For 2011 Porsche has completely redesigned the Cayenne from
top to bottom - and it's the better for it.
Now entering its third generation, the Cayenne has never received
much praise for its looks. And while the latest version is still
the ugly one of the Porsche range, at least now it's starting
to display a modicum of style.
Up front the new Cayenne has received a revised face which borrows
some cues from the Panamera
sedan. This means the 2011 Cayenne has a slightly more aerodynamic
profile than its predecessor, which also nicely compliments
the reduced weight of the new model.
One of the big announcements for the 2011 Cayenne is the introduction
of a hybrid model. This version features a parallel full hybrid
drive system which produces a combined power output of 380 horsepower.
The hybrid system consists of a 3.0 litre V6 engine developing
333 hp, and an electric motor which offers up 47 hp. With peak
torque at 427 lb-ft at just 1,000 rpm, the Cayenne S Hybrid's
performance is on par with a V8-powered Cayenne S. Like many
hybrids, the Cayenne S Hybrid can cover short distances on electric
power alone, free of emissions and noise at speeds up to 40
mph (60 km/h).
What makes the Cayenne S Hybrid unique is its ability to cruise
at high speeds on electric power alone. The gasoline engine
can be completely switched off and disengaged from the drivetrain
at speeds of up to 97 mph. Christened by the Weissach engineers
as 'sailing' – or cruising -- mode, the drag forces exerted
by the combustion engine and their braking effect are eliminated
in the interest of lower resistance and fuel consumption.
The other drivetrain options on offer are similar to those previously
available. A 3.6 litre V6 sits at the bottom of the range. This
unit chucks out 300 hp and is connected to an 8-speed Tiptronic
S automatic transmission which offers a 20 percent improvement
in fuel consumption over its predecessor.
The Cayenne S version is powered by a 400 horsepower, 4.8 litre
V8. This model gets a 15 hp bump in power over the old model.
But at the same time fuel consumption is down by a whopping
23 percent (according to the New European Driving Cycle).
As normal the Cayenne Turbo sits at the top of the pile. This
model is also powered by a 4.8 litre V8, but the addition of
a couple turbochargers takes the power up to 500 hp. Again,
despite performance improvements the fuel consumption is dramatically
reduced by over 20 percent.
Similar and related vehicles:
2009 Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia
2005 Porsche Cayenne Turbo
2010 Porsche Panamera
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