PORSCHE CAYENNE

[ 2015 ]

THE CASH COW.

AS PORSCHE NEVER TIRES OF TELLING us, the Cayenne is the cash cow that funds development of the company’s sports cars. You know, the Porsches everyone really loves. And as much as people (And, okay, a few staffers at this magazine, after a strong drink and a Google image search for “993 RS” —Ed.) like to bash the Cayenne, since the second-generation model was introduced in 2010, it’s actually been a fine car. But with the arrival of Porsche’s baby SUV, the Macan, the Cayenne was in need of a refresh. nearly 30 mpg. Meanwhile, at the top of the range, the Turbo’s 4.8-liter V-8 now produces 520 hp, up from 500, and churns out 553 lb-ft, the same torque as the outgoing Turbo S. The biggest changes are in the middle of the range. There’s a new plug-in hybrid that can go up to 22 miles on electric power. Yawn. Next? The Cayenne S drops the naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V-8 for a twin-turbo V-6. This 3.6-liter is not a version of the turbo 3.0-liter used in the Panamera S, mind you, nor is it a turbocharged version of the Cayenne’s old base 3.6-liter VR-6. (Confused? Welcome to VW Group drivetrain discussions.) Just know that this is the 3.6 developed for the top-of-the-line Macan Turbo. The boosted six is disappointingly muted compared with the old, throbbing V-8, but it makes 20 hp more and is undeniably effective at hurling the Cayenne’s 4600-pound bulk down the road. With the optional Sport Chrono pack, the S reaches 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, a mere tenth slower than Porsche’s 911 Targa 4. The turbo six’s broad spread of torque—the same 406 lb-ft as the diesel, but available from 1350 to 4500 rpm—makes the old, naturally aspirated V-8, but also that Targa, feel gutless. Fuel economy also increases for the S, from 16/22 mpg to 17/24 mpg. While every two-pedal Porsche save the hybrid Panamera uses the marque’s wonderful dual-clutch PDK, the Cayenne remains saddled with a traditional eight-speed automatic. The shifts in the S we drove were disappointingly jerky, although the Turbo we tried shifted smoothly. Let’s hope it was a fluke. The Turbo has more grip and better brake feel, but the 220-pound-lighter S PRICE $62,695 flicks into turns easier. Few SUVs POWERTRAIN steer with such precision or provide 3.0-liter V-6, 240

To start, Porsche added a dash hp, 406 lb-ft; AWD, such scope for naughtiness. Find of Macan to the Cayenne’s styling, 8-speed automatic a curve with enough space, keep then focused on subtle improve- 0–60 MPH 7.2 sec your foot in it, and the rearward ments in power and fuel economy. WEIGHT 4652 lb torque transfer will eventually arc The base 3.6-liter, Volkswagen- TOP SPEED 135 mph EPA CITY/HWY the back tires out enough to resourced VR-6 gets the bullet, leav- 20/29 mpg quire a proper helping of opposite ing the diesel model as the entry- ON SALE Now lock. We’d never deign to suggest level Cayenne. That 3.0-liter V-6 the Cayenne as an alternative to a produces 240 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, and 911, but of all the SUVs claiming to have sportsit surges to 60 mph in just over seven seconds. car traits, of the few that come anywhere close to Thereafter, it cruises in comfort and returns delivering, this is the one. —CHRIS CHILTON

F U E L E D

ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR DRIVEN LIFE

New Lee® Modern Series Jeans

New Lee Modern Series jeans feature Active Comfort Denim that is designed to move with you to keep up with your active lifestyle. Premium material, soft and strong, 20ish % more flexible. Comfort Never Looked So Good.

»Visit www.Lee.com for more information.

Drive the Lamborghini Huracán!

It’ s like a time machine. Only faster. Visit Exotics Racing to drive the all new Lamborgini Huracán on a racetrack! Driving packages start at $399 for 5 laps.

»Visit www.exoticsracing.com or call 702.802.5673.

Go “All In” With Four-of-a-Kind

Deal yourself a winning hand with our DiamondAura® Teardrop Pendant Collection. You can bring home any single DiamondAura Teardrop Pendant for ONLY $99... or go “All In” and get ALL FOUR for ONLY $99 + S&P!

»Call 1.888.870.9514 with promotional code TPC171-02 or visit www.stauer.com for more information.

Stay Clean & Organized in the Garage

Championship-winning NASCAR, NHRA and AMA Supercross teams agree - the Mechanix Wear Work Apron has been refined and perfected to allow the user quicker access to tools and parts placed in the various pockets.

»Visit www.mechanix.com for more information.