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Spy Shots: 2011 Porsche Cayenne SUV

Spy Shots: 2011 Porsche Cayenne SUV

Viknesh Vijayenthiran August 13th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Author August 13th, 2009
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December 31st, 1969 Prototypes for Porsche’s next-generation Cayenne have been spotted testing in Germany on several occasions, revealing crucial details for the new SUV which is expected to go on sale by May 2010. First and foremost, we know the next Cayenne will be smaller than the current model although it will still share a common platform with the next-generation Volkswagen Touareg and Audi Q7, both of which are not expected to change significantly in size compared with current versions. The smaller size of the new Cayenne agrees with Porsche’s desire to create a much more hardcore performance SUV than the current model, which has been criticized for being too heavy. The wheelbase will be shortened by almost 40 mm, while the height will be reduced by about 20 mm. Other details include a taller waistline and LED daytime running lights. The interior spy shots also reveal some new details such as the redesigned center console with air vents now positioned to the sides of the navigation screen instead of at the top, as well as much fewer buttons than the current model. The design also shows a similarity to the interior of the Panamera, which was revealed recently. Like the current model, the Cayenne will be built alongside the Touareg and Q7 in Volkswagen Group’s Bratislava plant in Slovakia. Unfinished Cayennes will then be transported to Porsche’s Leipzig plant for final assembly. Once again both V-6 and V-8 petrol engines will be on offer, including a turbodiesel option, as well as a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain to be shared with the Panamera sedan. Power will increase across the range over the current model’s levels but emissions and fuel-economy will be reduced. Kicking off the range will be an Audi-sourced 3.0L V-6 turbodiesel with about 240 horsepower on tap. This will be followed by a 3.6L petrol V-6 with 330 horsepower and a 400 horsepower 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V-8. The Cayenne S will get a 420 horsepower version of this V-8 engine, while a 500 horsepower-plus twin-turbocharged V-8 will be reserved for the Turbo model. Finally, the hybrid model will feature the 330 horsepower V6 engine coupled with a 45 horsepower electric motor powered by nickel metal hydride batteries initially and lithium-ion units further down the track. All engines will include Porsche’s new direct-injection technology, and some could even be matched to the automaker’s new dual-clutch gearbox. Expect to see 0-60 mph times of less than five seconds for top end models and top speeds in excess of 180 mph.

2011 Porsche Cayenne spy shots

2011 Porsche Cayenne spy shots

Enlarge Photo

Prototypes for Porsche’s next-generation Cayenne have been spotted testing in Germany on several occasions, revealing crucial details for the new SUV which is expected to go on sale by May 2010. First and foremost, we know the next Cayenne will be smaller than the current model although it will still share a common platform with the next-generation Volkswagen Touareg and Audi Q7, both of which are not expected to change significantly in size compared with current versions.

The smaller size of the new Cayenne agrees with Porsche’s desire to create a much more hardcore performance SUV than the current model, which has been criticized for being too heavy. The wheelbase will be shortened by almost 40 mm, while the height will be reduced by about 20 mm. Other details include a taller waistline and LED daytime running lights.

2011 Porsche Cayenne spy shots

2011 Porsche Cayenne spy shots

Enlarge Photo

The interior spy shots also reveal some new details such as the redesigned center console with air vents now positioned to the sides of the navigation screen instead of at the top, as well as much fewer buttons than the current model. The design also shows a similarity to the interior of the Panamera, which was revealed recently.

Like the current model, the Cayenne will be built alongside the Touareg and Q7 in Volkswagen Group’s Bratislava plant in Slovakia. Unfinished Cayennes will then be transported to Porsche’s Leipzig plant for final assembly.

2011 Porsche Cayenne spy shots

2011 Porsche Cayenne spy shots

Enlarge Photo

Once again both V-6 and V-8 petrol engines will be on offer, including a turbodiesel option, as well as a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain to be shared with the Panamera sedan. Power will increase across the range over the current model’s levels but emissions and fuel-economy will be reduced.

Kicking off the range will be an Audi-sourced 3.0L V-6 turbodiesel with about 240 horsepower on tap. This will be followed by a 3.6L petrol V-6 with 330 horsepower and a 400 horsepower 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V-8. The Cayenne S will get a 420 horsepower version of this V-8 engine, while a 500 horsepower-plus twin-turbocharged V-8 will be reserved for the Turbo model. Finally, the hybrid model will feature the 330 horsepower V6 engine coupled with a 45 horsepower electric motor powered by nickel metal hydride batteries initially and lithium-ion units further down the track.

2011 Porsche Cayenne spy shots

2011 Porsche Cayenne spy shots

Enlarge Photo

All engines will include Porsche’s new direct-injection technology, and some could even be matched to the automaker’s new dual-clutch gearbox. Expect to see 0-60 mph times of less than five seconds for top end models and top speeds in excess of 180 mph.

2011 Porsche Cayenne spy shots

2011 Porsche Cayenne spy shots

Enlarge Photo

2011 Porsche Cayenne preview

2011 Porsche Cayenne preview

Enlarge Photo

Tags: Spy Shots, Cayenne, SUV

Posted in: 2011, Porsche, Spy Shots, SUVs, Cayenne


Comments (40 total)

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  1. By chris #1, Posted: 5/8/2008

    LOOK AT THAT SUCKER ROLL...

    Man all I can say is that i've ALWAYS wanted a 911 crossover.

    yes yes i know its actually just an audi q5 rebadge,... but thats pretty much what it looks like. a hatch back 911. with a lift kit.

  2. By Gus #2, Posted: 5/8/2008

    That's why SUV's and sports cars don't mix. Because they don't.

  3. By chris #3, Posted: 5/8/2008

    no,... i figured it out.. it looks like a mazda 3 hatch back. especially that second last picture.. the almost front on view.

    docile head lamps, bubbly character,... it's even got that character line / shelf going all the way to the tail lights.

  4. By Stugots #4, Posted: 5/8/2008

    Whoever is creating product for Porsche is a massive tool. A baby SUV? Are you kidding me? This brand will have about as much cache as Mercury in a few years.

    Am I really supposed to buy a sports car for 100k, only to have it parked 30 feet from my soccer mom neighbor who has a Porsche Highlander? That would be so great to have her come over and say, "We both have Porches! Isn't it fun to have a Porsche?!" To which I would have to respond, "Honey, I have a Porsche, you have 'brand extension' created for the purposes of increasing corporate profits." I don't want to have that conversation! I want some exclusivity for my 100k, for crying out loud.

  5. By HECTOR #5, Posted: 5/8/2008

    What Stugots said with a cherry on top. I don't like where this is going AT ALL.

  6. By Green Flag #6, Posted: 5/8/2008

    I think a smaller, faster Cayenne is a great idea. I don't like driving my 4S every day, so I have a practical 4 door "other" car. The Cayenne is too big and ungainly looking - although they drive superbly - so a fast but sensible, practical Porsche-engineered "cross-over" will make a great second car for many Carrera/Boxster/Cayman owners. And here's a suggestion for all of you who continuously find things to criticize Porsche about - don't buy one!

  7. By Wizards Lore #7, Posted: 5/8/2008

    yesss finally...if the V6 Cayenne comes in at AU$100,000 then this bad boy should be about 60k....im lining up !

  8. By Francis #8, Posted: 5/8/2008

    You guys may not like where this is going, but the current cayanne sells really good in certain areas, i live in vancouver, and they are everywhere even the turbo's. I bet this has to do with the struggling economy people want to downsize without getting out of the porsche brand name.

  9. By HECTOR #9, Posted: 5/9/2008

    Sure, it's a great idea.

    Soon it'll be the Panamera. Then it's going to be a car to compete with the E class, then one to compete with the 3 series. Then they'll put out something similar to that *slightly bigger than a Smart* Audi has be pushing out there.

    Then they'll have an entry level SUV, a crossover, a station wagon, a motorcycle, a washing machine and finally a lawn mower.

    Then the decline of one of the most venerable automobile marques into one of the most expensive whores of the auto world will be complete.

    Just look at MB. It's already there.

  10. By Gus #10, Posted: 5/9/2008

    What Hector said.
    Next up, the Ferrari pickup truck...

  11. By NaBUru38 #11, Posted: 5/9/2008

    This car will replace the Cayenne, I'm sure of that. Small and light - that's the purpose of a Porsche.

  12. By Matthew #12, Posted: 5/14/2008

    That design should be taken out and shot. It looks like a mix of a Paseo and an X5 - old and boring.

  13. By Mar #13, Posted: 6/17/2008

    Cayenne II, not Baby Cayenne

  14. By Michael D. #14, Posted: 6/17/2008

    If this is the next Cayenne, and not a "baby Cayenne" - then this is a disappointment, it's like they're essentially dumbing the Cayenne down and humbling it, this is not the Porsche I've come to love, admire and respect. This is especially disappointing being 911s are facelifted and upgraded, power and all and a hot new Panamera is on deck, I would expect the Cayenne to advance and grow. As far as fuel MPG, direct injection and other technologies which the '09 911s received will increase that as well as performance, and the additions of hybrids and Diesels will increase numbers and averages, too, even though Porsches are not looked at of purchased for economy.
    I hope the information is wrong and this is an edition to slot below the Cayenne, not to succeed it.

  15. By Stephen #15, Posted: 7/23/2008

    Cayenne=Waste of an awesome V8! Plus the market is dried up guys, plllleeeeeaaasseee only concentrate your efforts on sports cars from here on out!

  16. By archony #16, Posted: 7/23/2008

    For those who want a sports car but need a back seat this looks like a great opportunity. It's good that they are making it smaller and hopefully lighter. I don't see how it dilutes the brand to provide a car with Porsche qualities that can be used in more situations.

  17. By NoNameDenton #17, Posted: 8/3/2008

    Well, Porsche is a company and a company is no good if it does not turn a profit, and the reason Porsche can make high powered variations of their sports cars is the profits they get from selling the Cayenne.

  18. By J__ #18, Posted: 8/4/2008

    Lamborghini has had record profits and you don't seem them spewing out high-end soccer mom SUV's

  19. By Rayaan #19, Posted: 8/5/2008

    Quite a good looking car from the back. It isnt too good from the front but oh well. Has the black prototype cayenne been in a crash. All of its rear is kind of smashed in. It looks different to the GTS Red one.

  20. By Roman #20, Posted: 8/8/2008

    Hey J these record profits lamborghini had were the first time they were actually making a profit, thats why it was a record, they had been operating at a loss for years

  21. By Dandan #21, Posted: 8/10/2008

    Lambo, and Bentley , were apparently looking at making another suv but deemed there not to be the demand for a £150k 6.0 T-T W12 4x4 in the case of the Bentley and potentially £200k for the 6.0 V12 Lambo...which would have essentially been the Cayenne/Touerag/Q7 platform but with uber luxury interiorsin the case of the bentley and outreageously sporty in the case of the Lambo...cba looking round for the renderings or any links

  22. ma_azlan avatar by azlan #22, Posted: 10/9/2008

    i can understand if bently make a 4 by 4 beacsue having a bigger car can make for alot more luxury it could be great! but lambo..ewww please no

  23. ma_NoNameDenton avatar by NoNameDenton #23, Posted: 12/3/2008

    Porsche makes more money then Lambo which is how it is buying VW

  24. ma_gus avatar by Gus Chyba #24, Posted: 12/4/2008

    Yep, still ugly.
    But if it pays the bills, sell, sell, sell!!!

  25. ma_The Mii avatar by The Mii #25, Posted: 12/29/2008

    Sweet.. the cayenne interior was the only thing that kept me away from it . now that it doesnt look boring anymore im definitely getting this 1.

  26. ma_The Mii avatar by The Mii #26, Posted: 12/29/2008

    whats the big red button for?

  27. ma_Scottson avatar by Scottson #27, Posted: 12/29/2008

    my guess would be an ejector seat

  28. ma_The Mii avatar by The Mii #28, Posted: 12/30/2008

    i think it looks ur in a tank or a fighter jet, being buried by the center console like that. so i guess an injector seat would make sense

  29. ma_goFASTERRR avatar by goFASTERRR #29, Posted: 12/30/2008

    my guess would be an ejector seat

    hahahaha nice. I wouldn't want to be seen in it either.

  30. ma_J-Kwon avatar by J-Kwon #30, Posted: 12/31/2008

    Looks like a shoe from the side profile. Other than that it still looks bad.

  31. ma_Josh b avatar by Josh b #31, Posted: 1/11/2009

    I really like the current one. If i were to by a 4WD i would by the cayenne. But the pre face lift one. The front of the face lifted one looks terrible! I live in Melbourne and there are cayenne S/turbos everywere!!!!(hate the verticle air vents on the spy pics)

  32. ma_Iluvmym3 avatar by Iluvmym3 #32, Posted: 1/12/2009

    This looks soooo much better than the old one. I hope that Porsche keeps making more cars to compete with Mercedes and BMW(I don't consider Audi competition in the near future due to Porsche owning them now), and I love the fact that Porsche is slowly taking over the German auto industry. They are the most profitable car company (on a margin per car, not overall gross profit) in the entire world and for good reason; they make great cars. I also think it would be awesome if they would design a 4 door carrera to compete with the c-class and the 3-series.

  33. ma_NoNameDenton avatar by NoNameDenton #33, Posted: 6/1/2009

    Personally I wish Porsche would use their own engines in this car and not ones from the VW parts bin, but I do not know if it would work and how much engineering would need to be done to do it.

  34. ma_WizardsLore avatar by WizardsLore #34, Posted: 6/1/2009

    i like it...if the prices are competetive we will be onto a winner :)

  35. ma_Aiman avatar by Aiman #35, Posted: 6/1/2009

    Go for Aston Martin Vantage. They are not gonna build SUVs any time soon.

  36. ma_NoNameDenton avatar by NoNameDenton #36, Posted: 6/2/2009

    Go for Aston Martin Vantage. They are not gonna build SUVs any time soon.

    You forget the Lagonda concept already?

  37. ma_WizardsLore avatar by WizardsLore #37, Posted: 6/8/2009

    Go for Aston Martin Vantage. They are not gonna build SUVs any time soon.

    You forget the Lagonda concept already?

    i think everyone is trying to forget "that" thing haha

    my personal opinion of the new Cayenne is that it is nice...i like the new snout. It gives it a more agressive stance !

  38. ma_kurtdaniel avatar by kurtdaniel #38, Posted: 6/10/2009

    very nice car..ive seen more pics in engineblox..

  39. By NoNameDenton #39, Posted: 8/13/2009

    That is a good point WizardsLore, we all want to forget the Lagonda concept and the new nose on the Porsche is a lot better then in the past.

  40. By Andrew #40, Posted: 8/14/2009

    There is no way in hell that Porsche would let this go for A$60K... Yeah, this models smaller, engines are smaller etc, but that doesn't mean they're going to lower the price to reflect that. If anything, the investment they've had to make in engineering the smaller car, the smaller engine so that they work brilliantly will make up for any reduction in costs. I can see no price drop (except maybe to around $90K... Maybe)
    Otherwise, this looks amazing!!! I always questioned the use of having such a big Porsche 4WD, there's not really a market for it. But this will sell like hotcakes (expensive hotcakes). It's compact, stylish, a bit more hard core... I'll be putting off the Audi A5 I was going to get, I'd much rather pay the extra for this...

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