Porsche has announced the new Cayenne: the third edition and a brand new version of the all-conquering sporty 4×4 which shot Porsche from being a small-scale sports car manufacturer into the five-door mainstream when it was first released in 2003.
Technical highlights are fascinating, with two new turbocharged engines on offer at launch, an eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic gearbox, new chassis systems and an innovative display and control concept with “total connectivity”.
Launch engines are both turbocharged six-cylinder petrols. The newly-developed single turbo 3-litre V6 makes 340 horsepower: up 40 hp on the previous model. Also new is the 2.9-litre V6 twin-turbo engine found in the Cayenne S, now making 440 hp, which is 20 hp more than the outgoing car.
When fitted with Sport Chrono and launch control, the new Cayenne S charges from zero to 62 mph in less than five seconds: an impressive figure for a car that is 65 kilos lighter than its predecessor but still weighs over two tonnes. Drawing on the 911 for design inspiration, the new Cayenne’s chassis features staggered wheels – now a minimum 19” diameter – and rear-wheel steering.
Weight has been saved in the chassis; now with a separated link design front axle and a multi-link rear axle. PDCC and three-chamber air suspension along with active all-wheel drive ensure impeccable road manners. As few Cayennes ever go off road and tyres are the limiting factor here, Porsche says little about enhanced off road performance, but it is pretty good in any case, assuming there is no thick mud to confuse the rubber circles.
Inside, the boot is much bigger with an extra one hundred litres of space. All Cayennes come with LED headlights as standard, with PDLS dynamic lighting as an option. The top end Cayenne option is exceptionally impressive technology: high beams can be used without the risk of dazzling oncoming drivers and the system even compensates lighting to ensure no road sign glare.
The new eight-speed Tiptronic is similarly impressive technology. The performance increases are as attributable to the all-new transmission as to the engine. “Shorter response times and sportier ratios in the lower gears enhance both on-road performance and off-road capability. At the other end of the expanded spread between comfort and sportiness, the taller eighth gear ensures lower revs, optimised fuel consumption and relaxed cruising,” says Porsche.
The streamlined design features a new front end with bigger air intakes, new lines off the lights and small tweaks to overall length and height. While the wheelbase is unchanged, the elongated form offers a very contemporary statement – it is a good looking car.
With PIWIS 3 diagnostics in our workshops linking us straight to Porsche headquarters for daily software updates and individual car build data, JZM Porsche is already equipped to service and maintain the all-new Cayenne. We look forward to seeing the first examples in the JZM service centre!
Here’s some video of the new Cayenne in motion: