The Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT has etched its name into motorsport history by setting the first officially sanctioned production SUV lap record at Abu Dhabi’s iconic Yas Marina Circuit. Clocking a time of 2:14.046 around the full 5.281-kilometre Grand Prix layout, the Cayenne Turbo GT redefines performance for SUVs, solidifying its position as the fastest of its kind on this world-class track.
This landmark achievement marks the debut of a new official lap record format established by Yas Marina Circuit in collaboration with the Emirates Motorsport Organisation (EMSO). Under the guidance of FIA official Fergus Lavers and EMSO Observer Hamid Al Mazroui, the Cayenne Turbo GT underwent rigorous pre-session scrutineering to ensure it met strict production specifications. Racing driver Ramez Azzam, fresh off a GT4 win in the Dubai 24 Hours, took the wheel and delivered a flawless qualifying session despite pressure and track-limit enforcements. His remarkable performance reinforced the Cayenne’s extraordinary capabilities—describing the SUV’s agility, braking, and high-speed composure as “crazy.”
The Cayenne Turbo GT boasts the most powerful V8 in the Porsche lineup, producing 659 PS and 850 Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission. Supporting hardware such as the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), Active Rear Wheel Steering, and Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) come standard, helping the SUV maintain race-ready composure while achieving an average speed of 141.83 km/h during the lap.
Wissam Khalil, General Manager of Porsche Centre Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, expressed pride in this milestone: “We thank Yas Marina Circuit and EMSO for working together to establish this new, official format. Our congratulations also go to Ramez for setting such a fast lap time.” Echoing this, Ali Al Beshr, GM of Yas Marina Circuit, added: “This achievement contributes to our growing portfolio of sanctioned lap records and reinforces Yas Marina Circuit as the benchmark for performance in the region.”
This record-setting moment also represents a new chapter for the Yas Marina Circuit, which now offers a globally recognised standard for production car lap times—a move poised to attract automakers and enthusiasts from across the world in pursuit of performance prestige.
