Porsche today announced several improvements to the Cayenne and Panamera model lines for the 2012 model year. Among them are improved driving performance for the Cayenne S Hybrid and numerous customization options for both models.
Improvements to the Cayenne S Hybrid
The 380-horsepower Cayenne S Hybrid, with its ultra-efficient combination of 3.0-litre supercharged V6 and electric motor, now has an enhanced hybrid manager. If the conditions are right, it is now possible even from a cold start to drive at low speed on electric power alone. Previously, driving on electric power after starting the engine was only possible once operating temperature had been reached.
Power Kit Boost Cayenne Turbo to 540 hp
The new model year also heralds the availability of new Porsche Exclusive options for the Cayenne models. As with the Panamera Turbo, a power kit is now on offer for the Cayenne Turbo as well, boosting the maximum power by 40 hp to 540 hp. Performance improves to 4.6 seconds (minus 0.1 s) for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h; top speed rises to 281 km/h. Despite the extra power and torque, fuel consumption and emissions remain unchanged:
The increased power is partly achieved by two new turbochargers with titanium-aluminum turbine wheels and adjustments to the engine electronics, resulting in perceptible improvements in the engine’s response. The greater power requires improvements to the braking system as well; brake cooling has been further improved and the optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system provides enhanced deceleration courtesy of larger 420-mm front brake discs.
Numerous new visual enhancements are available
A new SportDesign package with painted wheel arch extension is available to give the new Cayenne an even more aggressive look. Also for the exterior, the Bi-Xenon headlights with dynamic lighting system are available with black housings; new quad sports tailpipes and dark-tinted LED rear lights are also new for 2012. For the Cayenne’s interior, Porsche Exclusive offers numerous new options for visual customization, including new decorative stitching and leather packages as well as a Yachting Mahogany package with precious-wood inlays. The offering is rounded off by a milled aluminum Tiptronic S gear selector and new stainless steel and carbon door entry guards.
More Standard Equipment on the Panamera
The Panamera, Porsche’s four-door Gran Turismo, rolls into the 2012 model year with more standard equipment. Heated seats, previously an option on V6 models, are now standard across the lineup, while a heated steering wheel, formerly also an option, is also standard on all Panamera models.
The range of options for the Panamera model line has also been enhanced. A Lane Change Assist system adapted from the Cayenne will be available from autumn 2011. It monitors the area behind and to the side of the vehicle as well as the blind spot and informs the driver via a signal in the exterior mirror if the system has located another vehicle in the adjacent lane. The Lane Change Assist system can be activated by a switch on the driver’s door and operates between 30 and 250 km/h (19 and 156 mph).
New Porsche Exclusive options for the Panamera exterior include Bi-Xenon main headlights in black including Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) as well as a redesigned sports tailpipe. A wireless internet access system will be available later in the year. It creates a wireless hotspot on board the Panamera, giving passengers the ability to access the Internet while in the car.
Oh, and knowing Porsche, both of those models are faster than their ’11 counterparts.
Sadly, though, Porsche’s new hybrid system for the Cayenne likely means no more Porsche sound at low speeds. Wouldn’t be surprised to see their engineers digitally remaster the sound, though (and maybe even add a hybrid incarnation to the 911 lineup).