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 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 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.
An exclusive limited edition Cayenne GTS “Porsche Design Edition 3”. Limited to just 1,000 units worldwide, the limited edition Cayenne adds equipment and Porsche Design styling touches to stand out from the crowd. Distinguishing the special edition model is a Lava Grey paint scheme, extended roof spoiler, racing stripes, and 21in alloy wheels in a matching anthracite finish. This special edition looks the goods, but sadly there were no mechanical changes to differentiate it from the core GTS.
Named after the 7200km intercontinental rally which the Cayenne won in 2007, the Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia Special Edition offers a number of enhancements. It takes the 4.8-liter V8 unit that develops 405bhp and 500Nm of torque from the range topping GTS allowing the model to drop its base 0-60 mph time down by 0.5 seconds to 6.1 seconds. It is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox (automticac optional), with a 4.1:1 drive ratio and air suspension coupled with PASM.
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 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 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.