The front-end design on the naturally aspirated models features H7 projector-beam headlights. The Cayenne Turbo has Bi-Xenon headlights with static and dynamic cornering lights (also optional on the other three models). All four models have a flattened headlight geometry which gives a broader look to the car.
The air intake openings are designed for optimum cooling. On the Porsche Cayenne GTS and Cayenne Turbo, the central air intake has a larger cross-sectional area to compensate for the higher engine outputs. In the outer intake openings are a pair of elongated light units containing the turn-signal indicators and sidelights. These are positioned vertically on the Cayenne and Cayenne S, and horizontally on the Cayenne GTS and Cayenne Turbo. Another distinguishing feature on the Cayenne Turbo is the ‘power-domed’ engine lid.
The rear section also alludes to the powerful capability of each car. Integrated within the rear apron are a pair of single-tube tailpipes on the Cayenne and Cayenne S, and dual-tube tailpipes on the Cayenne GTS and Cayenne Turbo. The tailpipes on the Cayenne GTS have a chrome-plated finish. All four models have a diffuser-style design on the lower rear apron plus LED taillights and brake
lights. An extended bi-plane roof spoiler is available as a no-cost option on the Cayenne GTS.
The interior space is designed around the driver in a range of quality materials. Full leather upholstery is standard equipment on the Cayenne GTS and Cayenne Turbo. Also included as standard on the Cayenne GTS is a new sports seat design featuring greater lateral support and a comfort memory package (sports seats optional on all other models).
The Cayenne models have high capacity engines featuring a range of innovative technologies. Each car reconciles the two extremes of high performance and low fuel consumption. The Cayenne has a 3.6-litre V6, the Cayenne S and Cayenne GTS have 4.8-litre V8s, while the Cayenne Turbo tops the range with a 4.8-litre twin-turbo V8.
Direct fuel injection (DFI) increases engine output while improving fuel efficiency. The V6 Cayenne has variable valve timing on inlet and exhaust. The V8 models feature VarioCam Plus, combining variable valve timing with two-stage valve lift on the inlet side. The results: high performance, low fuel consumption and low exhaust emissions. Seemingly paradoxical, yet typically Porsche.
The Cayenne V6 develops 213 kW (290 hp) at 6,200 rpm. Maximum torque of 385 Nm is available from 3,000 rpm. The V8 unit in the Cayenne S produces 283 kW (385 hp) and 500 Nm of torque from 3,500 rpm.
In the Cayenne GTS, the V8 engine develops 298 kW (405 hp) at 6,500 rpm plus 500 Nm of torque from 3,500 rpm. Maximum output ratings on the Cayenne Turbo are 368 kW (500 hp) at 6,000 rpm and as much as 700 Nm of torque between 2,250 and 4,500 rpm.
The Cayenne, Cayenne S and Cayenne GTS are all equipped as standard with a high-performance, high-precision six-speed manual gearbox. Alternatively, there’s the option of six-speed Tiptronic S, which is standard in the Cayenne Turbo. Maximum speeds with Tiptronic S are 227 km/h (141 mph) for the Cayenne, 250 km/h (155 mph) for the Cayenne S, 251 km/h (156 mph) for the Cayenne GTS and 275 km/h (171 mph) for the Cayenne Turbo.
The standard Porsche Traction Management (PTM – see page 66) combines permanent all-wheel drive with an electronically variable centre differential, two-speed transfer gearbox, anti-slip regulation (ASR) and automatic brake differential (ABD). The results are excellent dynamics and greater active safety.
For extreme off-road driving, there’s the optional Off-road Technology package (see page 88), which is available for the Cayenne, Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo.
Another feature that’s standard on the Cayenne Turbo and optional on the other three models is selflevelling air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM – see page 76). PASM is an electronic damping control system offering a choice of increased comfort or added sports performance. The Cayenne GTS is equipped as standard with an exclusive steel-sprung sports suspension that also includes PASM.
The air suspension system and PASM can also be combined with Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) on all models. This optional system actively reduces body-roll when cornering, thereby enhancing turn-in response.The results: greater agility, greater comfort and even greater driving pleasure.
Standard fitment wheels are 17-inch Cayenne alloys on the Cayenne, 18-inch Cayenne S II alloys on the Cayenne S and 19-inch Cayenne Design alloys on the Cayenne Turbo. Among the special sports features on the Cayenne GTS are the standard 21-inch Cayenne Sport wheels.
The brake performance is more than a match for the power of each Cayenne model. All four cars have six-piston monobloc aluminium fixed calipers at the front and four-piston units at the rear. The calipers are black on the Cayenne, silver on the Cayenne S and red on the Cayenne GTS and Cayenne Turbo. All four models are equipped with Porsche Stability Management (PSM) as standard. PSM is an electronic active safety system that automatically stabilises the car (and trailer, if fitted) in critical road scenarios.
Another standard feature is the ‘Sport’ mode function. At the push of a button, the engine and Tiptronic S become more responsive, the air suspension drops to Low Level I, while PASM and PDCC are also switched to ‘Sport’ mode.
The Cayenne GTS has a sports exhaust system that is also available as an option on the Cayenne S (in conjunction with Tiptronic S). As well as enhancing the engine sound, it features chrome-plated dual-tube tailpipes.