German tuner TechArt will release their new Aerodynamic Kit I for the second generation 2010 Porsche Cayenne at the 2011 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show.

The second level of individualisation for the Porsche Cayenne comes in addition to the TechArt Magnum. The Aerodynamic Kit I features all the usual parts at the front, rear, and sides. The multifunctional daytime running light system, the TechArt lighting packages with LED technology or halogen headlights are available as an option for the Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

Additional technical upgrades are a sport exhaust system with dual tail pipes, Formula and Formula II light alloy wheels in dimensions of 20- to 23-inch or 22- and 23-inch, as well as Formula III forged light alloy wheels in 21- and 22 inch.

During the IAA, the Germans will also present the TA 058/T2 performance kit for the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. The kit offers 447 kW and a maximum torque of more than 900 Nm.

via GTSpirit

It was back in 2002 when the first Porsche Cayenne 955′s rolled off the production line at Leipzig, Germany. Many gasped in shock and the purists gasped in horror, as the first Porsche SUV took to the road with its four-doors, portly kerb weight and towering ground clearance. However, as always, Porsche had been clinical in every aspect of the Cayenne, the results of which are reflected by the sales figure of 280 000 units – impressive for a sports car manufacturer’s first foray into the premium SUV segment. A second generation was guaranteed.

Codenamed the 958, the new Porsche Cayenne is bigger, lighter, more efficient and more ‘Porsche’ than its predecessor. The Cayenne has grown in all directions and now rides on a 40 mm longer wheelbase, with the body being 48 mm longer, 6 mm taller and 11 mm wider than before. The standard ride height is 215 mm, with the air suspension system providing maximum ground clearance of 273 mm when set to off-road mode. Despite the increased dimensions, the exterior styling suggests otherwise. The front of the new Cayenne features the characteristic Porsche bonnet that is flanked by high edge wings and now carries the famous crest. Two large air scoops, either side of a larger centre scoop, include LED indicators and day-time running lights (DRL’s). A thinner and more sloping D-pillar make the biggest difference to the Cayenne’s profile, which now looks sleeker and has the impression of a lower roof line. The Cayenne’s rear end has been given a new set of tail-lights that blend with, and enhance, the SUV’s wider shoulders, while the contoured roof spoiler is said to pay homage to the Carrera GT. It certainly is far prettier than the model it replaces.

The interior has been given a welcome redesign, taking much influence from the Porsche Panamera sports sedan. The centre console is designed with the same feel as that of the Panamera, with a multitude of buttons surrounding the gear selector, which is close at hand thanks to a console that rises to meet the dashboard. The dashboard features a centrally-mounted 7-inch colour touch screen that is framed on either side by two large air vents. A new 5-dial instrument cluster in front of the driver houses a rev-counter in the centre with speedometer to the left and on-board computer display to the right. Other information includes engine temperature, oil pressure, fuel gauge, etc, but despite sounding cluttered, the instrumentation layout is one of the most comprehensive and logical we’ve used. Other updates to the interior include wedge-shaped grab handles on either side of the lower centre console, whose shape is repeated on all four door handles, as well as new surface materials on the dashboard and doors that enhance the premium nature of the Cayenne. Three rear passengers are accommodated with generous levels of legroom. The rear seat is adjustable by up to 160 mm fore and aft, while the backrest has three levels of inclination. In addition, the rear seats can be folded down in any combination according to the 40:20:40 split and make way for 1 780-litres of cargo while doing so. It has to be said the interior materials and build quality are excellent, feeling solid, durable and decidedly premium to the touch.

In the face of ever increasing environmental awareness and regulations, Porsche focused on a number of core areas in development of the new Cayenne. Advancement in efficiency have been made with the introduction of Porsche’s new eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission complete with automatic Start/Stop technology. The additional 7th and 8th gear ratios have been included to ensure a better spread of gear ratios for improved acceleration, as well as being overdrive ratios to lower fuel consumption and emissions. Porsche has also equipped the Cayenne with a revised all-wheel drive system – Porsche Traction Management (PTM) – which is 33 kilograms lighter through the use of lightweight propeller shafts and other components. Other weight saving measure include the use of aluminium chassis and suspension components, an aluminium bonnet, wings and tailgate, as well as having shed 10 kilograms off the weight of the electrical system. In total, the new Cayenne is now 180 kilograms lighter than before.

The Cayenne range includes five models, namely the Cayenne, Cayenne Diesel, Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo, but perhaps the most intriguing is the new Cayenne S Hybrid. Porsche’s development of hybrid technology is progressing at a rapid rate, as the recent introduction of the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid and Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid illustrate, but perhaps most indicative is the availability of Porsche’s first hybrid production vehicle, the Cayenne S Hybrid.

The hybrid Cayenne is powered by a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine that produces 245 kW and 440 Nm all on its own. However, added power and economy comes from a 34 kW, 300 Nm electric motor that, when run in combination with the petrol engine, gives the Cayenne S Hybrid total power of 279 kW at 5 500 r/min and 580 Nm of torque from just 1 000 r/min.  From the driver’s seat, the low down torque from the electric motor is immediately evident and contributes to sprightly acceleration of 0 – 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. The on-board display indicates how many minutes you’ve spent driving exclusively on battery power, but anything other than the slightest touch of the accelerator sees the petrol engine kick back into life. The Cayenne’s battery is recharged through kinetic energy gathered whenever the brakes are applied. Other efficiency measures include a mode called ‘sailing’ whereby the petrol engine is turned off and the clutch disengaged at speeds of up to 156 km/h whenever the accelerator pedal is released, to lessen drag from the engine. The Cayenne S Hybrid also features automatic Start/Stop technology that turns off the engine at a standstill, for example with the traffic lights on red or in a traffic jam. All this energy saving technology equates to an average fuel economy figure of 8.2 L/100km, making it the second most efficient model in the range after the Cayenne Diesel.

The entry-level Cayenne is powered by a 3.6-litre V6 with 220 kW and 400 Nm of torque. While it’s no slouch, managing 0 – 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, the ‘baby’ of the range needs to be worked to achieve its best performance. The base model Cayenne has the most character of the bunch, with a V6 that sings sweetly when you wind it up. Specification levels are very good and there is not much to suggest you’d have been frugal in your purchasing decision. The Cayenne Diesel would be the sensible choice for an everyday blend of adequate performance and the best fuel economy. The 3.0-litre V6 engine has 176 kW and 550 Nm of torque on offer, enough to propel the Cayenne Diesel from 0 – 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds, combined with average economy of 7.4 L/100km. The Cayenne S is equipped with Porsche’s naturally aspirated 4.8-litre V8, motivating the big SUV with 294 kW and 500 Nm of torque. The Cayenne S has plenty of ‘go’ in it and performs like a sports car on stilts when burying the accelerator pedal. 0 – 100 km/h is completed in 5.9 seconds and top speed is 258 km/h.

The grand daddy of them all, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, could warrant an entire dissertation on its own, but we’ll give you the short version in-line with our brief stint behind the wheel. Rocketed forward by the same 4.8-litre V8 found in the Cayenne S, but force-fed by twin-turbochargers, the Cayenne Turbo is able to transfer all 368 kW and 700 Nm of torque to the road through a blend of electronic and mechanical traction aids. The results pin you to your seat, with the 0 – 100 km/h sprint taking just 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 278 km/h. However, the performance figures are not the most impressive aspect of the Turbo. What impressed us most were its astounding handling dynamics that quite honestly give the laws of physics ‘the finger’. For a 2.1 tonne SUV, the Cayenne Turbo genuinely handles like a sports car, with limited bodyroll, superb composure through weight transfer in all directions and a set of fade-free brakes that shed speed as fast as you can say “stop”. The Cayenne Turbo has to be experienced to be believed. Simply put, Porsche have produced a driver’s SUV. Not convinced? Watch this video!

The second generation Porsche Cayenne offers a class leading blend of performance, efficiency and driving enjoyment. The Cayenne will undoubtedly continue to be Porsche’s number one selling model range, and rightly so, especially considering the brand status on offer at competitive prices.

Prices include a 3-year/90 000km warranty and maintenance plan.

Supercars are a given at any motor show and most manufacturers were present in one form or another at this years New York Auto Show. Only Ferrari was absent, but they’re forgiven, for having been so diligently focused on the development and launch of their new 599 GTO. Below, in no particular order, follows a list of some of the cars that caught most peoples attention…

Alpina B7

Alpina may not be a household name, but in certain circles of BMW-trust, they are the absolute masters in making a great thing even better. The new B7 starts off as a regular 300 kW 750i and gets the full treatment. It begins with a pair of Honeywell-Garrett turbos giving an even 1.0 bar of boost and stainless-steel dual exhaust system. Altogether, output is rated at 373 kW and 700 N.m of torque. This is only part of the story as the cabin of the B7 is treated to the finest materials including Myrtle Burl wood. Here’s to more exclusivity and those signature Alpina alloys!

Bentley Continental GTC SuperSports

Bentley and speed have long since been associated with each other. In SuperSports guise, that statement could not be truer. With 463 kW coming from its twin-turbocharged 6,0-litre W12 engine, the mammoth 2.2 tonne car charges to 100 km/h in only 3.9 seconds and will reach 325 km/h. Actually, SuperSports stands for weight reduction (about 90 kgs) and enhanced performance. All this performance and exclusivity at a price tag of, well, P.O.A in South Africa.

BMW 335is

Reviving an old name is sometimes tricky as fans of the original can easily get offended if the carmaker doesn’t get it right. In the case of the BMW ‘is’ and its revival, the Bavarians nailed it. Featuring a 240 kW 3,0-litre turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine, the new 335is is very much a performance coupe or convertible with a little something extra over the regular 335i. Extra niceties for the car include specific aerodynamic body pieces for better airflow and improved cooling. The 335is also uses a free-flowing sport exhaust system, tuned for a more satisfying rumble.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3

As if the SLS AMG wasn’t enough to get every car enthusiast a little excited, Mercedes goes and takes the wraps off the Baywatch/Pamela Anderson equivalent at the New York show and adds the letters ‘GT3′, which have the same impact as XXX! Using the same monster V8 and having less mass to lug around, the SLS AMG GT3 will accomplish pornographic-like performance figures that will surely have fans requiring cold showers.

Porsche Cayenne Turbo

The Turbo and expected Turbo S models will no doubt look a little more desirable, but for now the new Cayenne is a huge improvement over the previous generation. The first generation VW Touareg was not particularly pretty either, but deciding which one looks better would have been a tough decision for most – not something a Porsche should have an issue with. But No more! Not only does Cayenne 2 borrow styling cues from the Panamera, latest Cayman and 911, but its new Hybrid and Diesel powertrains (as well as Turbo) will make it more popular than ever.

Hennessey Camaro

Hennessey in general is really making a name for itself. The 2011 Venom GT promises to be a killer in the performance supercar category when it becomes available next year. As for the Camaro or Camaro(s), only your budget can limit the amount of rubber you can scorch. With packages ranging from 447 to 746 kilowatt, few will challenge you in a straight line, or on a track. Depending on the selected options, your Camaro will be able to pull just over 1 G of lateral acceleration, that’s some serious grip – for an American car!

Porsche Carrera GT

This Porsche is not new, but it was on display in New York and after seeing one at the Franschhoek Motor Museum Time Trial & Concours event in February, we don’t need an excuse to mention it. The Carrera GT has undoubtedly carved its spot that league of supercars that will forever and always be coveted. Think of the Lamborghini Countach, the Ferrari F40 and the GT is a natural fit. With a 451 kW 5,7-litre V10 and performance numbers like 0 – 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, 0 – 160 km/h in 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 328 km/h, how could it not be?

Mazda RX-8 Racer

Based on the latest and hottest RX-8 ever, the R3, the Speed Source #70 Castrol Syntec Mazda RX-8 is obviously no ordinary over-the-counter RX-8. Competing in the Rolex Series GT Class and piloted by Sylvain Tremblay, Nick Ham, Jonathan Bomarito and David Haskell, this car won its class in the latest edition of the Rolex 24 at Daytona. It’s not everyday that we hear of Mazda’s GT Class racing efforts.

Subaru Impreza WRX and STI

The ‘new’ WRX is in fact not really new as it only grows ever closer to the STI in styling and performance. First came the bump in power to 197 kW and now it sports body proportions basically on par with the STI. Although the return of the sedan has made headlines (the jury is still out on it looks vs the hatch), it’s the fact that the WRX needs to continue to grow to maintain its competitive edge. One theory is that the upcoming ‘Toybaru‘ will adopt the STI badge, while WRX will be reserved exclusively for the sedan/hatch.

Spyker C8 Aileron

It’s an acquired taste, the new Spyker C8 Aileron, both in the looks department and driving experience. However, no one denies the attention to detail and quality of craftsmanship of the car. With 300 kW from a 4,2-litre mid-mounted V8, the Aileron should prove to be entertaining to drive, if not a little under powered for what its looks suggest.

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.