Porsche Cayenne
| |
| Porsche Cayenne | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Porsche |
| Class: | FR SUV |
| Production: | 2002 – |
| Body Styles: | SUV |
| Engines: | 3.2 L, 4.5 L V8 |
The Porsche Cayenne is an SUV automobile made by Porsche since 2002. It is the first V8-engined vehicle built by Porsche since 1995, when the Porsche 928 was discontinued. Sales of the Cayenne have been strong, with 100,000 sold as of June, 2005. 40% of Cayenne sales are in North America.
Design
The Cayenne was co-developed with Volkswagen, who was also looking to add an SUV to their lineup, as a cost-sharing initiative. Volkswagen shares this chassis to underpin their Touareg sports utility vehicle, although there are numerous styling, equipment and technical differences between the two vehicles. Unlike in the Touareg, which is only available with a 3.2 litre, 240 horsepower VR6 or a 4.2 litre, 310 horsepower V8, there are currently 4 engines available in the Cayenne:
- 3.2 L 250 bhp (184 kW) V6 from Volkswagen (Based on the unit offered in the VW but with modifications made to the intake, exhaust and timing systems and heads)
- 4.5 L 340 bhp (250 kW) V8
- 4.5 L 450 bhp (340 kW) 460 ft.lbf twin-turbocharged V8
- 4.5 L 500 bhp (370 kW) 515 ft.lbf Tequipment twin-turbocharged V8
Performance
The turbocharged model has extremely high performance for an SUV. It is roughly as fast to 60 miles per hour as the company's Boxster S (about 5.2 seconds), and the new Tequipment special version will be faster still. Reviews indicate that the Cayenne handles remarkably well for a heavy SUV — far better than the BMW X5 — whilst having a comfortable ride and, unlike compeition from BMW, Mercedes and Infiniti, retaining remarkable off-road ability. The competence however comes at a cost, with the "S" V8 model being more expensive than a comparably-specified BMW X5 and the turbocharged model costing nearly $90,000 USD before adding options, about as much as a fully equipped, V8 powered Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The Cayenne's closest rivals in terms of cost and presteige are Land Rover's Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The success of the Cayenne has prompted Land Rover to develop the smaller, sportier, and less off-road capable Range Rover Sport as well as to offer a supercharged version of their top-range model.
Porsche chose to fit the Cayenne with standard low-profile tires to help give it a more comfortable and sporty on-road ride. Unfortunately, the tires also make it unsuitable for severe off-road conditions off the factory floor. However, Porsche/Volkswagen jointly did extensive off-road testing with the Cayenne and Touraeg and both are in actuality extremely capable off-road, all that is neccesary are more aggressive tires. Both vehicles are standard with 4-wheel drive, a manually lockable center differential and a "low range" setting. Options to make the vehicles more capable off-road include an available air suspension system which can raise the car's ride height on command and an interior switch allowing the front and rear differentials to be manually locked along with the center unit. At maximum ride height, the air suspension system gives the Cayenne 10.7 inches (272mm) of ground clearence.
Controversy
Many Porsche enthusiasts are unhappy with the company for producing an SUV (particularly a 4-door one), seeing it as diluting the meaning of the brand. According to Wheels, a well-regarded Australian car magazine, the decision to develop the Cayenne was a contentious one for the company for this reason. Management reportedly felt, however, that the company needed a more dependable source of revenue than the fickle sports car market.
In May 2004, Porsche issued a recall on the Cayennes for seatbelts that do not function properly during a collison.
At the IAA 2005, Porsche announced it will produce a hybrid version of the Cayenne before 2010.
It is also rumored that Porsche could produce a second SUV, a mini-Cayenne based on the Audi Q5.
External links
- AutoGuideWiki.com
- [1] - Details about the Cayenne's mechanics and systems. Includes videos explaining technical details and showcasing some of the Cayenne's off-road abilities.