While Porsche purists have never been besotted with the Cayenne – the first SUV from the Stuttgart marque – there’s no question that it has been critical to the company’s survival and success. While some circles were embittered when a Le Mans racecar project was cancelled in favour of the Cayenne, it proved to be a superbly savvy move.
Porsche sold 210,000 units of the original Cayenne that was released in 2002, and as the car has been fettled and revised, its success has continued. A new Cayenne will arrive in the UK next April, so let’s take a look at the finer details of Porsche’s impending release.
Body
Despite being a large SUV, the new Cayenne will be relatively light on its feet. This is achieved thanks to a body primarily made up of aluminium. The chassis in the new Cayenne will be 20% more rigid than the outgoing model, creating a sharper driving experience.
For the statisticians reading, here are some fun figures: the new car features 163.56 metres of adhesive, along with 2,039 punch rivets and 631 flow drill screws. It’s 63mm longer than the current model, and this means an additional 100 litres has been added to the boot space. That’s a lot of shopping.
Aerodynamics
Improvements have been made to the aero on the new Cayenne, again providing a sporting edge to the SUV that refuses to be a lumbering slow coach. For instance, adaptive radiator flaps and an adaptive roof spoiler will be available on a Cayenne for the first time. The latter option goes beyond providing downforce; it can be used to aid braking in an emergency situation, deploying in just 0.9 seconds.
Tech
The interior borrows heavily from the Panamera, which is a sensible move by Stuttgart. Voice recognition has been added; tell the car that you’re cold, and it will warm up the interior on your behalf.
If your current car has scuffed wheels, the new Cayenne could well be the car for you. It features a Rim Protection system, which warns the driver if they’re about to hit a wheel against a curb. No doubt, this will be invaluable when parking into tight, high-curbed spaces.
Under the bonnet
There will be three engines available for the Cayenne at launch. There’s a turbocharged V6 in the base car, pushing out 335bhp, while a twin-turbocharged, 434bhp V6 features in the Cayenne S. The top of the range Cayenne Turbo makes use of a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 with 540bhp. This will allow you to hit 60mph in less than four seconds.
The new model features a shorter first gear ratio, giving it better low-down pull – this will surely prove useful if you need to tow.
On the road
The upcoming Cayenne is a perfectly refined road-goer, with a smooth ride and gizmos keeping you in check. Porsche’s ever-refined Dynamic Chassis Control allows the Cayenne to corner flat, with next to no roll even when you push it. Excitingly, this car promotes serious fun if you take your sensible hat off. Turn in hard with the throttle to the floor, and you will be able to drift the Cayenne.
Off-road, the vehicle’s four-wheel-drive technology shines. While 90% of Cayenne’s will likely never even see use on a field, Porsche makes sure the Cayenne can be a true off-roader, which means it will easily handle any and all weather that hits us here in Britain.
The new Cayenne will arrive in the UK next April. The recipe has been changed, but all the key ingredients that made it a success are still plain to see. There’s no doubt that the new model will continue the success of Porsche’s premium SUV.
