The New Porsche Cayenne (2006)

Four years after its debut, Porsche has unveiled the second generation Cayenne, and when it goes on sale from 24th February 2007, a new chapter in the success story of the sports SUV will begin.

The new Cayenne models have a powerful and highly distinctive presence, and the styling changes significantly improve aerodynamic efficiency. The headlights are a new, narrowed design and now feature projector-beam units on Cayenne and Cayenne S. Revised front air intakes improve cooling and, as a result, engine performance. The wheel arches are more heavily contoured, and the rear of every Cayenne now includes a diffuser-style apron and new roof spoiler.

The new Cayenne, Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo have been given more powerful, direct petrol injection engines. These Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) power units lower the fuel consumption of individual models by over 8 per cent (NEDC). In real driving conditions, savings of up to 15 per cent are possible.

Already acknowledged for its class-leading handling and body control, the new Cayenne models can be further enhanced by the new Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) roll stabiliser system. An active anti-roll system that is available as an option on all models, PDCC significantly reduces body roll during cornering and counterbalances it wherever possible. From a driver's perspective, the result is improved handling and agility, greater directional stability and ride comfort. When off-road, the system increases axle articulation for improved traction.

The Cayenne with the V6 engine gains an increase in displacement from 3.2 to 3.6 litres which, combined with the advantages of direct fuel injection, delivers a 40 bhp (29 kW) power enhancement. Additionally, the torque of the engine has climbed to 385 Newton metres (Nm) from 310 Nm. It can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 8.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 141mph. This compares with 9.1 seconds and 133mph respectively for the prior model. The Cayenne is priced from £37,100.

The Cayenne S now features a larger 4.8 litre, naturally-aspirated V8 engine. Courtesy of the new direct petrol injection system and the addition of VarioCam Plus valve control, the V8 now produces 500 Nm (previously 420 Nm) of torque and power output rises by 45bhp (33kW) to 385 bhp (283 kW). These higher figures translate into a 0-62mph time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 157mph. (Previous model: 6.8 seconds and 150mph.)  The Cayenne S is priced from £46,610.