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2004 Porsche Cayenne V6: Frequently Asked Questions
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| A new breed of Porsche |
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| Updated |
Mar 17, 2005 19:41:50 |
| Rating |
 16 ( -2 -12.5% ) | | 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.
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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