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Porsche Cayenne (2nd Generation)

The Ultimate Model Guide

Porsche Cayenne (958.1/958.2) (2010 - 2017)

958.1 Story / 958.1 Timeline / 958.1 Model Guides / 958.2 Story / 958.2 Timeline / 958.2 Model Guides / Misc Data / News

The second-generation Porsche Cayenne was introduced as a 2011 MY update to the super successful first generation car. The 958 ran through till the 2018 model year, with the two versions known as the 958.1 and 958.2. The second generation Cayenne was built on the VW PL72 platform. Think of it as a solid update, but not revolutionary in any real way. The big change model-wise this generation was the introduction of headline-grabbing Cayenne S Hybrid, which borrowed the 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 from Audi and added an electric motor for a total of 380 hp. Designwise, the Porsche new Cayenne looked smaller and fitter than the first generation. We loved the update and it finally made the Cayenne look good. The second generation Cayenne was actually larger, yet more than 500 lbs lighter. All models had more power, better acceleration and better handling.

Mechanically, the 958 has several changes. First and foremost, Porsche did away with the low range four-wheel-drive transfer case, one of the major areas that allowed them to trim weight. The 6-speed Tiptronic automatic was replaced with an 8-speed unit, while a manual transmission remained only available on the Cayenne base model. Power is up on all models, but the bread-and-butter Cayenne S was still V8-based, its engine also shared by the Porsche Panamera. There were also two new engines introduced to the 958.1 Cayenne Model range, an Audi-sourced 3.0T supercharged V6 with hybrid, and a 3.0 TDI diesel engine, which like the 3.0T is an engine also shared with the Audi Q7.

The interior is a big step up over the 955/957 in terms of modern looks and aesthetics, but core features are similar with power front seats, windows, locks, 60/40 folding rear seats, and leather seating surfaces. Porsche continued to offer an ever-increasing number of options for the Cayenne, with the majority being aesthetic. Other options offered things like bi-Xenon headlights, PASM suspension, park assist, and auto-dimming mirrors. Luxuries like dual-zone climate control are, of course, standard, while PDCC, PASM, and Adaptive Air Suspension are all available options.

The Cayenne was facelifted for 2015. The 958.2 Cayenne saw major changes in terms of the engine power plants, with the V8 option going away entirely on the popular Cayenne S and GTS. The replacement is a powerful and torquey twin-turbocharged 3.6 L V6, providing both better performance and improved efficiency. The Turbo and Turbo S remain the sole V8 Cayenne options, both of which still weigh in with 4.8 L of displacement and twin-turbochargers. The Cayenne S Hybrid became the E-Hybrid, with a plug-in option and florescent yellow brake calipers to easily distinguish the cutting-edge hybrid from its non-electric brethren. The interior of the 958.2 is pretty much the same as the 958.1, save for a new updated steering wheel. Likewise, all the other core components and options carry over from the earlier model, including the 8-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission as the standard and only transmission option. The manual is no longer available on the Cayenne base. The Cayenne Diesel remained on the menu until 2016.

Porsche Cayenne (2nd Generation) Basics

Type: 958 (985.1 & 958.2) Generation & Chassis: Second Generation (92A) Chassis E2 / Manufacturer: Porsche AG / Platform: Volkswagen Group PL72 platform / Production Years: 2010 - 2017 / Model Years: 2011 - 2018 / Body Style: 5-Door SUV / Layout: Front-engine, all-wheel-drive/ Engines: Gasoline - 3.0 S/C V6 333PS, 3.6 VR6 300PS, 4.8 V8 400PS / 420PS, 4.8 TT V8 500PS / 550PS, Diesel - 3.0 V6 250PS, 4.1 V8 385 PS, Hybrid - 3.0 hybrid S/C V6 380PS, 3.0 PHEV S/C / Transmission: 6-Speed ZF manual, 8-Speed Aisin TR-80SD Tiptronic S automatic / Date of unveil by Porsche AG: 2010 February 25, Turbo S 2012 October 12 / Premiere: 2010 March 2 at Geneva Motor Show / World market launch: 2010 May 8, Turbo S 2013 January

2nd Generation Porsche Cayenne (958.1) - The Story

The second generation Porsche Cayenne SUV was unveiled by Porsche on February 25th, 2010 and we liked what we saw. Lots of design changes and a number of meaningful upgrades all around. Below, we take you through the history, development of the 2nd generation Porsche.

Porsche Cayenne 958.1 Model & Details

This graphic breaks out the very first generation of Porsche Cayenne (Type) 958.1 in terms of timelines and how to tell all the models apart. Click on the image to see it in higher definition. The Cayenne 958.1 model years ran from 2010 till 2014.

Porsche 958.1 Model Timeline

Porsche Cayenne 958.1 (2nd Generation) Models

Porsche stuck with the same model lineup for the second generation Porsche Cayenne. The base Cayenne and Cayenne S were the top sellers as expected, while the Cayenne Turbo and Turbo S remained the premium offerings. Our favorite Cayenne (The GTS) was back again, the perfect balance of sporty and fun. The absolute highlight of this new generation is the world debut of the Cayenne S Hybrid,  the first plug-in hybrid in the premium SUV segment.

Porsche Cayenne (2011 – 2014)

The second-generation Cayenne moved the game on for SUVs. It has a nicer design, more powerful engines and much nicer interiors. The base V6 Cayenne was good for 299 hp @ 6,300 rpm and 295 ft lbs of torque. Acceleration was decently brisk with 0 - 60 mph over in 7.5 seconds and top speed of 143 mph. The car was slightly longer, wider, and higher than its predecessor. All new models shared the new headlight graphics with additional lights at the inside so unmistakably Porsche.
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Porsche Cayenne S (2011 – 2014)

Car and Driver said:' "More horsepower and less weight add up to a winning combo in the Cayenne S". We agree. Alongside the weight loss and the striking new exterior and interior design, Porsche got an extra 15 hp from the Cayenne S’s naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V-8. A new transmission with two more forward ratios (now an 8-speed) transforms the drive. Cayenne S hits 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and clear the quarter-mile in 14.1 at 101 mph.
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Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid (2011 – 2014)

The absolute highlight of this new generation is the world debut of the Cayenne S Hybrid with its technically highly sophisticated parallel full hybrid drive and fuel consumption in the New European Driving Cycle of just 8.2 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 34.4 mpg imp), which means CO2 emissions of just 193 g/km. The Cayenne S Hybrid therefore combines the performance of an eight-cylinder with the economy of a six-cylinder running on much less fuel.
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Porsche Cayenne Turbo (2011 – 2014)

The second generation of the Porsche Cayenne was launched at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. It was a big improvement over its predecessor and featured an evolved design. For the engine, the Cayenne Turbo featured a 4.8-liter V8 unit which offered 500 hp. For the transmission, the 2010 Cayenne lost the low-range transfer case. The standard transmission was an 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox. All-wheel drive was installed standard as well. Other new improvements led to a decrease in the overall weight by 180 kg (400 lbs).
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Porsche Cayenne Turbo S (2011 – 2014)

As the flagship of the Cayenne army, the Turbo S was well received by those who were looking for a faster SUV. And it wasn't only the speed, but also the cornering speed that the Turbo S was capable of. The engine was based on the 4.8-liter V8 unit installed in the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo, but with a higher compression ratio that led to 50 more hp. The standard transmission was an 8-speed Tiptronic S.
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Porsche Cayenne Diesel (2011 – 2014)

The V6 diesel engine was the same unit found in the other Volkswagen group models. The 3.0-liter unit offered 240 hp. It was mated as standard with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Cayenne Diesel Turbo 3.0 176 kW for 2011 model year. In 2012, power increased to 180 kW. 2013 saw the launch of the Cayenne Diesel S Turbo 4.1 281 kW version. The Cayenne Diesel with its 240 bhp is hardly a top performer.
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Porsche Cayenne Diesel S (2013 – 2014)

The Cayenne S diesel earns the “S” by way of a twin-turbocharged 4.2-liter diesel V-8 engine that pumps out a prodigious 382 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. By comparison, the non-S Cayenne diesel’s 3.0-liter V-6 spits out a relatively puny 240 hp and 406 lb-ft of twist. Interestingly, the S diesel gets Porsche’s engine stop-start system standard; here in the U.S., the fuel-saving feature isn’t available on the pedestrian Cayenne diesel.
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Porsche Cayenne GTS (2013 – 2014)

The Cayenne GTS is the hair-splitter’s latest achievement. It’s a Cayenne powered by the same 4.8-liter V-8 as seen in the ­Cayenne S but tuned for an additional 20 horsepower and 11 pound-feet of torque to make 420/380. It wears a body similar in style to the Cayenne Turbo, meaning a domed hood, blacked-out trim, and body-color fender extensions and side skirts. And it’s loaded with standard performance gear that is optional on lesser Cayennes. What isn't there to like?
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2nd Generation Porsche Cayenne (958.2) - The Story

In July 2014, Porsche launched a facelifted Cayenne range, with minor exterior alterations and new power-train options, including a plug-in E-Hybrid and downsizing of the S model's 4.8-L V8 to a turbocharged 3.6-L V6

Porsche Cayenne 958.2 Model & Details

This graphic breaks out the very first generation of Porsche Cayenne (Type) 958.2 in terms of timelines and how to tell all the models apart. Click on the image to see it in higher definition. The Cayenne 958.2 model years ran from 2014 till 2018 MY.

Porsche 958.2 Model Timeline

Porsche Cayenne 958.2 (2nd Generation) Model Guides

While the Cayenne 955, 957 and 958.1 had permanent 4WD, from 958.2 the drive force was sent to the front axle only when the rear wheels lost grip, like in the 4-wheel-drive 911. This meant the Cayenne finally became a road car and the off-road image was left behind. Model-wise, things stayed basically the same.

Porsche Cayenne (2015 – 2018)

In July 2014, Porsche launched a facelifted Cayenne range for the 2015 model year. Minor exterior alterations and new power-train options. For the base Cayenne, there was a a mildly revised exterior and interior inspired by the 918 Spyder. Two new interior colors, Carrara White and Palladium Metallic, are new while the two-tone black/beige upholstery is now a no cost option. Dark walnut is also a new addition to the available interior accents. The suspension on all Cayennes has also been revised.
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Porsche Cayenne S (2015 – 2018)

The Cayenne S gains V-6 power during its midcycle update. Porsche advertises more power und more efficiency—the new motor is up 20 horsepower to 420. Torque is a healthy 406 lb-ft, but the turbo-six lacks the personality of the V-8. Which, as V-8s go, was quite nice if rather generically Teutonic. Like, perhaps the iron-fisted Swabian middle manager of V-8s. It keeps the 8-speed automatic. Porsche claims that it has made interior revisions, but the innards look pretty much the same to us, save for the new steering wheel.
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Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid (2015 – 2018)

The exterior of the 2014 Cayenne Hybrid was slightly different than the rest of the range. From the 4-LED daytime running lights and the green brake calipers to the special light-alloy wheels. The rear roof-spoiler was standard as well. Unusual though, even if the German SUV was a plug-in hybrid, it featured four round exhausts. The engine was a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 which offered 333 hp. It was helped by a 95 hp electric motor.
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Porsche Cayenne GTS (2015 – 2018)

For the 2015 facelift, the Cayenne GTS was improved in every way, offering better performances and lower fuel consumption. But unlike the rest of the range, it offered a sportier look. That side was reserved for the GTS, which took its badge from the 1963 Porsche 904 GTS. It was the first Porsche to revive that acronym.
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Porsche Cayenne Turbo (2015 – 2018)

The Cayenne Turbo facelift was introduced in 2014 as a 2015 MY. Think of it as an enhanced version of the non-facelifted version. It offered the same torque as the non-facelifted Cayenne Turbo S, but less power. Under the hood, the revised engine offered 20 hp more than its predecessor. The exterior of the 2015 Cayenne was enhanced with a sharper design and clear lines. The front fenders, the grille, and the headlights were entirely new, with LEDs.
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Porsche Cayenne Turbo S (2015 – 2018)

The Turbo S version was the sportiest version for the second generation of the Porsche Cayenne and, along with the rest of the stable, it received a facelift for the 2015 model year. The revised engine offered 20 hp more than its predecessor. It was the same twin-turbo 4.8-liter V8 unit and it was paired to an 8-speed auto and like the Turbo, it was offered with a standard air-suspension but adds Ceramic Brakes system.
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Porsche Cayenne Diesel (2015 – 2018)

The facelifted version of the Porsche Cayenne was introduced in 2014 and it received a restyled design, new features, and, most important, upgraded engines, such as the V6 diesel version. The V6 diesel version played an important role in this and Porsche decided to keep it in the stable. Along with the facelifted version of the second generation Cayenne, a new V6 diesel was installed. Under the hood, the 2014 Cayenne Diesel offered an enhanced version of the 3.0-liter V6 diesel unit.
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Porsche Cayenne Diesel S (2015 – 2018)

The Cayenne S diesel earns the “S” by way of a twin-turbocharged 4.2-liter diesel V-8 engine that pumps out a prodigious 382 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. By comparison, the non-S Cayenne diesel’s 3.0-liter V-6 spits out a relatively puny 240 hp and 406 lb-ft of twist. Interestingly, the S diesel gets Porsche’s engine stop-start system standard; here in the U.S., the fuel-saving feature isn’t available on the pedestrian Cayenne diesel.
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2nd Generation Porsche Cayenne (958.1 & 958.2) Data, Options, Brochures & More Research

We dig into some of the data surrounding the second generation Porsche Cayenne, including production numbers, specifications, chassis numbers and much more.

More Porsche Cayenne News & Updates

Recent news, awesome reviews, new model announcements and all the other latest news and posts regarding the Porsche Cayenne.

New 2024 Cayenne GTS models

At Porsche, the “GTS” designation—short for Gran Turismo Sport—signifies enhanced dynamism and long-distance performance. The Cayenne fundamentally embodies the dual...
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