Porsche recently launched the third generation of their successful Cayenne, which has sold more than 760,000 units since 2002, with completely new developments. It will come, for now, with two turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engines – for the Cayenne and Cayenne S.
The Cayenne’s 3.0-litre single turbo engine produces 340 hp with 450 Nm of torque with a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 6.2 seconds (5.9 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package) with a top speed of 245 km/h.
The Cayenne S on the other hand gets to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds (4.9 with the Sport Chrono Package) with a top speed of 265 km/h. Power comes a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine that develops 440 hp and 550 Nm of torque – 20 hp more than its predecessor. The new Cayennes also come with a new eight-speed Tiptronic S gearbox with shorter response times and sportier ratios in the lower gears.
Performance figures aside, there have been various other new developments that make up the new Porsche Cayenne. Here’s what to note on the latest updates of Porsche’s saviour:
New Design
The new Cayenne comes with enlarged air intakes at the front with new horizontal light edges for a more athletic appearance. Exterior length has been increased by 6.3 cm and roof height reduced by almost 1 cm. Luggage compartment has been increased by a full 100 litres from before to 770 litres. Larger wheels are provided on the rear axle for the first time.
Porsche is offering a new three-stage lighting concept for the headlights: Every Cayenne is fitted with LED headlights as standard. In the next upgrade, the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) can be selected as an option, offering a variety of light modes such as cornering light and motorway light.
Its new LED three-stage lighting headlights including the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) Plus system comes with fully variable light distribution and intensity, enabled by 84 individually activated light-emitting diodes to ensure that the Cayenne’s high beam does not glare opposing traffic.
New Chassis
Taking precedent from the Panamera and the new 911, the new Cayenne’s body utilises a combination of alloy and steel while its exterior is made entirely of aluminium with its floorpan assembly, front section and most other chassis components are made of alloy.
The new Cayenne will feature mix tyres, with larger wheels on the rear axle. This setup is allows the active chassis systems to be analysed and synchronised by the integrated Porsche 4D Chassis Control system. With the exception of the active PASM damper system (as standard with the Cayenne S), all other chassis systems are new developments. For the first time, the Cayenne will come with electric rear-axle steering much like the ones found on the 911’s to improve stability and turning radius’.
New Brakes & Suspension
The Cayenne features the new Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB) consisting of a cast-iron disc with tungsten-carbide coating which increases friction for improved braking power without compromise brake wear. Its calipers are painted in white, while the disc’s surface develops a unique gloss appearance after a run-in.
The new adaptive air suspension comes with a new three-chamber technology that emulates the driving dynamics of a touring car with adjustments to the ground clearance. The new system works with the optional Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) roll stabilisation – benefiting drivers with a change from hydraulic to an electric system – made possible by a powerful 48-volt electrical system. Shorter response time equals higher driving precision.
Sadly, both the brakes and suspension are optional extras.
New Cockpit
The cockpit of the new Cayenne features a new 12.3-inch full HD display with the latest Porsche Communication Management (PCM), Porsche Connect Plus with other functions cleverly integrated into a smartphone-like, glass-look touch surface. Other features include Night Vision Assist, Lane Change Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, ParkAssist, Surround View and Porsche InnoDrive. On-board entertainment now comes from new sound systems from Bose and Burmester.
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