2007 Porsche Cayenne
 
2007 Porsche Cayenne
Highlights
  • Availability of three models.
  • Option of two modern engines.
  • Tiptronic S transmission.
Overview : A rocking mid-size luxury SUV
 

The 2007 Porsche Cayenne is a mid-size luxury SUV manufactured by the German automaker Porsche. Introduced in the year 2002, the Cayenne has already seen two generations. The first generation spanned from 2002 to 2007, while the second generation began in 2007 and continues till date.

The Cayenne is available in three models: the base Cayenne, Cayenne S, and Cayenne Turbo. All are available in a permanent all-wheel drive (AWD) configuration.

The Cayenne is covered by a basic and drivetrain warranty of four years or 50,000 miles. It competes with the likes of Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz R-Class, and Volvo XC90.

 
Engine and Performance - Choice of two robust engines
 

The Cayenne offers a choice of two robust engines. The base Cayenne is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine, which delivers 290 hp @ 6,200 rpm and 273 lb-ft. of torque @ 3,000 rpm. This engine is linked to a standard 6-speed manual transmission, though the option of 6-speed Tiptronic S transmission is also available.

The Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo derive power from a 4.8-liter V-8 engine. In the Cayenne S, it generates 385 hp @ 6,200 rpm and 369 lb-ft. @ 3,500 rpm, while in Cayenne Turbo it churns out 500 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 516 lb-ft. @ 2,250-4,500 rpm. This engine is teamed with a standard 6-speed Tiptronic S transmission with Porsche Hill Holder and shift-on-the-move. This engine also features VarioCam Plus, a technology which adjusts valve timing and lift to increase the power and torque at all speeds, thereby improving fuel economy.

 
Walk-around - Blend of muscle, brawn and style
 

The Cayenne looks muscular, sturdy and stylish. With a length of 188.9 inches and a wheelbase of 112.4 inches, it has a wide stance, which makes it look powerful. The Cayenne’s front fascia is adorned by a body-color bumper, a wide simple grille, wide air dams on either sides of the grille, and distinct headlamps. The Cayenne base and S models come with H7 halogen headlights with manual leveling function, while the Turbo features bi-xenon headlights with automatic leveling control and dynamically controlled static cornering light function. Front and rear fog lamps are a standard feature of all the models.

The Cayenne also features underbody paneling and exterior trim covers in brushed aluminum. The base Cayenne and Cayenne S come with black roof rails, while the Cayenne Turbo features brushed aluminum roof rails.

At the rear, the Cayenne features black, high gloss tailgate trimmings and an enlarged rear spoiler integrated into the tailgate. The rear window of the tailgate can be opened separately by a remote control. The Turbo features a tail section with diffuser appearance and integrated dual tailpipes. The exhaust system on Cayenne S includes two matte silver finished tailpipes integrated in lower tail section, while the Cayenne Turbo’s exhaust system comprises four matte silver finished tailpipes integrated in the lower tail section. The base model also comes with preparation for trailer hitch.
 
The base Cayenne wears standard 17-inch alloy wheels and rolls on 235/65ZR17 tires. The Cayenne S features 18-inch alloy Cayenne S II wheels and rides on 255/55 R18 all season tires. The Cayenne Turbo comes with 18-inch alloy Cayenne Turbo II wheels and cruises on 255/55 R18 all season tires.

 
Comfort, Controls & Convenience - Its interiors will invite you to step in
 

The Porsche Cayenne comes with plush interiors with exceptional ergonomics and the finest materials. Both the base Cayenne and Cayenne S come standard with 12-way electrically adjustable front seats. The Cayenne Turbo comes with a special Comfort Seat Package, featuring 12-way electrical adjustment and an enhanced memory function package, which includes programming and automatic recall of seat, side-view mirror, steering column position, and seat belt height, for up to three sets of occupant preferences. This package is optional on the base Cayenne and Cayenne S. The base Cayenne is also offered with the option of a Driver Seat Memory Package.

The Cayenne S comes standard with the Driver Memory Package, which provides a memory function for the driver’s seat and exterior mirrors. It is available as optional on the base Cayenne. All the three Cayenne models are also available with an optional Sports Seat Package. The base comes with grained leather-trimmed seats, while the Turbo exclusively comes standard with smooth leather upholstery. The rear-seat backrest in all models has a 60/40 split-folding capability.

The Cayenne S and Turbo come standard with automatic climate control with integrated carbon filter that has separate controls for the driver and passenger sides. A 4-zone climate control is optional on all models. The Cayenne S and Turbo feature power windows and remote central locking. These models feature dark tinted glass on rear window and rear side windows.

The base Cayenne features a leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel with manual reach and height adjustment, and integrated audio controls, whereas the Cayenne Turbo comes with a leather-trimmed steering wheel with manual reach and height adjustment, and integrated audio and Tiptronic S controls. The Turbo also comes with multi-stage front and rear seat heaters and a heated steering wheel.

The Cayenne S comes with five dial-type gauges indicating revolutions per minute (RPM), speed, oil temperature, coolant temperature, and fuel level. The Cayenne Turbo’s instrument cluster includes a 5-inch TFT color monitor, five dial type gauges with silver trim rings indicating RPMs, speed, oil temperature, coolant temperature, fuel level, and boost pressure. The Cayenne S and Turbo also feature an on-board computer with continuous digital indication of total mileage, trip mileage, time, outside temperature, speed, and various warning indicators.

Electrically operated and heated side mirrors are standard on all three models. A two-speed wiper system with rain sensor, wiper delay control, and heated washer nozzles is exclusive to the Cayenne S. The base Cayenne and Turbo come standard with two cup-holders in both front and rear. A power lift-gate with fully automatic opening and closing and programmable, customized opening height is standard on the Cayenne base and S models. The Cayenne also comes equipped with cruise control and five 12-volt socket outlets.

The Turbo also offers the benefit of front and rear ParkAssist, an audio/visual parking aid, which is optional on the base Cayenne and Cayenne S. ParkAssist uses an acoustic signal and front/rear displays to warn of any obstacles at the front or rear of the vehicle while parking. It makes use of a total of 12 sensors embedded in the front and rear aprons. 

All Cayenne models are available with the option of a power-operated panoramic roof system made from laminated safety glass. It consists of three movable segments and one fixed segment. When the roof is opened, the forward segment is tilted upward to act as a wind deflector. The two middle segments can be opened separately to provide a stream of fresh air to the front or rear.

The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) 2.1 system, including off-road navigation, is optional on base and S models. The Turbo, however, comes standard with PCM 2.1 that includes a 6.5-inch color monitor, a trip computer, an integrated MP3-able CD radio, and a DVD navigation system.

The Porsche Cayenne also offers a whole lot of entertainment options. The base model features an AM/FM/CD radio with MP3-compatible CD drive for audio CDs. The Cayenne base and S models come standard with a sound system with 12 loudspeakers, while the Turbo boasts of BOSE Surround Sound System with 14 loudspeakers, active bass reflex module, and 250 Watts total power, which is optional on base and S models. A 6-disc CD Changer is available as optional on all the three models.

All three models have a spacious and versatile rear luggage compartment, which, with a total volume of approximately 19.1 cubic-feet, can accommodate up to four large suitcases. This space can easily be stretched to 63 cubic-feet by folding the rear seats.

 
Driving Impressions - As good to drive as to be driven in
 

The Cayenne comes standard with the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) permanent AWD system. Blending a range of systems and functions, PTM actively channels engine torque where it is needed most.

The 3.6L V-6-powered Cayenne base model is rated at 290 hp and 273 lb-ft. of torque. The 4.8L V-8 of the Cayenne S generates 385 hp and 369 lb-ft. of torque; and the 4.8L V-8 of Cayenne Turbo achieves a remarkable output of 500 hp and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. The Cayenne S and Turbo’s engines feature VarioCam plus, a technology which adjusts valve timing and lift to increase the power and torque at all speeds, thereby improving fuel economy.

The 6-speed manual transmission as well as 6-speed Tiptronic S transmission are highly responsive and shift smoothly, delivering a smooth ride. All models are navigated by a power steering with variable ratio, which offers prompt and precise responses.

The Cayenne rides on double wishbone front axle and multi-link rear axle. The front axle design of the Cayenne incorporates a sub-frame-mounted double wishbone suspension, while the rear axle includes a multi-link rear suspension. The suspension system also includes front and rear stabilizer bars and allows for better agility, greater stability, and increased comfort with minimal interference on uneven roads.

The base and Cayenne S models are equipped with the standard Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), an anti slip regulation (ASR) feature, automatic brake differential (ABD), and engine drag torque control (EDTC). PSM is an electronic control system, which uses a range of sensors to monitor the direction, speed, yaw velocity, and lateral acceleration of the vehicle, to help stabilize it in hazardous road scenarios. 

All three models are available with the option of a Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) system, which uses active anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles to significantly reduce lateral body movement during cornering. PDCC detects the steering angle and lateral acceleration forces and responds by producing a stabilizing counterforce that precisely cancels any swaying force acting on the body to offer optimal traction and occupant comfort in both on-road and off-road conditions.

Air suspension with the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system is standard on Turbo and optional on Cayenne base and S models. PASM is an electronic control system that adjusts the suspension system to suit varying driving styles and road conditions. It uses a series of sensors to monitor the movement of the body under various forces and continuously adjusts the individual shock dynamics to help maintain an ideal balance of ride and handling. It has three setup modes to choose from: Comfort, Normal, and Sport.

The braking system includes 6-piston fixed aluminum monoblock calipers in the front and 4-piston fixed aluminum monoblock calipers at the rear. The Cayenne base and Turbo also come equipped with ABS that is equipped with a braking readiness function and brake assist. This modern braking system empowers the Cayenne to stop promptly upon pressing the brake pedal.

 
Safety - High-tech safety
 

The Cayenne comes with a bevy of modern safety features for the protection of its occupants. It features a bumper system, which incorporates two high-strength cross-members and two crush elements. In the event of an accident, these cross-members direct the impact energy to a three-tier deformation zone that shields the passenger cell in a safe and pre-determined manner. For added protection, energy-absorbent elements are used on the seats, doors, roof pillars, roof, and upper seat-belt deflection points.

The Cayenne comes with three-point seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters. Also standard are full-size driver and passenger advanced airbags, thorax side airbags integrated in seat backrests, and roof frame with integrated curtain airbags on left and right.

The Cayenne Turbo comes with preparation for child seat anchorage (ISOFIX) on passenger side and rear seats. The Porsche range of child seats provides safety and comfort for all passengers up to 12 years of age. They install quickly and easily on the outer rear seats, which are fitted with a LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) system as standard.

Electric seat belt height and steering column adjustment is standard on the Cayenne Turbo. All models have an anti-theft system including passenger compartment monitoring.

 
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