When Porsche first introduced the Cayenne V6 to us in 2004, we drove it across the frozen lakes near Rovaniemi, Finland, above the Arctic Circle. It was fun, but since we couldn't use full throttle, we didn't really come to grips with the V6's questions of performance and refinement.
Now the second-generation 2011 Porsche Cayenne V6 is coming to us on a sunny day in Germany, and it's accompanied by an opportunity to drive the 2011 Porsche Panamera V6. This is a bold move for two reasons. First, the German autobahn will show up any performance deficiencies in the new Cayenne V6, and second, the contrast with the Panamera V6 should highlight any lingering issues about the new engine's refinement.
You see, while the Panamera V6 boasts Porsche's all-new 3.6-liter V6, the Cayenne continues with its VW-designed 3.6-liter V6. This is the legacy of a deal signed with VW to codevelop a sport-utility for both firms, which brought us the Cayenne and VW Touareg. But now detail improvements to the narrow-angle VW V6 have improved its power and reduced its vibrations, the Porsche engineers tell us.
This is important because the U.S.-specification 2011 Porsche Cayenne V6 has a price of $46,700, dramatically cheaper than the $63,700 Cayenne S. As a result, the 2011 Porsche Cayenne V6 is the most affordable portal into Porsche ownership, the way into the Porsche family for thousands of new customers in America.
More Motor
For the 2008 Cayenne, Porsche swapped the original 247-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 for a 286-hp 3.6-liter version. Now this engine has been tweaked again for use in the second-generation Cayenne. New electronics contribute to an increase in output to 300 hp at 6,300 rpm and 295 pound-feet of torque at 3,000 rpm.
Porsche has gone to some lengths to make its SUV a practical choice when it comes to energy consumption.
Though the EPA fuel mileage numbers are still being calculated for the 2011 Porsche Cayenne V6, Porsche tells us that the model is 20 percent more fuel-efficient on the European driving cycle. The improvement has a lot to do with a 400-pound weight reduction in the second-gen Cayenne thanks to a comprehensive reengineering of the body, lightweight doors and hood, plus the deletion of the dual-range transfer case for its all-wheel-drive system. Just as important, the SUV combines the Aisin-built eight-speed automatic transmission with an automatic stop/start system that stills the engine at stoplights.
Working with their VW counterparts, Porsche's engineers have also improved the V6 engine's refinement. The introduction of a forged steel crankshaft, for example, is designed to save weight and make for smoother operation. Cayenne owners will also no longer face the ignominy of having to open the hood to check the oil level — an electronic system has been introduced.
More Motivation
You only need open the hood of the 2011 Porsche Cayenne to understand how different this engine is from the new V6 in the Panamera. While the 90-degree Porsche V6 sits low under the hood of the Panamera, the 10.6-degree VW V6 (a development of the narrow-angle VR6 engine introduced by the Golf) is tall and narrow.
Though the power and torque outputs of these two engines are identical, their characters are quite different. First of all, the Cayenne's V6 doesn't have the voice of the Panamera V6, and then the SUV's engine grows coarse as you rev it toward redline, especially around 3,000 rpm when you feel a noticeable vibration in the steering wheel.
Porsche tells us the 2011 Cayenne V6 gets to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds and will reach a top speed of 143 mph. These figures are not exactly synonymous with the Stuttgart crest, but then Porsche has always been honest about the Cayenne V6's role in life. This is a mildly sporting SUV, not a 911 in a fat suit. Those who need a Cayenne to ferry kids, dogs and other familial clobber will find the V6's performance adequate for their needs. And its tow rating is a useful 7,716 pounds.
Street Performance
The new-generation Cayenne looks far smaller than it did before, though this is mostly due to styling magic, notably a lower nose and a forward-raked C-pillar. In reality the Cayenne is actually fractionally longer, wider and taller than before and rides on a wheelbase that's been stretched to 114.0 inches, 1.6 inches longer.
The 2011 Porsche Cayenne V6 drives with a laid-back demeanor. You'd never describe it as sporting, but it's impressive by SUV standards. The steering deserves praise for its linearity, making it easy to place this 4,475-pound vehicle on the road. Body roll is well contained and the Cayenne can be hustled along with something approaching gusto, helped by an all-wheel-drive system that delivers 60 percent of its thrust to the rear wheels in normal conditions.
This Cayenne V6 comes with the optional Porsche Active Suspension Management system (PASM) that provides a supple ride even with the dampers at their most aggressive. As a result, even this V6-powered Cayenne becomes an excellent tool for distance driving. The eight-speed gearbox operates with impressive smoothness and shifts almost as quickly as the dual-clutch PDK automated manual in the Panamera. At the same time, it's hard to find any aspect of the Cayenne's performance that you'd describe as pure Porsche.
The Passenger Package
As you'd expect, the $46,700 price of the entry-level 2011 Porsche Cayenne V6 doesn't include an interior laden with comfort and convenience goodies, yet the design and quality represents a quantum leap beyond the old model. The basic architecture echoes that of the Panamera and the cabin is a fine place to spend a day, even though the plethora of buttons can occasionally confuse you.
More living space has been carved out for adults, notably a rear bench seat that slides fore and aft by 6.3 inches to the benefit of passenger or parcel and also incorporates a backrest that can be adjusted to three different angles.
Alternative Energy
With the second-generation Cayenne, Porsche has gone to some lengths to make its SUV a more practical choice when it comes to energy consumption, even though the headlines hype the 500-hp Porsche Cayenne S Turbo. The $67,700 Cayenne S Hybrid is due in U.S. showrooms in fall 2010 along with the Cayenne V6. In addition, a Cayenne powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter Audi V6 diesel is available in Europe, while the Porsche engineers are developing a Cayenne with a supercharged 3.0-liter Audi V6 for the Chinese market that is effectively the Cayenne S Hybrid but without the electric motor.
It's probably best to think of the 2011 Porsche Cayenne V6 as part of this movement toward fuel-efficiency, because it still lacks the performance and refinement you would associate with a Porsche. Of the 88,000 Cayennes that have been sold in the U.S. since Porsche's SUV was introduced here in March 2003, a total of 55,000 have been powered by the Porsche V8. And while there's a new day of environmental consciousness (not to mention renewed awareness of the price of gas), we suspect that far more buyers will be spending the extra $17,000 to step up to the 2011 Porsche Cayenne S with its V8 engine than will ultimately be content with the V6.
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
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iwantaporsche says:
04:28 PM, 07/12/2011
hey,can i talk to you about your Porsche cayenne suv i am very interested in one .
can i get a email or a phone number ?
thefaithful says:
07:57 PM, 07/05/2011
I wonder if anyone is more pleased with the introduction of this particular vehicle than I am. Its initial reports (advertisements and free lance views) were on target, this new Cayenne would be our next Porsche. It is as refiined as any vehicle that has ever been created to meet the needs and expectations of humankind. It will carry a load with gusto, and stay planted where it's placed. It will creep up rocks and bolders, plow through Mississippi delta mud, and bring home all sorts of needed items that would otherwise require shipping. Life is a compromise for most, this basic Cayenne has few.
We have been driving the Cayenne since December, it took six months from our initial order date for it to arrive. There are no roads and few trails that I will hasitate to travel. Any good jeep or loging trail will do. The worst roads are those cheap seal coats and gravel surfaced asphalt ribbons that some counties feel are an improvement over bladed soil. I'd rathern the bladed soil, its quieter and more forgiving.
This horseless carrage will not climb trees, but then neither would the Model-T or a Speedster. I am so pleased with Porsche for what it is doing for me and my family, for other families, young and more mature. I don't jump up or stoop down to enter or exit. Everything is at hand and is as it should be, once one becomes aclimated. It feels in the hands, seat of the pants, and between the ears, just as a Porsche has always felt. And I feel a part of its purpose, I'm at home in this vehicle, I am at peace with those with whom I share the highway and byways. Bring it on America, this is a vehicle that you can be proud you had the foresight to investigate further. It does not disapoint. And I love the sound of the, you forgot to attach your seat belt gong, that announces your are proceeding to your destination, but have forgotten to fasten your seat belt.
Rants: A full size spare wheel and tire would be better. A wrench in the tool compartment to remove the spare tire is still missing. A dip stick to view the color and actual level of the oil would have been nice. A trailer light and brake system interfac module as standard, rather than having to go to Ford for the part, without which the trailer package is useless. An additional key for when one becomes misplaced, or a button on said device so that you can figure out where it has gone when one discovers its missing. A recall campaign whose notices are automatically deposited to your e-mail box, as your dealer forgets you exist when you don't have time to stop by and partake of their complementary coffe or tea. A shop service manual for those capable of self servicing their Porsche. A detailed explaination of how everything really works behind the sceens. An owners manual written for adults who know which end of the dip stick goes in first, but who will not forget their way to the service department when something inportant requires attention.
Nothing man made is perfect, but this 2011 base level Cayenne is anything but base level. Count on the also- rans for your basic transportation, this is one hell of a Porsche.
carfind1 says:
07:51 AM, 11/11/2010
Porsche finally gets it right. Besides the 911, this is the only car in their line-up worth purchasing and a complete turnaround from the previous model. Between this and the the new RS5, this week has been truly exceptional. Thanks Porsche!
http://www.carsfind.net
cayenne2011 says:
09:09 AM, 10/07/2010
Just picked up my 2011 Cayenne last week - Porsche is all new to me after having 3 Cadillac Escalades - decided to switch to a new model and wanted a V6 and smaller vehicle. I was very impressed with the handling, comfort (I got the comfort package -heated and cooled seats + 18 way adjustment)but overwhelmed with the complexity of the buttons..some of whose placement made no sense to me. Since when does a door unlock make sense to be in the console beneath the navigation screen? why not on the drivers side door panel? Figuring out the overhead lights, temp controls and radio settings were tricky especially when you lack patience (or time to read the manual). Despite those trivial nuances, I liked the car, the way it drove and the way it looked. I was getting the thumbs up crossing the bridge to NYC on quite a few occasions...but, on the 2nd day of driving at night in NYC all the warning lights starting flashing. Engine lights alternating betn solid yellow and flashing yellow - there was lack of engine power...i pulled out the manual...saw it was ok to drive slowly..and called roadside assistance..I decided to risk taking local streets to get my new Cayenne (still with temporary plates) and made it to the local dealer near home - it was quite a feat!. The bottom line is there was a problem with pinched harness wires from the fuel system - very strange! the car had gone into "limp" mode - the problem was corrected but i was very disheartened to have experienced this the 2nd day of driving. If anyone else experiences this on your new V6 please post here! I hope this is not an indication of engine problems to come. Also, the car had this new Start/Stop feature to save on gas consumption - I left it enabled this morning and at every stop sign and light the engine audibly shuts off and restarts upon depression of the gas pedal??? it was a strange sensation and I decided I did not want to tax this fragile engine further...i pulled over and read how to disable and hit the button in the center console. The car was back to full power and I felt the difference. I will keep you updated if there are any other issues. Be advised...the tailgate latch closure is lethal...the manual says it can kill a child and don't ever put your fingers under there it says! This is crazy! My Escalades had a sensor to automatically stop if something was sensed beneath it..why would they build this like that...at leastI only have a 2 year lease in case the Cayenne is not that reliable or if its not good in the snow..great rates on 24 mo.leases though!
carbuff64 says:
08:55 PM, 09/13/2010
Seems like Porsche these days is nothing special just an overhyped brand. This vehicle fully loaded probably retails for $60,000+ and has only 300HP. Not worth condering unless you have to have a Porsche product.
tenta20 says:
07:29 PM, 07/20/2010
Great for Porsche. More V6's in its best-selling SUV can only help add to its sales. I like the Cayenne.
geebee says:
05:04 PM, 07/20/2010
My 2011 Cayenne has a first name it's M-A-S-S-I-V-E
My 2011 Cayenne has a second name it's D-E-P-R-E-C-I-A-T-O-N
My Neighbor bought a high-30s 2011 Loaded Grand Cherokee
Every option on my Cayenne required a fee...
Now my $60K V6 SUV is worth $40K 1-month after delivery
zoomzoomn says:
06:56 AM, 07/20/2010
Yeah, a sub $47K price seems cool...until you try to build one. ANY equiptment added will boost you to $55-$62K! Ouch!!! Gotta pay to play. Here's the link to the configurator. Why not build your own Cayenne?
http://cc.porsche.com/pva_new/preConfiguration.do?userID=US&lang=us&PARAM=parameter_internet_us&PRECONFIG_ID=default&vLevel=2&screen=1280x1024&RT=1279633035840
makakio says:
09:26 AM, 07/15/2010
This thing is a great development for Porsche. Great design, well-managed compromises.
To the naysayers: Porsche cannot continue along with their tremendous R&D effort (evident in the 911 improvements and recent-decade projects like the Boxster/Cayman/Panamera) without volume sellers. If your primary problem is exclusivity, go buy an Aston Martin. Personally, I'm all for a garage filled with Porsches. And that only happens when their SUV is $60k and I can buy a Boxster S for about that much. To me, the 911 is as exclusive as it ever was. Only better.
Go Porsche!
ne2rkid says:
09:34 AM, 07/13/2010
Am I the only one thinks its rear looks like Subaru?.......... disaster...