- Porsche’s gas Cayenne was spotted testing in V6 and V8 E-Hybrid forms.
- A Turbo E-Hybrid prototype shows quad exhausts and a larger rear spoiler.
- The updated hybrid powertrains are expected with more power and range.
Porsche is busy rolling out its first fully electric Cayenne, but the gasoline version isn’t going quietly. Fresh spy shots show updated prototypes testing, proving the combustion and hybrid SUVs still have plenty of life left. This year’s update won’t be a radical reinvention but it could bring some real-world benefits.
Our photographers caught two separate prototypes pounding test miles. One looks like a regular Cayenne E-Hybrid or possibly the slightly hotter, more luxurious S E-Hybrid. The other is much harder to miss and appears to be the Turbo E-Hybrid, a performance SUV that already punches far above its ample weight.
More: Porsche’s Next Sedan Could Replace Both Panamera And Taycan
The more modest prototype keeps a grille that’s pretty close to today’s Cayenne. Nothing shocking there, which makes sense since Porsche already gave the SUV a substantial refresh for 2024. Camo over the headlights suggests a slightly different internal design, but the light units’ outer dimensions are unchanged.
GTS Cooling Slats
The Turbo E-Hybrid, though, has picked up a few tricks from Porsche’s sports cars. Most obvious are the vertical active cooling slats in the front bumper, a design already used on the latest 911 GTS and 911 Turbo S. If they work the same way, those slats close for smoother airflow and open when the engine needs extra cooling.
There are other clues that this is the big dog of the Cayenne family. Instead of the base hybrid’s dual exhausts, it gets a proper quad setup, which is always a reliable way to announce serious horsepower. The roof spoiler also looks slightly larger with either a raised, or pop-up, surface, giving the big SUV an even more aggressive stance.
The interior remains a mystery for now because these prototypes are keeping their cabins carefully hidden. Still, there’s a good chance Porsche could borrow the screen-heavy dashboard from the new Cayenne Electric. That model rides on a totally different platform, but Porsche loves spreading its latest tech around.
More Electric Miles
Under the hood the formula probably won’t change much. Expect a mix of V6 and V8 engines paired with plug-in hybrid assistance, just with a few extra horses and slightly longer electric ranges. Today’s Cayenne E-Hybrid already produces 464 hp (470 PS) from its electrically boosted 3.0 liter V6, hitting 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.9 seconds and covering roughly 50 miles (80 km) on electric power alone.
SH Proshots
At the other extreme sits the Turbo E-Hybrid with a 4.0 liter V8 delivering a massive 729 hp (739 PS). It storms to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds, though its EV range sits closer to 42 miles (68 km).
The Cayenne Electric is going to be a big deal for Porsche this year, given that it’s the first EV variant. But Porsche recently dialed back its EV efforts and promised to put into the gas-chewing models, and these hybrids (plus the non-hybrid, ICE-powered V6 and V8 Cayennes that’ll debut alongside them) have plenty of years left in the tank.
SH Proshots
