I have to say it's nice to have 340 hardworking high-performance horsepower under the right foot, not something I'm used to when it comes to capable off-road vehicles. Having spent the majority of my wilderness trekking at the wheel of a mid-70s gasoline-powered Toyota Land Cruiser, that probably produced 60-hp at best, and dabbled with a few high-torque diesels and modern multivalve gas engines on backcountry roads, the Porsche's significant output was a revelation. Of course horsepower isn't as important as torque in this application, but the Cayenne S' 310 lb-ft of grunt was definitely sufficient to get the tires moving when required.
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| The Porsche Stability Management system is truely a great 4x4 breakthrough. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
Fortunately, all tires didn't spin when limited traction was available. Instead the Cayenne shifts power to the wheels with grip, via Porsche Stability Management (PSM). This technology proved especially important when seeking a solid footing up the mountainside, with one, two or three tires with traction pushing and pulling the SUV up the grade while the fourth rested, ready to do its duty when touching solid ground. What a great 4x4 breakthrough.
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| The steering wheel mounted Tiptronic S manual shift mechanism of the 6-speed automatic transmission feels purposefully designed for off-road control. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
I also appreciated the Tiptronic S manual shift mechanism of the 6-speed automatic transmission, with steering wheel mounted buttons that seemed purposefully designed for optimal off-road control. The bull-low gear allowed the Cayenne to dig in and launch the heavy 2,245 kg (4,949 lb) vehicle up the steepest of grades, while its button shift gear changer made for quick and easy up and downshifts leaving my hands where they were needed, on the wheel.
