I was lucky enough to get invited by Porsche to drive the Cayenne around the Qld raceway yesterday.

I was quite impressed by the car. They have just introduced a new V6 model priced at around $95k which is good value when compared to X5 and Merc. To my surprise this car can really tackle the rough stuff 45 degree climbs etc.

The on track perfomance was quite impressive as well. My first drive was with Porche driver Rick Bates who really threw the car around the track in a hot lap. The car seems to have a neurtal handling and drifs around corners. Due to the weight you have to brake earlier going into corners.

The V6 model felt good going around the track but lacked power coming out of corners.

The V8 Cayenne S did not handle as well around corners ...possibly due to the extra weight of the on board goodies. Th extra power was handy for launching out of corners.

The Cayenne turbo was sensational with 500hp on tap this car does 0 to 100 in 5.1 sec and has sports car handling.

Cayenne has a system called Porsche Dynamic Chasis Control (PDCC) this allows you to eletronically control the swaybars and the on car and visual difference is alarming. They employ hydraulic preassure to adjust the sway bars to make them stiffer or supple. There we did a series of slalom runs back to back on a car with PDCC and one without. The car equipped with the the system showed almost no body roll.

Needless to say I walked away from the whold experience with a new found respect for this vehicle. I may even consider the V6 model as the family wagon.

 

Nice review ...

... but you forgot to add the bit about the fact that it looks like a catfish!

 

The new front grill and headlight makes it look slightly better but yes it not as pretty as the X5 or as butch as a Range rover.

The turbo has a larger front grill that looks menacing but you are paying mega bucks to get into one.

This car would appeal to those chasing the Porsche name or after bullet proof engineering.

skc

 

A friend has one and although I agree with Cromax on the exterior looks, I like the interior fit & finish and ride quality. However it's still an indulgent, gas-guzzling SUV - I'm sure most of them will never see any dirt outside the edges of the golf club car park...

 

I really like the exterior of the PC version 2 on all models, err, isn't the RX8 a petrol guzzler Will

 

I may be wrong but i believe the Engine in the V6 cayenne is sourced from VW so in reality you are really being short changed , purely paying for a brand name .

Every car article has clearly mentioned that the VW TOURAG IS BY FAR THE BETTER 4WD , when compared to the Porsche Cayenne .

 

If you're right erx8, then the Cayenne must be absolute crap if this is correct...

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