Porsche’s latest electric SUV, the Cayenne Turbo Electric, has surprisingly edged out the iconic 918 Spyder in a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint. The company staged a drag race between the two models to demonstrate the instant acceleration of electric motors, even in heavier vehicles.
The Shift in Acceleration Times
When launched in 2013, the 918 Spyder was Porsche’s fastest production car, achieving 0-62 mph in 2.6 seconds. Now, the 5,831-pound Cayenne Turbo Electric matches this time, despite its significantly greater weight. The electric SUV’s performance highlights how electric motors deliver torque immediately, compensating for the added mass.
However, the 918 Spyder still holds the upper hand at higher speeds. It reaches 124 mph (200 km/h) in 7.3 seconds, a tenth of a second faster than the Cayenne Turbo Electric. This suggests that while electric acceleration is potent, traditional supercars retain an edge in overall speed.
Porsche’s Electric Powerhouse
The Cayenne Turbo Electric boasts 1,139 horsepower, making it the most powerful Porsche ever produced. Yet, even with this output, it isn’t the quickest Porsche. The Taycan Turbo GT with the Weissach Package accelerates from 0-62 mph in just 2.2 seconds, while the Taycan Turbo S manages it in 2.4 seconds.
This showcases that Porsche’s fastest acceleration now resides in its dedicated electric sports cars, not its heavier SUVs. The company seems to recognize this, as it has yet to commit to producing the Mission X, an all-electric hypercar concept introduced in 2023.
The Future of Porsche Performance
Porsche’s hesitation with the Mission X reflects broader trends in the electric vehicle market, where demand for high-performance EVs hasn’t met initial expectations. Meanwhile, the company continues to invest in combustion engines, hinting that a full transition to electric performance may be further off than anticipated.
If Porsche does develop a successor to the 918 Spyder as an EV, the goals are ambitious: to set a new Nürburgring record, achieve a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio, and exceed the downforce of the 911 GT3 RS. For now, though, the Cayenne Turbo Electric serves as a potent reminder that electric power is rapidly reshaping Porsche’s performance landscape.
The acceleration duel between the 918 Spyder and the Cayenne Turbo Electric underscores a fundamental shift in Porsche’s performance hierarchy: electric vehicles are now challenging even the brand’s most iconic supercars.
