The ICE Cayenne Will Be Joined By An Impostor
The times are a-changing. Porsche development driver Lars Kern told Drive last year that Porsche had looked at the idea of simulated gear shift noises but decided against it, saying, “We figured there’s no reason to simulate what has been in the past.” Yet, a new report from Autocar says that Porsche has nonetheless made some concessions to the past, as Cayenne EV drivers will be able to activate a synthesized engine sound, including one that mimics the sound of “a genuine Porsche V8 engine.”
The recently introduced Hyundai Ioniq 6 N provides even more noise than the Ioniq 5 N, and that’s already one of the most exciting EVs ever made. Those cars wouldn’t be nearly as fun without fake shifts, but that may be a step too far for Stuttgart.
Still Lots To Learn About Cayenne EV
Porsche
The British publication rode shotgun up the Goodwood Hillclimb, and it gave no indication that the prototype had a simulated transmission. In addition, our recent spy shots of the Cayenne EV interior did not reveal shift paddles behind the Alcantara-clad steering wheel, despite the presence of a clock on the dash, signifying the Sport Chrono Package, otherwise known as the sportiest spec for any non-GT Porsche.
As much as Porsche can often work miracles with its cars, one can’t help but wonder how natural a combustion-inspired noise would sound without fake gear shifts – like a V8 connected to a bad CVT? That’s pretty much what the Dodge Charger Daytona sounds like.
Potential Power Outputs Look Promising
Related: Porsche Needs Manthey Racing Magic To Challenge China’s Nürburgring Record
Porsche hasn’t revealed much about the Cayenne EV besides that it’s taken the Shelsey Walsh hill climb record, that it will be capable of towing as much as 7,716 pounds, and that Porsche Active Ride will be available. 22-inch wheels have already been seen. We also expect a similar architecture to the Macan Electric, with three trims available. Although not yet confirmed, Autocar predicts more than 986 horsepower (1,000 metric horses) for the range-topping “Turbo” and up to 370 miles in the most efficient trim. 0-60 mph will be done and dusted in less than three seconds, with top speed limited to 155 mph, as is traditional for EVs.
Porsche hasn’t said exactly when to expect the Cayenne EV, but with so many public appearances, we know the camouflage will come off before the end of the year and in dealers early next as 2027 models. Since EVs are not yet broadly accepted, the combustion Cayenne will live on.
Porsche