2008 Porsche Cayenne

When Porsche announced it would build a sport utility vehicle, there were plenty of skeptics - including us. What could be more un-Porsche-like than an SUV? Well, in the five years since the Cayenne arrived, it broadened Porsche’s product line and sold better than expected. So what would you expect but an encore with even more kick and flavor - the new 2008 Porsche Cayenne.

Porsche’s peppery effort to enter the utility segment in 2003 was clearly the right move. And, with the second generation 2008, Porsche Cayenne kicks up the spice even hotter.

That higher heat begins with three new, more efficient direct-injection engines, a first for Porsche, for each of the three Cayenne models: the Base, the S, and the Turbo.

The base Cayenne’s V-6, the same one used in VW’s Touareg, has grown to 3.6 liters, and now outputs 290 horsepower and 283 pound-feet of torque.

For the S and the Turbo, both V-8s have swelled from 4.5 to 4.8 liters.  The mid-level Cayenne S, which we spent most of our time with at the Uvalde Proving Grounds west of San Antonio, has a naturally aspirated power plant that now features Vario Cam Plus valve management and is good for 385 horses and 369 pound-feet of torque. 

All the while, the Cayenne Turbo’s twin-turbochargers raise cane to the tune of 500 horses and 516 pound-feet of torque, a 50 horsepower jump over its predecessor.

Energy channels through either a base 6-speed manual gearbox or an upgraded 6-speed Tectonic automatic available on all three models. 
Both transmissions feed the Porsche Traction Management 4-wheel-drive system with low range gearing.  Torque is normally split 38% front/62% rear, but full power for either end is available. Porsche Stability Management with new Trailer Stability Control is also standard.

The Cayenne’s gee-wiz handling hardware starts with a revised independent suspension, enhanced by a now standard push-button ‘Sport’ Mode on all models. Porsche’s Active Suspension Management, with three driver selectable damping modes and self-leveling air springs, comes standard on the Turbo and is optional on the base and ‘S’ models.  The air springs allow for adjustable ground clearances with over a 4-inch range.   

That air suspension is now enhanced by Porsche’s optional new Dynamic Chassis Control, their active anti-roll control system that stiffens by hydraulic motors to limit body roll and achieve balance in virtually all driving environments.  In “low range” gear, the front anti-roll bar actually de-couples for maximum wheel articulation.

All of this on- and off-road ability is performed atop new tires and rims that range from standard 17-inch alloys, to tall 21-inch sport wheels, which are slammed to a standstill by more powerful 4-wheel vented ABS disc brakes with six piston calipers up front, four pistons in the rear.

Matching its new level of dynamism, the Cayenne ups its sportier outward show with a more powerful, more 911-ish front fascia.  The reshaped projector headlight housings are now available with bi-xenon lamps that add steering-linked Dynamic Curve Lights. 

The Cayenne’s wide and muscular body is accentuated by bolder fenders and sharply creased wheel arches.  A longer roofline leads back to a re-styled spoiler, tweaked taillights, revised exhaust, and a new power lift gate, as well as an optional tow-hitch.

Inside, this 5-passenger SUV continues as a blend of the Porsche-style cockpit and a luxurious and airy passenger cabin.  The clean dash houses overlapping gauges, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a competent Nav system that’s standard on the Turbo. Other amenities include a 350-watt Bose sound system and, for the first time, XM satellite radio.

The second row grants ample leg-room and a 60/40 split folding feature.  Behind that is a cargo bay with 19-cubic feet of space seats up, and 62.5 seats down.

Pricing for Cayenne is widespread. The base V6 Cayenne starts at $44,295. That’s less money than a Boxster. The Cayenne S begins at $58,795, while the Turbo stickers at a meteoric $94,595, before options.

With enhanced mechanics, upgraded technology, and even more ferocious styling, the 2008 Porsche Cayenne closes the gap between utility and sports car to a crack, all while elevating its all-weather all-surface performance skills. That makes this new strain of Cayenne one red hot chili pepper indeed.