The third-generation Porsche Cayenne, debuting at the Frankfurt show, is a major reworking of the model despite appearing little changed from the exterior.
Porsche’s biggest-selling model has been re-engineered on a new and lightweight platform, significantly more aluminium being incorporated into the body structure to save weight, and a great deal of new technology added, much of it taken from the 911 sports car. The new Cayenne weighs up to 85kg less than its predecessor despite a longer length of 63mm and more standard equipment.
Cayennes now boast rear tyres wider than those at the front and the option of rear-wheel steering. Active all-wheel-drive is standard, there is a three-way air suspension system, and the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) electronic roll stabilisation system has more options for settings allied to performance or comfort.
New interior
The interior has also been completely revamped, incorporating the ‘Porsche Advanced Cockpit’ and the luggage compartment extended by 100 litres to 770 litres. The car boasts a 48-volt electric system, and significantly more connectivity options for occupants in what Porsche describes as a fully networked car.
Deliveries of the new Cayenne start in April 2018 and initially the car will be offered in the familiar standard and S models. The stock versions is powered by a six-cylinder 3.0-litre turbo petrol engine with 340hp and a 6.2 second 0-62mph time, while the Cayenne S uses a 2.9-litre V6 petrol of 440hp, cutting the 0-62mph time to 5.2 seconds. Specifying the Sport Chrono option package on either model shaves another three-tenths from the acceleration.
Also seen for the first time at Frankfurt is the latest Cayenne Turbo version, with its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol unit pumping out 550hp. This sends it through 62mph in 4.1 seconds, while the Sport Chrono package shaves that to 3.9 seconds.
