Porsche presents 3rd-gen Cayenne, new 911s at Frankfurt

It’s no Jedi mind trick; Porsche’s big SUV has already cycled through two generations. Has it been that long? Widely regarded as the vehicle that spurred the Stuttgart-headquartered automaker Porsche’s phenomenal growth following its highly anticipated premiere in 2002, the third all-new iteration of the Cayenne made a triumphant debut at the 67th staging of the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) in Germany.

Porsche bannered the “completely redeveloped” Cayenne following the recent world premiere of its first two variants at the company headquarters in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen a couple of hours away from Frankfurt. The new base Cayenne develops 340hp, while the S model boasts 440hp.

Unveiled at IAA, the Turbo variant puts out a hefty 550hp (up 30hp over the previous model) and 770Nm (plus 20Nm) of torque. “The new Cayenne Turbo will once again raise the bar for sporty performance in its segment (with its) four-liter V8 biturbo engine,” says the company in a release. “(It features) Porsche Active Aerodynamics including adaptive roof spoiler, controlled three-chamber air suspension, mixed tires and a new, high-performance brake provide the perfect basis for increased driving dynamics.”

Bestowed options such as electric roll stabilization system or rear-axle steering, the Cayenne “offers the performance of a true sports car.” The quantifiable grunt translates into a standstill-to-100kph time of 3.9 ticks — all the way to an impressive 286kph top speed.

While the twin-turbo boasts a V8, the Cayenne and Cayenne S feature a V6 promising increased power and enhanced fuel efficiency. Mating the engine to an eight-speed Tiptronic S yields “acceleration, pulling power and best-in-class performance.” Porsche further raises the bar in the segment through its lightweight construction of the Cayenne’s chassis — lending it the aforementioned sports car tenets previously unrealized.

The Turbo bears an exclusive front fascia, with its main LED headlights employing the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) — a technology which allows the main headlights to “swivel towards the inside of a bend, based on steering angle and road speed, so as to light up more of the road at bends and turns. The system also features speed-sensitive headlights range control and an adverse weather function. Physical differences in the Turbo also include standard 21-inch alloy shoes, widened wheel arches, and painted wheel arch trims. At the rear, the Cayenne variant sports twin tailpipes hinting at its robust performance.

An eagerly awaited ability is increased all-terrain grunt. “Going off-road is also easier, as the driver can now choose between five different drive and chassis modes, depending on the terrain.” Porsche Asia Pacific PR executive James Wong said the all-new Cayenne will be launched in the region by next year.

At IAA, Porsche also revealed the 911 GT3 with Touring Package. Described as a “purist” car, the 911 variant is only available as a manual six-speed, with a variable rear spoiler instead of a fixed rear wing. A high-revving, naturally aspirated engine blurts out half a thousand horses. The sports car speeds to 100kph in 3.9 seconds up to a maximum rate of 316kph.

Meanwhile, the most powerful 911 of all time was also revealed at the IAA: the GT2 RS. A power output of 700hp comes courtesy of a bi-turbo six cylinder – allowing the vehicle to accelerate to 100kph in a mere 2.8 seconds. Top speed is 340kph, also enabled by this 911’s lightweight construction using aluminum, carbon, and magnesium. It tips the scales at 1,470 kilos — with a full tank of gas.

One could say that, in the face of increased turbo usage, Porsche continues to assure fans of its brutal, naturally breathing engines that the dragons are still breathing fire. Old school is still in session.