The smaller size of the new Cayenne agrees with Porsche’s desire to create a much more hard-core performance SUV than the current model, which has been criticized for being too heavy. The wheelbase will be shortened by almost 4cm, while the height will be reduced by 2cm, reports AutoBild. Other details include a taller waistline and LED daytime running lights.
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 V6 and V8 petrol engines will be on offer, but a new turbodiesel V6 and as well as a petrol-electric hybrid model to be shared with the upcoming Panamera sedan will be included in the new lineup. 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 V6 turbodiesel with about 240hp (179kW) on tap. This will be followed by a 3.6L petrol V6 with 330hp (246kW) and a 400hp (298kW) 4.8L naturally aspirated V8. The Cayenne S will get a 420hp (312kW) version of this V8 engine, while a 500hp-plus (373kW) twin-turbocharged V8 will be reserved for the Turbo model. Finally, the hybrid model will feature the 330hp (246kW) V6 engine coupled with a 45hp (34kW) 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 carmaker’s new dual-clutch gearbox. Expect to see 0-60mph times of less than five seconds for top end models and top speeds in excess of 180mph.
Reader Comments
Thu May 8 2008 10:54 AM
chris says
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.
Thu May 8 2008 12:34 PM
Gus says
That's why SUV's and sports cars don't mix. Because they don't.
Thu May 8 2008 1:58 PM
chris says
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.
Thu May 8 2008 5:31 PM
Stugots says
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.
Thu May 8 2008 5:43 PM
HECTOR says
What Stugots said with a cherry on top. I don't like where this is going AT ALL.
Thu May 8 2008 6:49 PM
Green Flag says
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!
Thu May 8 2008 6:54 PM
Wizards Lore says
yesss finally...if the V6 Cayenne comes in at AU$100,000 then this bad boy should be about 60k....im lining up !
Thu May 8 2008 6:57 PM
Francis says
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.
Fri May 9 2008 5:52 AM
HECTOR says
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.
Fri May 9 2008 9:52 AM
Gus says
What Hector said.
Next up, the Ferrari pickup truck...
Fri May 9 2008 2:21 PM
NaBUru38 says
This car will replace the Cayenne, I'm sure of that. Small and light - that's the purpose of a Porsche.
Wed May 14 2008 2:16 AM
Matthew says
That design should be taken out and shot. It looks like a mix of a Paseo and an X5 - old and boring.
Tue Jun 17 2008 7:13 PM
Mar says
Cayenne II, not Baby Cayenne
Tue Jun 17 2008 10:54 PM
Michael D. says
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.
Wed Jul 23 2008 12:07 AM
Stephen says
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!
Wed Jul 23 2008 7:52 AM
archony says
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.
Sun Aug 3 2008 4:36 AM
NoNameDenton says
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.
Mon Aug 4 2008 1:36 PM
J says
Lamborghini has had record profits and you don't seem them spewing out high-end soccer mom SUV's
Tue Aug 5 2008 11:43 AM
Rayaan says
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.
Fri Aug 8 2008 1:12 AM
Roman says
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
Sun Aug 10 2008 8:17 PM
Dandan says
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
Thu Oct 9 2008 4:40 AM
azlan says
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
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