Porsche Secretly Entered the 2027 Cayenne EV in a Hill Climb, and It Set a Record
The upcoming electric Porsche Cayenne doesn't exist yet, but Porsche just ran it up a public hill climb.
On Sunday, Porsche entered the electric Cayenne in prototype form at the 2025 UK British Championship Hillclimb at Shelley Walsh. It's hard to miss what this thing is because the 'camo' wrap has Porsche Cayenne written all over it in neon purple and blue letters. Hilariously, the prototype also had a roof rack installed.
Porsche slid the prototype into the Road Cars Series Production Electric category of the event. The automaker's Formula E factor test driver Gabriela Jilkova piloted the prototype through the course.
The event announcers commented how the EV rocketed off the line thanks to the instant torque and it only took 1.94 seconds to hit 60 feet.
The action all takes place at the 2:36:42 mark in the video stream.
'For a big car that is scuttering up the hill something special,' the announcers said.
The prototype, which it's unclear if this was a production-spec vehicle, ran the course in 31.28 seconds, smashing the SUV record up Shelsley Walsh by over four seconds.
The camo-wrapped Cayenne EV prototype looks like a Porsche Cayenne with a slightly evolutionary design. The headlights include the now trademark quad LED daytime running light dots, and the rear features horizontal LED taillights. The greenhouse feels familiar, but the window line in the C-pillar is specific to the EV compared to the gas-powered Cayenne. Large wheels, maybe 22s or 23s, fill the wells.
Active aero both up front and possibly in the rear can be seen working throughout the blazing run up the hill.
Off the line it sounds like the Cayenne EV is making noise, presumably from a speaker, and during certain points up the climb it sounds as if there are noises coming from the electric SUV. Those sounds seem like they are coming during hard acceleration, but it's all quick and hard to be sure.
The next-generation Cayenne was set to be electric, but now Porsche has backtracked and will keep a gas-powered version alive past 2030.
With the electric Cayenne running up the hill climb in prototype form with only a mild camo wrap, it seems as if it's only a matter of time before the automaker reveals or starts talking about the upcoming EV.
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Nathalie Bernce, Founder & CEO of Smartech, added: 'The attention to detail in i300 is clear, well-aligned with the brands on display in our stores and what customers expect when they visit us. We look forward to working with the Zapp team, including at more of our locations worldwide.' About Zapp EV Zapp EV (OTCQB: ZAPPF) is on a mission to electrify personal urban mobility. Our two-wheelers blend modern design with optimised performance, and a British edge. The debut model, i300, delivers big-bike attitude in a sleek step-through form, with removable batteries that can be charged from standard electrical outlets. Order directly at or through our growing retailer network for an experience that is simple and unapologetically Zapp. Zapp is a registered trademark of Zapp Electric Vehicles Limited in the United Kingdom and other countries. About Smartech Retail Group Founded in 2016, Smartech Retail Group is a future-facing experiential retail company built for the love of innovation. With flagship locations in London, Berlin, Rome, and New York, and partnerships with over 500 global brands, Smartech creates immersive, design-led spaces that connect people to what's next. Smartech is a destination for the extraordinary. A platform where creators break boundaries, global brands come to life, and consumers step into the future. From visionary design to cutting-edge technology, every Smartech experience is rooted in creativity and driven by discovery—igniting innovation and empowering imagination. Our portfolio includes concept spaces like The Bike Shop, The Track, and Playhouse, spotlighting breakthrough products in e-mobility, wellness, gaming, and sustainable living. Whether it's a world-first launch or a design-forward lifestyle solution, Smartech brings the future closer—making the next feel now. To learn more, visit Zapp Investor Relations Contact: Mark KobalHead of Investor Relationsir@ Zapp Media Relations Contact:pr@ Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (or the 'Exchange Act'). These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words 'believe,' 'project,' 'expect,' 'anticipate,' 'estimate,' 'intend,' 'strategy,' 'future,' 'budget,' 'opportunity,' 'plan,' 'may,' 'should,' 'will,' 'would,' 'will be,' 'will continue,' 'will likely result,' and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but rather are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events and results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this document, including but not limited to various general and specific risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's business and finances in general. Readers should review and carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described in the 'Risk Factors' section of Zapp EV's annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-41693), which is incorporated herein by reference, and other documents the Company files with or furnishes to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. These filings identify and address important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements herein. The forward-looking statements herein represent the Company's views as of the date of this document. 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