The Porsche Cayenne

The Porsche Cayenne

A very capable on and off-roader, the Cayenne has been a stunning success.

The Cayenne features a sophisticated full-time four wheel drive system with a 62 percent rear, 38 percent front drive split, and a low range with a respectable 2.71 ratio. When that is combined with the Porsche Traction Management you have a highly stable traction system.  

PDCC (Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control) keeps the Cayenne virtually flat on turns up to about 0.63g, yet uncouple at low off-road speeds for maximum wheel articulation. When this is considered alongside the air suspension, with 3 settings, it is apparent that the Porsche Cayenne is a serious off road contender.  

The Porsche Cayenne is available in the following variants:  

Cayenne  

The Cayenne model is powered by a 3.6l VR6 engine producing 290 hp. Acceleration from 0 to 60mph is 7.5 seconds with manual transmission. A 3.0l turbo diesel is available - the first ever diesel engine in a Porsche road car. It's quiet and refined while superb noise insulation means you need to remind yourself you're driving a diesel.

With 240bhp the diesel engine will reach from 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds. The in-gear pace impresses as the engine is mated to the smooth Porsche Tiptronic automatic gearbox as standard.  

Cayenne S  

The S is powered by an 8-cylinder engine with a dry-sump lubrication system and variable valve timing. The Cayenne is the first V8 engined vehicle that Porsche have produced since the Porsche 928 in1995. 

The Cayenne S' engine produces 385 bhp and 369 ft·lb of torque. Acceleration from 0-60 mph is 6.4 seconds and the top speed is 155 miles per hour.  

Cayenne GTS  

The GTS is powered with a 405 hp 4.8 liter V8 and features sport suspension and 21-inch wheels. It is lighter than the Cayenne S and has an aerodynamic body kit. The Porsche Cayenne GTS has a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.7 seconds. A six-speed manual transmission is also offered.  

Cayenne Turbo and Turbo S  

Initially the Cayenne Turbo had 450 bhp, and would reach 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. The Turbo S version was introduced in 2006 and included a low-range case, a locking differential, and the height-adjustable, off-road suspension. It was powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.8l V8 that produced 500 bhp and 700 NM of torque. Acceleration from 0-60 mph was 5.0 seconds and the top speed was 171 miles per hour. It featured a 6-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission.  

The new Cayenne Turbo was revealed in 2008. It afforded an extra 50 bhp with its 0-60mph time reduced to a mere 4.9 seconds. Also revealed with the new Turbo was the new 550 bhp Cayenne Turbo S. Acceleration from 0-60 mph is 4.7 seconds and has the now famous Porsche ceramic composite brakes available as an option.

A superb Porsche that is at home both on and off-road.