- 3.6-litre V6 replaces 3.2-litre; 4.8-litre engines replace 4.5-litre models
- New GTS model
- New direct fuel injection in all engines
- V8 engines include Porsche VarioCam Plus variable valve control
- New front-end styling
- Revised rear lighting
- Available Dynamic Chassis Control with active anti-roll bars
- Available Dynamic Curve Lights (standard on Cayenne Turbo)
- Porsche Stability Management now includes brake pre-loading, off-road ABS and trailer stability control
- Rollover sensor triggers seatbelt tensioners and curtain airbags
- Standard power liftgate
- Available 21-inch wheels
- Available rail-mounted cargo management system
- New interior Black/Chestnut Brown leather colour scheme
Temporarily discontinued for 2007, Porsche's Cayenne SUV undergoes its first makeover since its launch as a 2003 model.
The Cayenne moves up from a 3.2-litre V6 to a 3.6-litre V6; the Cayenne S from a naturally-aspirated 4.5-litre V8 to a 4.8-litre; and the Cayenne Turbo's 4.5-litre becomes a 4.8-litre V8 with twin turbochargers. All three engines gain direct fuel injection. Power increases to 290 hp in the Cayenne, up from 247; the S moves from 340 hp to 385 hp, while the Turbo jumps from 450 hp to 500 hp.
The new GTS, which is more about performance and less about off-road capability, also uses the 4.8-litre V8 from the Cayenne S, but with a larger intake that increases horsepower to 405 hp. It also has a lower ride height, monochrome appearance and larger wheels and tires.
The Cayenne and GTS use a six-speed manual transmission (with new hill-hold feature) that can be optioned to a Tiptronic S automatic unit; the Cayenne S and Turbo come with the automatic only. All models feature all-wheel drive system that normally operates in a 38/62 split, but which can send 100 per cent of torque front or rear when necessary through an electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch. Low range can also be accessed via a switch for serious off-road driving.
Features on the Cayenne include 17-inch alloy wheels, 12-way power front seats with memory, leather-trimmed multifunction wheel, automatic climate control, 60/40 folding rear seat, footwell lighting, front and rear fog lamps, CD/MP3 stereo with 12 speakers, trip computer, power windows with remote key-fob closing, rain-sensing wipers, heated washer jets, power liftgate, cruise control, garage door opener, black roof rails, trailer hitch preparation and rear spoiler.
The Cayenne S adds 18-inch alloy wheels and dark-tinted rear glass.
The GTS adds 21-inch alloy wheels, side skirts, painted mouldings, roof spoiler with "biplane wings", and black window surrounds.
The Cayenne Turbo builds on the S and adds speed-sensitive steering, self-levelling bi-Xenon headlamps, brushed aluminum roof rails, front and rear heated seats, heated steering wheel, front and rear park assist, leather-trimmed dashboard, and Alcantara headliner.
Purists recoiled in horror when Porsche announced it was making an SUV, but amazingly, the company has sold over 150,000 copies of the Cayenne, and the model has become a benchmark for luxury performance utility vehicles. The new engines offer a substantial increase in power, with the Turbo turning in zero-to-96 km/h (0-100 mph) times of 4.9 seconds, and a top test-track speed of 275 km/h. If the wallet allows, add the $4,890 Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), which uses active anti-roll bars and can completely offset body roll up to .65g in lateral acceleration.
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