Porsche Cayenne

First generation (2002–2010)

The Porsche Cayenne entered the market with mixed anticipation. However, it soon proved that it was the performance vehicle among SUVs and was praised for its excellent handling and powerful engines. The lineup initially consisted of the V8-powered Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo. Later in the model cycle, VR6 and diesel-powered versions joined the lineup.

The base model is powered by a 3.2-L VR6 engine producing 250 PS (184 kW); modifications in the exhaust manifold allow power to peak at 6700 rpm. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph (97 km) is approx 7.5 seconds with manual transmission and 8.1 seconds with the Tiptronic S.

Cayenne S

The S is powered by an 8-cylinder engine with a dry-sump lubrication system and variable valve timing. The Cayenne S engine produces 340 PS (250 kW) and 310 lb·ft (420 N·m) of torque. Acceleration from 0–60 mph is 7.1 seconds and the top speed is 150 mph.

Pre–facelift Porsche Cayenne S (Australia).

Introduced only for 2006 (Pre-GTS concept), a Special Distinctive Cayenne S Titanium Edition Wagon (9PA), a 1 Year Exclusive, Limited Production SUV featuring a light weight Steel Body (It is lighter than the Cayenne S), Titanium painted accented body parts, Side Lower Rocker Body Panels, 4-Tube Sports Chrome Tailpipes, 18" Titanium Painted Alloy Wheels, Bi-Xenon Headlights, Porsche PCM w/ trip computer Navigation, MP3 Audio and Bose Cabin Surround Sound. Exhaust tone is Aggressive and Deep, even at idle. This Sporty Design S(Ti) is also powered by an Alloy 4.5L V8 cylinder engine with a dry-sump lubrication system and variable valve timing. The Cayenne S(Ti) engine produces healthy 340 PS (250 kW) and 310 lb·ft (420 N·m) of torque. Acceleration is quicker from 0–60 mph at sub 6.8 seconds and the top speed is +150 mph. It featured a Sport Tuned Suspension, included a low-range case, a locking differential, six-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission (See Turbo & Turbo S).[3]

Cayenne GTS

The GTS is powered with a 405 PS (298 kW) 4.8-L V8 and features a sport suspension and 21-inch (530 mm) wheels. It is lighter than the Cayenne S and has an aerodynamic body kit. The Porsche Cayenne GTS has a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time of 5.7 seconds. A six-speed manual transmission is also offered.

Cayenne Turbo and Turbo S

The first-generation Cayenne Turbo had 450 PS (331 kW), and accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.3 seconds. A Turbo S version was built in 2006 to compete with the Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG. The Cayenne Turbo and Turbo S included a low-range case, a locking differential, and the height-adjustable, off-road suspension. It was powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.5-L V8 that produced 521 PS (383 kW) and 720 N·m (530 lb·ft) of torque. Acceleration from 0–60 mph (96 km/h) was 5.0 seconds and the top speed was 171 miles per hour. It featured a six-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission.

In 2008 an updated Turbo model, featuring a larger 4.8-L engine, was revealed at the Beijing auto show. It produced 50 PS (37 kW) more power, and now accelerated from 0–60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.9 seconds. Also revealed with the new Turbo was a new 550-horsepower (410 kW) Turbo S. Acceleration from 0–60 mph is 4.7 seconds and it has optional ceramic composite brakes.

Cayenne Diesel

Porsche has sold a diesel version of the Cayenne powered by a 3.0-L V6 TDI engine since February 2009. The engine is rated at 240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp) and 550 N·m (410 lb·ft) of torque. The car was unveiled in 2009 Geneva Motor Show. The diesel can accelerate from 0–60 mph in 9.2 seconds.

Cayenne S Transsyberia

Originally a racing vehicle for Transsyberia rally, only 26 were built.

The street version was later built to commemorate Porsche's victory in Transsyberia rally. It is a variant with the 405 hp (302 kW) direct-inject 4.8-L V8 from the Cayenne GTS. Sales began in January 2009, with a production run of 600 road vehicles.

Cayenne GTS Porsche Design Edition 3 (2010)

In May 2009, a limited edition version based on Cayenne GTS was introduced, designed by Porsche Design Studio and included a Porsche Design chronograph Type P’6612. Production was limited to 1000 units, 100 in the USA.

Second generation (2011–present)

The second-generation Porsche Cayenne went on sale in April–May 2010 as a 2011 model, with an official debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. In preparation for the unveiling, the Cayenne production facility in Leipzig, Germany, closed in December 2009 to commence factory retooling for the new model, a process that took 2–3 months.

The 2011 Porsche Cayenne is larger than its predecessors, but features a more slanted rear window, less upright windshield, a more sloping roofline, door-mounted mirrors, smaller windows at the rear of the vehicle, headlights inspired by the Carrera GT, taillights that extend onto the car's tailgate, LED daytime running lights and a vastly redesigned interior modeled after the Panamera. The 2011 Cayenne is almost 250 kg (550 lb) lighter than the previous models due to extensive use of aluminum and magnesium, making it more fuel efficient than the previous lineup. Despite its lower stance, the new vehicle's off-road capabilities have been retained without compromising the street performance-oriented layout and design.. In addition to a diesel offering, a hybrid version is available. Also, the 2015 diesel Porsche Cayenne was in the Volkswagen emissions scandal.

Standard features of the 2011 Porsche Cayenne include air conditioning with dual-zone climate controls, interior air filter, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, eight-way power front seats, outside-temperature indicator, and universal garage door opener in the base model. The Cayenne S adds a power sunroof and memory for the driver's seat. The Cayenne GTS added an optional rearview camera, keyless access and start, and memory system. Finally, the most upscale Cayenne Turbo and Turbo S added a navigation system with voice recognition, optional four-zone climate controls, heated rear seats, premium sound system with six-disc CD changer.

The Cayenne's naturally aspirated and turbocharged V8 engines are shared with the Panamera and have been upgraded for faster acceleration times with more horsepower and torque, as well as more powerful direct-injection technology to improve efficiency. The base Cayenne model Cayenne is tuned to offer 300 hp.

The Cayenne comes powered by a 3.6-L VR6 engine producing 300 PS (221 kW; 296 hp), the Cayenne S features the same 4.8-L V8 in the Panamera S models producing 400 PS (294 kW; 395 hp) and the Cayenne Turbo comes with Panamera Turbo's 4.8-L twin turbo V8 producing 500 PS (368 kW; 493 hp). The Cayenne S Hybrid uses an Volkswagen-sourced 3.0-L V6 engine producing 333 PS (245 kW; 328 hp) paired with a nickel metal hydride battery capable of 47 PS (35 kW; 46 hp) for a total of 380 PS (279 kW; 375 hp). A manual gearbox serves as the standard transmission system on the base Cayenne, with all other models featuring an eight-speed Tiptronic as standard equipment. The low-range transfer case found in the previous generation has been removed. All vehicles will feature about 10% less weight than their predecessors, 70 kg worth of standard equipment in excess of that found on the current model and a more heavily contoured rear bench.

Available Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active anti-roll bars, Adaptive air suspension and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM).

In September 2012 Porsche announced the Cayenne S Diesel. This model is fitted with the Volkswagen 4.1-L V8 TDI engine. In October 2012, Porsche confirmed the addition of a new Cayenne Turbo S.

In July 2014, Porsche launched a facelifted Cayenne range, with minor exterior alterations and new power-train options, including a plug-in E-Hybrid and downsizing of the S model's 4.8-L V8 to a turbocharged 3.6-L V6.

Hybrid

At the IAA 2005, Porsche announced it would produce a hybrid version of the Cayenne before 2010 (Porsche Cayenne Hybrid). Two years later, at the IAA 2007, Porsche presented a functioning Cayenne Hybrid and demonstration model of the drivetrain.

Notable modifications to this car include an electric vacuum pump and hydraulic steering pump, allowing the car to function even when the engine is deactivated. A 288-volt nickel metal hydride battery is placed under the boot floor, occupying the space normally used for a spare tire.

The production version, called the S Hybrid, was launched in 2010, with a 3.0-L petrol V6 linked with an electric motor to achieve CO₂ emissions of 193 g/km. The S Hybrid was launched in the U.S. market in November 2010.

Plug-in hybrid

In July 2014, Porsche announced the launch of the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid, a plug-in hybrid with an all-electric range between 18 and 36 km (11 and 22 mi) under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) standard. The plug-in model displaced the Cayenne S Hybrid from the line up, and it is part of the revised range. The Cayenne S E-Hybrid is the first plug-in hybrid in the premium SUV segment, allowing Porsche to become the first automaker with three production plug-in hybrid models. Deliveries in Germany were scheduled to begin in October 2014. Sales in the U.S. began in November 2014.

The following are the official EPA ratings of the Cayenne S E-Hybrid compared with the others models of the 2015 line up available in the U.S.: