What has the Touareg got to do with the Cayenne? Just in case you aren't aware, the Cayenne and
Touareg were jointly developed by Porsche and Volkswagen, with the latter building pretty well the entire car for Porsche sans the engine (excepting V6 versions which ship with the engine included). Of course, Volkswagen is the ideal fit for Porsche, being that both companies were founded by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, and past cooperative efforts have led to the mid-engine 914, and front-engine 924, 244 and 968.
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| It wouldn't be a Porsche if the Cayenne was trimmed out in planks of walnut. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
The result of this latest joint venture is a superb sport utility for Volkswagen, biased more toward luxury than sport, and the Cayenne, which is definitely targeting a sport-oriented SUV buyer. The differences on the outside are obvious, with only a very keen eye capable of seeing the similarities between the two. On the inside there is no resemblance either, with the VW boasting over-the-top luxury, including acres of beautifully finished wood, brushed aluminum and leather. It wouldn't be a Porsche if the Cayenne was trimmed out in planks of walnut, so the Weissach team instead covered the dash and surrounding surfaces in high-quality leather, while thin horizontal accents can be finished in a variety of woods and metals.
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| While Porsche must be happy about the increase in sales, it must also be disappointed in the company's J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study rating. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
While Volkswagen does an exceptionally good job of perceived quality, the touchy, feely side of interior quality that sells cars on the showroom floor, the brand is plagued with actual quality issues. The new Touareg has been no exception, with unfortunate consequences for its strategic partner Porsche. While Porsche must be excited on one hand for the strong sales its new SUV has garnered and the added profits to its bottom line, it can't be at all happy with its recent plunge in J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS) - based on responses from more than 51,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2004 model-year cars, trucks, SUVs and vans surveyed after 90 days of ownership.
