Porsche Cayenne revised with new Twin-Turbo V6 and Hybrid

The new Porsche Cayenne facelift has been officially unveiled. Boasting a sharper design, boosted efficiency and an extensive set of standard options, the new Cayenne is set to face off tough competition from rival Range Rover and BMW X5.

In the US, where the updated Cayenne is launched, four variants are offered: Cayenne Diesel, Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo. The update also sees the world premiere of the Cayenne S E-Hybrid, which is the first plug-in hybrid in the premium SUV segment. This model, together with the Panamera S E-Hybrid and the 918 Spyder, make Porsche the world’s only car manufacturer to offer three plug-in hybrid models.

Another highlight is the entirely new 3.6 liter twin-turbo V6 engine for the Cayenne S, which promises both improved performance and fuel economy compared to its predecessor.

In this latest version, Porsche designers have given the Cayenne an even sharper design. The design of the front body, the front fenders and the bonnet are entirely new. Another new feature are the airblades, which are air fins located on the right and left of the vehicle’s front end used to guide air to the intercoolers for cooling, while also making a strong visual statement.

The rear section of the new Cayenne was also thoroughly updated. The layout of the rear lights creates a three-dimensional effect; the brake lights – like the LED daytime running lights in front – are designed in four elements. The license plate recess, tailgate handle and lights are now integrated more elegantly into the tailgate lid. The vehicle’s horizontal lines were also re-designed, giving the vehicle an even fuller stance on the road. The newly designed exhaust tailpipes are now integrated in the lower rear fascia.

In the interior, designers devoted much of their effort to the driver’s space. The driver now gets a new multifunction sport steering wheel with shift paddles as standard. Its look and functions are based on the steering wheel of the 918 Spyder. The rear seating system has also been updated for better comfort.

Power and torque were boosted while improving efficiency. All new Cayenne models feature an improved “auto stop-start function plus” and optimized thermal management. Active air flaps are now being used for the first time in the Cayenne models. Located behind the center air intake and controlled by engine management, they open or close according to the specific driving situation and cooling demands. This allows them to adjust the air volume that is available for cooling. When they are closed they improve aerodynamics, which reduces air drag and thereby improves fuel economy.

The Cayenne S E-Hybrid is the first plug-in hybrid in the premium SUV segment. The new model has a lithium-ion traction battery with an energy capacity of 10.8 kWh, which enables pure electric driving. The power of the electric motor was more than doubled, from 47 hp (35 kW) to 95 hp (70 kW), resulting in an all-electric top speed of 78 mph. Combined with the 3.0 liter supercharged V6 producing 333 hp (248 kW), a total system power of 416 hp (310 kW) at 5,500 rpm and a total system torque of 435 lb.-ft. (590 Nm) from 1,250 to 4,000 rpm is available. zero to 100 km/h is accomplished in 5.4 seconds, en route to a top speed of 243 km/h.

The traction battery can be charged from the electric power grid or while driving. Porsche Car Connect is standard on this vehicle, and allows the driver to pull relevant vehicle data from a smart phone.

The Cayenne Diesel combines sportiness with even better fuel efficiency. The 3.0 liter, turbocharged V6 engine in the Cayenne Diesel produces 240 hp (179 kW) at 3,800 to 4,400 rpm and 406 lb.-ft. (550 Nm) of torque, from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm. With this output, the car can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds, and achieve a top speed of 217 km/h.

The new 3.6 liter twin-turbo V6 engine of the Cayenne S develops a maximum power of 420 hp (313 kW) at 6,000 rpm – a gain of 20 hp (7 kW). The car’s torque of 406 lb.-ft. (550 Nm) is available from 1,350 to 4,500 rpm (gain of 37 lb.-ft./ 50 Nm). With its standard eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission, the Cayenne S accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds (5.1 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono package) – 0.4 seconds faster than the previous Cayenne S. Top speed is rated at 160 mph (257 km/h).

The flagship Cayenne Turbo’s 4.8 liter engine displacement, eight-cylinders and twin-turbochargers result in engine power of 520 hp at 6,000 rpm, its torque is 553 lb.-ft. (750 Nm) from 2,250 to 4,000 rpm. This allows the Cayenne Turbo accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds (4.1 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono package), with a top speed of 278 km/h.