Porsche Cayenne Archives

Review: Malaysian Made Porsche Cayenne Is A Sports Car For The Family

The automotive world stood still when Porsche took the covers off the first Cayenne at the Geneva Motor Show in 2002. Mouths agape, the world’s automotive media would later go into a frenzy calling it everything from ugly to outright blasphemous.

Porsche would lose many of its loyal fans who thought the company had lost its direction with the Cayenne. Most of them would later return when the Cayenne turned out to be Porsche’s savior.

The Cayenne would go on to be Porsche’s best-selling model for many years, until the Macan arrived but that’s a different story. A lot has been written about the Cayenne since then, but crucially the success of the Cayenne provided much needed cash flow for Porsche to continue building cars it was well known for, like the Turbo, the GT3 and the GT2. Not to mention all the RS variants that have since come along.

“I first saw the first-generation Cayenne testing around the streets of Stuttgart before the launch as I was there for a meeting,” said a former dealer recently in an exclusive but private interview.

“Just like everyone else, I didn’t think much of the design, but then I drove the car and was blown away. I have had the good fortune to own several Porsches and even race them, and the Cayenne is still very much a Porsche at heart. And I have owned every generation since the launch and still drive a Cayenne today,” said the person who we must keep anonymous due to a watertight non-disclosure agreement.

And therein lies the appeal of the Cayenne. Despite its size, its clumsy looks and weight, it is still very much a Porsche underneath. Call it a wolf in sheep’s clothing but the Cayenne probably single-handedly put the word Sport in Sport Utility Vehicle. And almost every automaker who builds a high-performance SUV must thank Porsche for the major risk it took when introducing the Cayenne.

We can go on and on about how successful the Cayenne is and how it has won several races and even explored roads where a SUV is not meant to go. But there is so much out there already that all it takes is a simple Google search.

We are here though to talk about how proud Malaysians should be for the fact that Malaysia is the only country outside of Europe where a Cayenne is built.

Since 2019, the Cayenne has been assembled in Kulim, Kedah through a joint venture between Sime Darby and Porsche AG. This has not only made the Cayenne more accessible to more Malaysians but it has also created high-skill jobs for Malaysians.

Not only that, Porsche has ensured that the Cayenne looks and feels exactly the same as its European made siblings. Step inside a locally-made Cayenne and it does not only look and feel the same but it also smells the same. It makes one wonder, if Audi has its legendary nose team that ensures all Audis smell the same, does Porsche have its own nose team as well? That is a question for a separate interview.

Now in its third-generation, the Cayenne is as popular as ever with Porsche selling 100,000 units worldwide in 2022 alone. With 2023 coming to a close soon, we are expecting the Cayenne to have found even more homes. Why? Because Porsche introduced the facelifted version of the third-generation Cayenne earlier this year, and it builds on the strengths of the already very capable model it is based upon.

Porsche Malaysia introduced the facelifted Cayenne for the Malaysian market in early October of this year, becoming the second locally assembled Cayenne. And just like the first one, it too looks and feels like it was made in Europe. And Porsche deserves credit for that since consistency in the automotive business is always difficult to emulate.

While the underpinnings may be the same, the face-lifted Cayenne is distinguished by an updated design. The front features arches at the side of the new bonnet that is also taller by a few millimeters, giving the new Cayenne a more commanding presence.

The front is also distinguished by new Matrix LED headlights that now only look great but are also quite smart. The headlights determine illumination levels by analysing data from the SUV’s speed, camera and navigation systems to ensure the driver has maximum visibility in low light conditions.

The side of the Cayenne is largely the same but the rear gets a new three-dimension taillights as well as a new light strip that runs across the width of the car and connects both the taillights. It gives the rear of the car a cleaner design.

Porsche Malaysia also provides customisation options for those who want their Cayenne to stand out. Take the wheels for example, the standard wheels measure in at 20-inches and feature quite a lot of rubber that is great to maximise comfort but look somewhat boring. For the adventurous (and with deep pockets), there’s also the choice of 21-inch wheels that look great but will set you back RM45,000. Or if that is still too small for you, there are 22-inch wheels that look amazing and cost an eye-watering RM49,000.

Powering the Cayenne is the same 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine found in the previous model. However, power has been hiked by 13PS and 50Nm for a total of 353PS and 500Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through an 8-speed Tiptronic S gearbox while top speed is rated at 248km/h. Acceleration from zero to 100km/h on the other hand is marked at impressive 5.7-seconds.

The interior of the Cayenne is where the new truly distinguishes itself from the old. The new Cayenne receives a full digital instrumentation cluster, which is a first for the Cayenne. This revolves around the new digital instrument cluster that measures in at 12.6-inches. In true Porsche fashion, an RPM dial still dominates the centre of the panel, just like it always has since the first Porsche back in 1949.

The centre of the dashboard is dominated by a 12.3-inch infotainment screen that offers Spotify and Apple Music as native apps. That means you do not need to plug in your phone to listen to either applications, but there is also Apple Carplay and Android Auto for those who need more.

The overall design of the interior is cleaner than before with fewer buttons and discreet air-conditioning vents that look like they have been merged into the dashboard. Even the traditional gear lever that used to be at the centre console has been repositioned to the left side of the steering wheel and is now a toggle-like switch rather than a lever, which we first saw in the Taycan.

However, Porsche didn’t go full Tesla with the digitalization of the interior. There still are some buttons and knobs such as the volume dial and tactile buttons for the climate control system.

And Porsche has also retained the grip handles located on the centre console, just as they always have been since the first-generation Cayenne. Most importantly, unlike a Volvo XC90 nothing rattles or buzzes when in motion.

The overall size of the interior remains the same with enough room for five people to get more than comfortable. And in case the rear passengers need to be entertained, you can opt for the Porsche Tequipment option that gives you two 10.1-inch touchscreen displays placed at the back of the front seats. This gives access to a variety of options such as Youtube and Netflix.

From behind the driver’s seat, the new Cayenne is still very much a Porsche at heart, just like it always has. The air-suspension does a brilliant job at isolating the cabin from the rumble and tumble of the road underneath. But when you want to have some fun, the suspension stiffens and gives you maximum control of the two-ton SUV.

The best part of the new Cayenne is its jekyll and hyde like character – soft and supple for maximum comfort at one moment, and it all changes at the press of the steering mounted button. Select Sport and the powertrain immediately comes alive and responds to every twitch of the accelerator pedal. The suspension stiffens to reduce body roll, but not to the point of being trashy. The passengers may not even feel the suspension stiffening if you do not mention it, such is its compliance.

At RM599,999 (RM662,499 with all the options), there really is little doubt why the new Porsche Cayenne is as popular as it is. While its competitors like the Volvo XC90, BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE focus on being efficient and comfortable, the Cayenne takes a different approach.

The Cayenne focuses on driving pleasure without compromising on comfort. It is still very much a Porsche at heart, and that can only mean one thing – uncompromised performance. Except in the Cayenne, you can share the joy of driving with five other people.

Specifications:
Engine: 3.0-litre, Turbocharged, V6
Power: 353PS @ 5,300rpm
Torque: 500Nm @ 1,340rpm
Transmission, 8-speed Tiptronic S
Top speed: 248km/h
Acceleration (0-100kmh): 5.7 seconds

We like: Performance, Comfort
We don’t like: We prefer the previous design

New Porsche Cayenne Officially Launched- From RM600k

Last month, Porsche Malaysia announced that the new Porsche Cayenne, designed exclusively for the Malaysian market, was available for online ordering through a streamlined digital platform.

Now, the new Cayenne is officially launched. It has emerged with a striking blend of design enhancements and advanced technologies, elevating its presence and performance. Let’s delve into the key features that make this luxury SUV an exciting prospect for automotive enthusiasts.

Exterior Design

The Cayenne’s front end undergoes a significant redesign, showcasing more pronounced wings, refreshed hood, and technically appealing headlights that add to the SUV’s commanding presence. The rear design is marked by three-dimensionally designed taillights, clean surfaces, and an integrated number plate holder. The standard inclusion of 20-inch Cayenne Design wheels adds to the sporty appeal.

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Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid Debuts – 519PS, 90km EV Range

Porsche announced the expansion of its hybrid range for the new Cayenne luxury SUV series. The introduction of the Cayenne S E-Hybrid marks the third plug-in model in the series and is positioned between the Cayenne E-Hybrid and the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid.

Key Features and Performance

The Cayenne S E-Hybrid, positioned between the Cayenne E-Hybrid and the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid, prioritizes a harmonious mix of everyday usability and performance. This electrified model, available in both SUV and SUV Coupé body variants, integrates seamlessly into the existing powertrain range. With a revised three-litre V6 turbo engine delivering 353PS and a 176PS electric motor, the Cayenne S E-Hybrid achieves an impressive system output of 519PS and a maximum system torque of 750Nm.

The performance capabilities are substantial, allowing the Cayenne S E-Hybrid to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 263km/h. Notably, the hybrid technology enhancements result in an improved electric range and shorter charging times due to intelligent energy management.

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New Porsche Cayenne Available For Bookings – From RM600k

Porsche Malaysia, represented by Sime Darby Auto Performance, has announced that the new Porsche Cayenne, designed exclusively for the Malaysian market, is now available for online ordering through a streamlined digital platform.

The new Porsche Cayenne has undergone significant design and technology enhancements, resulting in a more expressive appearance and advanced features.

The front end has been redesigned, featuring more pronounced and muscular wings, a refreshed hood, and technically appealing headlights that accentuate the SUV’s width. The rear end is characterised by three-dimensionally designed taillights, clean and uncluttered surfaces, and a new rear apron with an integrated number plate holder, contributing to a distinct and modern rear design. Plus, it comes with 20-inch Cayenne Design wheels.

Matrix LED Headlights are now standard, representing a significant lighting upgrade. These headlights utilise data from the SUV’s speed, camera, and navigation systems to provide optimal illumination. The high beam area is divided into 11 segments, allowing precise control of the lighting to avoid dazzling vehicles ahead or oncoming traffic, a technology known as matrix beam.

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Porsche Introduces The 2024 Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid

Following the successful debut of the new Cayenne in early 2023, Porsche is culminating the extensively revamped third generation of this renowned SUV with an exciting addition: a fresh flagship model. In line with tradition, the most potent iteration of the Cayenne continues to be a plug-in hybrid. Porsche has undertaken substantial enhancements in the technology of this successor to the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, resulting in noteworthy improvements, particularly in electric range and performance.

Distinguishing itself, the Turbo E-Hybrid boasts a distinctive front fascia, characterised by its enlarged air intakes that exude a sporty and aggressive aesthetic. Porsche’s attention to detail extends to the wheel arches and the lower rear fascia, both of which are elegantly painted in the vehicle’s body colour. Further enhancing its dynamic appearance, the E-Hybrid model showcases vibrant red brake callipers that add a dash of flair. The visual enhancements are rounded off with the inclusion of two dual exhaust outlets, a design element that not only exudes sophistication but also contributes to the SUV’s overall sporty presence.

Taking a page out of the playbook of the all-electric Taycan sedan, the new Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid introduces an impressive 12.7-inch gauge cluster. This includes a toggle-style gear selector that draws clear inspiration from its electric counterpart. Meanwhile, the heart of the cabin’s entertainment and navigation functions lies within a central 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Notably, Porsche retains its digital display aesthetic, while wisely incorporating a physical volume knob—an element appreciated by many.

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Porsche Unveils The New Cayenne

Although the development of a future all-electric Cayenne is already well underway, Porsche has still put together a thorough upgrade for the current combustion-powered vehicle. Porsche presented its third generation of the Cayenne at the Shanghai Motor Show.

The Exterior

Although clearly updated, the new Porsche Cayenne resembles the previous model in terms of appearance. This is to be expected after a makeover, but there are many small adjustments that keep it looking new.

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Porsche World Road Show 2021: The Ultimate Driving Experience!

The Porsche World Road Show is a unique event that takes place the world over.

It is held at circuits that allow a driver to fully exploit a Porsche’s potential.

And when it comes to the Cayenne, rather than on-circuit driving, the now iconic SUV is driven on dirt tracks to show off its off-roading capabilities.

The PWRS in short, was recently held at the Sepang International Circuit.

And the entire circuit was booked, because half-track driving in a Porsche is borderline nonsense.

The cars were pretty amazing too – we got to spend time behind the wheel of the Cayenne, Macan GTS, Macan Turbo, Taycan Turbo and the Taycan Turbo S.

The star of the show though was the new 992 Porsche GT3. A car so brilliant that it deserved an article of its own, which you can read here.

Our day started in the Taycan Turbo S – a car deemed as the hardest accelerating electric car ever built.

It does the 0-100km/h in just 2.8 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 260km/h.

The electric motors that power the car are also some of, if not the best in the industry.

The motors give the car 622hp and 1050Nm of torque.

But with the overboost function selected, the car puts out a staggering 750hp!

Of course, such amazing capabilities doesn’t come cheap – the Taycan Turbo S costs an eye watering RM1.15 million!

Then we hopped into the Taycan Turbo.

I do wish we would have done it the other way around though.

Because after the brutality of the Turbo S – the Taycan felt subdued. Like a hungover horse being asked to gallop.

But despite that, it too puts out some unworldly numbers.

It too offers 622hp but torque stands lower at 850Nm.

However, unlike the Turbo S, the Turbo puts out 670hp when you select the overboost function.

The Turbo though is slightly more affordable than the Turbo S, with prices starting from a little over RM963,000.

This was the first time I got to drive both Taycans.

There was a similar drive event held at SIC when Porsche introduced the Taycan to the Malaysian market earlier this year.

But back then, we had passed our seat to legendary Malaysian rally driver Karamjit Singh to get his thoughts on a car the world was raving about.

You can watch that video below.

As a first timer behind the wheel of the Taycan, it was the acceleration that really blew me away, especially in the Turbo S.

Handling too was sharp but that is to be expected of a Porsche.

But you really do feel the weight of the car because the Taycan weighs over two tons.

You feel this going into corners, but then the acceleration more than makes up for it.

The brakes too felt spongy, but that is a typical character of electric and hybrid cars as the brake pedal also regenerates the batteries.

So you don’t really feel the initial bite of the brakes, and if you get caught out by it, you could end up with an expensive repair bill.

But once you learn to trust the brakes though, you realise that behind all that sponginess is the same iconic Porsche anchors that the German marque is so well known for.

We later jumped into the Cayenne for a spot of off-roading.

The off-road section was a purpose built course on the outskirt of the SIC.

The course was initially designed for dirt bikes.

But it was also a perfect place to display the Cayenne’s off-roading abilities.

In just about 300-500 metres, we found out that the Cayenne could hold its own in gravel, some loose mud, and some very uneven surfaces.

This involved some dabbing on the massive touch screen at the centre to raise the ride height of the Cayenne.

And some further dabbing was needed to tell the Cayenne that you were about to take it off-road.

And then you drive.

The off-road section is where the Cayenne truly put on a show as it sent power to wheels that were planted on the ground.

And sent zero power to wheels that were hanging in the air.

Intelligent is an understatement.

But I wasn’t too surprised here, because the Cayenne has already been proven to be a very capable off-roader plenty of times before.

If you didn’t already know, a couple of years ago, a few rally teams had contested the Cayenne in the gruesome Trans-Siberian rally that takes place in Russia, Siberia and Mongolia every spring.

It is a hardcore 4,400km rally where only road-legal cars with a few modifications are allowed.

The Porsche Cayenne won that race three years in a row.

There’s even a special edition Cayenne to commemorate that feat.

So there really is no better testament to the Cayenne’s off-roading capabilities than that.

But the Cayenne is unlikely to be used in such a manner, but just in case you needed to drive your Cayenne to the end of the world, know that you could.

After spending time with the Cayenne, we jumped into the Macan – a baby-SUV named after a Tiger.

This is another SUV that does not need any introduction, but it was a refreshment of sorts to show what it is really capable of doing when the road opens up.

First the Macan GTS.

I love Porsche’s GTS models because it’s a nod to what cars were like in the past.

Fun beasts that make you miss the old times when men drank their whisky (or whiskey if you’re so inclined) without worrying about it being fake, and chased girls without their antics being posted on social media.

There was a time when the GTS models were pure naturally-aspirated models.

But times have changed and the Macan GTS is now a twin-turbo’d V6 model with a 2.9-litre engine putting out 437hp and 550Nm of torque.

It’s still capable of some brutal numbers though with the 0-100km/h sprint seen off in a little over four seconds with a top speed rated at 272km/h.

These are numbers that were once associated with the top of the line Macan Turbo.

Of course, we were not given a chance to fully exploit its potential.

Just enough to tell you that acceleration was fantastic, and that it makes some encouraging sounds along the way, and that for an SUV that weighs a little under two tons, it actually handles quite well.

I was quite surprised by the brakes though because they lacked that initial bite.

Porsche didn’t give us the spec sheet of all the cars we drove but I suspect the Macan GTS had regular brakes fitted rather than the optional Porsche Surface Coated Brakes or the Ceramic Brakes. Both optional of course.

The Macan Turbo though was a whole different ball game, and that’s the car we got to drive next.

The Macan Turbo is the big dog of the Macan line-up. The Macan you want to have.

It offers the same performance figures as the Macan GTS, and that’s because the updated Turbo model is yet to be introduced.

Despite that, the driving experience between the two is vastly different.

Both cars have twin-turbo engines.

But the engine note in the Turbo is deeper while the GTS has a screaming engine note that mimics a naturally-aspirated engine.

It almost sounds like the sound has been artificially induced and piped into the cabin through the speakers, similar to what Porsche has done with the Taycan.

Artificially induced sounds are not new to the industry, but it is a bit of a let down because there’s nothing better than a raw engine note. Not what a car maker thinks an engine should sound like.

But it is what it is.

And that is quickly overlooked as you put your foot down and the car lurches forward before your brain even registers what is going on.

Jumping from the GTS into the Turbo, we really didn’t think the difference will be all that big. But it is truly vast.

Perhaps it is the way that power is delivered, or how the sound is generated. But the performance in the Macan Turbo is how a Porsche should ideally perform.

Brakes too are much more confidence inspiring in the Turbo model we drove.

We found ourselves braking later and turning in deeper into a corner. A true performance machine the Macan Turbo definitely was.

And that is no surprise considering the Turbo is the flagship model of the Macan line up.

Our experience at the Porsche World Road Show at SIC ended with the Macans.

And though it was similar to the one we attended in 2018/2019, it was still perfectly laid out for us to experience Porsches at their finest.

And if there is one thing we can say about modern Porsches, it is that they are a complete paradox.

On one side you have a race car for the road with the GT3.

And on another side you have a tree-hugging electric supercar in the Taycan Turbo S.

Then you have the ultra-capable go anywhere Cayenne.

And the Macans are the cute in betweens if you don’t want something too big but with fun performance.

If there is one car maker that is completely future-proof to whatever may come in the next 10 years, it would be Porsche.

And there are rumours that Porsche may make an entry into the wonderful world of Formula 1.

Either as an engine supplier or as a works team remains to be seen.

Whatever comes, it is an awesome time to be a Porsche owner.

2021 Porsche Cayenne enhanced with new Premium Package

Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) has enhanced its Porsche Cayenne offering with a new Premium Package which provides additional options as standard. These include options that enhance performance and also comfort and motoring enjoyment.

On the technical side is air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management for dynamic handling and driving comfort as well as 21-inch RS Spyder wheels. The driver will also be able to get the car into a parking bay more easily with ParkAssist with Surround View.

The powertrain available for the Malaysian market is the 3-litre turbocharged V6 engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger. The 340 ps/450 Nm output is delivered to the wheels through an 8-speed Tiptronic S transmission.

Inside, the enhancements now include 4-zone climate control and a BOSE Surround Sound System. The high-powered 710W audio system comes with 14 speakers, including a separate subwoofer, and uses BOSE SoundTrue Enhancement Technology to enhance the quality of sound reproduction.

“There’s nothing quite like a ride in a sportscar, be it for the driver or the passenger, and it’s our goal to share ‘that sportscar feeling’ with more Porsche enthusiasts in Malaysia. The introduction of the new Cayenne Premium Package has enabled us to do that, and we stay committed to finding new ways of bringing fans closer to realising their dreams of owning a Porsche,” said Christopher Hunter, CEO of Sime Darby Auto Performance.

The Cayenne comes with a 4-year unlimited mileage warranty as well as 4 years of free scheduled service and maintenance. SDAP is now accepting orders for the model which has a base price of RM680,000. Deliveries will begin in 2021.

Click here for more information.

Sime Darby Auto Performance opens largest 3S Porsche Centre in Asia-Pacific

A week with the new Porsche Cayenne

“Would you like to join us on a week long drive around Peninsular Malaysia? You get to drive the new Cayenne and Panamera Sport Turismo. Aaand you get to hang out with other models like the GT2RS and GT3RS,” said the voice over the phone.

“Of course I would,” was my immediate answer, trying to sound as cool and collected as one possibly could.

Called the Porsche Drive of the Year, the event was organised by the Porsche Club of Malaysia as part of the 70 plus annual events which it organises each year (click here to read the story on the drive).

About 40 Porsches took part in the drive, including some from the Porsche Club of Singapore.

As with most club drives, we met on a Sunday morning at the Porsche Centre in Sungai Best.

It was quite a sight to see Porsches of all sorts, old and new, hardcore performance machines and classic cars as well.

We began the 2200km journey in the new Cayenne – the third generation model of a super successful car. Sleeker, smarter, faster, and generally much better than before, the Cayenne proved to be the perfect partner for such a journey. And for obvious reasons too.

The Cayenne has dual personalities – it can be often sighted on luxury boulevards and in the parking lots of some of the world’s wealthiest people. But on the flip side, it is also often sighted plying muddy roads as they transport timber tycoons to their destinations.

However, you don’t spot a Cayenne on a racetrack very often, but being a Porsche, it is quite capable of holding its own on any track anywhere. Porsche has equipped the Cayenne with all the wizardry needed to move a two tonne giant as quickly as possible with as little drama as possible.

And that same wizardry has been applied to provide you with a beautiful ride as well – soft and plush or rigid and responsive – all at the push of a button. This was perfect for the duration of the ride since we were driving mostly on badly patched trunk roads.

Called the Porsche Active Suspension Management, and judging by the state of our roads these days this technology is almost a must have in today’s cars. And even though it is an option in Porsche vehicles worldwide, it is offered as standard in the Malaysian spec Cayenne as part of the Porsche Premium Package offered on both the Cayenne and the Panamera Sport Turismo.

Handling is of course accurate when you want it, and dull and relaxed when you want it as well. All that the simple push of a button of course. But this is not contributed by the suspension alone, but also because the Cayenne we drove came equipped with the now infamous rear-axle steering system. This makes short work of making tight u-turns, and gives the car a level of handling other SUVs can’t match.

The system was first introduced back in 2016 and is fitted as standard on the GT3 and as an option on all other models. It will set you back by RM9,522, but if accurate handling is your thing, then it will be worth every ringgit.

So the Cayenne proved to the perfect steed for the drive. There were moments where we saw the GT2RS and GT3RS quite literally hopping and skipping over the uneven roads while the Cayenne simply glided over them. Absorbing and transferring every imperfection away from the cabin.

The Cayenne we drove was the base model, and costs RM894,683 with close to RM100,000 worth of options fitted. But the car is already impressive as it is.

The cabin is high-tech with touch activated everything on a piano black finished centre console. The piano black centre panel is something I personally cannot appreciate as I have sweaty palms. So after a day of driving, the controls were ruined by the smudges of my finger prints.

But that is made up for by a luxurious comfortable interior with ventilated seats, a four-zone air-conditioning system that lets each occupant control their own temperature setting, and a super crisp Bose surround sound system. As far as the drive is concerned, I believe the Cayenne was the best car to be in.

Of course, the faster 911s and GT cars were way ahead of us by at least an hour. But those cars were meant to be driven fast and tackle corners as if they were on rails. But we were not doing too bad ourselves.

The Cayenne is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine, which may not seem like much, but it produces 340hp and 450Nm of torque. And even though the Cayenne is heavy, the engine is able to help it accelerate to 100km/h in just 6.2 seconds (5.9 if you opt for the sport chronology package) and maxes out at 245km/h.

This was good to ensure that the Caymans and the Boxsters were always within sight.

Ever since it was introduced in 2002, the Cayenne has been regarded as one of the best, if not the best SUV in the business. This is because of its versatility on and off-road and how it balances that with luxury and performance. And now even the base Cayenne is amazing already.

Next week, we will tell you about the other car we drove, the Panamera Sport Turismo. It too has four-doors though it may not be as practical as the Cayenne, but it definately performs better. We will tell you more next week!

Porsche Premium Package – What is it?

According to Christopher Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of Sime Darby Auto Performance (official dealer and distributor of Porsche cars in Malaysia), it is an initiative to enrich the product substance to elevate a customer’s ownership experience even further. It offers additional comfort and luxury features that include 14-way power seats including memory function for both driver and front passenger, four-zone automatic climate control, automatic dimming mirrors, electrical sun blinds, ambient lighting, and BOSE Surround Sound System.

Porsche Drive of the Year 2019: A week of hardcore driving

The first Porsche I ever laid eyes on was a black 964 around the hills of Bangsar. I was probably about four years old; I don’t remember much else except that it completely took my breath away and that it was love at first sight.

Since then, the 911 has been the ultimate everyday supercar for me. A Porsche fan boy, you can imagine what was running through my head when I got a phone call asking if I would like to join the Porsche Club Malaysia for a week long drive around Malaysia. It was going to be a 2200km and I could drive the Cayenne and the Panamera Sport Turismo and mingle with people who buy the GT2RS, GT3RS and the Turbo. And sometimes, that one person would have all three models in his garage.

Naturally I would have preferred a 911 for the road trip, but I was not about to say no, and so I had a few days to prepare for a week of driving.

It has been about 10 years since I last joined the Porsche Club Malaysia for a drive. The last one was a road trip to Rompin for a spot of charity and drag racing on a landing strip. This time however, it was an entirely different trip.

Called the Drive of the Year 2019, PCM Malaysia and PCM Singapore put in a joint effort to organise its first major drive of the year with fuel provided by Shell V-Power Racing. Beginning at the Porsche Centre in Sungai Besi and ending at Puteri Harbour on the first day, the convoy of about 40 Porsches of all models then headed to Tanjung Jara in Terengganu, followed by Belum in Perak, onto Penang Island via Kuala Perlis and back to KL from there.

Some of our rest stops were quite unique, and even included a stop over at the hugely popular RWB Museum in Johor. RWB – Rauh-Welt Begriff – the Japanese customiser who specialises in turning beautiful 964s into wider, lower, and depending on who you ask and dare I say it, rather handsome interpretation of the donor Porsche.

And when we weren’t eating at popular restaurant’s sometimes frequented by royalty, we were turbo-ing down the coastal roads of our country at speeds best kept secret.

We were in the new Cayenne and the Sport Turismo though, so we really were in the most comfortable cars in the convoy. But far from being the most underpowered or slowest with both cars offering 330hp and eye watering acceleration, I really wouldn’t say that keeping up was all that tough. Though the lead group would often reach the destination a good 45 minutes to an hour ahead of us. But driving both cars on highways and by-ways was an experience I won’t soon forget.

Why?

Imagine cars weighing about two tons barrelling down the “kampung” roads with badly patched roads throwing the balance of the car all over the place. The onboard sensors looking out for any obstacle or any dangerous situation that may arise, immediately alerting you to a potentially dangerous situation. And if you do not react fast enough, the Cayenne and Sport Turismo would even apply the brakes for you. But it never got to that, of course ; )

Such bad roads put the suspension to the ultimate test – will the car glide, or will it hop and skip all over the place? The suspension in both the Panamera and the Sport Turismo is of course adjustable. In Sport and Sport Plus mode, selected via a knob on the steering wheel the same size as a old 20 cent coin, the suspension stiffens up, giving you more control of the car, but also shakes things up to a noticeable level in the cockpit as it transfers all the irregularities on the road directly to you instead of soaking it up, which is what it does in normal mode.

Back to the drive.

Tagging along with a group of hardcore Porsche enthusiasts for an entire week is one of those experiences that will stick with you for a while, up there with skydiving even. The cars are almost always the topic of conversation, besides the logistics and itinerary of the drive that is, and in club drives like this it is awesome to mingle with car enthusiasts who are as humble and down to earth as your best friend. Just don’t ask to take the GT2RS out for a drive though.