The Cayenne SUV was groundbreaking as much as it was opinion-dividing when it was unveiled in 2002.
Before the Cayenne, Porsche was expected to churn out sports cars and nothing else, but since then, the brand has had the confidence to introduce a four-seater GT (the Panamera) and a baby Cayenne (the Macan).
In 2017, the Cayenne has been a massive sales hit and now we’re getting the third-generation model and the first official images are right here.
What’’s new?
The main takeaways regarding the new Cayenne are that it is lighter – with up to 65kg shed from its kerb weight – and more powerful with a revamped interior.
As these pictures suggest, Porsche has steered clear of any radical changes to its exterior design, which is fine by us – it was already a bit of a looker anyway, as any car that takes styling cues from the 911 should.
In fact, the Cayenne borrows more from the iconic 911 than ever before, according to Porsche CEO Oliver Blume.
Diesel is dead?
Diesel is out of the equation this time, at least for the moment. That’s down to regulatory problems in Porsche’s home market, but as diesel accounts for a hefty number of Cayenne sales, don’t engrave its headstone just yet.
Both Cayenne variants available from launch (the vanilla Cayenne and sportier Cayenne S) run on petrol, while the inevitable hybrid versions will be fueled by petrol and electricity.
The regular Cayenne will be driven by the same turbocharged three-litre V6 as the new Panamera. With 335bhp, it has 40bhp more than its naturally aspirated predecessor, which means it can take care of 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds with a 152mph top speed – a 1.4-second and 9mph improvement on the previous model. This is hastened to 5.9 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package applied.
Powering the Cayenne S is a 434bhp 2.9-litre turbo V6 that can hit 165mph and reach 62mph in 5.2 seconds – again, quickened to 4.9 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package.
The plug-in hybrid Cayennes will borrow the same powertrains as the 455bhp Panamera E-Hybrid and 666bhp Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. Finally, a range-topping Cayenne Turbo will pack a twin-turbo four-litre V8 with more than 540bhp, but we’ll have to wait to find out how these powertrains enhance performance.
You can actually order the new Cayenne now, with prices starting from £55,965, rising to £68,330 for the Cayenne S.
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