New model year: improvements for Cayenne and Panamera

Porsche has launched their new model year Cayenne and Panamera models with across the board improvements. Increased power and efficiency is focused on and there are a number of additional options now available.

Firstly, the Cayenne Diesel returns to its position as the most efficient Cayenne. Emissions drop six grams to 189 g/km and fuel economy rises to 39 mpg (7.2 L/100km) while power also increases by 5 to 245bhp. All of this means that performance improves with top speed rising to 220km/h (137mph) and the 0-100km/h time improving by 0.2 seconds to 7.6.

Porsche has achieved these improvements through the use on low weight and low friction materials enhanced by an all new turbocharger and better thermal management. The direct injection pressure has also increased from 1800 to 2000 bar which improves the fuel mixture quality. The package as a whole reduces the unladen weight of the Cayenne Diesel to 2080 kilograms.

Porsche has not limited its improvements to the diesel, the increasing importance of its hybrid model is clear as it is also treated to an update. The hybrid manager now allows the car to drive on battery power alone at low speed and during manoeuvres. This was previously only possible once certain parameters had been reached.

Porsche Exclusive now offers an increased portfolio of options including a power kit for the Cayenne Turbo which boosts maximum power to 540bhp from 500bhp, maximum torque increases to 750nm. This leads to an improved 0-100km/h time of 4.6 seconds (down from 4.7) and an increase in top speed to 281km/h (176 mph) while fuel consumption and emissions remain identical at 24.6 mpg and 270 g/km.

This increase in power has been achieved through two new turbochargers with titanium-aluminium turbine wheels and adjustments to the engine electronics. This should make the engine not only more powerful but more responsive. Due to the power hike Porsche have also increased braking power. The optional Porsche Ceramic Composite brakes are now increased in size to 420millimetres and brake cooling is improved.

The new Cayenne will be distinguished by its new Bi-xenon headlights in black which include Porsche Dynamic Light System and quad sports tailpipes. Porsche Exclusive will also offer the option of tinted LED rear lights. Meanwhile Porsche Exclusive will customise the interior with decorative stitching and a new wood option – Yachting Mahogany. This can now be complimented by a milled aluminium Tiptronic-S gear selector and stainless steel or Carbon door entry guards.

Meanwhile, Porsche has enhanced the options available for the Panamera. The lane change system from the Cayenne will be available from autumn 2011 monitoring the area to the side of the vehicle including the blind spot and informing the driver via the door mirror if another vehicle is there. The lane change system can be manually activated by a switch on the door and is active between 30 and 250km/h (19-156 mph).

Porsche Exclusive will also offer Bi-xenon headlights in black on the Panamera including their Porsche Dynamic Light System as well as a redesigned sport tailpipe. Wireless internet access will be available from June 2011 and will allow you to go online inside your Panamera.