Porsche launched the new third generation Cayenne, slated to debut for the 2019 model year, in Zuffenhausen this week. The new Cayenne is designed to be lighter than its predecessor, while offering improved on-road performance, technology, comfort and fuel economy. In addition to a new aluminum bodyshell, this 3rd generation Cayenne incorporates a new 8-speed Tiptronic S gearbox, Porsche’s Advanced Cockpit, and available rear-wheel steering.
New Powerplants
At launch, the third generation Cayenne is available with your choice of two six-cylinder engines. The base Cayenne will be powered by a single-turbo, 3.0L V6 producing 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The higher-performing Cayenne S is powered by a new 2.9L twin-turbo V6 rated at 440 horsepower and 406 lb-ft, or nearly as much as the first generation Cayenne Turbo. Both variants offer very rapid performance for a large, six-cylinder SUV, and Porsche quotes 0-60 times of 5.9 seconds for the Cayenne, and 4.9 seconds for the Cayenne S (0.3 seconds faster for either variant when equipped with the optional Sport Chrono package). Top speeds are given as 152MPH for the standard Cayenne and 164MPH for the S.
New Transmission for the 3rd Generation Cayenne
A newly developed version of the 8-Speed Tiptronic S transmission is standard across the new Cayenne line. Compared to the current 8-Speed, the new gearbox offers improved response times in the lower ratios for improved performance on and off-road, while the 8th gear ratio has been lengthened for improved economy and more relaxed cruising.
The transmission features five driver-selectable modes, including on-road, mud, gravel, sand and rocks. Porsche indicates that the drive mode, chassis settings and differential locks are driver selectable to adapt to current driving conditions. The Porsche Traction Management system (PTM) is standard on all Cayenne models.
A Lighter Structure
An all-new chassis contributes to the new Cayenne dropping 143 lbs compared to the present model, despite increased levels of equipment. The new body structure is a hybrid of aluminum alloy and steel, while the exterior bodywork, floors and chassis components are virtually all aluminum.
The new body structure supports major advancements in suspension design for the Cayenne family, including a new separated link design for the front axle, a multi-link rear axle and available staggered wheel and tire combinations to help improve on-road driving dynamics.
The new suspension is available with optional rear-axle steering, which creates a virtual reduction of the wheelbase at low speeds for increased agility, and a lengthening of the wheelbase at high speeds for increased stability.
PASM is available as standard equipment in the Cayenne S, and will be an option in the base Cayenne. The system affords the Cayenne variable damper settings, and can be used in conjunction with an optional three-chamber adjustable air suspension, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control with electrically controlled sway bars, and Porsche’s 4D Chassis Control. When operating in concert, these systems allow the chassis computer to make near-instant adjustments to vehicle dynamics in real time.
The wheelbase is unchanged at 114″, though the Cayenne has grown slightly, to 194″ overall. Width is 78″ with the mirrors folded, and the cargo area is increased by 15% over the outgoing model to 27.19 cubic feet.
The styling acknowledges the model’s heritage, and includes a new three dimensional rear light cluster, similar to the unit used on the new Panamera.
New Tungsten-Carbide Porsche Surface-Coated Brakes
The long list of new technologies in the third generation Cayenne includes new Tungsten-Carbide Porsche Surface Coated Brakes (PSCB). This system is available on Cayennes equipped with 20 and 21-inch wheels, and utilizes a conventional cast-iron brake disc with a new Tungsten-Carbide coating. The new finish increases friction, while simultaneously reducing wear and brake dust. The Porsche Carbon Ceramic Brake system(PCCB) is still available, and remains the top braking system for the model.
Porsche Advanced Cockpit and New PCM
Porsche’s Advanced Cockpit debuted last year on the new Panamera, and centers around a 12.3″ full-HD touchscreen, which affords drivers an advanced level of connectivity and technological integration. The system allows users to operate a wide array of functions with both touch and voice commands. Porsche Connect Plus is included as standard, and gives subscribers access to numerous services, including online navigation and real-time traffic information.
The glass-like surface of the display gives intuitive smartphone-like control to all functions, and the system gives both acoustic and haptic feedback in use. The primary instrument cluster includes a traditional analog tachometer flanked by two 7″ HD displays, giving the driver key driving data. Both displays are configurable, and are controlled by steering wheel-mounted controls. Available assistance systems include Night Vision Assist, Lane Change Assist, Lane-Keep Assist with traffic sign recognition, traffic jam assist, ParkAssist with Surround View, and Porsche InnoDrive with adaptive Cruise Control.
New sound systems from Bose® and Burmester® are available, and each vehicle is capable of saving multiple suites of preferred settings, which will recall preferences for lights, driving programs and assists.
The new Off-Road Precision App is available through Connect Plus, and records rough-terrain drives in detail, to help the driver improve their off-road performance.
New Sport Chrono Package with PSM Sport
The new Cayenne incorporates the latest generation of the Sport Chrono Package, which is developed from the system used in the 918 Spyder. The steering wheel mounted Mode button affords Normal, Sport and Sport Plus driving modes to the driver, as well as a fourth configurable mode. The Sport Response button activates the most-performance oriented engine and transmission mapping for twenty seconds; useful in passing maneuvers. The package also includes a unique PSM Sport mode, allowing the driver greater access to the Cayenne’s driving dynamics.
Pricing and Availability
The Cayenne and Cayenne S models are presently available to order, and will arrive at US dealers in mid-2018. The base MSRP for the two models will be $65,700 and $82,900 respectively, with an additional $1,050 delivery, processing and handling fee.
The 2019 Cayenne will be available in Canada next summer with pricing starting from $75,500. Prices for the Cayenne S begin at $92,600