Porsche Cayenne (Germany, 2002-2010)

The Cayenne is a luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV) built by Porsche since 2002. The Cayenne shares its platform with the Volkswagen Touareg. This is also the first Porsche model to be given a V8 engine since 1995.

The first generation Porsche Cayenne was released in 2002 in the form of several variants. The 2002 Cayenne range includes gasoline- and diesel-powered versions, as well as the ‘S’, the ‘GTS’ and two turbocharged variants. In addition, a hybrid Cayenne version is also available since 2007.   Porsche’s SUV model is produced at the company’s facility in Leipzig, Germany, except for the coachwork which takes place at a Porsche plant in Slovakia.   The Cayenne underwent a significant revision in 2006, which resulted on the car that is currently being marketed. However, Porsche is said to be already working on the next Cayenne generation, which is expected to debut at some point in 2010.

At launch, the most basic Cayenne version was powered by a 3.6-liter VR6 engine, capable of producing 290 hp. in addition, a turbocharged diesel engine was also made available. This car performed 0 to 60mph is 7.5 seconds. The early top-of-the-range Cayennes (Turbo S variant) were powered by 4.5-liter turbocharged V8 engines that produce 521 hp.   The engines available after the Cayenne’s 2006 facelift and revision ranged from a 3.0-iter 240 hp diesel-fuelled V6 up to a range-topper 4.8-liter turbocharged V8 unit with 550 hp, which was able to accelerate from 0-60 mph is 4.7 seconds.   Cayenne’s Hybrid variant is available with engine power outputs ranging from 236 hp (regular model) to 383 hp (turbocharged version, which can go from 0-60 mph in 6 seconds).   The first generation Cayenne was given a permanent four-wheel drive and is available with either an automatic or a manual 6-speed transmission.

Unit steel frame.   Platform Volkswagen Group “7L” platform.   Suspension Front double-track control arms with air springs, shock absorbers and an anti-roll bar; rear multi-link suspension with air springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bar.   Steering Power assisted rack-and-pinion steering.   Brakes Front and rear internally vented disc brakes with front 6-piston monobloc callipers and rear 4-piston monobloc callipers.

The Porsche Cayenne is a 5-door SUV (sport utility vehicle). Its frame is sourced from Porsche’s holder company Volkswagen.