Monday, November 22, 2010

Porsche Cayenne

 
 
The biggest knocks on the original Cayenne were, first and foremost, that it was an SUV, which many critics and Porsche aficionados claimed the renowned sports-car maker should have never built, and second, it was deficient in Porsche DNA. No question, the first-gen, of which Porsche has sold around 90,000 in the U.S. since it debuted in 2003, was -- and still is -- a capable SUV, whether on road or off. From the base V-6 all the way up to the twin-turbo V-8, the 2003-10 Cayenne stood near or at the top of its class in capability and, more notable, dynamics. Still, auto analysts, including us, as well as the Porsche faithful carped that Stuttgart's SUV lacked, well, Porscheness -- even though the Cayenne was a tall, heavy sport/ute, it should nonetheless come across more like a 911 or even the new Panamera, be it in feel or perception.
 


 
After driving three of the four U.S.-bound 2011 Cayenne models in and around the lovely confines of Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama -- including the highly entertaining and technical 2.4-mile road course -- we're pleased to report that Porsche's second-generation sport/utility indeed possesses genuine Porscheness. Sure it's still the tallest and heaviest vehicle in the lineup -- depending on the model, height is down from 0.3 to 0.5 inch and weight is down around 400 pounds -- but the sensations from behind the wheel, for the most part, now belie its SUV classification. The Cayennes feel - and are - quicker, more agile, and more thrilling to drive. Further, they're more exciting to look at, thanks to remolded sheet metal draped over a 1.6-inch longer wheelbase. The hood now features a power dome similar to that on a Panamera and the rear shoulders are more pronounced, imparting a muscular, fast-forward stance. Don't let the smooth, sporty lines fool you, though -- the Cayenne remains a workhorse. Towing capacity maxes out at 5952 pounds for the V-6 and 7716 pounds for all other models.
 


 
The aforementioned weight drop comes from extensive use of aluminum in the doors, hood, and chassis as well as a new electronically controlled multi-plate-clutch all-wheel-drive system that, in conjunction with Porsche Traction Management (PTM) and a new Aisin eight-speed automatic, does without a reduction gearbox, saving 73 pounds. Moreover, the engines are lighter, as are the radiator, exhaust, parking brake (now electronic), electrical system, and wheels and tires. Even better, the Cayenne's more feathery structure is 15-percent stiffer than before. This newfound weight loss contributes in part to a maximum 23-percent increase in European fuel-economy tests, according to Porsche. Other petrol-saving factors include enhanced engine and thermal management, and Automatic Start Stop (shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped) with the eight-speed, a technology that debuted in the Panamera.

53 comments:

  1. I always demand genuine Porscheness from my second-generation vehicles.

    ReplyDelete
  2. My Parents were thinking of picking this up but instead decided to go with the BMW X5

    ReplyDelete
  3. German luxury SUVs are just plain nasty to drive. Like lead magic carpets. Make me car-sick.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I always wanted a Porsche since I was little!

    ReplyDelete
  5. intresting post! i like it ;)
    if you whant to see cool cars wisit my blog http://live-for-cars.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. It's nice but SUVs aren't really my thing.

    ReplyDelete
  7. hows this car handle off road in the pits?

    ReplyDelete
  8. ill take a nissan murano over a cayenne any day. maybe im just a nissan guy.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wow! They really upped the anti with this new version. solid build.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Looks good, but I prefer the other Porsches, like the Carrera.

    ReplyDelete
  11. thats ok but if it were my money id be going for an audi Q5-Q7 moar poweerrrrr and a little roomier

    ReplyDelete
  12. Very informative, you definitely know your stuff. I didn't even know Porsche put out an SUV.

    ReplyDelete
  13. europe always makes better cars!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Porsh or Porsha?

    I always think of that episode of Fresh Prince when I think of Porsche.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I really like the look of the hood.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Amazing car, just hate the exterior design still.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Not my kind of car really, but I can appreciate it.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Not my favorite car on the roads, but it's classy and this is a great write up! Nice job bud!

    ReplyDelete
  19. best luxury suv hands down...mayyyybe the Q8 stands up against it.

    ReplyDelete
  20. i saw one one of these on the roads with its rear tires installed backwards. the tread V was facing ^, but only on one wheel.

    ReplyDelete
  21. The design doesn't really attract my attention either but the specs look great.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Stylish and familiar too, awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Beautiful, stylish and reliable. Could it be better?

    ReplyDelete
  24. Im looking to get an 06, what id give for a 2011!

    ReplyDelete
  25. doesnt look too bad, kinda like it

    ReplyDelete
  26. if your car costly then must give cover of car insurance. it provide best security.

    Illinois SR22 Insurance Quotes

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thanks for sharing these important information.

    ReplyDelete