Short Take Road Test
The Cayenne has always seemed an anomaly. On one hand, it has generated the cash that allows Porsche to continue building the sports cars we love, which is a good thing. On the other, a 5625-pound vehicle is antithetical to the creed of light weight and efficiency that Porsche has historically followed.
But, hey, what do we know? From 2003 until 2006, the Cayenne was Porsche's bestselling model in the U.S. In the first five months of '07, it had sold 4753 units, a close second behind the 911. To keep sales marching on, the Cayenne, including the top-of-the-line Turbo, has been given a comprehensive refresh for the 2008 model year.
Externally, the Cayenne has a more aggressive front fascia, new headlights, and more prominent fender flares. Porsche claims the restyle has brought the coefficient of drag down from a houselike 0.39 to a more respectable 0.35. Turbo versions are fitted with 18-inch wheels as standard, but our test vehicle came with 21-inchers, which cost $4145.
The updated Cayennes all come with larger-displacement direct-injection engines that now have Porsche's VarioCam Plus variable valve timing and lift. Capacity has increased from 4.5 to 4.8 liters, and the twin-turbo V-8 now makes 500 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, up from 450 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque.
Also new are optional active anti-roll bars. The $3510 Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control system uses hydraulic motors to stiffen the anti-roll bars in conjunction with the Turbo's air suspension, which features three-position Porsche Active Suspension Management adjustable damping.
As you'd expect, the new Turbo is quicker than the outgoing model. The 0-to-60-mph run takes 4.8 seconds (versus 5.0), and 0 to 100 comes in 11.5 seconds (against 13.0). Skidpad grip has improved from 0.82 to 0.90 g, and the 70-mph-to-standstill distance is reduced from 170 to 161 feet. This new Turbo even beats the old 520-hp Turbo S to 60 mph by 0.1 second.
Our observed fuel economy was better, too—but at 13 mpg, compared with 12, that's like saying Ted Bundy was nicer than Jeffrey Dahmer. With all the merry electronic chassis systems fitted, our test vehicle gripped impressively and cornered flatly, with excellent steering and brake feel.
If one feels the need for a 5600-pound SUV that has about the same interior volume as a Ford Escape but can outaccelerate an Aston Martin V-8 Vantage, then the Cayenne Turbo is your kind of $106,650 ride. Us? We still don't get it.
