HANDLING
The handling course was essentially the same track layout but instead of the new Porsche 911, it would be with the big ones: the Cayenne E-Hybrid, Macan S, and Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo.
The Cayenne E-Hybrid starts off silently and is incredibly refined. Yet, when unleashed on the track, all those 462 hybrid ponies come alive and destroy distances in the blink of an eye. The bulk of the Cayenne is irrelevant on the straights but evident in the sharper bends.
Switching to the new Macan S, yet to arrive in India, meant it would be an all-new experience. The new 354-PS biturbo V6 petrol engine is more than enough for the sportier Macan to make short work of both straights and corners. After the Cayenne, the Macan felt more agile and much nimbler and was appreciably quicker while also changing direction with aplomb, and some tyre squeal.
Finally, after having enjoyed the Panamera Turbo back home, I got my hands on the Sport Turismo — yes, it’s a Porsche estate, but it’s blindingly quick and unbelievably agile everywhere. There’s no evidence of it being over two tonnes and a lot of factual evidence to prove that it is undoubtedly Porsche.
Need to Know: Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
Price: Rs 1.58 crore (ex-showroom)
Engine: 2,995 cc, V6, twin-turbo, direct injection, petrol
Max Power: 340 PS @ 5,300-6,400 rpm
Max Torque: 450 Nm @ 1,340-5,300 rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto, all-wheel drive
Battery Pack: 14.1-kWh, lithium-ion
E-motor: 100 kW
Max Output: 136 PS, 400 Nm
Combined Peak Output: 462 PS, 700 Nm
Suspension: Multi-link front and rear
Weight: 2,295 kg
Need to Know: Porsche Macan S
Price: Rs 95 lakh (estimated)
Engine: 2,995 cc, V6, twin-turbo, direct injection, petrol
Max Power: 354 PS @ 5,400-6,400 rpm
Max Torque: 480 Nm @ 1,360-4,800 rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed, dual-clutch auto, all-wheel drive
Suspension: Double wishbone front, trapezoidal link rear
Weight: 1,865 kg
Need to Know: Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo
Price: Rs 2.14 crore (ex-showroom)
Engine: 3,996 cc, V8, twin-turbo, direct injection, petrol
Max Power: 550 PS @ 5,750-6,000 rpm
Max Torque: 770 Nm @ 2,000-4,500 rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch auto, all-wheel drive
Suspension: Double wishbone front, multi-link rear
Weight: 2,035 kg
