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Porsche’s third-generation Cayenne arrives: Here’s all you need to know about the luxury SUV in SA

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Porsche Cayenne
Porsche Cayenne

Porsche has launched its third-generation luxury SUV in South Africa – the new Cayenne.

Based on the iconic 911 sports car, the brand’s SUV has been enhanced visually, receives a new engine and improved technology,

At launch, buyers have two newly-developed six-cylinder engines to choose from. The 250kW 3.0-litre turbo delivers 29kW more than the outgoing version. The 2.9-litre V6 bi-turbo powering the Cayenne S has 324kW (an increase of 15kW), capable of propelling the SUV to 265km/h.

Equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package, the new Cayenne S accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in less than five seconds.

On-road capabilities have been improved thanks to active all-wheel drive as standard, Porsche 4D Chassis Control, three-chamber air-suspension and the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) electronic roll stabilisation system. Despite its significantly extended range of equipment, the Cayenne S weighs 65kg less than its predecessor.

Porsche Cayenne

                                                                          Image: Porsche

New design

In terms of design, it has enlarged air intakes, new grille and headlights. The vehicle’s exterior length has increased by 63mm, without any change to the wheelbase (2.8m). Its height has been reduced by 9mm. The Cayenne measures 4.9m in length and 1.9m millimetres in width. Luggage volume has been increased by 100 litres and now offers 770 litres capacity. The wheels are 1” larger in diameter, with wider tyres on the rear axle for the first time.

Porsche is offering a new three-stage concept for the headlights. Every Cayenne is fitted with LED headlights, which can be combined with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), offering a variety of light modes such as cornering light and motorway light. Alternatively, the new LED main headlights with matrix beam including PDLS Plus is the top system available. Variable light distribution and intensity are enabled by 84 individually activated light-emitting diodes. This results in the Cayenne offering new functions such as high beam that does not glare opposing traffic, as well as adaptive sign glare control.

Cayenne and Cayenne S

The Cayenne’s six-cylinder turbo engine delivers 250kW and 450Nm. It’s capable of sprinting to 100 km/h time in 6.2 seconds (5.9 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package) and reach a top speed of 245km/h. The second model to launch is the Cayenne S; powered by a newly developed 2.9-litre V6 engine with twin turbocharging has 324kW/550Nm. The vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds (4.9 seconds with Sport Chrono Package) and has a maximum speed of 265km/h.

Porsche Cayenne

                                                                        Image: Porsche

The engines are mated to new eight-speed Tiptronic S gearbox. Shorter response times and sportier ratios in the lower gears enhance both on-road performance and off-road capability. 

Cayenne Turbo

The new Porsche Cayenne Turbo is the new flagship of the model line-up. The completely new top-of-the-range model from the third generation of the Cayenne is once again raising the bar for sporty performance in its segment. 

At the heart of the Cayenne Turbo is the new four-litre V8 engine with twin turbocharging producing 404kW (+22kW) and 770Nm (+20Nm). The new eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission converts both power and torque into acceleration and speed by means of the active all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM). The new Turbo sprints to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds (3.9 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package) and reaches a top speed of 286 km/h. 


Off-road capability

On rough terrain, off-road modes make it easy for the driver to select the right setup for their journey. The SUV’s default setting is the On-road programme, however, four other modes activate the conditioning for mild off-road terrain - Mud, Gravel, Sand or Rocks. The drive, chassis and differential locks can be selected to adapt to the relevant scenario. For power distribution, Porsche utilises the active all-wheel drive in all Cayenne models. The intelligent, fully variable Porsche Traction Management (PTM) distributes the driving force between the drive axles. 

Rear-axle steering, air suspension, roll stabilisation

Providing the optimal basis for the active chassis systems, which are analysed and synchronised is the integrated Porsche 4D Chassis Control system. The system works in real time, optimising handling even further. With the exception of the active PASM damper system, all other chassis systems are new developments. For the first time, the Cayenne is available with electric rear-axle steering – a system tried and tested both in the 911 and the Panamera – improving agility on bends and stability when changing lanes at high speeds. 

Porsche Cayenne

The adaptive air suspension with new three-chamber technology significantly increases the spread between a sporty, firm connection and the driving comfort expected of a touring car. Just as before, the system enables adjustments to the ground clearance on rough terrain. With the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) roll stabilisation, sporty drivers benefit by changing from a hydraulic to an electric system. 

Porsche Surface Coated Brake with tungsten-carbide layer

The new Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB), a world first, will be available for all Cayenne models and consists of a cast-iron disc with a tungsten-carbide coating. The PSCB is only available in combination with the 20" or 21" wheels, meanwhile PCCB ceramic brakes remain the top system in the range.

New Sport Chrono Package with PSM Sport

The new Cayenne offers even more potential when it comes to sporty performance with its redeveloped the Sport Chrono Package. As well as the Normal, Sport and Sport Plus driving modes, the driver can select an individually configurable mode. Selecting the Sport Response button in the centre activates the engine and transmission maps, which are calibrated for maximum performance. The Sport Chrono Package also includes a separate PSM Sport mode, in which the driver can utilise the new Cayenne’s full driving dynamics.

Porsche Cayenne

                                                                         Image: Porsche

The Porsche Advanced Cockpit is fully integrated into the sporty, luxurious atmosphere. At the heart of the new display and control concept is a 12.3” full-HD touchscreen from the latest generation of Porsche Communication Management (PCM), launched in 2017 with the new Panamera. A range of digital functions can be operated intuitively – including by voice control. The Porsche Connect Plus allows access to online services and the Internet, this includes the standard navigation. The analogue controls on the new centre console are focused on the main functions of the vehicle. 

More customisation, more online services 

The new PCM introduces an enhanced level of interaction. Alongside the start screen and main menu being adjustable to the driver’s needs, up to six individual profiles can also be configured. As well as a large number of interior settings, a preference data is stored on specifications for lights, driving programmes and assistance systems. Depending on the equipment, the driver can also apply their own adjustments to the new sound systems from Bose and Burmester. 


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