km : Automotive News

Next week Porsche will officially unveil the second-generation Cayenne SUV at the Geneva Motor Show. The new model features a new look that is clearly an evolution of the first model, but that is also more spacious and lighter at the same time.

The 2011 Cayenne has grown in overall length by 1.9 inches, with almost all of that (1.6 inches) between the wheelwells. Amazingly, the new model actually looks smaller than its predecessor, a factor of the dramatically different rear end treatment. The rear quarter windows are now more triangular (or less trapezoidal) than before, lending the longer four-door a more coupe-like — more Porsche-like — greenhouse. The taillights also draw their shape from current Porsche coupes and roadsters, with a more rounded topline as opposed to the old horizontal treatment.

The face of the new Cayenne is a little more familiar, but with new details in the headlights and grilles. The face is little less "amphibian" looking than in the past, especially the Turbo models which sport a smaller, more focused looking openings.

Inside, the new Cayenne gets an entirely new cabin treatment, clearly sharing its theme with the new Panamera Gran Turismo sedan. The center console is long and linear, rising up between the two front seats to present both driver and passenger with an array of controls in a setting that might seem familiar to airline captains. The center stack above it contains minimal functionality, consisting primarily of HVAC controls, a pair of large air vents and a color LCD screen for the various navigation, entertainment and vehicle information displays. The instrument cluster uses the now familiar overlapping five circular gauges, one of which is actually a full-color, multi-function TFT screen, as in the Panamera.

The longer wheelbase gives the new Cayenne additional interior space, and the rear bench is now adjustable for-and-aft by 6.3 inches. The rear seatbacks are also reclinable, with three different incline positions available. The adjustable rear seats should not only offer greater comfort for rear passengers, but also greater versatility in the cargo area behind the seats.

Despite the added dimensions and functionality, Porsche has managed to shed weight through intelligent choice of materials and a new all-wheel-drive system. According to the early materials, the new Cayenne S is a full 400 pounds lighter than the current Cayenne S.

Power for the new Cayenne range will come from a mix of V6 and V8 gasoline engines, including a hybrid. The base engine will be a 3.6-liter direct injection unit making 300 horsepower. The Cayenne S will use a naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V8 putting out 400 horsepower, while the Cayenne Turbo will add twin turbos to the 4.8-liter engine for 500 horsepower. Porsche claims all these new engines are between 20 and 23 percent more efficient than their 2010 counterparts, especially when mated to the new eight-speed automatic transmission.

A Cayenne S Hybrid will debut, using a 333-horsepower, 3.0-liter supercharged V6 paired with a 47-horsepower electric motor. the resulting peak ooutput of 380 horsepower combined with an impressive 427 lb-ft of torque will give the Cayenne S Hybrid the kind of performance found in the V8-powered Cayenne S, with the fuel efficiency of the base V6 model. The hybrid drive system, as we outlined previously, can be operated in full electric mode for short distances at speeds up nearly 40 mph. Other wise it serves to boost performance without increasing fuel consumption.

The new Cayenne range will make its North American debut in April at the New York Auto Show, and will arrive later this year in dealers as a 2011 model. The Cayenne S and Turbo will go on sale starting in July, while the base Cayenne and the S Hybrid will arrive in the fall. Naturally, we expect future derivatives as well, including a Turbo S and perhaps another GTS model.

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