San Antonio and Uvalde, Texas - Despite outcries from sports car aficionados, Porsche introduced an SUV in 2003. Since then, the Cayenne has become the best-selling model in the Stuttgart-based automaker's lineup. Over 150,000 units are found all over the world, with more than half in North America. The emergence of the Russian, Chinese and Indian auto markets has increased the demand tenfold. For 2008, the Cayenne lineup remains the same. Porsche nevertheless made a few subtle changes to boost the performance once again.
The German manufacturer also offers three new, more powerful yet less thirsty engines. However, the highlight is undoubtedly the development of the PDCC system, which stands for Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control.
Thusly equipped, the Cayenne allows Porsche engineers to achieve a technological and functional sophistication standard that is superior to rivals, much to the delight of drivers. The PDCC cranks up the comfort, handling and off-road capability to a remarkable level of finesse and control.
Recently, the folks at Porsche set up a comprehensive series of challenges on the vast Continental-General Tires proving grounds to show journalists just how good these innovations are.
Aggressive fascia
Fans of the German firm know that it prefers small changes over a radical makeover. With that in mind, the Cayenne's designers smoothened and extended the headlights. Meanwhile, they enlarged the front air intakes to help the engine breathe more easily and to cool the brakes more efficiently. As a result, the vehicle also sports a far more masculine look. The front and rear bumpers have been slightly modified to reduce drag. The wheel arches have been revised and a new rear diffuser channels the airflow more dynamically.
Unchanged cockpit
The cockpit is identical to the previous model. The dashboard remains stark but becomes more attractive in S and Turbo trim. For 2008, the power tailgate is standard fare. Buyers will be able to add a power loading tray system to load heavy items more easily. My test partner and I could not figure out why the power adjustable steering wheel is standard only in Turbo trim. On the passenger side, the transfer case and the floor line reduce legroom although not significantly.
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| Uvalde Proving Grounds entrance. |
The German manufacturer also offers three new, more powerful yet less thirsty engines. However, the highlight is undoubtedly the development of the PDCC system, which stands for Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control.
Thusly equipped, the Cayenne allows Porsche engineers to achieve a technological and functional sophistication standard that is superior to rivals, much to the delight of drivers. The PDCC cranks up the comfort, handling and off-road capability to a remarkable level of finesse and control.
Recently, the folks at Porsche set up a comprehensive series of challenges on the vast Continental-General Tires proving grounds to show journalists just how good these innovations are.
Aggressive fascia
Fans of the German firm know that it prefers small changes over a radical makeover. With that in mind, the Cayenne's designers smoothened and extended the headlights. Meanwhile, they enlarged the front air intakes to help the engine breathe more easily and to cool the brakes more efficiently. As a result, the vehicle also sports a far more masculine look. The front and rear bumpers have been slightly modified to reduce drag. The wheel arches have been revised and a new rear diffuser channels the airflow more dynamically.
Unchanged cockpit
The cockpit is identical to the previous model. The dashboard remains stark but becomes more attractive in S and Turbo trim. For 2008, the power tailgate is standard fare. Buyers will be able to add a power loading tray system to load heavy items more easily. My test partner and I could not figure out why the power adjustable steering wheel is standard only in Turbo trim. On the passenger side, the transfer case and the floor line reduce legroom although not significantly.
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| Cayenne Turbo's cockpit. |