The press release from Porsche, accompanying the new 2008 Cayenne sport utility vehicle that this company loaned us recently, references the dramatic changes in styling for the new model year. To our eyes, the updates which include a reshaped front end and new taillights are more accurately described as subtle with much of the body structure and interior carried over from the 2006 Cayenne. There were no 2007 models.
Not so subtle are the changes that Porsche has made to the engines in these updated Cayennes. New for 2008 is direct fuel injection, which results in more power and improvements in fuel economy. Also revised are the suspension, for better handling, and the options list with such new features available as a power tailgate and adaptive headlights.
For this review, Porsche loaned us the base model equipped with the V-6 engine. Originally introduced as a price leader, when we last reviewed a V-6-powered Cayenne we concluded that though its performance fell noticeably short of the Cayenne S, which has a V-8, the slightly more than two seconds longer it took to reach 60 miles per hour was more than offset by the significant reduction in price. Porsche buyers not a budget protested vigorously – e-mail is a wonderful thing – but I stand by that conclusion.
For 2008, an even stronger case can be made for the V-6 version. Not only is this model now graced with direct fuel injection for more power, the V-6 has been enlarged from 3.2 to 3.6 liters. The result is a significant increase in horsepower, from 247 in 2006 to 290 this year. Torque is also up, from 229 lb-ft to 273 or 283. The specifications from Porsche list the former while the press release notes the latter number. Regardless, the new V-6 Porsche Cayenne turns in a lusty performance.
The V-6 model is the only Cayenne offered with a six-speed manual transmission. Our review vehicle was equipped with the optional six-speed Tiptronic automatic which delivered crisp, nicely timed shifts. For drivers who regret forgoing the manual transmission, Porsche offers easily reached and logically operated buttons on the steering wheel that allow for driver-controlled sequential shifts through the gears.
Acceleration is now noticeably quicker, with the new engine shaving more than a second from the previous V-6’s zero-to-60 sprint. Porsche claims 7.9 seconds, which we quickly verified. Fuel economy in the government guide is listed as 14 miles per gallon in the city and 20 on the highway using the new, more stringent 2008 standards. I averaged 17.4 miles per gallon in my week with the vehicle. Premium fuel is called for by Porsche.
The suspension has been upgraded. Ride quality remains solid and stable, but never harsh, even when traveling over greater Hartford’s most broken strips of pavement. Handling impresses with its solid, nicely weighted and communicative steering, superb balance and grip in corners and impressive straight line stability. Stability control is standard. The previous Porsche Cayenne also demonstrated impressive trailer towing capabilities. Trailer towing stability enhancement is now offered on the Cayenne.
While I did not take this newest Cayenne off road, I did attend the introduction of the original, which included some slogging through the muddy, rain-soaks woods surrounding the impressive Barber Motorsports Park outside Birmingham, Alabama. Here, the Cayenne, equipped with appropriate tires – which were not on our review vehicle – managed to turn in an impressive performance in really difficult conditions. That the same vehicle was just as impressive on the track should tell you all you need to know about the Cayenne. I have no doubts that the new models improve upon those performances.
Inside, passengers will find ample room in the front and rear – no third row seating is offered – and comfortable seat cushioning that is firm enough for long trip support. Cargo room is good, but not overwhelming for the field.
The interior is finished to high standards using impressive materials. Instruments are easily read and Porsche even goes so far as to allow the driver to turn off the lighting of steering wheel controls. The audio system, alas, uses really small buttons and the climate controls, mounted low in the central stack, is also fussy, requiring an inordinate amount of driver attention.
The Porsche Cayenne starts at a quite reasonable $43,400, plus $895 for destination and handling charges. Options are plentiful and, in Porsche fashion, often costly. Our review vehicle was equipped with leather upholstery, heated seats, a sunroof, trailer hitch, power tailgate and an audio system upgrade. The estimated sticker price came to $53,315.
With its return for 2008, the Porsche Cayenne once again takes up its position in the front row of sport utility vehicles that offer exceptional on-road handling. A strong case, in fact, could be made that the Cayenne is the best of the bunch.
