A first time SUV for Porsche AG, the Cayenne has been a delightful success for the most profitable automaker in the world. More than 150,000 units have found affluent owners around the globe after rolling off the production line in Leipzig, Germany since 2002. The all-terrain sports car had indeed set many benchmarks for the segment and the second-generation model is expected to carry on the momentum of its predecessor with greater efficiency. What is certain is that the new Cayenne will definitely push the boundaries set earlier and raise the benchmarks once again. Indeed even in its earlier incarnations, it has surpassed the 1st generation BMW X5 in on-road performance, yet at the same time as capable as a Land Rover off-road.The much awaited 2nd generation Porsche Cayenne was launched to a crowd of around 300 media and guests at the Cayenne Pavillion of the Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Resort on Friday 9th March 2007. Guests were treated to a spectacular launch sequence flagged off by race-horses run to highlight the model’s theme: Momentum. The launch at the resort also provided an outdoor and airy feel that was in keeping with the spirit of the new model. This was also to link the dynamism of horses and the adventurous sporting environment like polo, horse racing or even taming the wild outdoors on horseback, with the new Cayenne.
For this 2nd generation Porsche Cayenne, many enhancements - mostly under the skin - will bring it to the forefront of SUV technology. Most significant new feature across the new Cayenne range is DFI or Direct Fuel Injection which enables more power but with improved fuel efficiency! It is quite amazing that the new Cayenne models have increased engine capacities (V6 up from 3.2L to 3.6L, S and Turbo up from 4.5L to 4.8L), more power (V6 up from 250bhp to 290bhp, S up from 340bhp to 385bhp, Turbo up from 450bhp to 500bhp) and yet have lower fuel consumption. Truly engineering advancements: higher performance, less fuel consumption.Living up to Porsche's sporting heritage and badge, the new Cayenne promises to drive more like sports cars. Thanks largely to the new optional PDCC and standard ‘Sport’ button found in all models. PDCC is short for Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, which actively limits body roll in bends and balances out the car’s angle under nearly all driving conditions (following braking, steering inputs and take-off). Body movements are therefore minimized during even spirited drives, with the sporty Cayenne able to corner almost flat during such outings. The ‘Sport’ button allows for a more sporting and dynamic drive for models equipped with the Tiptronic S automatic transmission and PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management).
The most obvious change is to the exterior and the new Cayenne sports a more dynamic and distinctive front view thanks to a new slimmer headlight design, enlarged front air inlets, re-positioned fog lights and more contoured front shoulders.
At the rear, the new LED taillights add to the enhanced visual appeal together with a redesigned bumper with a diffuser and tail pipes in the lower apron.
The roofline is also lengthened with clever use of a new rear spoiler. All these styling enhancements not only serve to give the New Cayenne it’s distinctive arresting visual appearance but also bring in greater aerodynamic efficiency.
The new Cayenne is available now at Porsche Centre Glenmarie, Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Prices start at RM650K for the base Cayenne, RM765K for the Cayenne S and a cool RM1.1million for the Cayenne Turbo. All prices are quoted with the 6-speed Tiptronic S gearbox, without insurance.
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