Porsche Cayenne

The Cayenne is an SUV released by manufacturer Porsche in 2002. It is the first V8-engined vehicle built by Porsche since 1995, when the Porsche 928 was discontinued.

The underpinnings of the Cayenne are shared with the VW Touareg. There are currently 3 engines available:

• 3.2 litre 250 bhp (184 kW) V6 from Volkswagen
• 4.5 litre 340 bhp (250 kW) V8
• 4.5 litre 450 bhp (340 kW) turbocharged V8

The turbocharged model has an extremely high performance for an SUV — the turbocharged model is faster than the company's Boxster S. Reviews indicate that the Cayenne handles remarkably well for a heavy SUV — far better than the BMW X5 — whilst having a comfortable ride. The competence however comes at a cost, with the standard model considerably more expensive than a comparably-specified BMW X5 and the turbocharged model costing a similar amount to a Mercedes-Benz S-Class limousine. The Cayenne's closest rival is not a soft-roader, but the much more rugged Range Rover.

In standard trim, it is unsuitable for severe off-road conditions, as the low-profile tires with thin sidewalls required to give it acceptable on-road handling are highly vulnerable to punctures by rocks and stakes.

Many Porsche enthusiasts are unhappy with the company for producing an SUV, seeing it as diluting the meaning of the brand. According to Wheels magazine, a well-regarded Australian car magazine, the decision to develop the Cayenne was a contentious one for the company for this reason. Management reportedly felt, however, that the company needed a more dependable source of revenue than the fickle sports car market.

In May 2004, Porsche issued a recall on the Cayennes for seatbelts that do not function properly during a collison.