MANILA, Philippines — I admit that I am a techie girl in this material world. This means that I have my eyes set on all things techie. Okay, I lie. I like the new vehicles that have been launched in the last five years — almost all of ‘em.
Why?
Because they make driving fun.
And as a Christmas gift from Porsche Philippines, I was able to test my driving skills behind the wheel of a Porsche Cayenne — yes, the lovely SUV.
A bit of history. Porsche Philippines recently revealed the third-generation Porsche Cayenne to media in an exclusive preview.
“A globally successful model, the Cayenne is the epitome of a Sport Utility Vehicle with the power and character of a sports car,” said Roberto Coyiuto III, Porsche Philippines chief executive officer, at the reveal. “This third-generation Cayenne further elevates the Porsche experience with its new turbocharged engines, three-chamber air suspension, and innovative digital cockpit display.”
He discussed that the completely redeveloped Cayenne is even closer to its roots as a Porsche sports car than its predecessor, boasting intelligent lightweight construction, powerful drives, exceptional driving dynamics and smart driver assistance systems. All of these, combined with outstanding handling on any terrain, improved comfort and greater suitability for everyday use, resulting in superior performance and technology.
So, in order to test Coyiuto’s superb knowledge of the Cayenne, I asked if I could give the SUV a go-see during the Christmas break — even if only for three days.
I was not to be disappointed, but may I add: can anyone really be disappointed with the Porsche Cayenne? Of course not.
I first heard about the Cayenne a few years back because it was a choice vehicle of a Senator who is also a world-class boxer. He would definitely pick an SUV of champions, right? Right.
If Looks Could Kill
There is one word that came to mind as I saw the Porsche Cayenne I was about to test: “Wow!” The appearance of the new Cayenne has been enhanced in the style that runs through the Porsche Design DNA. The elegant new Cayenne is 4,918 millimeters long and 1,983 millimeters wide. The luggage compartment volume is now 770 liters — an increase of 100 liters. The wheels are one inch larger in diameter, adopting a sports car attribute of wider tires on the rear axle for the first time.
Later this year, Porsche will come out with the optional 558-millimeter rims. The distinctive Porsche logo spans the redesigned rear lights with three-dimensional design and end-to-end narrow LED strips. The exterior of the new Cayenne and its interior chassis components and floor plan assembly are made with a multi-material mix of aluminum and steel. One particular technical highlight is the innovative lithium-ion polymer starter battery, which alone accounts for a weight saving of 10 kg over the predecessor. In total, the weight of the Cayenne has been reduced from 2,040 to 1,985 kilograms.
It was love at first sight; and then “true love for a lifetime at first engine start.”
The Porsche advanced cockpit is fully integrated into the sporty, luxurious atmosphere of the new Cayenne. At the heart of the new display and control concept from Porsche is the 12.3-inch full-HD touchscreen from the latest generation of Porsche Communication Management (PCM).
The techie in me was awed by what I saw. There were switches, knobs and illustrations on the fully integrated dashboard of everything that the SUV was experiencing as the engine started. I guess it is what you would call a range of digital functions that can be operated intuitively — including voice control.
It is no wonder that I kept my eyes in the dash as I drove out of the showroom.
The analogue controls on the new center console are focused on the main functions of the vehicle. Other buttons are harmoniously integrated into the smartphone-like, glass-look touch surface, giving acoustic and haptic feedback when operated. In typical Porsche style, the driver has a central analogue tachometer to view. This is flanked by two 7-inch full-HD displays, which feature all other relevant driving data and additional information selected using the multi-function steering wheel.
The third generation Cayenne also offers a significantly increased performance range due to the new eight-speed Tiptronic S gearbox. Programmed on-road and off-road modes make it easy for the driver to select the right setup for their drive. The new Cayenne also combines three chassis concepts in one new design: sports car, off-roader and touring car.
What a dashboard: Know all about how the SUV is running by a glimpse at the cockpit.
I must add that the Cayenne provides a straightforward driving pleasure.
Safe To Drive
For the first time, the Cayenne offers the optional rear-axle steering. The system, tried and tested both in the 911 and the Panamera, improves agility on bends and stability when changing lanes at high speeds. The reduced turning circle also makes every day handling of the SUV easier.
This new Porsche SUV is launching in three variants: the Cayenne with a 3-liter V6 turbocharged engine; the Cayenne S with a 2.9-liter V6 twin turbo engine; and the Cayenne Turbo with a 4-liter V8 twin turbo engine.
The manual says that it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds with a maximum speed of 245 km/h which is 1.1 second and 16 km/h faster than its predecessor. Though I did not try it. Maybe for another time on safer roads.
Meanwhile, the Cayenne S delivers 440 hp, achieving a torque of 550 Nm. It also accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds with a maximum speed of 265 km/h. Finally, the Cayenne Turbo brings 550 hp and a torque of 770 Nm, and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds.
More powerful, more dynamic, and more efficient — the new Cayenne makes the Porsche experience even more fascinating and diverse with its versatility, quality, and cutting-edge technology. By bringing sportiness into everyday life, this Porsche SUV remains what it always was: a real sports car.
I did spend the next two days in the Porsche Cayenne — and, no, I did not floor it. I stayed within the speed limits in the city. I wished I could have taken it on a longer drive, but the weather was bad. And, hey, Metro Manila is the best place to be in during Christmas.
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For information, call 727-0381 to 85 or visit any Porsche showroom in Alabang, Global City, Greenhills and SM Seaside City Cebu.