“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.
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.
Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the importer of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia, has introduced the new 911 GT3 RS. The new 911 GT3 RS is synonymous with hard core performance, and is hailed as the perfect bridge between the track and the road. At the heart the new 911 GT3 RS is a 383 kW (520 hp), four-litre, high-performance naturally-aspirated engine. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, reaching a top speed of 312 km/h. Following the launch of the 911 GT2 RS, this latest release will see SDAP present its second GT road-approved sports car within the same year.
“With a lap time of 6 minutes and 56.4 seconds, the new 911 GT3 RS sets a time of just nine seconds below the most powerful Porsche 911, the GT2 RS. Motorsport is an essential driving force behind the Porsche development team, a force that makes motorsport derived technology perfectly adapted for the road,” said Christopher Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of Sime Darby Auto Performance. “The new 911 GT3 RS promises an unadulterated sound, pure performance, and a challenge that a sports car enthusiast cannot resist,” he added.
Aerodynamics and interior based on the race trim
Aerodynamics have determined the design of the wide, weight-optimised body with its classic rigid rear wing. The racing look continues into the interior with full bucket seats made of carbon to provide secure lateral support in response to high-level driving dynamics. Lightweight door panels with storage nets and opening loops, reduced sound absorption and the new lightweight rear lid further emphasise the consistency of the material choices.
The most powerful naturally aspirated engine at 520 hp
The four-litre, six-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine from Porsche in the new 911 GT3 RS pushes the sports car to new limits: The flat engine delivers 15 kW (20 hp) more than the engine in the previous model and the 911 GT3. Together with a speed range of up to 9,000 rpm, it was the ideal choice as a thoroughbred sports engine. Combined with the specially calibrated seven-speed PDK, the high-performance engine guarantees an outstanding driving performance.
Motorsport-inspired chassis and Clubsport package
Motorsport technology ensures that the chassis offers exceptional driving dynamics. Ball joints on all arms provide even greater precision than conventional elastokinematic bearings. 20-inch lightweight wheels with newly developed 265/35 sports tyres on the front axle enhance agility and steering behaviour, while 21 inch wheels with 325/30 tyres at the rear axle improve traction. As with all current GT sports cars, the Clubsport package is also available for the 911 GT3 RS at no extra cost. The package includes a rollover bar, a manual fire extinguisher, preparation for a battery disconnect switch and a six-point belt for a sporty driving experience.
Weissach package for additional weight savings
For particularly ambitious drivers, the Porsche motorsport department has created an optional Weissach package for a further weight reduction. The package features additional carbon components for the chassis, interior and exterior. In its lightest configuration, this package reduces the weight of the 911 GT3 RS by approximately 17kg.
The retail base price for the new 911 GT3 RS starts from RM 2,230,000, which includes a four-year warranty. The stated price includes all applicable duties, except registration fee, road tax and insurance. Specifications and prices are subject to change without prior notice.
The new Porsche Cayenne Turbo!
Making its Malaysian premiere, the new Porsche Cayenne Turbo takes its place at the top of the Cayenne model line. The completely new top-of-the-range model from the third generation of the Cayenne once again raises the bar for sporty performance in its segment. The increased driving dynamics are based on the combination of innovative technologies such as active aerodynamics including a roof spoiler, controlled three-chamber air suspension, mixed tyres and the new high-performance brake, achieving the driving characteristics of a true sports car. As yet the MY pricing for the new Cayenne Turbo has not been finalised.
The new 911 GT3 RS and Cayenne Turbo will be at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur from today October 10 to October 14, 2018.
We just realised that we didn’t actually show the rear of the new 3rd generation Porsche Cayenne earlier, so here you go! Featured image of its backside, just for you. Also, we just opened up a whole bunch of really nice photos of the new 2019 Porsche Cayenne on a thumb-drive that somehow fell into another interstellar dimension of space and time for the past 24-hours, and just had to share them with you! Feast your eyes on these! Videos after the jump…
Also if you’d like to know ALL about the new 3rd Gen Cayenne, you can download this PDF, sharing is caring: The new Cayenne press information
Here’s the new Porsche Cayenne in action during its launch in Greece recently…
Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) has just launched the third generation of the Porsche Cayenne – a completely new development. It combines even more of the typical Porsche performance with excellent everyday practicality. Comfort and sportiness is taken to another level with its powerful turbo engines, new eight-speed Tiptronic S gearbox, new chassis systems and excellent connectivity.
The new Cayenne is launched in two variants: the Cayenne, with a 3.0 litre V6 turbochargedengine, delivers 250 kW (340 hp) and develops 450 Nm of torque. It accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds (5.9 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package) with a maximum speed of 245 km/h. This is followed by the Cayenne S. It is powered by a 2.9-litre V6 twin-turbocharged engine, delivering 324 kW (440 hp) and 550 Nm of torque. The new Cayenne S accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds (with Sport Chrono Package: 4.9 seconds). Up to a maximum speed of 265 km/h.
“The new Cayenne promises to be more Porsche and more Cayenne than ever. Our primary objective was to further highlight the character of the vehicle. It is now more precise, elegant, athletic and expressive. The Cayenne has also been digitalised and networked throughout by providing another level of digital connectivity to the cockpit. This is how the Cayenne makes the Porsche experience even more fascinating but remains as a genuine sports car for five,” said Arnt Bayer, Chief Executive Officer of Sime Darby Auto Performance (below).
The new Cayenne is based heavily on the iconic 911 sports car: For the first time, the third generation Cayenne, which has also been enhanced visually, now has mixed tyres and rear-axle steering. In addition to these typical sports car features, the on-road capabilities are further improved by active all-wheel drive as standard, Porsche 4D Chassis Control, three-chamber air suspension and the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) electronic roll stabilisation system. Despite its significantly extended standard equipment, the Cayenne weighs up to 65 kilograms less than its predecessor and remains perfectly suited to off-road use.
Here’s the official video from Porsche, with more details after it…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NRqySRKvcs
Full details on the new Porsche Cayenne…
Dynamic design language: firmer design and larger wheels
Sporty and precise with a clear design – new and yet familiar: The appearance of the Cayenne has been enhanced in the style that runs through the Porsche Design DNA. The enlarged air intakes at the front are clear indicators of the increased performance. The new horizontal light edges mean that the SUV now appears wider and more athletic, even when stationary. With an exterior length increased by 63 millimetres without any change to the wheelbase (2,895 millimetres) and a roof height reduced by nine millimetres compared with its predecessor, the elegant, streamlined impression of the Cayenne, which is 4,918 millimetres long and 1,983 millimetres wide (excluding mirrors), has been noticeably enhanced. The luggage compartment volume is now 770 litres – an increase of 100 litres. The wheels are one inch larger in diameter, with larger wheels and tyres on the rear axle for the first time, emphasising the enhanced driving dynamics. The distinctive, three-dimensional Porsche logo spans the redesigned rear lights with three-dimensional light design and end-to-end narrow strip of LEDs.
Porsche is offering a new three-stage lighting concept for the headlights: Every Cayenne is fitted with LED headlights as standard. In the next upgrade, the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) can be selected as an option, offering a variety of light modes such as cornering light and motorway light. The new LED main headlights with matrix beam including PDLS Plus are the best system available. Fully variable light distribution and intensity are enabled by 84 individually activated light-emitting diodes. This means that the Cayenne can offer new functions such as high beam that does not glare opposing traffic, as well as adaptive sign glare control.
Faster on the road, even more impressive on rough terrain: Tiptronic S and PTM
The Cayenne’s expanded performance range, improving both sportiness and comfort, is due in no small part to the new eight-speed Tiptronic S gearbox. Shorter response times and sportier ratios in the lower gears enhance both on-road performance and off-road capability. At the other end of the expanded spread between comfort and sportiness, the long-transmission eighth gear ensures low torques, optimised fuel consumption and relaxed driving.
Even on rough terrain, the Cayenne provides straightforward driving pleasure. Programmed off-road modes make it easy for the driver to select the right setup for their drive. The default setting is the Onroad programme. Four other modes activate the conditioning for mild off-road terrain: Mud, Gravel, Sand or Rocks. The drive, chassis and differential locks can be selected to adapt to the relevant scenario. For power distribution, Porsche utilises the active all-wheel drive in all Cayenne models. The intelligent, fully variable Porsche Traction Management (PTM) distributes the driving force between the drive axles. Its hang-on concept is a key principle for the excellent sporting performance of the Cayenne. At the same time, it fulfils all requirements for extensive traction on rough terrain.
Following the 911: lightweight chassis with mixed tyres
The new Cayenne combines three chassis concepts in one new design: sports car, off-roader and touring car. This involved developing a new lightweight chassis base with a front axle featuring a separated link design and a multi-link rear axle. A typical sports car feature is the new mixed tyres, which are now on wheels of at least 19 inches. The mixed tyres improve stability and driving dynamics on bends. Porsche offers wheel sizes up to 21 inches as an option for the Cayenne.
New developments: rear-axle steering, air suspension, roll stabilisation
This format provides the optimal basis for the active chassis systems, which are analysed and synchronised by the integrated Porsche 4D Chassis Control system. The system works in real time, optimising handling even further. With the exception of the active PASM damper system (as standard with the Cayenne S), all other chassis systems are new developments. For the first time, the Cayenne is available with electric rear-axle steering. The system, tried and tested both in the 911 and the Panamera, improves agility on bends and stability when changing lanes at high speeds. The reduced turning circle also makes everyday handling of the SUV easier.
The optional adaptive air suspension with new three-chamber technology significantly increases the spread between a sporty, firm connection and the driving comfort expected of a touring car. Just as before, the system enables adjustments to the ground clearance on rough terrain. With the optional Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) roll stabilisation, sporty drivers benefit by changing from a hydraulic to an electric system. This switch is made possible by a powerful 48-volt vehicle electrical system. Shorter response times enable even more precision in the driving dynamics – and even more comfort on moderate drives.
Porsche Surface Coated Brake with tungsten-carbide layer
With the innovative Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB), the sports car manufacturer is once again assuming a pioneering role in the development of high-performance brakes. This world first is available as an option for all Cayenne models and consists of a cast iron disc with a tungsten-carbide coating. This finish increases the friction values and wear and brake dust are reduced. The brake, exclusive to Porsche, is also visually impressive: The brake callipers are painted white, while the surface of the discs develops a unique gloss level after bedding-in. The PSCB is only available in combination with the 20-inch or 21-inch wheels. The PCCB ceramic brakes remain the top system in the range.
New Sport Chrono Package with PSM Sport
The new Cayenne offers even more potential when it comes to sporty performance. Porsche has redeveloped the Sport Chrono Package based on the model of the sports car. The MODE switch button on the steering wheel is one clear indicator of this approach. As well as the Normal, Sport and Sport Plus driving modes, the driver can select an individually configurable mode. Pressing the Sport Response button in the centre activates the engine and transmission maps, which are calibrated for maximum performance. The Sport Chrono Package also includes a separate PSM Sport mode, in which the driver can utilise the new Cayenne’s full driving dynamics.
Reduced weight means lower fuel consumption and even more driving pleasure
Sports cars need a lightweight construction. Following the 911 and the Panamera, the new body of the Cayenne also uses an intelligent combination of alloy and steel. The exterior is made entirely of aluminium. The floorpan assembly, front section and virtually all the chassis components are also manufactured from alloy. One particular technical highlight is the innovative lithiumion polymer starter battery, which alone accounts for a weight saving of 10 kg over the predecessor model. In total, the weight of the Cayenne when empty has been reduced from 2,040 to 1,985 kilograms – even in spite of the significantly extended standard equipment, which now includes LED main headlights, larger wheels, ParkAssist (front and rear).
Digital evolution: Porsche Advanced Cockpit and new PCM
With this new generation, the Cayenne is writing a new chapter in the relationship between driver and vehicle: The Porsche Advanced Cockpit is fully integrated into the sporty, luxurious atmosphere. At the heart of the new display and control concept from Porsche is the 12.3-inch full-HD touchscreen from the latest generation of Porsche Communication Management (PCM), launched last year with the new Panamera. A range of digital functions can be operated intuitively – including by voice control. The analogue controls on the new centre console are focused on the main functions of the vehicle. Other buttons are harmoniously integrated into the smartphone-like, glass-look touch surface, giving acoustic and haptic feedback when operated. In typical Porsche style, the driver has a central analogue tachometer to view. This is flanked by two 7-inch full-HD displays, which display all other relevant driving data plus additional information selected using the multi-function steering wheel.
Your personal Cayenne with more customisation
At the same time, the new PCM brings the next level of customisation. It is not only the start screen and main menu that can be adjusted to the driver’s needs. Up to six individual profiles can also be configured. As well as a large number of interior settings, a profile is used to store specifications for lights, driving programmes and assistance systems. Depending on the equipment, the driver can also apply their own settings to the new sound systems from Bose® and Burmester®.
The retail base price with zero-rated GST for the new Cayenne and Cayenne S starts from RM745,000 and RM887,000 respectively. All Porsche cars sold by SDAP come with a four-year warranty and free maintenance package which includes complimentary service, parts and labour. The stated price includes all applicable duties, except registration fee, road tax and insurance. Specifications and prices are subject to change without prior notice. The zero-rated pricing will only be applicable for models delivered before 31 August 2018.
Looks like Porsche is expanding its range of hybrids even further: the new Cayenne E-Hybrid combines the best driving dynamics in its class with maximum efficiency. A three-litre V6 engine (250 kW/340 hp) combines with an electric engine (100 kW/136 hp) to generate system power of 340 kW (462 hp). The maximum torque of 700 Nm is already available just above idling speed; the boost strategy matches that of the 918 Spyder supercar.
The Cayenne’s plug-in hybrid drive enables acceleration from 0 to 100kmh in 5.0 seconds and a maximum speed of 253kmh. The new Cayenne E-Hybrid can drive up to a distance of 44km and speed of 135kmh on electricity alone. The average consumption in the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC), depending on the set of tyres used, is 3.4 – 3.2 l/100 km of fuel and 20.9 – 20.6 kWh/100 km of electricity. Alongside the launch of the Cayenne E-Hybrid, Porsche is expanding its range of comfort and assistance systems for the entire Cayenne series with additional options such as the new head-up display, massage seats and 22-inch light metal wheels.
More on the Porsche Cayenne Plug-in Hybrid…
462 horsepower system power with 918 Spyder boost concept
The next stage in Porsche’s journey towards e-mobility is the Cayenne E-Hybrid. While the performance of the combustion engine moderately improves on its predecessor by five kW (Seven hp) to 250 kW (340 hp), the performance of the electric engine is now over 43 per cent higher at 100 kW (136 hp). Both combine for a total system power of 340 kW (462 hp).
The boost strategy derived from the 918 Spyder supercar is a new addition. It ensures that the electric engine can be used in all the standard Sport Chrono Package’s driving modes for an additional performance boost. This means the maximum system torque becomes available as you press the accelerator pedal.
Depending on the driving situation and performance requirements, drivers can continue to draw on the boost torque across the entire range of speeds. This leads to a more agile and superior driving experience. The extent of the boost support and battery charging during the journey depend on the driving mode. In the performance-focused Sport and Sport Plus modes, virtually all of the battery’s energy can be used for a boost. In Sport mode, the battery is charged just as much as is required for a new boost. In Sport Plus mode, the battery is recharged as quickly as possible. The other modes support maximum driving efficiency.
Charging with the Porsche Connect app and Porsche Charging Service
Battery capacity has improved significantly in the Cayenne E-Hybrid, along with the distance on electricity and the boost reserves: in comparison to the previous model, capacity increased from 10.8 to 14.1 kWh. This is an increase of around 30 per cent. The fluid-cooled battery, stored beneath the loading floor in the rear of the car, consists of eight cell modules with 13 prismatic lithium ion cells each. Within 7.8 hours, the high-voltage battery is charged fully via a 230 volt connection with ten amps. if the optional 7.2 kilowatt on-board charger and a 230 volt connection with 32 amps are used as an alternative to the standard 3.6 kilowatt charger, the battery is ‘filled up’ again after only 2.3 hours.
The charging process can be managed and monitored via Porsche Communication Management (PCM) and remotely using the Porsche Connect app. The independent climate control, i.e. heating and air conditioning when the ignition is switched off, is available as standard and can also be individually controlled via smartphone. Porsche Connect can also be used to find and filter charging stations and set them as a navigation destination. The new Porsche Charging Service allows cross-provider access to public charging stations – without requiring additional registration with the relevant provider. This is billed directly via the Porsche ID account.
New hybrid module and rapid switching Tiptronic S
Porsche has redesigned the Cayenne E-Hybrid’s drive train. The hybrid module consists of a highly-integrated combination of electric engine and separating clutch. In contrast to the previous electro-hydraulic system with the spindle actuator, the separating clutch is operated electromechanically, which ensures even faster reaction times. The transmission acquires the new Tiptronic S, newly developed for the entire Cayenne range with eight speeds. The automatic gearbox not only offers even more comfortable and smoother starting but also significantly speeds up switching. Interruption of tractive force during switching processes has also been reduced further.
Active hang-on all-wheel drive and 3.5 ton trailer load
With Porsche Traction Management (PTM), the Cayenne E-Hybrid has an active hang-on all-wheel drive with an electronically regulated, map-controlled multiplate clutch. With its broad range of torque distribution, the system offers clear benefits in terms of driving dynamics, agility, traction control and offroad capabilities. Thanks to the brand new chassis, Cayenne E-Hybrid offers the same sports car driving dynamics as all models of the new Cayenne generation. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is available as standard. Optional features include the electric Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) roll stabilisation system and a trailer connection for loads up to 3.5 tonnes.
New options: head-up display and 22-inch light metal wheels
With the launch of the Cayenne E-Hybrid, Porsche is expanding its range of assistance systems and optional features for the entire series with a variety of innovations. For the first time, head-up display is available in a Porsche. It projects all the relevant driving information directly into the driver’s line of vision in a full-colour display. Other new features now available in the Cayenne are the smart digital copilot Porsche InnoDrive with adaptive cruise control, massage seats, a heated windscreen, independent heating with remote operation and 22-inch light metal wheels.
NB:
Fuel consumption and emissions 2) Cayenne E-Hybrid: Fuel consumption combined 3.4 – 3.2 l/100 km; CO2emissions 78 – 72 g/km; energy consumption: 20.9 – 20.6 kWh/100 km
1) The maximum electric range fluctuates between 42 and 44 km depending on the set of tyres used. 2) Range depends on set of tyres used.
Porsche North America has issued a statement regarding the recall of Cayenne vehicles built between 2003-2006. The reason for the recall is due to an issue pertaining to the fuel pump filter. The automaker has found that, overtime and extended usage, hairline cracks could develop on the flange of the fuel pump filter of affected vehicles.
If this does happen, a ‘very small quantity’ of fuel could seep through these cracks, which can cause a noticeable fuel odour. Though the automaker is playing down the issue, when problems regarding fuel seepage arises, they shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Porsche’s remedy for the problem is to have an authorized dealer replace the fuel pump filter flange at no cost to owners. The procedure should take approximately one and a half hours to complete, which means that inconvenience to Cayenne customers should be kept at a minimum.
So far, the German automaker has identified that 50,145 Cayenne vehicles are affected by the recall in North America. It is treating the rectification process as a ‘voluntary recall’, meaning that the issue isn’t of immediate concern to Cayenne owners.
That said, this problem seems to be isolated to the North American market. As for now, vehicles sold in other parts of the world don’t seem to have inherited this defect. Vehicles built in that part of the world, rarely share similar parts or suppliers with identical models sold in other markets.
Though many consider it as a point against Porsche’s Quality Control procedures, this goes to show that customer satisfaction is a priority for Porsche. Unlike some automakers, the company isn’t fully focused on sales profit, instead, it is still concerned with the safety of customers who have older models and are content with keeping them.
