For an SUV that many people thought would be the death of the brand, the 2011 Porsche Cayenne has arrived looking pretty strong. And as you can see, the second-generation model also arrives looking much like the current version.
It's actually slightly longer with a 1.6-inch longer wheelbase, yet this Cayenne is nearly 400 pounds lighter than its predecessor across the board according to Porsche. Ditching all the hard core off-road hardware probably helped, no low-range on this sucker.
That weight loss combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission and more efficient engine also gives this Cayenne an edge in the fuel economy department. Porsche claims that this Cayenne's lineup of engines -- a 300-hp V6, 400-hp V8 and 500-hp twin turbo V8 -- all get between 20 and 23 percent better mileage than before.,
And if that's not enough for you, there will be a Cayenne Hybrid joining the lineup this fall. It will combine a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 with an electric motor to produce 380 total horsepower. Porsche didn't throw out any numbers, but it did say it will have the performance of a V8 with the economy of a V6. In other words, don't expect frugality.
Sales of the 2011 Porsche Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo will start in the U.S. this July while the V6 Cayenne and Cayenne Hybrid will arrive this fall.
tp660 says:
11:35 PM, 02/24/10
What's with the steering wheel? It looks completely out of place in the interior. Looks more like something you would find on one of those arcade racing games.
superset says:
11:40 PM, 02/24/10
agreed. that steering wheel is dreadful. the suv does look better but no sold on that steering wheel. buy a touareg for 20k less.
paragrikhav says:
03:15 AM, 02/25/10
Porsche Cayenne 2011 have been spotted testing in Germany on several occasions.All engines will include Porsche’s new direct-injection technology, and some could even be matched to the automaker’s new dual-clutch gearbox. Expect to see 0-60 mph times of less than five seconds for top end models and top speeds in excess of 180 mph.
http://www.automotivecraze.com/2011-porsche-cayenne-deciphered.html
bodyshopboy says:
03:44 AM, 02/25/10
I just don't understand using Hybrid technology to boost performance. That design philosophy caused the Honda Accord Hybrid to fall flat in the market place...
1487 says:
06:01 AM, 02/25/10
the front is still ugly, but the rear is nice. Interior is straight out of the panamera.
hondacura4 says:
06:41 AM, 02/25/10
"Porsche claims that this Cayenne's lineup of engines -- a 300-hp V6, 400-hp V8 and 500-hp twin turbo V8 -- all get between 20 and 23 percent better mileage than before."
I'm pretty sure many of the direct injection koolaid drinkers here will automatically assume that direct injection was the main cause of the fuel economy increase. In reality the substantial weight savings, the 8AT and other drivetrain enhancements contributed much more than DI alone.
In regards to the styling, I think it looks more purposeful vs the previous model as the design as a whole is more cohesive and it flows much better. The rear however (like a lot of German rears of late) appears to have a more Japanese inspired design.
DLu says:
07:02 AM, 02/25/10
OMG, can't go off-road in a Cayenne anymore? What are people going to do, rush to Hummer dealers? Oh, wait, they are dying a slow death...
It's sad to get your top-of-the-heap Turbo S beaten soundly by a much less expensive X6M. It's better to concentrate on the "my thing is faster than your thing" potential.
bankerdanny says:
07:32 AM, 02/25/10
One of my best friends has a Cayenne Turbo that he loves. He doesn't 'off road' in the running the Rubicon sense, but he does like to camp and does take his Cayenne off road several times a year.
Ditching the transfer case and its weight makes perfect sense. The standard AWD is more than sufficient for the kind of use my friend puts his Cayenne to.
estreka says:
08:46 AM, 02/25/10
A loss of 400 lbs will go a long way to making this a much better vehicle.
greenpony says:
09:18 AM, 02/25/10
Looks nice. A 10% improvement over the current model.