Frankly speaking, it is the Cayenne that forces me to use the word vehicle in conjunction with Porsche. Before the introduction of the Cayenne, Porsche only used to make cars. Therefore, this model signifies a significant change in the Porsche design paradigm. The Cayenne has the first V8 engine built by Porsche since the discontinuation of the 928 in 1995.

The range of models

The Cayenne range, although relatively new, can be divided into two stages of development. The range manufactured from 2002 to 2006 is called the first generation Cayenne, while the vehicles have since been known as the second generation. The differences between the two are listed below.

o Porsche Cayenne 1st generation

Engine (s) 3.2 L 250 hp VR6

4.5 L 340 hp (254 kW) V8 (S)

4.5 L 450 hp (336 kW) V8 (Turbo)

4.5 L 521 hp (389 kW) V8 (Turbo S)

6-speed automatic transmission (s)

6 speed manual

Wheelbase: 2855 mm (112.4 inches)

Length: 4780 mm (188.2 inches)

Turbo: 4,783 mm (188.3 in)

Width: 1928 mm (75.9 inches)

Height: 1700 mm (66.9 inches)

o Porsche Cayenne 2nd generation

Engine (s)

3.0L 335 hp (250 kW) V6 turbo diesel

3.6L 290 hp (216 kW) VR6

4.8 L 385 hp (287 kW) V8 (S)

4.8 L 405 hp (302 kW) V8 (GTS)

4.8 L 500 hp (370 kW) V8 (Turbo)

4.8 L 550 hp (410 kW) V8 (Turbo S)

6-speed manual transmission (s)

6-speed automatic

Wheelbase: 2855 mm (112.4 inches)

Length: 4798 mm (188.9 inches)

Turbo: 4,795 mm (188.8 in)

Width: 1928 mm (75.9 inches)

Height: 1700 mm (66.9 inches)

In today’s market, the Cayenne is available in six different variants with two more to be released shortly. These variants are:

o Cayenne (base model)

or Cayenne S

or Cayenne GTS

or Cayenne Turbo

or Cayenne Turbo S

o Cayenne S Transsyberia

Two new models, the Cayenne Hybrid and Cayenne Diesel, are eagerly awaited and expected to hit the market in 2009.