Car Reviews

2010 PORSCHE CAYENNE SHOWN

04 March : Beast becomes beauty

Porsche Cayenne revealed the all-new Cayenne SUV at the 2010 Geneva International Motor Show. It replaces the old model which was launched, controversially I might add, in 2002. Porsche fans first gawked and screamed but the Cayenne soon became its maker’s biggest seller, even outgunning the legendary 911.

Bottom of the range Cayenne uses a 3.6 V6 that produces 221kW. It’s coupled with Porsche’s new 8-speed Tiptronic S gearbox. A little higher is the Cayenne S with a 4.8-litre naturally aspirated V8 worth 294kW. At the very top, for now, is the Cayenne Turbo with a twin turbo V8 and 368kW, just like Panamera Turbo. A Turbo S can be expected in future and should push out over 400kW to match the BMW X5 M.

Porsche is also feeling the pressure of emissions laws and is therefore getting ready to introduce a Cayenne S Hybrid powered by a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 with 245kW (sounds familiar?) and a 34kW electric motor. Torque is 579Nm attained at only 1 000rpm.

South African customers can count on all the above models to make way to their nearest Porsche Centre. All of them except perhaps the Hybrid. We are just not a hybrid people. In fact, we aren’t even a diesel people yet! Until these two facts change and our fuel improves countrywide, we won’t be getting these super-advanced powertrains.

SOURCE: IN4RIDE