Price: From R645 000
Okay, we wish we could lose weight like a Cayenne. In the case of the Porsche, it has shed a whopping 165 kg, and the end result is simply spectacular: while it looks gorgeous (don’t we all, after being on a diet?), it also boasts much lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. As expected, it comes with a bevy of luxury features. We like the "Welcome Home" lighting function. When you arrive at a destination after dark, the headlights remain illuminated for a while, lighting your path from the car. It’s a really nice feature for us girls.
With the second-generation Cayenne, Porsche has done what it does best when it comes to refining its products – defy the tenets of conventional mechanics. Engine capacity and power output across the range has swelled while fuel economy has somehow managed to drop by between eight and 15 percent.
Porsche’s new Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) engines utilise a number of technologies that optimise combustion efficiency, ultimately resulting in improved fuel economy and power output.
The engine capacity of the entry-level Cayenne has swelled from 3,2 to 3,6 litres – the six-cylinder unit now producing 29 kW more than its predecessor at 213 kW. Torque output has also taken a hike from the previous model from310 to 385 N.m. Acceleration and top speed have also reportedly improved, with the 0-100 km/h dash taking 8,1 secs on the way to a top speed of 217 km/h. The old model managed 9,1 secs and 214 km/h.
The engine capacity of the mid range Cayenne S has grown from 4,5 to 4,8 litres. With Porsche’s VarioCam Plus valve control system and DFI technology this normally aspirated unit now puts out a titanic 500 N.m of torque, up from 420 N.m previously. Power has also climbed by 33 kW over the first S to 283 Kw. This means 01-100 km/h takes just 6,6 secs (0,2 secs faster than before) while the top speed moves from 242 to 252 km/h.
The turbocharged flagship, the Cayenne Turbo, has also benefited from a 37 kW boost. It now produces a staggering maximum power output of 368 kW. The new 4,8 -litre V8, which features twin exhaust-gas turbochargers, also pumps out a tarmac-rippling 700 N.m of torque – 80 N.m more than before. The Turbo now achieves a 0-100 km/h time of 5,1 seconds (nearly half a second quicker than before) and an extra 9 km/h at the top end, taking the suggested top speed to 275 km/h.
One of the most common subjects surrounding any appraisal of the Cayenne are its looks. The previous model’s appearance invoked desire and distaste in equal measure, but the revisions to the new model will shift the balance to the former.
In typical Porsche fashion, the facelift is more evolution than revolution. The most obvious change is at the front, where the bulky appearance of the first model has given way to a more sweeping, graceful nose. The lights retain their glazed-in architecture, but are less upright and sit closer to the outside of the front section than before. Larger front air intakes and lowered fog lamps across the range allow easy identification of the different models as they loom in your rear view mirror. The front intakes are divided into three sections with black grilles – on the Cayenne and the S, the flanking intakes have two horizontal bars with indicators/LED parking lights positioned vertically. On the Turbo, that central intake gapes even wider than before, while the indicators sit vertically on a single crossbar.
The rear also gets an overhaul with a more coherent revision of the brake light units, which now sit further to the outside. A new spoiler extends the roofline, giving this über SUV a more dynamic profile, but the most attention-grabbing aspect of the rear are the two exhaust apertures – in the V6 and S, these house oval tail pipes while the turbo sports a pair of dual pipes on either side. Along with the standard 17-inch alloys on the V6 ad 18-inch rims on the S and Turbo, a 21-inch multi-spoke option is now available for the Cayenne.
All new Cayenne models will continue to feature permanent all-wheel drive with a ratio of 62 percent front and 38 percent rear. The Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system capable of transmitting up to 100 per-cent of drive traction to the front or rear as required. The Turbo will come equipped with Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM) along with air suspension fitted as standard. PASM can be augmented by the new Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) that works to counter body roll during cornering. It also improves off-road traction and axle articulation. PDCC will be offered as options on both the Cayenne and Cayenne S.
Porsche Stability Management (PSM) is now across the Cayenne range. With its brake assist function and off-road ABS, the system aims to improve braking on loose surfaces and reduce the yawing encountered by towing vehicles under braking conditions.
Specifications across the Cayenne range are generous, and include such standard features as air con, sound system, central locking with immobiliser, power steering, ABS, electric windows, power steering and no less than10 airbags.
A 5-year/100 000 km Driveplan warranty and maintenance is included in the price of the new Cayenne.
Prices are as follows:
Cayenne six-speed manual – R595 000
Cayenne S six-speed manual – R750 000
Cayenne Turbo six-speed tiptronic – R1 395 000
Porsche’s six-speed tiptronic transmission is available as an option on both the Cayenne and the Cayenne S at no extra cost.
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