This is the all-new Porsche Cayenne. It might not look drastically different to before (from the front, at least) but there are big changes under the skin.
The big talk is of ‘increased efficiency’ and ‘reduced environmental impact’, not phrases you’d traditionally associate with the Porsche-badged SUV. It’s thanks to the real headline-grabbing change – the introduction of a hybrid powertrain.
It sees a supercharged 3,0-litre petrol V6 mated to an electric motor, which is slotted between the engine and gearbox, offering up a 275 kW and 58 N.m of torque. The latter is available from an astonishingly low 1 000 rpm. It combines that performance with 193g/km of carbon emissions and a combined 8.2 l/100km. Comparable figures to a Renault Clio RS, but from a two-tonne SUV – not bad we say.
The rest of the Cayenne range is pretty much as before in terms of power output. A 175 kW diesel V6 and 220 kW V6 petrol start off the range, while a more powerful 294 kW 4,8-litre V8 Cayenne S is tame in comparison to the range topping Turbo model, with its 368 kW twin-turbocharged V8. However, even the Turbo boasts impressive looking fuel economy; a claimed 11.5 l/100km on the combined cycle, a 23 per cent improvement on before (14.9 l/100km) thanks to the fitment of an eight-speed Tiptronic auto and stop-start technology. Other aids to efficiency include lower overall weight across the range, thanks to new materials and an overhauled all-wheel-drive transmission, saving up to 180 kg depending on the model.
The updates continue inside. With more room to work with, engineers implemented a high center console between the two front passengers. Like the Panamera, it bears an elongated form, with a litany of control buttons set below and on either side of the Tiptronic lever. The leather dash gets a TFT screen capable of controlling all the pertinent in-cabin goodies. It’s flanked by tall aluminum-surrounded HVAC vents. The whole is attractive, in true Porsche style.
Porsche’s 2011 Cayenne will take its first bow at next week’s Geneva motor show, followed by a North American debut at the New York Auto Show in April. The new Cayenne is expected to arrive in SA in the mid- to third quarter of 2010. Expect full details and pricing to arrive nearer to its on sale date.
[nggallery id=337]
