Porsche has once again proven its relentless commitment to pushing the limits of automotive performance, regardless of powertrain. In a remarkable display of engineering versatility, two very different models — the Cayenne Turbo GT and the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid — have set new lap records at the iconic Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. These achievements follow the recent lap record set by the all-electric Taycan Turbo GT, reinforcing Porsche’s mission to deliver top-tier performance across gas, hybrid, and electric platforms.
The Cayenne Turbo GT’s lap time of 1:34.38 minutes at Road Atlanta is more than just a number — it’s a challenge to long-held notions about what SUVs can do on a racetrack. Despite being a full-size luxury SUV with ample rear-seat comfort and cargo space, the Cayenne Turbo GT handles like a much smaller, lighter vehicle thanks to significant performance enhancements. Powered by a 650-horsepower twin-turbocharged V8, the Cayenne Turbo GT benefits from specially tuned suspension components, including unique hub carriers and a center differential cooler. These components ensure optimized kinematics and consistent AWD performance even under extreme cornering and braking forces.
Porsche factory driver and brand ambassador Patrick Long piloted the vehicle during the record run, highlighting its dual nature: “You have to remember that it’s a full-size SUV… but it’s way more agile than you think.” Long emphasized how the combination of a visceral V8 soundtrack, sticky performance tires, and finely tuned suspension calibration makes the Cayenne Turbo GT feel responsive and composed at the very limit. The record-setting vehicle was a production model finished in Algarve Blue Metallic, running on standard Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires with precise tire pressure settings of 39 psi (front) and 38 psi (rear). The GT Interior Package with Deep Sea Blue deviated stitching added a touch of luxury to the high-performance run.
If the Cayenne Turbo GT’s performance defies SUV conventions, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid sets a new standard for luxury sports sedans. Clocking in at 1:30.98 minutes, it beat the previous-generation Panamera Turbo S (1:31.51) and showcased how electrification can enhance — not compromise — driving dynamics. The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid blends a twin-turbo V8 engine with a potent plug-in hybrid system, delivering a staggering 771 horsepower. However, it’s not just about raw power. Porsche’s new Active Ride hydraulic suspension plays a crucial role, actively adjusting the body and tire contact patch to optimize grip and stability throughout the lap.
According to Long, the latest Panamera offers a significant leap forward in how hybrid systems integrate into the driving experience. “The new generation Panamera is so much more seamless in the regen and boost transition,” he said. “When you think about how much braking is part of high-performance driving, the fact you can make energy for acceleration while improving stopping power is such a positive attribute.”
The record-setting model came equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 ND1 tires, developed specifically for this car, and precise tire pressure management at 37 psi for both front and rear. The vehicle’s Oak Green Metallic Neo finish, paired with a luxurious Espresso Club Leather interior and comfort features like ventilated seats and power sunblinds, illustrates how Porsche refuses to compromise luxury for performance. Porsche’s achievement at Road Atlanta is not just about lap times — it’s the latest milestone in a journey that began 15 years ago with the experimental 911 GT3 R Hybrid. That project helped Porsche develop technologies that would influence future production models, including regenerative braking, electric torque vectoring, and hybrid power management.
Patrick Long, who was involved in the GT3 R Hybrid development, sees a direct lineage from that early experiment to today’s hybrids. “We learned about how to optimally use electric power not only for more acceleration and braking, but it was the forefront to torque vectoring,” he said. “That combination of functions and capabilities was a huge unfair advantage on the track, and I love seeing it now on the street.”
The Cayenne Turbo GT and Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid lap records join the all-electric Taycan Turbo GT, which set its own production EV record on May 28, 2025. All three runs took place under less-than-ideal conditions, with patchy damp areas and moderate cloud cover. Yet each car — combustion, hybrid, and electric — delivered benchmark-setting performances. Porsche’s message is clear: performance is not tied to one specific powertrain philosophy. Whether you’re behind the wheel of a gas-powered SUV, a hybrid sports sedan, or a fully electric Gran Turismo, Porsche delivers a consistent driving experience rooted in emotion, precision, and innovation.
With these records, Porsche isn’t just setting lap times — it’s setting the tone for the future of performance.
