Performance art
Capable of fulfilling every demand, but at a cost - Adrian Ion slips into Porsche’s SUV, the new Cayenne S
September 2010 - From the Print Edition
One of the cars I was most eager to test drive this year was the new Porsche Cayenne. This is a car which saw huge sucess in its previous generation and was praised by both Porsche detractors and Porsche purists, who first thought it unimaginable to launch a SUV in its model range.
The tested model was the mid range Cayenne S, fitted with a V8 engine and able to develop 400 horsepower. The new model is lighter than its previous incarnation, has a lower fuel consumption by as much as 20 per cent, a new tiptronic eight speed automatic transmission and a whole new interior layout which has a modified appearance, with a central console borrowed from the luxury saloon, the Panamera.
The Cayenne’s chief boast is the way it drives. As one would expect from a Porsche, the performance is outstanding and will satisfy even the most demanding drivers. The downside is that the price tag is high, but not high enough to stop customers raiding their bank accounts for the privilege of a drive. This is the best selling model ever for Porsche.
It is impressive how docile the SUV is when I did not push its engine and how wild it became as soon as I revved it over 4,000 rpm. The tested car was fitted with all the electronic options that make a difference in how the car behaves when pressed to the limit.
I am always amazed by the level of sophistication and precise engineering of a Porsche, which offers smooth and enjoyable engine to drive in everyday traffic and yet, under its skin, there hides a performance beast. The Cayenne S moves swiftly and will go from zero to 100 km/h in under six seconds, accompanied by the welcome thunder of V8 engine sounds.
The Cayenne range starts with an entry level petrol engine – a 3.6 litre V6 that delivers 300 bhp and is the only model that can be fitted with either a manual six speed gearbox or an automatic eight speed tiptronic. A diesel version is also on sale, with a 240 bhp 3.0-litre V6 engine offering 550Nm of torque and which offers the best consumption figures throughout the range.
The cleanest model is the Cayenne S Hybrid with 193g of CO2/km, and features a 333 hp 3.0-litre supercharged V6 and an electric motor with 52 bhp. The peak torque of 550Nm is delivered at just 1,000 rpm, offering close performance figures with the Cayenne S but for a higher price tag.
The Cayenne S has 400bhp high-torque 4.8-litre V8 petrol engine and the meanest version is the Cayenne Turbo, with its 500bhp twin-turbocharged 4.8-litre V8 engine.
The Cayenne is a versatile car, that will carry five in confort through open roads or rugged terrain. Even in medium offroad, this car steers well and the elecronics will come in handy for even the least experienced driver. All a driver needs is to hold on to the wheel, push the gas and the car will do the rest.
The interior has a multitude of buttons and switches and it requires some adjustment time to learn where to find them. Every function of the car has its own button - instead of grouping them as in a BMW or Mercedes. The central console sits high between the seats and creates a feeling of being a pilot in a jet cockpit.
A longer wheelbase compared to the old model will also add a plus in the habitability sector and, in the rear, the seats can move forwards or backwards to create extra legroom or boot space, as required.
Prices start at around 50,000 Euro plus taxes for the Cayenne V6, but optional features will see this figure accelerate. The tested Cayenne S model has a starting price of 65,329 Euro plus taxes.
Vital statistics
PORSCHE CAYENNE S
Engine performance:
294 kW (400 hp) at 6,500 rpm
0-100 km/h in 5.9 s
Top speed: 258 km/h
Fuel consumption: Urban 14.5 l
Non-urban: 8.2 l Combined: 10,5 l/100 km
CO2 emissions: 245 g/km
Length: 4846 mm
Width: 1939 mm