To generate buzz for the new Cayenne Electric lineup, the German automaker staged a daring stunt with Roc – the world's largest aircraft by wingspan.
The challenge took place at Mojave Air and Space Port in the US. Roc's enormous twin-fuselage design allows it to take off with a maximum gross weight of nearly 590 tons.
Unlike typical speed races between supercars and military jets, Porsche's goal was not to accelerate past the aircraft. Instead, the company wanted its electric SUV to drive directly behind Roc, maintaining a fixed distance as the plane gained speed for takeoff – a challenge Porsche termed "a test of precision, stability, and power."
To ensure the safety of both the vehicle and driver Patrick Long, the SUV had to navigate precisely into the gap between the aircraft's two fuselages. Falling too far behind risked the exhaust from 6 jet engines, with a combined thrust of over 154 tons, pushing the Porsche off the runway. Conversely, getting too far ahead posed a risk of direct collision with the landing gear system.
As Roc accelerated down the runway, Patrick Long pushed the Cayenne Electric to 269 km/h, offering a close-up view of the giant aircraft lifting off the ground directly above.
"That was probably one of the most intensely focused moments of my life", Long shared.
The Cayenne Electric was the most suitable choice for this challenge. The top-tier Cayenne Turbo Electric variant features two electric motors, delivering a combined output of up to 1,138 horsepower and 1,500 Nm of torque. Its curb weight of 2,645 kg helped the SUV remain stable against the powerful turbulent airflow from the jet engines, something lighter sports cars would struggle to achieve.
My Anh (according to Carscoops)
