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2004 Porsche Cayenne V6
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| A new breed for Porsche |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:47:31 |
| Rating |
 687 ( -73 -10.62% ) | | Author | Sue Mead |
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Description:
2004 Porsche Cayenne
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2004 Porsche Cayenne
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In designing and constructing the unit-body chassis of the Cayenne, Porsche worked with parent company VW, who was co-developing the Touareg SUV.
The new Cayenne V6 joins the existing Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo, both introduced last year, the first offerings in Porsche's sport utility stable. Visually, the 2004 Cayenne V6 is nearly identical to the eight-cylinder models.
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Standard features include 12-way power front seats, keyless entry with an alarm, heat insulated privacy glass, heated exterior mirrors, an in-dash CD player, and a refrigerated glovebox. More amenities, such as special leather interiors, heated seats available in all seats, sport seats, park assist (front and rear), four-zone AC, Xenon headlights, and a navigation system are all optional.
Porsche is an exclusive brand. That is, an owner needs both the dollars and the heart of an enthusiast to drive one.
But wait a minute. Since when is an SUV with a Volkswagen V6 capable of satisfying an automobile aficionado's urges? Porsche hopes, with its introduction of the latest Cayenne, that the answer is now.
The new Cayenne V6 joins the existing Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo, both introduced last year, the first offerings in Porsche's sport utility stable. Visually, the 2004 Cayenne V6 is nearly identical to the eight-cylinder models. Black brake calipers, 17-in. 10-spoke wheels, and "Cayenne" badging sans the "S" or "Turbo" are the only clear differences. Lift the hood, however, and a 3.2-liter V6 gazes back. The V-shaped six cylinder is the first of that configuration in a Porsche.
So why did Porsche develop a V6 engine? Well, in designing and constructing the unit-body chassis of the Cayenne, Porsche worked with parent company VW, who was co-developing the Touareg SUV. Although the 3.2-liter V6 is snatched from the Touareg, Porsche engineers assure that extensive modification has been done to guarantee Porsche performance. For example, the new intake system uses continuously variable valve timing and two overhead camshafts. The exhaust has also been tweaked to bellow the familiar Porsche note. For towing, the cooling system was also enhanced to withstand pulling in high ambient temperatures.
V6 Horsepower
Porsche reports horsepower for its V6 version at 247 and torque at 228 lb.-ft. A Touareg yields only 220 hp. but creates 225 lb.-ft. of torque. However, all that torque arrives later in the power band in the VW (3,200 rpm as opposed to 2,500 rpm in the Porsche), so Porsche can tout slightly better utility capabilities. A six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic is standard in the Cayenne, and is the same gearshift used in V8 models. Tiptronic shifts via pushing buttons on the steering wheel, or pivoting the gear selector on the console. The system is also not all or nothing - that is, there is some ground between being in automatic and manual mode. For example, while the gear selector is still in "D" a button on the steering wheel will activate manual mode briefly. So during a hill descent, you can take advantage of the vehicle's engine braking, and then resume regular automatic mode travel after the decline.
While the engine creates thrust and the transmission translates it to the wheels, different systems exist to keep the Cayenne on track. For example, Porsche Traction Management is responsible for directing torque to all four corners. Under normal driver circumstances, 62 percent of the power is sent out back while 38 percent is delivered up front. When traction fades, however, PTM will route power to where it can be used most efficiently. Up to 100 percent of available torque can be sent to either the front or back wheels.
Stability Management
The other system, Porsche Stability Management, monitors the PTM system and activates when the vehicle is heading into an oversteer or understeer situation. To achieve stability, PSM controls braking action and directs the Traction Management system to send power where it's needed. For off-roading, a console-mounted switch turns on both PTM and PSM, lowering the gear ratio and enhancing the ABS and Automatic Brake Differential systems.
Other technological goodies also prepare the Cayenne for off-pavement driving. For example, available air suspension adjusts to six settings and changes ride height by up to 4.6 in. Ground clearance in the "special off-pavement level" is 10.8 in. for difficult maneuvering, when motoring under 19 mph. When loading the Cayenne with goods, however, the ride height can be lowered to 6.2 in., but this setting in not available for driving. Normal ground clearance is 8.5 in.
Another system, Porsche Active Suspension Management, activates dampers in the shocks to keep the vehicle from swaying too significantly on rough terrain. While on the road, Comfort, Normal, or Sports modes tailor the suspension to your desires. For even more support away from asphalt, the Advanced Offroad Technology Package includes steel plating under the floor and radiator, a locking rear differential, and anti-roll bars.
Braking, Airbags
Large disc brakes with 13-in. rotors both fore and aft peek out through 17-in. alloy wheels. Standard rubber measures 235/65, but either 18-or 19-in. wheels are optional, the 19s wearing 275/40s. A tire pressure monitoring system is also available. When the ABS-equipped brakes cannot avoid a collision, several airbags inside maintain occupant integrity. Dual airbags in front sense accident severity, while seat-mounted side airbags provide lateral protection to the driver and front passenger. A curtain airbags system extends from the front to the back row, protecting all outboard passengers.
Standard features include 12-way power front seats, keyless entry with an alarm, heat insulated privacy glass, heated exterior mirrors, an in-dash CD player, and a refrigerated glovebox. More amenities, such as special leather interiors, heated seats available in all seats, sport seats, park assist (front and rear), four-zone AC, Xenon headlights, and a navigation system are all optional.
Porsche's V6-powered Cayenne may not embrace the raciness valued by true enthusiasts. However, the new model has been designed to excel in its own segment - the midsize, mid-luxury, crossover SUV. Expect the affordable Cayenne to appeal in the same way the not-so-pricey Porsche Boxster did. Just don't call it a Volkswagen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Porsche develop the new V6 Cayenne?
Porsche used the same good thinking that this German manufacturer, known for its high-priced, high-performance models, used when it designed the Boxster, an entry-level luxury sports car with great handling and performance. It brought new buyers into the fold. The new base-priced Cayenne is some $12,000 less than the base "S" version and nearly $45,000 less than the starting price for a turbo version. And, there were great economies of scale by designing a Porsche-spirited model on the same basic chassis as the VW Touareg.
Is the V6 Cayenne a VW in Porsche clothing?
No. Although it's built on the same platform, co-developed by Porsche and VW, the V6 Cayenne not only has different styling inside and out, it has been tweaked to Porsche DNA specifications. The 3.2-liter V6, snatched from the Touareg, has had extensive modification to guarantee Porsche performance. For example, the new intake system uses continuously variable valve timing and two overhead camshafts and the exhaust has been tuned to sound the familiar Porsche note. For towing, the cooling system was also enhanced to withstand pulling in high ambient temperatures. Horsepower for the Porsche version is 247 with a torque rating of 228 lb.-ft., while the Touareg produces 220 hp. and 225 lb.-ft. of torque. However, all that torque arrives later in the power band in the VW (3,200 rpm as opposed to 2,500 rpm in the Porsche), so Porsche can tout slightly better utility capabilities. A six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic is standard in the Cayenne, and is the same gearshift used in V8 models.
How does it handle?
We drove the new model on over 150 miles of snowy roads in northern Canada and put it through a variety of traction-holding tests on two ice-covered lakes. Its road-holding capabilities are faultless. Its power to go and stop are more than ample (its zero to sixty is 9.7, with a 133 top speed), and not stated with an exclamation point the way they are in the eight-cylinder models. Most impressive is its split personality-it drives like a competent SUV on the road and is by far among the best and most-capable SUVs off the road.
What makes it a capable 4WD in the backcountry and off the road?
There is an impressive list of features that make the Cayenne a great backcountry-capable vehicle: its rear axel differential with 100 percent lock capabilities; axel articulation of to 38 percent; Hill Hold function; an embankment angle of 28.1 in front, 25.7 in the rear and a ramp angle of 20.4; a ground clearance of 8.7"; six levels of air suspension giving 4.6-in of adjustment, for loading 5.7-inches and for off-road 10.92 inches (this translates to an approach angle of 34.4 front, departure angle of 28.3 rear; and a breakover angle of 24.7); an off-road navigational system, with backtracking, which also shows the position of wheels and has a compass; and deactivated steering wheel controls when low range is in use.
Best features?
Let's face it, getting a new Porsche SUV for 44K will likely charm many buyers who can't afford the V8 versions. But, beyond its badge appeal, the new model comes with a long and impressive list of standard features (12-way power front seats, keyless entry with an alarm, heat insulated privacy glass, heated exterior mirrors, an in-dash CD player, and a refrigerated glovebox ); safety equipment (four-wheel disc brakes with ABS; two-stage dual front airbags; front side-impact airbags (seat-mounted); front and rear curtain airbags); and state-of-the-art vehicle technologies (Porsche Traction Management; Porsche Stability Management and Porsche Active Suspension Management). And, it has a fuel economy of 19 mpg highway.
Reviewer's Notes
2004 Porsche Cayenne Specifications:
Base price: $43,665 ($765 destination charge included)
Engine: 3.2-liter V6 (247 hp @6,000 rpm, 228 lb.-ft. @2,500 rpm)
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic
Wheelbase: 112.4 in.
Length: 188.2 in.
Width: 75.9 in.
Height: 66.9 in.
Head/shoulder room: front: 39.7/58.5 in.; rear: 38.9/56.7 in.
Hip/legroom: front: 57.4/40.6 in.; rear: 53.3/36 in.
Curb weight, lbs.: 4,785-5,578
Fuel economy: 15 city/19 highway mpg
Safety equipment: four-wheel disc brakes with ABS; two-stage dual front airbags; front side-impact airbags (seat-mounted); front and rear curtain airbags; Porsche Traction Management; Porsche Stability Management
---Story by Sue Mead
---Photos courtesy of Porsche
© 2003, Sue Mead, All Rights Reserved. |
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