Porsche Cayenne

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Pure sport: Porsche’s new SUV models are designed for driving performance and power without compromising fuel efficiency.

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This year's new generation of Porsche Cayennes - the standard Cayenne, the Cayenne S and the Cayenne Turbo - has once again proved a great success in the region with a more powerful engine and a number of new luxury and performance features. Prior to this, Arabian Business test drove the new vehicles on the rough and winding roads of the mountains beside the lowest point on earth, and took the new models on a rough and tough journey by the Dead Sea in the Kingdom of Jordan.

Everybody who's ever driven a Cayenne before is familiar with its powerful engine. It is instantly noticeable, however, that the new models make for a refined and more powerful drive. The models have been fitted with completely new engines which improve driving performance and substantially while also reducing fuel consumption. Another performance boosting feature, developed by Porsche's engineers, is an electronically controlled suspension system that is a first in this sporty form.

In terms of appearance, the cars have undergone a slight facelift that resulted in a more muscular and refined structure. It doesn't stop at the surface though; the undercarriage changes are huge. According to Porsche, the second generation models are more powerful in every way. All models incorporate an improved engine due to Porsche's new direct petrol injection and variable valve control technology as well as the larger capacity V6, V8 and V8 turbo engines. The new V6 produces a 213kW, the V8 makes 283kW and the Turbo roars at a staggering 368kW. The V6 has been increased from 3.2 to 3.6 litres for a 26kW power hike. Cayenne S is up 36kW to 283 and the Turbo rises by 37kW to reach exactly 500bhp or 368kW.

The new engines, with their better performance and fuel economising features allow the Cayenne V6 to accelerate to 100km/hr in 8.1 seconds (as opposed to 9.1 previously) reaching a top speed of 227km/hr (compared to 214). On the other hand, the Cayenne S reaches 100km/h in 6.6 seconds (from 6.9 before) and strikes a top speed of 252km/hr (242) whereas the Turbo rushes to 100 in 5.1 seconds (previously 5.6) and on to 275km/hr against the outgoing model's 265km/hr. More impressively, fuel consumption has been cut down to 15% compared to past Porsche SUV models.

Testing the cars on the steep and bumpy mountains of Jordan, the latest Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) feature comes in more than handy. PDCC integrates a pair of active anti-roll bars that almost completely work to counterbalance the vehicle on bends. This is especially exciting for those who crave sporting options as the car remains firmly fixed to the ground while making swift turns. The new system, however, not only improves car control but is a safety feature as well. In addition, while driving off road, PDCC decouples to make way for maximum wheel travel and traction. Also new are the developed Brake Assistant and enhanced Trailer Stability Control as well as off-road ABS anti-skid braking that supports a quicker reaction from the Cayenne when faced with hazardous driving conditions.

Both Cayenne V6 and Cayenne S V8 models feature a reinforced six-speed manual gearbox whereas the Cayenne Turbo presents an improved six-speed Tiptronic S automatic which could also be found as an option in Cayenne and Cayenne S models. A longer final drive ratio is another option featured in all models. Meanwhile, the manual gearbox option supports the Porsche Drive-Off Assistant to make for easy brake pedal-free getaway on turns.

The new Sports button in the Cayenne enables drivers to choose between standard or sports modes. When choosing the latter, drivers will notice a quicker and more instinctive response from the engine and the automatic transmission while air suspension and PASM result in more flexible reactions as well.

The Dead Sea proved an ideal site for the tough test drive, however the Cayenne passed with flying colours.

Driving in zigzags, circles, and up and down on one of the roughest roads you can imagine, the new models demonstrated highly impressive. sturdiness and responsiveness. Tarmac and gravel, covering the dirt track, proved to be the least of our worries.

It comes as little surprise that the Cayenne has become the top selling Porsche car in the Middle East.

Prices start at US$47,500 to US$121,400.

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