By Special Contributor Kimatni D. Rawlins
With a penchant for performance and maneuverability, Porsche sports cars have been blessing pursuitists of the German brand with distinction since 1948 when the rear-engine Type 356 debuted. However, the company’s founding DNA began much sooner with Professor Ferdinand Porsche’s first order book in 1930. Today, the Stuttgart-based automaker now features traditional sports cars, sport sedans, and active SUVs including the Cayenne and Cayenne Coupe.
Cayenne Coupe’s Athletic Performance
Launched in 2019, the SUV coupe body style extended the 3rd generation Cayenne range to owners looking for enthusiastic drives and the ability to escort a crew and their gear and luggage. This new model features a sharper silhouette, a redesigned rear with a steeply sloped roofline and adaptive rear spoiler, and a panoramic fixed glass roof. Porsche instilled the Cayenne Coupe with the equivalent technical capabilities of the Cayenne with added dynamism for more athletic engagement.
Porsche Motorsports Roots
To head to the Motul Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta in Georgia, I piloted a 2024 Cayenne Coupe in Carrara White Metallic. The Cayenne Coupe was the perfect complement to a sensational race weekend to complete the 2023 International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) season, where the Porsche 963 LMDh Prototypes entered the competition with a 63-point lead for the flagship IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in the new GTP category.
While on site, the Cayenne Coupe felt right at home in the Porsche Corral, where I had to switch the Drive Modes to Off-road mode (rocks, mud, sand, and gravel settings) as it had rained and the grounds became wet and muddy. As you may know, motorsports success translates to heightened consumer awareness of consumer products and technological advancements; thus, Porsche’s storied racing heritage continues to play a critical factor in the global fandom of its impressive cars and SUVs.
Cayenne Coupe Powertrain
After the race, I enjoyed the rural roads of Georgia utilizing the Cayenne Coupe’s 3.0-liter Turbo V6, outputting 348-horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic S transmission with paddle shifters and manual mode, shifting was quick and on-point as the 22″ exclusive design sport wheels in Vesuvius Grey and Yokohama Advan tire package gripped the road with aplomb. Stopping power was pinpointed and acceleration was effortless. At night, high-definition HD matrix design LED headlights highlighted the road with the perfect balance of illumination. With uncompromising performance from Rear Axle Steering and Adaptive Air Suspension, the Cayenne Coupe is an ideal weekend drive. And for active lifestyle owners, the Sport Ute can tow 7,700 pounds.
Luxe Digital Cockpit
Inside the Cayenne Coupe, you’ll discover tech-savvy functionality. The authentic Porsche chemistry is created by the commingling of Black/Bordeaux Red leather upholstery, including rear bucket sports seats, a redesigned digital cockpit, 12.3” multimedia display, digital 12.6” instrument cluster, and a 10.9” passenger screen that can dial up infotainment controls, performance data, and stream video content.
The gear selector has been relocated to the dashboard as a toggle switch, creating center console space, which primarily houses the temperature gauges. Furthermore, the Premium Package Plus adds 4-zone climate control, rear heated seats, Bose Surround Sound System, Surround View with Active Parking Support, front ventilated seats, ambient lighting, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Enthusiast owners should opt for the 18-way Adaptive Sport Seats Plus upgrade for enhanced driver control.
Advanced Safety Systems
Safety is omnipresent as I witnessed while slowly reversing when a spectator tried to dash across my rear end. The Cayenne Coupe’s brakes activated before I could even react. Safety enhancements systems include Active Speed Limit Assist, Active Lane Keep and Intersection Assist, Speed Warning, Lane Change Assist, spectator-saving Warn and Brake Assist, and Lane Keep Assist.
Pricing and Models
Cayenne Coupe pricing starts at $84,300, with a host of available options. Cayenne is also available in Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid, Cayenne Coupe S, Cayenne Coupe GTS, and mighty Cayenne Turbo Coupe GT trim.
Opulent Accommodations During Your Georgia Visit
During my stay in Georgia, I experienced first-class accommodations and hospitality at the Chateau Elan Resort & Winery, a landmark destination in North Georgia’s rolling foothills. The celebrated property is home to newly modernized private villas, luxury guest rooms, wine tastings, 5-star restaurants, and a massive sports bar and gaming room.
The Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta
To add driving skills to your new purchase, visit the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta, where you can master Porsche road dynamics on a 1.6-mile, 14-turn Driver Development Track. Doubling as the company’s U.S. headquarters, the 27.7-acre complex provides advanced instruction for aficionados and also features a Heritage Gallery, Classic Factory Restoration Workshop, Driving Simulator Lab, and a Personal Design Studio. Engineered with utilitarian prowess, I even off-roaded with the Cayenne SUVs. We crept up 70% inclines, forded 19” of water, and curved around 45-degree vertical descents as the Cayenne Coupe was nearly at full tilt. When your experience is completed, stop in the Porsche Driver’s Selection Store for Porsche swag to fit the embodiment of the Porsche state of mind.
