Cayenne

Vehicle: 2011 Porsche Cayenne Turbo with Sport Pkg and Comfort Plus Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$138175

Performance: When Porsche came out with the original Cayenne 7 years ago, it has quickly become the gold standard which others have to be judge when it comes to building a proper SUV. Is Porsche able to up-the-ante with their 2nd generation? We will find out after this review.

You can basically opt for anything right from the 290hp 3.6 liter V6 to the 550hp Turbo S with the Cayenne. Our subject is the latest Turbo. If you have thought you have driven a powerful SUV, you should have tried the Cayenne Turbo before saying about. That’s because with 500 ponies and 516 lb/ft of torque moving a 2-tonnes truck, this 4.8 liter DOHC V8 twin-turbo really moved this heavy Porsche with authority. It all have done without any annoying turbo lag when both turbos spool up. As with all Porsche, the engine comes with latest technologies like direct fuel injection and Variocam Plus. The best thing of all Porsche has to be its Teutonic engine note, which is always entertaining while music to every enthuisast’s ears. The engine always delivers superb refinement, smoothness and NVH; without losing to its performance prowess. Mated with this powertrain is Porsche’s refined 6-speed Tiptronic-S gearbox. This manumatic not only able to up and downshifts at redline, its also allow driver to drop cones with paddle shifters at any gear. Its gear ratios are perfectly match for Turbo’s sporty character. As the 1st and 2nd gears are low enough for exceptional acceleation, while leaving 5th and 6th tall enough for comfortable cruising. 3rd and 4th are always keeping the turbo engine in full boil.

Handling: We have always wondered what Porsche could make the original Cayenne Turbo handles like a sports car rather than an SUV. Their latest generation has taken the best to a new height. As we have known, this platform has been famous for its level of stiffness and rigidty. So that its able to handle as much horsepower as 550hp in the flagship Cayenne Turbo S. Along with all those electronic nannies right from PASM and PDCC, which enhance Cayenne’s driving characteristics. Then combined with world’s best ESC called PSM or Porsche Stability Management, which could well be the most uninstrusive stability control in the business. Not to mention the excellent AWD system that is mated to the rest of the equation. The result is an SUV that drives like other SUV in the business. The center-of-gravity is low even if the whole truck is tall. That means the driver feels like driving the best sportswagon rather than riding on a tall SUV. Porsche’s traditional awesome steering has transformed into Cayenne Turbo perfectly. The ultimate precision, directness and surgical feedback are something only Porsche engineers could do with an SUV. There are minimal body rolls when pushed Turbo into any corners. Its air suspension is comfortably compliant which means it rides just like any luxury car on the road, while providing sure-footness handling for most drivers. On the other hand, press the “Sport” button on the PASM really transformed the already sharply focused SUV into a real sports car. That’s if the driver has the ability to handle such a powerful SUV on a racetrack or just on black-top twisties. There are many carmakers wish they can combined sublime ride quality with sharp handling, not many have come even close to Porsche. There are even those who are dreaming of engineered an SUV like a sports car, many are not even close to Porsche. In fact, if the Audi RS6 Avant is the best sportswagon in the world. Cayenne Turbo has to be the best SUV in the world. The same holds true 7 years ago, it remains an undeniable fact today.

Brakes: Porsche Turbo brakes have always been highly recognized for their ability to haul anything to stop without any hesitation, right from their legendary 911 Turbo to their latest Panamera Turbo. The Cayenne Turbo is the prime example of how Porsche engineered a braking system more powerful than the engine itself. Even if it has to carry 2 tonnes of German prestige the brakes remain fade-free and solid even after a couple of hard stops in hot weather. The pedal remains solid and confidence-inspiring stops after stops. ABS doesn’t step in unnecessarily wrap out the hallmark of a wonderful braking system.

Interior: At the back of the Cayenne, it has a rear wash wiper which is something really needed for a hatch. The liftover and side cut-off are squared off for ease of loading into the back of the Cayenne. With the rear seats fold down properly, Cayenne can hold anything else without breaking a sweat. If there is one drawback, its the rear glass doesn’t open indenpendently, which it should.

If you think the original Cayenne interior is the result of Porsche’s cut-cutting from 996 era, the new one is anything better. The whole interior layout is exactly like the Panamera, right from the instrumentation gauges to the button-busy center console. However, the use of materials are all top-shelf, which justify the price tag Porsche charged for the Cayenne. Those power leather sports seats provide multiple adjustments while offering excellent back, thigh and side support even when cornering.

Conclusion: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” has always applied to any successful product. When its time to redesign the segment leader, any carmaker has to take a huge risk of losing current customers while gaining new ones. Fortunately for Porsche, they are able to turn the Cayenne into an even better car. In short, its the new benchmark as the whole package.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2011 Porsche Cayenne Turbo
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Vehicle: 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS with Tiptronic-S, PDCC and Variable Assist Power Steering
Price as tested: CDN$97220

Performance: We have reviewed both the Cayenne S and Turbo S in the past. This time, its another Cayenne with S in its last time. This is the Cayenne GTS.

The Cayenne GTS sits in between S and Turbo. Right in the heart of Cayenne’s ever-growing model range. The GTS comes with an excellent 4.8 liter DOHC 32-valve V8 with aplentry of horsepower and torque, 405hp and 369 lb/ft of torque to be exact. This powertrain is both quick and refined enough for not upping to the the more powerful Turbo with 500hp. The astounishing Turbo S is another story. Its capable to go from 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds which is very fast for such a heavy SUV, one that weighting in close to two tons. Its eager in the bottom end thanks to its maximum torque arrives at just 3500rpm. The top end is enhanced by Porsche’s advanced VarioCam Plus, which designed to add air to its breathing for the intake valves. Both the mid-range and top end are equally willing to rev even with the optional 6-speed Tiptronic-S on our tester. As with other Porsche Tiptronic, this one has wonderful fuzzy logic programs that adjust to each driver’s throttle input for maximum performance. That means its willing to up and downshifts, while the gear ratios are perfect. The 1st and 2nd gears are low enough for its 369 lb/ft to take off, while the top three gears are high enough for this GTS as a relaxing Autobahn cruiser.

Handling: What makes the GTS different than the more powerful Turbo silibing is the chassis setting. Both the Turbo and Turbo S have the most aggressive chassis settings I have ever tested in an SUV, even for those rivals which have as much performance creditals as Cayenne. With the GTS, the chassis has set to be more civilized and livable for most drivers. While the GTS still has some nifty technology like the optional PDCC, or Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, which is able to adjust body motions when pushed enthuisastically. This system worths every pennies, as GTS’s cornering prowess is nothing short of amazing for an SUV, without losing daily drivability. The ride quality is both comfortable and sublime. The body rolls are almost non-existence for an SUV with high center of gravity. Suspension is able to take a set while the PDCC put it into action. It would settle itself beautifully without scaring both driver and passengers. For an SUV, GTS’s PSM, or what Porsche stands for electronic stability control, is an uninstrusive type. As it works hand-in-hand with Cayenne’s advanced AWD system. It only steps into equation when the AWD has reached its outer end of saving the driver from the nasty. This AWD acts as a 1st level of protection before PSM steps in. On the other hand, GTS’s steering is Porsche sharp and precise, even with the optional Variable ratio assist power steering on our tester. Along with PASM, or Porsche Active Suspsension Management, GTS remains unflattered with it sets at “sport” through corners. With it sets at “comfort”, GTS could well be the most comfortably compliant Porsche Cayenne ever produced.

Brakes: With huge front and rear discs, plus standard ABS. GTS’s stopping prowess is as impressive as its handling prowess. The stopping distance is impressive while the pedal feel remains fade-free after couple of hard stops. Both the pedal feel and modulation are wonderful, indeed.

Interior: Inside, you would find anything one expects from a Porsche. That means excellent use of plastic and leather materials in the cabin. Those sports seats are simply superb. It hugs the body through corners tightly thanks to the shoulder and thigh supports. The rest of the instrumentation gauges and center console are typical Cayenne fanfare.

Conclusion: If the Cayenne Turbo S is the ultimate of the ultimate SUV, GTS is the most balanced package of all. Its handling and ride compromise is more ideal for those who don’t need a more aggressive chassis setting. Great brakes and an engine to die for.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Vehicle: 2008 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S
Price as tested: CDN$135795

Performance: Porsche has increased the Cayenne turbo’s displacement of 4.5 liters to 4.8 liters during this initial revision, for both S and Turbo. In the meantime, Porsche also brought out another mid-level 4.8 liter normally aspirated Cayenne called the GTS. Which is basically a Cayenne S with Turbo looks and brakes. Basically you can consider the S similar to a 911 C4, GTS as a 911 C4S and the subject of our test drive, Turbo S as something similar to 911 Turbo. Breathtaking is just an understatement to describe this Cayenne’s performance prowess. It all begins with the larger 4.8 liter DOHC 32-valve V8, added two turbochargers, advanced direct injection and Variocam technologies. The result is an astounishing 500 ponies and a mountain-moving 516 lb/ft of torque. Combined with the maximium torque begins at 2500rpm with 516 lb/ft of torque, basically anything, I meant anything called a sports car will be outrun by this ute. This 500 horses won’t feel breathless when taken up to 190-200 km/h, its relentless release of power thoroughout the rev range. All of these have done without turbo lags when both turbochargers step-in. Those large turbos just spool up quickly and effectively without fuse. Awesome indeed! Throttle response is just a foot away from being ticketed for speeding. However, everything settled so smoothly and elegantly as in Porsche fashion. Without the smart 6-speed Tiptronic-S gearbox. This Cayenne Turbo’s performance won’t be as staggering as it should be. This Tiptronic gearbox has 500 different fuzzy logic programs to adapt to every enthuisast’s needs. The gear ratios also set to suit everyone’s needs on every occassions.

Handling: Its hard to imagine an SUV with high center of gravity can handle so beautifully. But Porsche has done all those with grace and pace. The PTM AWD system has transferred all the power accordingly for whenever the vehicle gone stuck, it works seamlessly for all kinds of weather and conditions. PDCC, which stands for Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, works hand-in-hand with the chassis to control body rolls. In fact, it controls the body rolls so amazingly. Its hard to imagine an SUV can corner so flat with such a high rate of speed through the corners. On the other hand, Porsche’s famed PASM or Porsche Active Suspension Management, which is a computer system that controls the suspension damping and steering feel, work like magic with those systems. Press into “sport”, both the steering feel has firmed up while suspension stiffened up for enthuisast driving. Even with PASM sets at “sport”, its ride quality remains firm and supple without being punishing. Set into “normal” driving mode, this Turbo drives as well as any Porsche with more comfortable riding quality. Steering feel, as expected, is plenty while it offers typical Porsche precision and responsiveness. Its got to be the best steering I have ever driven in an SUV. You would have thought for an SUV, its stability system would kick in at an alarming rate. It doesn’t simply because its a Porsche. The PSM, which is Porsche’s meaning for stability control, only steps in whenever the driver has reached the outer edge of the limits. Its also has three settings for its level of instrusiveness even in an SUV. While its usual for Porsche sports cars to have such wide array of adjustments, its unusual for any SUV. All these settings allow different level of instrusiveness for different kinds of drivers.

Brakes: For an SUV that weights nearly two tons, Cayenne Turbo’s braking performance is truly a delight. Its not only its large 4-wheel discs with ABS can stop this heavy SUV with ease, they are also doing it without brake fade. At the same time, its ABS system works only necessarily without being stepping in.

Interior: While the pre-facelifted Cayenne has been criticized for having a few cheap pieces inside, all else have been addressed in this revised version. All those materials use inside are much richer and classier. The cheesy plastic on the center console has become rich plastic materials that are worthy of the crest badge. The leather sports seats have amazing amount of support when pushing this performance ute through corners. Everything else has been very well laid-out from the instrumentation gauges to auto climate control.

Conclusion: One thing that should be put at the back of your mind when driving a monster like this Cayenne Turbo is the fuel economy. We averaged 22 liters per 100km consistently between 50% highway and 50% city driving. The low gas warning light came on at about 400km with this 100 liter tank. Because when you are having so much fun with a performance ute, you shouldn’t worry about the amount of gas it slips every minute!

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Vehicle: 2003 Porsche Cayenne S with 6-speed Tiptronic, 18″ standard wheels and steel suspension

Performance: The S is powered by a 4.5L V8 32-valver that bumps out 340hp and 310 lb/ft of torque. The performance is amazing even if this Cayenne is a “base” S instead of a flagship turbo version. It got a brisk throttle response that never felt out of place in any Porsches. The 6-speed Tiptronic responds as briskly as the throttle and engine itself. Its a system that allows you to shift at redline for true enthuisastic driving. The gear ratios are very well-spaced and the tranny is willing to up/downshifts. Generally speaking, a powerplant that worthy of the Porsche crest emblem.

Handling: With a very rigid chassis and superb tuning by Porsche engineers, Cayenne feels every inch a “true Porsche”. The steering provides exceptional feel. It feels communicative with every surface and every bumps on the road while enough precision and response to let you know “this is a Porsche”. Even if this is a ute instead of a sports car, the PSM doesn’t kick in too abruptly until absolutely necessary. Its flat through corners considered its heavy and high COG nature of the Cayenne. There is a minimum amount of body rolls but everything are under excellent control. The single biggest drawback of the Cayenne with steel suspension has to be its ride quality. If you guys feel FX45 as bouncy, this Porsche has to be considered as rough. The ride quality reminds me of riding in a full-size pick-up truck without loads in box. If Porsche is able to give the same comfortable ride quality as their sports cars in Cayenne, its really hard to fault in on-road driving demeanor. I expect the air suspension would improve the ride a bit.

Brakes: As Porsche’s usual high-standard, the pedal feel is simply wonderful. The stops are short and extremely easy to control.

Interior: Its a mix reviews for Cayenne’s interior. On the plus side, it got a clear and analog instrumentation gauges, superb seats, excellent driving position with lots of adjustability and well-placed ergonomics. The downside of this interior has to be its cheap plastic. There are just way too many hard plastic and too many switchgears look cumbersome considered the price Porsche is charging. Some of the aluminum trim pieces looked tacky in this interior also mess up the ambience.

Conclusion: Dynamically speaking, Cayenne is 100% a Porsche. It got amazing performance, granite-like chassis, excellent dynamics, abundant of driving feel and superb driving position. Judging by the above factors and minus about 25% in the pocket book, you got a Touareg that represents a true value.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2003 PORSCHE CAYENNE S
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.75/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 2.75/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 3.25/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2.5/5
Value-for-money: 2/5

Overall rating: 3.75/5