New Porsche Cayenne to debut in Geneva

The new generation Porsche Cayenne will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 2. Compared with the outgoing models, the new Cayennes offer an increase in fuel economy of up to 23 per cent with more performance.

The highlight of the new line-up is the technically sophisticated parallel full hybrid drive-train which combines the sporting performance of an eight-cylinder with the economy of a six-cylinder and a unique ‘sailing mode’ for even lower fuel consumption.

Overall, the new Cayenne is 48 mm longer than its predecessor. But despite its larger exterior dimensions, the design language of the new generation Cayenne represents a more compact and dynamic style. The fresh design of the new model integrates the 2010 Cayenne into the Porsche range and the sporting character of the Cayenne is clearly obvious, just as the highlights in the shape and design of the car so typical of Porsche are also clearly defined.

Extra space inside and greater everyday usability is ensured by a 40mm longer wheelbase. The most significant feature within the brand new, high-quality interior is the rising centre console that extends to surround the gearshift selector and which gives the interior the typical Porsche ‘cockpit’ character. In the rear, the seat bench can move forwards and back by 160mm and the backrest angle has three different position settings.

The Cayenne range starts with the 3.6-litre V6 petrol-engined Cayenne. Power has risen to 300 hp, but fuel consumption has dropped by a fifth – in conjunction with the eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission – to 28.5 mpg Combined (9.9 ltr/100km) on the New European DrivingCycle.

At 193 g/km, the Cayenne S Hybrid is not only the cleanest version of the Cayenne with the lowest level of emissions, but also the cleanest Porsche throughout the Company’s entire portfolio. The Cayenne S Hybrid features a 333 hp drive-train that returns fuel consumption of 34.4mpg Combined (8.2 litres/100km) and CO2 emissions of 193 g/km.

The two drive units are connected to one another by a separator clutch masterminded by the Hybrid Manager computer. This separator clutch is essential to run the Cayenne S Hybrid either on its electric motor or combustion engine alone, or with both drive units operating together. Thus, under relaxed driving conditions, for example in a residential area, this allows the driver to cover short distances on electric power alone and therefore absolutely free of emissions (and with hardly any noise). It is possible to drive in this mode at speeds of approaching 40 mph (60 km/h).

The Cayenne Diesel has a 240 bhp (176 kW) three-litre V6 engine offering 550 Nm of pulling power. In the new car, this powertrain now offers 20 per cent lower fuel consumption, with a Combined mpg of 38.2 (7.4 ltr/100 km), increased from 30.4 mpg (9.3 ltr/100km). Consequently, CO2 emissions are 195 g/km.

The maxim of more power on less fuel is demonstrated by the Cayenne S, which now features a 400 hp high-torque 4.8-litre V8 petrol engine. With 15 hp more than the prior model combined with greater economy, this new engine offers significantly better performance overall, just like all models in the new generation of the Cayenne. In particular, fuel consumption is down by 23 per cent, with a Combined mpg of 26.9 (10.5 litres/100km).

Greater efficiency is also an attribute of the Cayenne Turbo, with its 500 bhp (368 kW) twin-turbocharged 4.8-litre V8 returning 27.6 mpg Combined (11.5 ltr/100 km) in the New European Driving Cycle. This is once again 23 per cent less than its predecessor.

The new generation Cayenne goes on sale in the UK on May 29 priced as follows:

Cayenne £41,404
CayenneDiesel £44,178
Cayenne S £53,693
Cayenne S Hybrid £57,610
CayenneTurbo £81,589