Used 2022 Porsche Cayenne Coupe for Sale nearIrvine, CA

When the Porsche Cayenne was introduced in 2002, the hearts of Porsche diehards subsequently broke. Stuttgart had jumped the shark, they claimed, and onto the then (and still) popular crossover SUV bandwagon for this was no 911, no 718, no sports car. Or was it? The Cayenne is still a Porsche, after all, and with nearly 800,000 sales under its belt, the mid-size SUV is the vehicle that pays the bills to keep model lines like the 911 going.

Being the German automaker’s best-seller, the Porsche Cayenne is available in two styles (standard and coupe) and two powertrains (gas and E-Hybrid). Trim options include the base model, S, GTS, Turbo, and Turbo S. The E-Hybrid is offered for base and Turbo S models only in either standard or coupe form.

All-new for 2022 is the Cayenne Turbo GT, which falls under the coupe lineup. Remember those Porsche diehards? Well, if they haven’t warmed up to the Cayenne yet, the Turbo GT might finally make them converts.

The new Cayenne Turbo GT features Porsche’s most powerful V8 to date. Its 4.0-liter twin-turbo pumps out a gloriously potent 631 horsepower and 626 pound-feet of torque -- enough to set a Nürburgring lap time record of 7:38.9 minutes. Yes, the Porsche Cayenne is officially the fastest SUV around the Nordschleife. If that’s not enough for bragging rights, its zero-to-60 mph time is estimated at 3.1 seconds, its quarter-mile was timed at 11.6 seconds, and its top speed is 186 mph.

More than just a Cayenne with a monster engine, the Turbo GT is equipped with a modified eight-speed automatic for faster shifting and a newly added water-cooled transfer case for more instant torque upfront. Additionally, the exclusive sports exhaust system is made of heat-resistant titanium and lacks a center muffler. This shaves approximately 40 pounds versus the Cayenne Turbo’s high-performance exhaust system.

Compared to the Cayenne Turbo, the Turbo GT rides on a 0.7-inch lower suspension and is up to 15 percent stiffer, depending on drive mode. For added stability and handling, all passive and active driving components and software have been recalibrated. This includes Porsche Active Suspension Management, Power Steering Plus, and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control systems.

Pirelli P Zero Corsa performance tires were developed specifically for the all-wheel-drive Cayenne Turbo GT. Its 22-inch wheels are one inch wider in the front than the Cayenne Turbo and feature a negative camber that has been increased by 0.45 degrees. With the larger rubber-and-rim set come bigger brakes, which are track-ready ceramic composites.

If its sound weren’t distinctive enough, the Cayenne Turbo GT adds more weight-saving bits to the exterior. All exclusive to the Turbo GT and all carbon fiber are the vehicle’s roof, rear diffuser cover, and rear spoiler side plates. Other exterior updates include center-flushed double exhaust tips, a redesigned front fascia with massive air intakes, black wheel arches, and an adaptive rear spoiler that is 25 mm larger than the Cayenne Turbo's. When optioned in the new Arctic Grey (for $3,150 extra), the Turbo GT appears even more aggressive.

A highlight of the Cayenne Turbo GT’s four-seat interior is more Alcantara surfaces. The standard sport seats feature perforated Alcantara, contrast stitching, and “turbo GT” headrest embroidery. A multifunction sports steering wheel is standard and features a yellow stripe at the 12 o’clock position. In terms of infotainment, the Turbo GT is equipped with the next-generation Porsche Communication Management (PCM) 6.0 system. Previously compatible with Apple CarPlay, PCM 6.0 now offers additional Apple integration for music and podcasts as well as compatibility with Android Auto-equipped smartphones.

The 2022 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT goes on sale in Germany next month but will arrive in the U.S. early next year. Pricing starts at $180,800 (excluding $1,350 destination fee).