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Porsche made things more interesting with the launch of a Turbo S version in 2006 to compete with the Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG. The Turbo S is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.5 L V8 that produces 521 PS (383 kW; 514 hp) and 720 N⋅m (530 lb⋅ft) of torque; Acceleration from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) takes 5.0 seconds and the top speed is 171 mph (275 km/h); It features a six-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission.
The European market asked for a diesel engine and the car-maker had to deliver it to keep the sale up in a struggled market affected by the world financial crisis. The engine was a carry-over from the Audi line-up, with a variable turbocharger system and a 3.0-liter displacement. It offered 240 hp and it was tuned to offer more performance. For instance, at hard accelerations, the system disengaged the AC compressor until the engine reached 2500 rpm.
The Cayenne Cayenne GTS was fitted with a 4.8-liter V8 unit, which developed 405 hp. Unlike the Turbo, it was offered with a 6-speed manual as well, while the Tiptronic S (automatic) 6-speed transmission was on the options list. This was the true enthusiasts SUV and the sweet spot in the Cayenne lineup. It also looked great with the black accents and more agressive touches throughout the exterior.
The 2008 model year marks the launch of updated Porsche Cayenne. With a striking new face that features a dramatic new headlight design and with a wide and muscular new body accented by broad wheel arches, the 2008 Porsche Cayenne's newly sculpted sheetmetal provides vivid visual testimony to the vehicle's enhanced technical features. Inside, the interior has received an important update with new infotainment unit, new gauges and more.
The first-generation Cayenne was what saved Porsche. The based Porsche Cayenne 955 entered the market to a mixed reception, although it was the performance vehicle among SUVs and had comparably good handling as well as powerful engines.[3] The lineup initially consisted of the V8-powered Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo. Later in the model cycle, VR6 and diesel-powered versions joined the lineup. The base model is powered by a VW 3.2-L VR6 engine producing 250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp). The engine is largely the same as the VW engine.
The entire Cayenne range got a 2008 facelift. The big changes were cosmetic, with Porsche getting rid of the Porsche 996-inspired headlights and sharpening up the Cayenne S lines. A new, vertical, daytime running light appeared on the outer side of the side-scoops and the center grille was smaller. The Cayenne S started to better develop its own unique personality with the 17” light-alloy wheels fitted as standard. The Cayenne S also got cool exhausts.
The first-generation Cayenne saw the introduction of the Cayenne S in 2002. While the base Cayenne had a 3.2-L VR6 engine, the Cayenne S got a 4.5 L V8 with more power and torque. The extremely short and compact normal-aspirated V8 produced 340 hp and 310 lb⋅ft of torque. Acceleration for the Cayenne S is strong for an SUV, with 0–60 mph taking 6.9 seconds and the top speed being 150 mph. The Cayenne S also have some visual changes to better identify it, but was otherwise standard Cayenne fair.
The facelift for the flagship Cayenne came in 2008. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo S is the most powerful Cayenne ever built. Sharing the same essential 4.8-liter V8 engine as the Cayenne S, GTS and Turbo, the Turbo S got 550 horsepower and 553 lb.-ft. of torque. That's a ten percent increase in power and a seven percent boost in torque over the Cayenne Turbo. 0 to 60 mph is over in 4.7 seconds on its way to a track-proven top speed of 174 mph. Like the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo, the Turbo S comes standard with a six-speed Tiptronic S driver-shiftable automatic transmission.
The facelift for the first generation of the Cayenne was introduced in 2007. More powerful in every respect - that is how the new generation of the Porsche Cayenne entered the market. New striking face upfront on a wide and muscular body, with headlights in brand-new design, and with broader, even more powerful-looking wheel arches. The Turbo model 957, featuring a larger 4.8-L engine with 49 hp more power, 0–60 mph time of just 4.9 seconds.
Porsche Cayenne Turbo (2002 - 2007)
The first-generation Cayenne Turbo 955 has 450 PS (331 kW), and can accelerate from 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.3 seconds. Under the hood, the Cayenne Turbo was fitted with a turbocharged 4.5-liter V8 unit mated to a standard 6-speed automatic. Thanks to the standard air-suspension, the Turbo version could get up to 28 cm (11”) of ground clearance. The German brand needed a car to sell in volumes and save them from a foreseeable financial collapse. The Cayenne Turbo did just that.