Porsche Cayenne vs Audi R8 drag race shows how quick SUVs have become

Updated Aug 31, 2022 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

The Cayenne redefines what an SUV is.

A sports utility vehicle, commonly known as SUV, is seen as the ideal vehicle for individuals that need generous cargo and cabin space. SUVs are also considered to be a vehicle that is built to take on tough terrain. But new performance SUVs prove that this type of vehicle can go head-to-head with even some of the most recognized supercars available today.

Porsche Cayenne vs Audi R8

YouTube channel Carwow demonstrated just that as it raced the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT against the Audi R8. It would be handy to know that the Turbo GT is the model’s most performance-ready variant, putting out 640 horsepower and 850 Nm of torque with its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 gasoline engine.

The competition is the Audi R8, a two-seater mid-engine supercar deemed as the automaker’s most powerful model. It is powered by a 5.2-liter naturally-aspirated gasoline engine capable of generating 570 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque. Comparing the numbers alone, it seems like we have a clear winner already.

Porsche Cayenne front view

Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT

For all three 1/4-mile (0.4 kilometers) drag race rounds, the Porsche Cayenne took the victory. Although the R8 was managing to close the gap as the finish line nears, the German SUV still held comfortable leads. The Cayenne completed the standing quarter mile in 11.3 seconds, while its opponent did it in 11.4 seconds.

One can say that the Cayenne's use of an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system gave it a huge advantage over the R8’s rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration. A car is at its heaviest on a standstill, making AWD the ideal go-to for drag races as it spins all four wheels. To note, the German supercar is also available with an AWD as an option.

Audi R8 front view

Audi R8

But when it comes to a rolling race, in which the two cars start at 80 km/h, the Audi R8 showed up big time, beating the SUV twice. In this type of race setting, the car with the higher top speed will likely end up the victor. As for the Carwow test, the Audi R8 boasts a higher top speed which is rated around 320 km/h.

Regardless, the Porsche Cayenne managed to put on a show, asserting that SUVs can run go alongside even the fastest cars. Meanwhile, if you are looking for an SUV that has pushed the envelope, the Aston Martin DBX707 is hailed as the most powerful SUV in the market today, screaming 707 horsepower and 900 Nm of torque.

See more car race results like this at Philkotse.com.

Know more about Porsche Cayenne 2024

Porsche Cayenne

The Porsche Cayenne is a luxury midsize crossover that has been in the German automaker's lineup since 2002. It is offered in the Philippines in six variants, while the pricing is available upon request. Under the hood, Porsche Philippines is offering three engine options. First is the 2.9-liter V6 Biturbo good for 434 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque, while the second option is a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that makes 336 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. Lastly, a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 is offered, which delivers maximum power of 631 horsepower and 850 Nm of torque. Both the 3.0-liter V6 and 4.0-liter V8 engines can be paired to a 100 kW electric motor for the hybrid variants. All of which are connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Dimensions-wise, the Cayenne measures 4,918 mm long, 1,997 mm wide, and 1,696 mm high. Meanwhile, the Coupe version is 4,931 mm in length, 1,997 mm in width, and 1,676 mm in height. In the local market, the German luxury midsize crossover competes against the likes of the BMW X5, Audi Q8, and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.

Price available upon request

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Rex Sanchez

Rex Sanchez

Author

Rex Sanchez grew up in Saudi Arabia where he saw and got into the automotive scene. He started his career for an aviation company in the said region, writing about turbines and rotors which are later distributed for educational purposes. And now, he joined Philkotse.com as a staff writer. Currently, he is the youngest on the team and is more than ready to grow in the field.

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