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  • Spy Shots: 2011 Porsche Cayenne SUV

    Spy Shots: 2011 Porsche Cayenne SUV August 13th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, August 13th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 41 Comments

    Spy Shots: 2011 Porsche Cayenne SUV

    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...

    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. Read More

  • MTM takes on the Porsche Cayenne Diesel

    MTM takes on the Porsche Cayenne Diesel July 30th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 30th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 0 Comments

    MTM takes on the Porsche Cayenne Diesel German tuning house MTM has given the world some lightning quick creations in the past, but this time it is focusing on something a little more sedate - the Porsche Cayenne Diesel. Usually equipped with a 240hp (176kW) 3.0L V6 diesel unit, the Porsche Cayenne Diesel is hardly the most exciting car on the planet, which may be why MTM has seen fit to liberate some extra horsepower from its turbodiesel engine.

    MTM is offering two engine upgrades, the first of which lifts power up to 285hp (210kW) thanks to some clever reprogramming of the ECU. The second stage of engine upgrades takes this up a notch, lifting power to a round 300hp (221kW)... German tuning house MTM has given the world some lightning quick creations in the past, but this time it is focusing on something a little more sedate - the Porsche Cayenne Diesel. Usually equipped with a 240hp (176kW) 3.0L V6 diesel unit, the Porsche Cayenne Diesel is hardly the most exciting car on the planet, which may be why MTM has seen fit to liberate some extra horsepower from its turbodiesel engine. MTM is offering two engine upgrades, the first of which lifts power up to 285hp (210kW) thanks to some clever reprogramming of the ECU. The second stage of engine upgrades takes this up a notch, lifting power to a round 300hp (221kW) while torque for both upgrades improved from 405lb-ft (550Nm) to 442lb-ft (600Nm). The extra power lifts the top speed from 133mph to 139mph, while fuel consumption remains the same. Tests haven't yet been completed for 0-62mph times, but expect slight improvements from the standard Cayenne Diesel's 8.3 second run. A suspension kit can also be ordered that will lower the Cayenne by 45mm, along with new alloy wheels and MTM accessories such as wheel spacers. Pricing for the two engine upgrades starts at €1,450 ($2040) each, while the suspension kit will set customers back €1,500 ($2,110).2009 Porsche Cayenne Diesel Read More

  • French stylist Jeremie Paret turns his hands to the Porsche Cayenne

    French stylist Jeremie Paret turns his hands to the Porsche Cayenne July 28th, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, July 28th, 2009 Jeremy Weber 4 Comments

    French stylist Jeremie Paret turns his hands to the Porsche Cayenne Last year we revealed the first major work of former French tuning magazine editor Jeremie Paret, who had dubbed himself as a car stylist rather than a tuner and set up shop with studios in Paris and Dubai to woo the wealthy and tasteful into handing over their cars for some style treatment. While his work on the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 was rather handsome indeed, we thought it would be difficult for even a French car stylist to make the aesthetically-challenged Cayenne look any good - and we were right.

    With a front end that looks more like an upset fish rather than a stylish SUV, the development of the Porsche Cayenne 'Balrog'... Last year we revealed the first major work of former French tuning magazine editor Jeremie Paret, who had dubbed himself as a car stylist rather than a tuner and set up shop with studios in Paris and Dubai to woo the wealthy and tasteful into handing over their cars for some style treatment. While his work on the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 was rather handsome indeed, we thought it would be difficult for even a French car stylist to make the aesthetically-challenged Cayenne look any good - and we were right. With a front end that looks more like an upset fish rather than a stylish SUV, the development of the Porsche Cayenne 'Balrog' apparently took eight grueling months of research. With work undertaken on the exterior of the car, along with some performance upgrades, a new interior and a number of new wheels, the Jeremie Paret Porsche Cayenne Balrog may not be up our alley but it has already won acclaim from rising French hip-hop star Kennedy, who has had a number of his cars modified by Jeremie Paret. The Balrog features a new front bumper with cooling vents, a new front grille and bigger fenders to give the car a more aggressive appearance. Meanwhile, the original Cayenne lights are retained. A new diffuser at the rear helps keep the Cayenne glued to the road, while side skirts join the front and back neatly. For the interior expect a generous helping of leather and custom Jeremie Paret badges to let passengers know that this is no ordinary Porsche Cayenne - not that they wouldn't be able to tell from the exterior. Performance upgrades include bigger brakes from Brembo, while a number of engine modifications can lift power in the Cayenne Turbo Balrog to a heady 601hp. For some other attempts at making the Porsche Cayenne look decent, you can check out this Cayenne Diesel from Techart, or Gemballa's more performance oriented modification - and don't forget Status Design's version of the SUV, which may just take the prize for the ugliest Porsche Cayenne to come out of Russia.Jeremie Paret Porsche Cayenne Balrog Read More

  • Cargraphic next in line to modify Porsche's new Cayenne Diesel

    Cargraphic next in line to modify Porsche's new Cayenne Diesel July 9th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 9th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 0 Comments

    Cargraphic next in line to modify Porsche's new Cayenne Diesel Hot on the heels of the modified Cayenne Diesel from Techart come a new power and styling package for the big Porsche from fellow German tuner Cargraphic. Priced from a reasonable $1,650, Cargraphic engineers will install a new ECU upgrade to boost power output from the SUV’s Audi-sourced 3.0L V6 turbodiesel engine.

    Peak output is lifted from the standard model’s 240hp (179kW) and 405lb-ft (550Nm) to a heady (for a diesel) 290hp (216kW) and 465lb-ft (630Nm) of torque – the exact same figures as Techart’s performance kit.

    Other modifications include a new suspension upgrade for the Cayenne’s air-suspension... Hot on the heels of the modified Cayenne Diesel from Techart come a new power and styling package for the big Porsche from fellow German tuner Cargraphic. Priced from a reasonable $1,650, Cargraphic engineers will install a new ECU upgrade to boost power output from the SUV’s Audi-sourced 3.0L V6 turbodiesel engine. Peak output is lifted from the standard model’s 240hp (179kW) and 405lb-ft (550Nm) to a heady (for a diesel) 290hp (216kW) and 465lb-ft (630Nm) of torque – the exact same figures as Techart’s performance kit. Other modifications include a new suspension upgrade for the Cayenne’s air-suspension system that can adjust the vehicle’s ride height and is priced from roughly $1,987. Also available is a series of body modifications, including a new front bumper with integrated fog lights for $2,984, a rear diffuser for $656, pumped fenders for $1,721, sporty side skirts for $1,405, and optional alloy wheels ranging from 20 to 22in in diameter. Read More

  • Techart works over the Porsche Cayenne Diesel

    Techart works over the Porsche Cayenne Diesel July 6th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 6th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 0 Comments

    Techart works over the Porsche Cayenne Diesel Renowned tuner Techart, known for adding insane power to everything with a Porsche badge, has finally worked over the 2009 Porsche Cayenne Diesel SUV, adding more performance and improving its style.

    Specially developed for the Cayenne Diesel, Techart's new Aerokit 1 includes a redesigned front panel with a deeper front spoiler, integrated driving and fog lamps and additional cooling vents to help keep temperatures under control during consistently hard driving. Deeper sills help manage under body airflow and at the rear a new apron with integrated diffuser completes the underbody aerodynamics. Airflow behind the vehicle is managed by a low... Renowned tuner Techart, known for adding insane power to everything with a Porsche badge, has finally worked over the 2009 Porsche Cayenne Diesel SUV, adding more performance and improving its style. Specially developed for the Cayenne Diesel, Techart's new Aerokit 1 includes a redesigned front panel with a deeper front spoiler, integrated driving and fog lamps and additional cooling vents to help keep temperatures under control during consistently hard driving. Deeper sills help manage under body airflow and at the rear a new apron with integrated diffuser completes the underbody aerodynamics. Airflow behind the vehicle is managed by a low drag roof spoiler. For models fitted with Porsche's air suspension, the Aerokit 1 package also includes a unique suspension control module that lowers the vehicle, reducing roll and further improving aerodynamics. When the vehicle is stationary, the control system lowers the vehicle a little more to improve access and to further improve the low, aerodynamic look. Other pieces include headlight and rearlight surround trims, 21in alloy wheels fitted with Michelin Diamaris tires, quad exhaust pipes, a three-spoke Techart sports steering wheel, aluminum pedals and custom leather trim. If the Aerokit 1 still appears 'too' subtle, Techart also offers 22in body colored wheels, a custom bonnet and piping leather trim. Under the hood, customers can opt for Techart's latest TA 055/D1power upgrade, which boosts the vehicle's 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine from 240hp (176kW) to 290hp (213kW) and takes torque from 550Nm to 630Nm at a still low 2,200rpm. More importantly, up to 500Nm of torque is available from just 1,100rpm and lasts right up until 4,000rpm. The end result of all the modifications is a 0-60mph time of 7.7 seconds - 0.6 seconds quicker than the stock model. The real improvement, however, is that the huge torque and very flat delivery provides impressive acceleration from most speeds, making the vehicle feel more like a big V8 than a highly efficient diesel V6.2009 Porsche Cayenne Diesel Read More

  • Porsche: Cayenne Hybrid on the streets by late 2010

    Porsche: Cayenne Hybrid on the streets by late 2010 June 17th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, June 17th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 8 Comments

    Porsche: Cayenne Hybrid on the streets by late 2010 It's no secret that Porsche's planning a range of production Cayenne hybrids, but today Porsche board member Wolfgang Dürheimer told the German daily Rheinische Post that the vehicle would be in dealerships and on the street by the second half of 2010 with a starting price around €90,000 ($124,500).

    Specifics on the Hybrid models haven't been abundant, but Porsche did release several key details about the Cayenne S Hybrid earlier this year. The vehicle is targeting V8 performance with four-cylinder emissions and efficiency - exactly what you'd expect of a hybrid.

    But it's not just about the fuel-saving aspects. Teaming an Audi 3.0L... It's no secret that Porsche's planning a range of production Cayenne hybrids, but today Porsche board member Wolfgang Dürheimer told the German daily Rheinische Post that the vehicle would be in dealerships and on the street by the second half of 2010 with a starting price around €90,000 ($124,500). Specifics on the Hybrid models haven't been abundant, but Porsche did release several key details about the Cayenne S Hybrid earlier this year. The vehicle is targeting V8 performance with four-cylinder emissions and efficiency - exactly what you'd expect of a hybrid. But it's not just about the fuel-saving aspects. Teaming an Audi 3.0L V6 DFI engine rated at 333hp and 324lb-ft of torque with a 52hp, 221lb-ft electric motor and a 38kW NiMH battery pack, the Cayenne Hybrid S is a perkier than the average hybrid, or six-cylinder SUV for that matter. Zero to 62mph (100km/h) ticks by in 6.8 seconds, despite the ULEV II emissions rating, cutting CO2 by 20% compared to the standard version. Porsche also revealed the function of the hand-off between electric and combustion drive. Good for up to 1.2mi (1.9km) on electricity alone, once that reserve is exhausted, the computer fires up the engine, engages the clutch and transfers power all in just 380ms. And it does it "without the driver or passengers noticing what is happening" according to Porsche. An eight-speed transmission ties the whole system together, offering long gears at the high end for more efficient cruising. The top-speed gear is actually sixth, so seventh and eighth are effectively overdrives. In top gear, the vehicle can maintain constant speeds up to 86mph (138km/h) on electricity alone. The Cayenne Hybrid S drive system will also make its way into a Panamera hybrid, which could hit the streets as early as the third quarter of this year. Read More

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