wheel-mounted paddles. The Tiptronic S transmission was specifically tuned for quicker shifts and more responsive performance in the Turbo S model.
Driving Characteristics
The Cayenne Turbo S delivers a remarkably potent driving experience. The combination of the powerful V8 engine and the eight-speed transmission results in blistering acceleration – 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 175.85 mph. The Tiptronic S transmission’s gear ratios are optimized for both acceleration and highway cruising. While the standard Cayenne models offered a more comfortable and fuel-efficient ride, the Turbo S prioritized performance. The suspension, while still providing a reasonable level of comfort, was firmer and more controlled, minimizing body roll during cornering. Compared to the standard Turbo model, the Turbo S offered a noticeably more aggressive throttle response and a more engaging driving experience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Cayenne Turbo S came standard with a comprehensive list of luxury and performance features. Interior appointments included leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with memory function, a premium sound system, and a panoramic sunroof. Standard technology included Porsche’s Communication Management (PCM) system with navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. Optional extras included adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and a variety of interior trim options. The exterior was distinguished by unique front and rear fascia designs, larger wheels, and distinctive badging.
Chassis & Braking
The Cayenne Turbo S featured a fully independent suspension system, with double wishbones at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) was standard, allowing the driver to adjust the damping characteristics to suit their preferences. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs on all four wheels, with larger rotors and more powerful calipers compared to the base Cayenne. Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) were available as an option, offering even greater stopping power and fade resistance. The Cayenne Turbo S also featured Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), which enhanced handling by selectively braking individual rear wheels during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Cayenne Turbo S was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its exceptional performance, luxurious interior, and surprisingly agile handling for a vehicle of its size. However, its high price tag and relatively poor fuel economy were often cited as drawbacks. Compared to the standard Cayenne and the Turbo model, the Turbo S offered a significant performance upgrade, but at a considerable cost. The Turbo S also competed with other high-performance luxury SUVs, such as the BMW X5 M and the Range Rover Sport Supercharged.
Legacy
The 2013-2014 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S remains a desirable vehicle in the used car market, particularly among enthusiasts seeking a high-performance luxury SUV. The M48.52 engine, while complex, has proven to be relatively reliable when properly maintained. Common maintenance items include regular oil changes, spark plug replacements, and inspection of the turbochargers. The Tiptronic S transmission is also generally durable, but requires fluid changes at the recommended intervals. The Cayenne Turbo S represents a significant achievement in Porsche’s engineering prowess, successfully blending the performance of a sports car with the practicality of an SUV.
