Sure we can polish it , mod it, photograph it, tow with it, complain about it, but..... has anyone really taken it out on the track and see what it is capable of, or taken it off road and see how it stacks up with the competition?

I for one, even if I use it as a dedicated tow vehicle, will be taking it for a few laps on the track this upcoming season, not as my primary track vehicle, but just to see if it can hold its own in the lower run groups.

Anyone else pushed theirs a little, or is it all for show......

 

Contact/PM rennlist member 'tkerrmd'
He tracked his Lapis Blue Cayenne S, moved onto a Speed Yellow 996TT and is currently a PCA Instructor down in Florida......I can say "I knew him when".

You can do a search for posts in this forum from 'tkerrmd' if you want to read some more.

 

Ltc I knew you had the answer, I just didn't want to bother you with more PM...

 

Bother away......what else is insomnia good for.........

 

Well, somewhere on the Rennlist Gallery pages is a gallery of photos I took way back in 2003 (I think) of me, GM Austin, Karl Chao and one other Cayenne owner (damn old age - I've forgotten the name of the fourth guy!) who journeyed out to Karl's ranch west of Weatherford, TX for a day of off-roading. If I can figure out the search function for the gallery, I'll find it and post it.

Suffice it to say, I drove over to the ranch averaging 85+ and found a place to get up to about 110 or so in my "alpha/beta" S. Then, upon arrival, tackled some pretty interesting terrain that put PASM to the test. To put it mildly, I was VERY IMPRESSED. These babies have their ticks and fleas, but they are some of the most versatile vehicles around.

Toby

 

If you want a decent track experience on a gorgeous track, and a little off-road fun as well - all without worry about what you are doing to your own vehicle, brakes, and tires - do the Cayenne Porsche Driving Experience at the Barber track in Birmingham. I actually went to the course as an extended test drive, before I ordered mine. You'll come away very impressed with your vehicle, though you probably won't learn too much if you are already skilled on the track. If the course runs as it did a few years ago, you'll also get a little time in Boxsters and 911s (maybe Caymans, too, by now?) and you'll get to take some 911 hot laps with one of their excellent instructors. I was lucky enough to ride with Hurley Haywood and, let me tell you, that was an E-ticket ride, for sure. Just when you start thinking you're pretty good, he can make you feel like you're playing H-O-R-S-E with Michael Jordan.

 

found this link at youtube...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3geJWbcaqc

 

Also, there is another Rennlister "thusly" that brought his CTTS to the track. While I was sitting in the hot pits ready to head out for the session I notice in my peripheral something that didn't makes sense so I looked to my right and there is "thusly" gridded up and ready to head out. Let me just say, that CTTS can hang!

 

AMEN Brother... for all those folks that think it's just no teeth "bubbas" in Alabama, you have to come visit and see one of the finest motorsports facilities in the world. Go "Alabama" (PDE Birmingham) ----- THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE!

 

Do some tracks restrict so-called "SUV's" from driving on their track? Myself and some neighbors are looking at renting out Hallett for the day (a fairly low price on weekdays) and it says in the small print, no "SUV's". I was going to bring both the 996 and the Pepper but maybe I'll only be able to take the 996...

 

yes

 

As Dell said yes and PCA (National) is currently wrestling with this as well.
Some regions won't allow a Cayenne into the upper run groups, restricting them to first level solo and/or instructed only.

Personally, I think this is a proper stance. A 5500# vehicle does NOT belong in the same run group with track cars weighing half as much and being half as tall. Just think for a moment what would happen during an on track 'incident' between a 911/914/944 and a Cayenne.

Even in a non incident scenario, imagine trying to follow a Cayenne, waiting for a passing signal. If you were close, I doubt the Cayenne driver would be able to see you tucked under his rear bumper coming out of a turn, let alone be able to see 'thru' the Cayenne on a straight to possibly see a track worker waving a flag.

If you're serious about track time, buy the proper track appliance. If you must, use the Cayenne to tow the aforementioned track appliance and keep the Cayenne in the paddock.....or take it out on track during lunch break for some spirited parade laps......but don't do too many laps, as you will need some brake pads left for your tow home.

 

Agree and FWIW this is the policy at PDE here.

 

LTC,
You make some valid points and, from what I've seen, you echo the sentiment of many of the folks running PCA events. However, I think the net result of this has been counterproductive. Rather than discourage Cayenne owners, we should be encouraging them, hopefully to the point that there will be enough of them at these events to have their own run groups, to address some of these safety concerns. Until then, Cayennes and their drivers should be placed in run groups as their speed and skill allow. I don't think a faster, heavier vehicle is a significantly greater threat than a smaller, slower vehicle. Since most folks "serious about track time" will, indeed, "buy a proper track appliance," I'm doubting that there are going to be too many folks wanting to run their Cayennes in the upper run groups, but wouldn't it be grand if we were a bit more hospitable to them, so that a) they'd come out in enough numbers to have their own run groups and b) they'd get addicted and go overextend their budgets on some real lessons and a GT3?

 

That is exactly what I am planning to do. I will use the Croc as a primary track vehicle, but I just wanted to see how the Pepper handles when pushed more than the on the regular roads.

I have a distict suspicion it will perform much better than the average SUV, but than again, that is why a bought Black Pepper!

Ltc, do you want to go for a spin?