V6 to kick-off new Cayenne range

Porsche has announced details of its second generation Cayenne SUV. The revised all-wheel drive wagon range features new exterior design, better aerodynamics and powertrain changes that include larger capacity V8s, Direct Fuel Injection with lower fuel consumption and a V6 model for Australia for the first time.

The facelift sees the Cayenne range get a sleeker front end with new headlights and a revised bonnet line and valance. At the rear there are new taillights and what appears to be a reprofiled bumper.

The entry-level Cayenne (pictured including interior) will be powered by a VW-sourced 3.6-litre 213kW/385Nm V6. The six-speed Tiptronic auto-equipped all-wheel drive will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 8.5sec and according to Porsche boasts a top-speed of 227km/h.

Like all the Cayenne range, the V6 features Porsche Traction Management (PTM) – a full-time all-wheel drive system that in standard mode splits power 38:62 (fr:rr). When traction condition demand it, PTM can deliver 100 per cent of torque to either the front or rear wheels.

The V8-engined Cayenne S gets a new 4.8-litre powerplant equipped with Direct Fuel Injection and VarioCam Plus variable valve timing. Power and torque are up 33kW and 80NM respectively to an impressive 283/500.

Says Porsche, the extra power translates: “into a 0-100km/h time of 6.8sec and a top speed of 250km/h -- improved from the previous model’s 7.2sec and 242km/h, respectively.”

Both the Cayenne and Cayenne S will be offered with optional six-speed manual transmission for the first time Down Under.

The range-topping Cayenne Turbo (pictured with Cayenne V6) now has a full 500hp (368kW) and 700Nm of torque to despatch the 0-100km/h sprint in a touch of 5.0sec. Top speed, though academic, is circa 275km/h.

The Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo get air suspension and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as standard. The latter is optional on the V6. Optional on all models is Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) -- a system which limits body roll.

Pricing for the new Cayenne models kicks off with the new-to-Oz Cayenne -- at $94,700 it is Porsche's cheapest car Down Under. The Cayenne S is priced from $134,500 with the twin-turbo Cayenne Turbo $215,200.

The new Cayenne range will arrive in Australia late in March 2007.