New Porsche Cayenne SUV breaks cover in Stuttgart
Now in its third generation, more than 760,000 units of the Porsche Cayenne have been sold since its original launch in 2002
Porsche has pulled the covers off the latest version of its popular Cayenne SUV at a special event in the Zuffenhausen district of Stuttgart.
Now in its third generation, the new model will be available in two variants from launch – the Cayenne and the Cayenne S.
The entry-level Cayenne is powered by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine that develops 335bhp and 450Nm of torque. This allows the SUV to accelerate to 60mph from a standstill in six seconds, or 5.7 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. Top speed stands at 152mph.
The Cayenne S, on the other hand, calls upon a smaller 2.9-litre, twin-turbocharged V6 engine. This power plant produces 435bhp and 550Nm of torque, enabling the S to complete the 0-60mph sprint in five seconds, or 4.7 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package. The Cayenne S will travel on to a maximum speed of 165mph.
A new eight-speed Tiptronic S gearbox has also been introduced. According to Porsche, this lends the Cayenne greater on- and off-road performance thanks to its shorter response times and sportier ratios in the lower gears.
Compared with the previous Cayenne, the new model weighs up to 65 kilograms less thanks to its lightweight construction. Like its sister cars – the 911 and Panamera – the Cayenne uses a combination of alloy and steel for its body. Its exterior is made entirely of aluminium.
Standard equipment has also been improved, with all Cayennes now offering LED headlights, larger alloy wheels, ParkAssist, a wifi hotspot and anticipatory pedestrian protection systems to name but a few.
Oliver Blume, chairman of the executive board at Porsche AG, said: “We have completely redeveloped our successful model. It has been visibly and tangibly improved and perfected in all respects. The Cayenne has also been digitalised and networked throughout to give it a forward-thinking design.”
Michael Mauer, director of style at Porsche AG, added: “Our primary objective was to accentuate the character of the vehicle. More Porsche, more Cayenne. The new Cayenne is more precise, elegant, athletic and expressive.”
Since its launch in 2002, the Cayenne has proved to be incredibly successful for the German manufacturer, with more than 760,000 units sold globally.
