What do you get when a performance car manufacturer produces an SUV? Hint: A big fat SUV that can carve corners and accelerate to the horizon in way that would shame many a super cars! The Cayenne is like a
911 masquerading as an off-roader. But it does provide
911-like performance too. It pioneered this segment which requires that heavy SUVs go like sports cars, and has pretty much led the competition till today. And that's a great feat in itself considering it competition includes the
BMW X6M and the X5M, which are nothing but regular SUVs bulked up by BMW's motorsport division itself. It is the most exclusive of the the three premium SUVs from the Volkswagen group, namely the Toureg and the Audi Q7. Porsche also makes the
Boxter and the
Cayman.
The turbo S can devour the 60mph mark in a mere 4.7 seconds, faster than even the
Maserati Quattraporte and the
Bentley Continental GT.
The
Porsche Cayenne is a five seat mid-size luxury crossover manufactured by the German manufacturer Porsche since 2002, with North American sales beginning in 2003. Its platform was developed by Porsche and is shared with the Volkswagen Touareg and the Audi Q7. It is the first V8-engined vehicle built by Porsche since 1995, when the Porsche 928 was discontinued. Since 2008, all engines have featured direct injection technology. The Cayenne's chassis type numbers are as follows: Type 955 (2002–2006), Type 957 (2007–2010), and Type 958 (2011+). Porsche also manufactures the
Boxter.
The second-generation Cayenne (Type 958) was unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March following an online reveal on February 25, 2010.
The Cayenne's frame and doors are sourced from Volkswagen, who uses the frames and doors for the Volkswagen Touareg model. All other aspects of vehicle design, tuning and production are done in-house at Porsche.
First generation
First generation
|
Production | 2002–2010 |
Model years | 2004 – 2010 |
Engine | 3.2 L 250 hp VR6
4.5 L 340 hp (254 kW) V8 (S)
4.5 L 450 hp (336 kW) V8 (Turbo)
4.5 L 521 hp (389 kW) V8 (Turbo S)
3.0 L 240 hp (179 kW) V6 Turbo Diesel
3.6 L 290 hp (216 kW) VR6
4.8 L 385 hp (287 kW) V8 (S)
4.8 L 405 hp (302 kW) V8 (GTS)
4.8 L 493 hp (370 kW) V8 (Turbo)
4.8 L 542 hp (400 kW) V8 (Turbo S) |
Transmission | 6-speed automatic
6-speed manual |
Wheelbase | 2,855 mm (112.4 in) |
Length | 4,780 mm (188.2 in)
Turbo: 4,783 mm (188.3 in) |
Width | 1,928 mm (75.9 in) |
Height | 1,700 mm (66.9 in) |
The Porsche Cayenne entered the market with mixed anticipation. However, the Porsche Cayenne soon proved that it was the performance vehicle among SUV's and was praised for its excellent handling and powerful engines. The lineup initially consisted of the V8-powered Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo. Later in the model cycle, VR6 and diesel-powered versions joined the lineup.
The base model is powered by a 3.2 L VR6 engine producing 250 PS (184 kW); modifications in the exhaust manifold allow power to peak at 6700 rpm. This is the same motor found on the Volkswagen Touareg and Volkswagen Golf R32. A Turbo Diesel engine is also available. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph (97 km) is 7.5 seconds with manual transmission and 8.1 seconds with the Tiptronic S. Notably, independent testing has produced a time of 9.2 seconds for the Tiptronic diesel.
Cayenne S
Facelifted Porsche Cayenne S (US)
The S is powered by an 8-cylinder engine with a dry-sump lubrication system and variable valve timing. The Cayenne S' engine produces 340 PS (250 kW) and 500 N·m (370 lb·ft) of torque. Acceleration from 0–60 mph is 7.1 seconds and the top speed is 150 mph.
Cayenne GTS
The GTS is powered with a 405 PS (298 kW) 4.8 L V8 and features a sport suspension and 21-inch (530 mm) wheels. It is lighter than the Cayenne S and has an aerodynamic body kit. The Porsche Cayenne GTS has a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time of 5.7 seconds. A six-speed manual transmission is also offered.
Cayenne Turbo and Turbo S
The 1st generation Cayenne Turbo had 450 PS (331 kW), and accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.3 seconds. A Turbo S version was built in 2006 to compete with the Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG. The Cayenne Turbo S included a low-range case, a locking differential, and the height-adjustable, off-road suspension also standard on the regular Turbo model. It was powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.5 L V8 that produced 520 PS (382 kW) and 700 N·m (520 lb·ft) of torque. Acceleration from 0–60 mph (96 km/h) was 5.0 seconds and the top speed was 171 miles per hour. It featured a 6-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission.
A new Turbo was revealed at the 2008 Beijing auto show. It received 50 PS (37 kW) more power, and now accelerated from 0–60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.9 seconds. Also revealed with the new Turbo was a new 550 horsepower (410 kW) Turbo S. Acceleration from 0–60 mph is 4.7 seconds and has optional ceramic composite brakes.
Cayenne Diesel
Porsche has sold a diesel version of the Cayenne powered by Volkswagen's 3.0 L V6 TDI engine since February 2009. The engine is rated at 240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp) and 550 N·m (410 lb·ft) of torque.
The car was unveiled in 2009 Geneva Motor Show.
The U.S.-spec car was unveiled at the 2012 New York Auto Show.
Cayenne S Transsyberia
Originally a racing vehicle for Transsyberia rally, only 26 were built.
The street version was later built to commemorate Porsche's victory in Transsyberia rally. It is a variant with the 405 hp (302 kW) direct-inject 4.8L V8 from the Cayenne GTS. Sales began in January 2009.
Cayenne GTS Porsche Design Edition 3 (2010)
It is a limited edition (1000 unit, 100 in USA) model based on Cayenne GTS designed by Porsche Design Studio. It includes Lava Grey Metallic body, 21-inch SportPlus wheels, black leather upholstery with red contrasting seams, Porsche Design Chronograph (Type P’6612).
The sales began in May 2009 with MSRP of €79,100 before tax.
Hybrid
At the IAA 2005, Porsche announced it will produce a hybrid version of the Cayenne before 2010 (Porsche Cayenne Hybrid). Two years later, at the IAA 2007, Porsche presented a functioning Cayenne Hybrid and demonstration model of the drivetrain.
Notable modifications to this car include an electric vacuum pump and hydraulic steering pump, allowing the car to function even when the engine is deactivated. A 288-volt nickel metal hydride battery is placed under the boot floor, occupying the space normally used for a spare tire.
The 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid was launched in the U.S. market in November 2010.
Engines
Model | Engine | Power (hp, torque)@rpm |
Cayenne | 3,598 cc (3.6 L; 219.6 cu in) V6 | 290 PS (210 kW; 290 hp)@6200, 385 N·m (284 lb·ft)@3000 |
Cayenne S | 4,806 cc (4.8 L; 293.3 cu in) V8 | 410 PS (300 kW; 400 hp)@6200, 500 N·m (370 lb·ft)@3500 |
Cayenne S Transsyberia | 4,806 cc (4.8 L; 293.3 cu in) V8 | 410 PS (300 kW; 400 hp)@6500, 500 N·m (370 lb·ft)@3500 |
Cayenne GTS | 4,806 cc (4.8 L; 293.3 cu in) V8 | 415 PS (305 kW; 409 hp)@6500, 500 N·m (370 lb·ft)@3500 |
Cayenne GTS Porsche Design Edition 3 | 4,806 cc (4.8 L; 293.3 cu in) V8 | 415 PS (305 kW; 409 hp)@6500, 500 N·m (370 lb·ft)@3500 |
Cayenne Turbo | 4,806 cc (4.8 L; 293.3 cu in) twin turbo V8 | 500 PS (370 kW; 490 hp)@6000, 700 N·m (520 lb·ft)@2250–4500 |
Cayenne Turbo S | 4,806 cc (4.8 L; 293.3 cu in) twin turbo V8 | 550 PS (400 kW; 540 hp)@6000, 750 N·m (550 lb·ft)@2250–4500 |
Second generation
Second generation
|
Production | 2010-present |
Model years | 2011-present |
Engine | 240 hp (179 kW) V6 (Diesel)
382 hp (285 kW) V8 (S Diesel)
300 hp (224 kW) VR6 (Base)
380 hp (283 kW) V6 (Hybrid)
400 hp (298 kW) V8 (S)
420 hp (313 kW) V8 (GTS)
500 hp (373 kW) V8 (Turbo)
543 hp (405 kW) V8 (Turbo S) |
Transmission | 6-Speed Manual
8-speed Aisin Tiptronic S automatic |
Wheelbase | 2,895 mm (114.0 in) |
Length | 4,846 mm (190.8 in) |
Width | 1,938 mm (76.3 in) |
Height | 1,705 mm (67.1 in) |
The current Porsche Cayenne went on sale around April–May 2010 as a 2011 model, with an official debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. In preparation for the unveiling, the Cayenne production facility in Leipzig, Germany, closed in December 2009 in order to commence factory retooling for the new model, a process which took 2–3 months.
The first spy photos of the car were posted on the internet on June 5, 2008.
Porsche Cayenne S (Australia)
The 2011 Porsche Cayenne is visually shorter and smaller than its predecessors with more muscular curves, a more slanted rear window and less upright windshield, a more sloping roofline, door-mounted mirrors, smaller windows at the rear of the vehicle, headlights inspired by the Carrera GT, taillights that extend onto the car's tailgate, LED daytime running lights and a vastly redesigned interior modeled after the Panamera. The 2011 Cayenne is almost 250 kilograms (550 lb) lighter than the previous models due to extensive use of aluminum and magnesium, making it more fuel efficient than the previous lineup. Despite its lower stance, the new vehicle's off-road capabilities have been retained without compromising the street performance-oriented layout and design.. In addition to a diesel offering, a hybrid version is available.
The Cayenne is again the first of the three new SUVs from the VW group; the new Volkswagen Touareg will be 6–12 months behind, while the next-generation Audi Q7 is due in 2013. Standard features of the 2011 Porsche Cayenne include air conditioning with dual-zone climate controls, interior air filter, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, 8-way power front seats, outside-temperature indicator, and universal garage door opener in the base model. The Cayenne S adds a power sunroof and memory for the driver's seat.
The Cayenne GTS added a rearview camera, remote engine start, keyless access and start, and memory system. Finally, the most upscale Cayenne Turbo and Turbo S added a navigation system w/voice recognition, premium sound system, 4-zone climate controls, heated rear seats, and 6-disc CD changer.
The Cayenne's naturally-aspirated and turbocharged V8 engines are shared with the Panamera and have been upgraded for faster acceleration times with more horsepower and torque, as well as more powerful direct injection technology to improve efficiency. The base Cayenne model still shares its Volkswagen-sourced VR6 engine with the new Volkswagen Touareg, although the Cayenne's is tuned to offer 300 horsepower compared to the Touareg's 280.
Porsche Cayenne hybrid drivetrain.
The Cayenne comes powered by a 3.6 L V6 engine producing 300 PS (221 kW; 296 hp), the Cayenne S features the same 4.8 L V8 in the Panamera S models producing 400 PS (294 kW; 395 hp) and the Cayenne Turbo comes with Panamera Turbo's 4.8 L twin turbo V8 producing 500 PS (368 kW; 493 hp). The Cayenne S Hybrid uses an Audi-sourced 3.0 L V6 engine producing 333 PS (245 kW; 328 hp) paired with a lithium ion battery capable of 47 PS (35 kW; 46 hp) for a total of 380 PS (279 kW; 375 hp). A manual gearbox serves as the standard transmission system on the base Cayenne, with all other models featuring an eight-speed Tiptronic as standard equipment. The low-range transfer case found in the previous generation has been removed. All vehicles will feature approximately 10 percent less weight than their predecessors, 70 kilograms worth of standard equipment in excess of that found on the current model and a more heavily contoured rear bench.
In September 2012 Porsche announced the Cayenne S Diesel.
This model is fitted with the Audi 4.2 V8 TDI engine.
In October 2012 Porsche confirmed the all new Cayenne Turbo S.