A 2022 Porsche Cayenne wagon prototype has been spied testing at the Nürburgring, giving us a closer look at the facelifted model’s exterior and interior.

    The prototype was not only spied driving around the Nordschleife, but also parked off-track which allowed our spy photographer to snap some close-ups.

    On the exterior of the prototype there are smaller and slimmer headlights than the current-generation Cayenne with camouflage foil to make it resemble the existing model.

    There’s also a reworked front bumper, still sporting some camouflage, as well as a more sculpted bonnet.

    The prototype’s front bumper has a slightly different lower section where the fog lights and air intakes sit in comparison to the existing Cayenne front bumper, which separates the two into different cutouts.

    On the rear of the prototype there are still fake, circular tail lights instead of the production lights.

    Our spy photographer also noted the number plate has been relocated further down in comparison to the existing model that has the number plate higher up under the light bar.

    The location of this number plate is similar to the existing Cayenne Coupe that has it lower down near the rear diffuser.

    Along with these exterior changes, our spy photographer was able to capture some more photos of the new dash and centre console design.

    This facelifted Cayenne prototype has a digital instrument cluster with no analogue rev counter in the centre.

    Currently, the Taycan is the only car in the Porsche range without an analogue rev counter with the current Cayenne, Panamera and 911 having variations of the brand’s classic five-dial design.

    Porsche 718 and Macan models on the other hand have a three-dial setup.

    Drawing inspiration from the 992-generation 911 sports car, this Cayenne prototype has a shaver-style gear selector along with a new arrangement for the air-conditioning controls.

    The current Cayenne has a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and it’s not clear if the new infotainment system that’s been spied is larger or not.

    Porsche has already announced its infotainment system will be updated to include wired Android Auto, which’ll feature on the facelifted Cayenne.

    The current-generation Cayenne debuted at the 2017 Frankfurt motor show, which suggests a mid-cycle update should be expected in late 2021 or early 2022.

    Along with this Cayenne wagon prototype, a prototype coupe counterpart has also been spied with its steeply raked rear hatch.

    At this stage there’s been no information surrounding any powertrain changes for the facelift, but Porsche has been working on a higher-performance Cayenne Coupe Turbo that’s aimed at the Lamborghini Urus and Audi RSQ8.

    Based on the current Cayenne Turbo Coupe, the new model focuses even less on the ‘utility’ aspect of the SUV name, instead doubling down on the ‘sports’ part.

    Under the skin, the new Turbo will have wider front wheels and run 0.45 degrees more negative front camber to help sharpen up the front end.

    Power and torque figures haven’t been confirmed yet. The current Cayenne Coupe Turbo has 404kW of power and 770Nm of torque from its twin-turbo V8 engine.

    Porsche has confirmed that the as-yet-named model will breathe through a titanium exhaust that’s expected to bring a few extra ponies with it.

    Road and Track reports the engine will produce 470kW and 850Nm, closer to its Urus super-SUV competitor that makes 478kW/850Nm.

    MORE: Everything Porsche Cayenne

    Jack Quick

    Jack Quick is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne. Jack studied journalism and photography at Deakin University in Burwood, and previously represented the university in dance nationally. In his spare time, he loves to pump Charli XCX and play a bit of Grand Theft Auto. He’s also the proud owner of a blue, manual 2020 Suzuki Jimny.

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