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Porsche Cayenne Guide

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Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne (2002 – 2007)

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.

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne (2008 – 2009)

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.

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne GTS (2008 – 2010)

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.

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne GTS Porsche Design Edition 3 (2009)

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.

Porsche Cayenne

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.

Porsche Cayenne

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.

Porsche Cayenne

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.

Porsche Cayenne

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.

Porsche Cayenne

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.

Porsche Cayenne

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.

Porsche Cayenne

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.

Porsche Cayenne

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.

Porsche Cayenne

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).

Porsche Cayenne

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.

Porsche Cayenne

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.

Porsche Cayenne

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.

Porsche Cayenne

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.

Porsche Cayenne

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.

Porsche Cayenne

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.

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne (2019 – Present)

The third generation of the Porsche Cayenne was unveiled in August 2017. The third generation Cayenne is built on a totally new platform, shared with SUVs like the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus. It was fitted with important technical upgrades, such as the rear-axle steering system, which allowed a better cornering speed and an easier parking maneuver.

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid (2019 – Present)

The E-Hybrid version of the current Cayenne came in 2018. Porsche used the same platform as the Bentley Bentayga and the Lamborghini Urus for the third generation of the Cayenne. This platform was designed from the beginning to accept a hybrid version. It also featured a rear-axle steering system which really helps with low speed turning and cornering at speed.

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne S (2019 – Present)

The 434-hp Cayenne S goes from 0 - 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. Its twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6 helps it to crush the quarter-mile in just 12.8 seconds. Perhaps even more impressive is that the on the optional 21-inch Pirelli P Zero summer tires, the Porsche has a 0.93 g of cornering grip. This is basically a sports car in an SUV body. The Cayenne's dynamic excellence is unmatched in the segment. Easily the best SUV on sale today.

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne GTS (2020 – Present)

The V8 is back in the Cayenne GTS after a break for the second generation (it got a twin-turbo V6). The Cayenne GTS is now also available in the new "Coupe" body style. A twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 is good for 453 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. Zero to 60 mph takes a claimed 4.2 seconds if the Sport Chrono package is fitted, and top speed rises to 168 mph. he only transmission available is an eight-speed automatic. This is one sweet ride.

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne Turbo (2019 – Present)

Its top model was the Cayenne Turbo, with 550 hp under the hood. The third generation came to fix what its predecessor was criticized for: the exterior design. While the second generation featured some details that could remind of a Hyundai, the third generation was completely new from tip to toe. Under the hood, the Cayenne Turbo featured a 4.0-liter V8 unit with two turbochargers. It was mated as standard to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupe (2020 – Present)

Car and Driver said "It isn't really a coupe, but this 541-hp fastback SUV is the same awesome Cayenne Turbo underneath—with a sexier backside". We agree. Here's what you need to know. With its 541-hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8, eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive, the new fastback version of Porsche's largest SUV is mechanically identical to the conventional Cayenne Turbo SUV, and the two vehicles feel exactly the same from behind the wheel.

Porsche Cayenne

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?

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition (2022 – Present)

The third generation of the Porsche Cayenne was unveiled in August 2017. In 2022, the Cayenne added the Platinum Edition to the SUV and coupe body styles. The Platinum Edition Cayenne applies a coat of Satin Platinum paint to a number of the vehicle's badges, as well as its fascia-mounted intake treatment and its distinct 21-inch wheels. Black exhaust tips and window trim add an extra hint of menace to the model.

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne GTS Coupe (2020 – Present)

Three letters are all it takes to describe the glint in your eye and intense goosebumps – GTS. Pure and thrilling: the Cayenne GTS models bring a motorsport atmosphere to the road. Enough power to strive for more freedom: with 453 hp and 457 lb.-ft. of torque, the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine exudes a drive that helps achieve your goals. The striking black accents on the front fascia, sideskirts and aerodynamic roof spoiler combined with the coupe bodystyle.

Porsche Cayenne Coupe

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne Coupe (2020 – Present)

The Cayenne Coupe is a version of Porsche's largest SUV with a heavy dose of extra swagger. Porsche introduced the new variant a year after the debut of the third-generation Cayenne, for the 2020 model year. While we like the look of the coupe, it feels out of place on the base Cayenne (which is more a family SUV choice). A nice package, but we would recommend spending a bit more and going for the Cayenne S or GTS.

Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe (2020 – Present)

Porsche fitted the Cayenne E-Hybrid with a turbocharged 340 hp 3.0-liter V6 engine combined with a 136 hp electric motor for the drivetrain. Total combined power output reached 462 hp. The whole assembly was mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that sent the power in all corners. Now it comes with a coupe body? Not sure the combination makes much sense to us, but hey this is Porsche and they know more than we do I guess.

Porsche Cayenne S Coupe

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne S Coupe (2020 – Present)

The 434-hp Cayenne S goes from 0 - 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds, same as the SUV. In fact, the Coupe and SUV share everything from engines to suspension components to interior trimmings and onboard tech, with only a sloping roofline setting them apart. Our advice. If you want less practicality with a cool fastback roofline, the Porsche Cayenne S coupe is a more stylish version of the Cayenne S. A great all rounder.

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupe (2020 – Present)

The Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupe mixes ultimate performance with comfort and Infotainment. The Turbo GT has all the attributes to be ahead of the game from the start. The twin-turbo V8 engine and electric motor combination make it an absolute monster. So much so, that it became top dog in the Porsche SUV lineup, relegating the 541-hp Cayenne Turbo to second place. This is an SUV that has the price, prestige, and performance, but it is the Coupe that has the looks. Generating 670 combined horsepower and 633 lb-ft of torque.

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT (2022 – Present)

Porsche is stuffing a built twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter into the Cayenne Coupe, and it's the most powerful V-8 the German automaker has ever produced. It makes 631 horsepower in this new Turbo GT model, and Porsche says its factory driver Lars Kern set a new SUV lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in it lapping the 12.9-mile course in 7:38.9. The new Cayenne will arrive in the U.S, only in Coupe form, next year starting at $182,150.

Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid SUV

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid (2019 – Present)

The Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid models, mix ultimate performance with comfort and Infotainment. The twin-turbo V8 engine and electric motor combination make it an absolute monster. So much so, that it became top dog in the Porsche SUV lineup, relegating the 541-hp Cayenne Turbo to second place. This is an SUV that has the price, prestige, and performance. Generating 670 combined horsepower and 633 lb-ft of torque.