Porsche shows off electric Cayenne prototype’s capabilities

The SUV will be offered in gasoline-only, hybrid and electric powertrains until at least 2030.

Porsche Cayenne Electric prototype at Shelsley Walsh Speed Hill Climb — *A camouflaged Porsche Cayenne Electric prototype was driven on the Shelsley Walsh Speed Hill Climb course. – Porsche AG photo*

Porsche is giving the world a glimpse at the capabilities of its upcoming battery-electric Cayenne SUV.

The automaker brought a prototype of its Cayenne Electric, wearing camouflage, to the Shelsley Walsh Speed Hill Climb recently.

The hill climb in Worcestershire, England has been running since 1905 and is one of the oldest motorsports events in the world.

While the Porsche Cayenne Electric wasn’t competing in the event, Porsche said the prototype was able to post some serious performance figures on the hill.

Driver Gabriela Jílková drove the prototype up the hill, which has a gradient of up to 16.7 per cent and is 1,000 yards (914 metres) long.

She managed to get up to the top of the hill in a time of 31.28 seconds, which is more than four seconds quicker than the previous record by a sport utility vehicle.

She was able to pass the first measuring point, at 60 feet (18.3 metres), in a time of 1.94 seconds. Porsche points out only single-seat race cars with slick tires and built specifically for this climb have managed quicker 60-foot dashes at the Shelsley Walsh hill.

“The course is challenging and does not forgive mistakes,” Jílková said in a news release. “There are no run-off zones and little room for correction. But the active suspension gives the new Cayenne enormous stability and precision. I felt completely confident at all times.”

Porsche Cayenne Electric towing classic car — *British TV personality Richard Hammond used the Cayenne Electric prototype to tow his classic car. – Porsche AG photo*

Strong towing capability

Separately from the hill climb, British TV personality Richard Hammond of “Top Gear” fame used the prototype to tow his century-old classic car from his workshop in Hereford to his garage.

The car and trailer are said to weigh around three tonnes, which Hammond said was no problem for the Cayenne Electric.

Porsche said the production Cayenne Electric will have a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes, depending on trim.

Porsche said the Cayenne SUV will be available with three powertrain types, gasoline-only, hybrid and all-electric, until at least 2030.