In following with the redesign Porsche introduced last fall on the Panamera, the 2015 Cayenne is also getting a facelift, along with a scad of new features. The Macan’s big-brother is continuing to grow up with sharper exterior lines, some new pretty headlamps, a pair of “3D tail lamps”, and an injection of that “familial DNA” that Porsche seems to be infusing across their entire lineup these days.
V8 Out – V6 In
The facelift will be launched across four models, including the Cayenne Diesel, the Cayenne S, the Cayenne S E-Hybrid, and the Cayenne Turbo. With the launch of the Cayenne S E-Hybrid, Porsche is now the only auto manufacturer in the world to offer three simultaneous plug-in hybrid models (the Panamera S E-Hybrid, and the 918 Spyder being the others.) The Cayenne S is getting a new engine to replace its aging 4.8 liter V8, a version of the Turbocharged V6 that can already be found in Porsche’s Panamera and Macan models. The new forced induction V6 is said to represent both an increase in fuel economy and an increase in performance in comparison with the existing V8 cars.
Since the Cayenne’s introduction over a decade ago, the car has been on a meteoric rise. Porsche claims they have sold 579,000 Cayenne models to date worldwide, and the car continues to be among their number one selling vehicles. For those Cayenne nay-sayers, Porsche just has to shout “SCOREBOARD” in refutation, as they continue to be difficult to keep in showrooms. A for-profit company like Porsche would be foolish to discontinue a cash cow like this, regardless of how it makes the ‘purists’ feel.
Design
The new Cayenne’s sheetmetal is instantly recognizable as being different, though the overall package remains familiar. In front-view, the truck now has a more purposeful glowering look to it, as if it will lay the smackdown on you, just for looking at it wrong. Sharper lines, a new egg-crate front grille, and sharply scooped side ducts (ostensibly to direct air to your intercoolers, but realistically because it looks stupid cool) integrate with new LED daytime running lights, which all contribute to an all-new-yet-familiar look. From the outside, the new Cayenne now looks like it belongs in the same family as the Panamera and Macan. It’s a “strong visual statement”, as Porsche puts it in their press release.
At the back, too, you’ve got similar updates. The new layout of the rear lights gives a “three-dimensional effect”. Similar to the Panamera update, they have better integrated the license plate recess, tailgate handle and lights into the tailgate lid for a more ‘elegant’ display. The vehicle’s horizontal lines were also re-designed, giving the vehicle an even fuller stance on the road. The newly designed exhaust tailpipes are now integrated in the lower rear fascia.
Engine Options
2015 Cayenne models will benefit from a much improved “auto stop-start function plus”. Additionally, active aerodynamic flaps are now deployed from behind the center air intake and are controlled by engine management, opening only when needed. The flaps are controlled according to the specific driving situation and cooling demands. This allows them to adjust the air volume that is available for cooling. When they are closed they improve aerodynamics, which reduces air drag and thereby improves fuel economy.
Compared to the old-tech outgoing Cayenne S Hybrid, the new Cayenne S E-Hybrid is absolutely packed with whiz-bangery that is sure to impress. It is the first plug-in hybrid in the premium SUV segment, and makes significant technical progress. The new model has larger capacity battery pack (10.8 kWh) made of lighter lithium-ion (versus nickel-metal hydride in the outgoing model), which enables pure electric driving. The power of the electric motor was more than doubled, from 47 hp to 95 hp, resulting in an all-electric top speed of 78 mph. When combined with the 333 horsepower Audi-sourced 3.0 liter supercharged V6, the truck touts a total 416 hp and 435 lb.-ft. of torque. This enables righteously quick driving performance in its segment: zero to 62 mph in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 151 mph. We found full electric mode to be a little eerie in the Panamera, and we’re sure it’ll be equally so in the Cayenne.
The Cayenne S used to be something of a dinosaur, with its more than 12 year old 400 horsepower V8 engine. While the new Cayenne S now displaces only 3.6 liters versus the old 4.8 liter, it now produces 20 extra horsepower thanks to a pair of turbochargers, as well as a healthy 37 lb.-ft. torque gain (up to 406 from the old 369). This engine is a slightly more potent version of the one found in the Macan Turbo we just drove (and loved, by the way). With its standard Aisin-built eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission, the Cayenne S accelerates from zero to 62 mph in just 5.2 seconds (5.1 seconds with Sport Chrono’s Launch Control), which amounts to four tenths of a second quicker than the outgoing Cayenne S.
The Cayenne Turbo, like the Cayenne S, has been treated to a 20 horsepower boost in performance. The car, Porsche says, ‘is characterized by a high level of performance readiness, uninterrupted forward thrust and an ability to handle any driving situation’, which isn’t far from the truth. The Turbo retains its old 4.8 liter eight-cylinders twin-turbocharged engine of fury, and the result is now 520 hp at 6,000 rpm, and 553 lb.-ft. of torque from 2,250 to 4,000 rpm. The Cayenne Turbo has always been a ‘Bahn-burner, but this little boost in performance now allows the hefty truck to sprint to sixty in as little as 4.1 seconds. The Cayenne Turbo is like the car version of a 300 pound offensive lineman that can sprint a 4.7 second forty. It’s a hefty boy, but it sure can move.
The Cayenne Diesel’s engine remains unchanged, continuing with the old 3.0 liter, turbocharged V6 engine. The Diesel produces 240 hp and 406 lb.-ft. of torque. With this output, the car can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 7.2 seconds, and achieve a top speed of 135 mph. It’s not setting the world on fire with its performance, but it does return a healthy 29 miles per gallon on the highway.
2015 Porsche Cayenne Pricing
The redesigned 2015 Cayenne models will launch in the US market starting November 1, 2014. As new information, and driving opportunities arise, you’ll be sure to read about it here on FLATSIXES.com!
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price for the new 2015 Cayenne models in the US are:
Cayenne Diesel $61,700 (up from $56,600)
Cayenne S $74,100 (up from $66,800)
Cayenne S E-Hybrid $76,400 (up from $70,900, though is a MUCH better car)
Cayenne Turbo $113,600 (up from $110,400)
Listed MSRPs do not reflect $995 destination charge.
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price for the new 2015 Cayenne models in Canada are:
Cayenne Diesel $71,300
Cayenne S $83,700
Cayenne S E-Hybrid $86,800
Cayenne Turbo $128,200
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Photo Source: Porsche