All-New 2017 Porsche Cayenne World Debut – V6, 340 – 440hp

Porsche has unveiled the all-new Cayenne at a spectacular launch event in Stuttgart ahead of the SUV’s first scheduled public appearance at the upcoming Frankfurt International Motor Show.

More variants are sure to come, but for starters, the third-generation Cayenne hits the ground running with a pair of V6-powered models consisting of the base Cayenne with 340 hp alongside the more powerful Cayenne S with 440 hp. Both models come with all-wheel drive and 8-speed automatic transmission as standard.

The base Cayenne’s 3.0-litre single turbo V6 puts out some 450 Nm of maximum torque from 1,340 to 5,300 rpm, enabling it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds when optioned with the Sport Chrono Package. Top speed is rated at 245 km/h with fuel consumption averaging 9.0 – 9.2 litres/100km in the combined cycle.

Moving up, the Cayenne S features a slightly smaller but twin turbocharged 2.9-litre powerplant twisting out 550 Nm from 1,800 to 5,500 rpm. Equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package, the Cayenne S ducks just under the five- second mark to clock 0 – 100km/h in 4.9 seconds.

Completely redeveloped from ground up and rigourously tested for durability, the all-new Cayenne carries mostly evolutionary changes over its predecessor. The familiar silhouette is recognizable, as is that distinctive front end that seeks to evoke connections with the more nimble 911, Boxster, and the lot.

The tail end receives more significant stylistic changes. Narrow slit tail lights are now joined by a strip spanning the tailgate, bringing the rear look in line with the current generation Porsche design language.

Beneath the sheet metal, an all-new platform incorporates an array of advanced technology – rear wheel steering, air suspension, Porsche 4D Chassis Control, and electronic roll stabilization. These technologies, Porsche claim, ensure that the Cayenne remains an extremely dynamic SUV whilst still being competent off-road. Tyre sizes are staggered, with rims ranging from 19 to 21 inches.

Despite a substantial increase in equipment that includes LED headlights, enlarged wheels, pedestrian crash protection, and various connectivity features, Porsche has managed to shed considerable weight off the Cayenne’s body – the base model now tips the scales at 1,985 kg, compared to 2,040 kg of the equivalent variant of its predecessor.

Much of the weight reduction is achieved in the material mix- exterior sheet metal is all aluminium whilst the floorpan, front section, and virtually all chassis components utilize light weight high strength alloys.

Porsche first introduced the Cayenne in 2002. A three-way collaboration with Volkswagen and Audi that also yielded the Touareg and Q7, the Cayenne was initially a controversial figure among critics. Fifteen years on, the third generation model carries on a successful lineage that has put 760,000 cars on the road across the world.