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In addition to Porsche's new eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission with a wide range of gear ratios, other factors also contribute to this reduction in fuel consumption. Specifically this includes the Automatic Start Stop function (first introduced on the Panamera), efficient thermal management of the engine and transmission cooling circuits, on-board electrical network recuperation, variable deceleration fuel cut-off and the Cayenne's intelligent lightweight construction.

New Active All-Wheel Drive with Electronically Controlled Multiple-Plate Clutch

Porsche has developed an active all-wheel-drive system for the new Cayenne Turbo, driving the rear wheels and transmitting power to the front wheels as needed through an electronically controlled, map-based multiple-plate clutch.

Porsche selected this technology to reduce weight and make the new Cayenne Turbo even more agile on the road. But at the same time the Cayenne Turbo offers all the off-road capabilities a driver needs under normal conditions, and its reduced weight actually enhances its off-road dynamics.

For the first time this active all-wheel drive system can be paired with Porsche's new Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) Plus option. PTV Plus uses variable torque distribution on the rear wheels as well as an electronically controlled rear axle differential lock, thus increasing both driving dynamics and stability in curves.

A new Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system together with the new eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission eliminates the need for a reduction gearbox, which saves 73 lbs. When developing PTM, Porsche engineers wanted to optimize the driving dynamics while retaining the Cayenne's outstanding off-road qualities. The result is two different PTM systems designed for specific new-model characteristics. In the Cayenne S Hybrid, PTM comes with permanent all-wheel drive complete with a self-locking center differential. In the Cayenne, Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo, PTM features active all-wheel drive with an electronically controlled, map-guided multiple-plate clutch.

Superior Suspension

Porsche's engineers have succeeded in making the Cayenne Turbo's outstanding driving abilities significantly better. The name of the game again is lightweight engineering. For instance, the Cayenne Turbo chassis is now 145 lbs lighter thanks in part to the use of aluminum.

The Cayenne Turbo comes with a new air suspension system with PASM as standard equipment (available as an option on the other models). A Cayenne, Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo with air suspension and PASM may be further enhanced with Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), an optional system that actively stabilizes the vehicle through dynamic distribution of roll forces.

Elegance in a New Dimension

The completely new Cayenne Turbo design leaves no doubt that it is part of the Porsche family. Its sporting character is evident from all angles, and its Porsche shape and design highlights are more distinct than ever before.

It is 1.9 inches longer than its predecessor, and an added 1.6 inches in wheelbase ensures extra space and greater versatility. But despite larger exterior dimensions, the new Cayenne Turbo looks far more compact and dynamic.

The new headlights resemble those on other Porsches, with the high-beam lamps positioned closer to the centerline of the car and the low-beams toward the outer edge. The Porsche family resemblance continues at the rear with quarter panels flowing to the back and accentuating the Cayenne Turbo's broad shoulders.

Inside, the luxurious interior features a high center console that like the original Carrera GT and now the Panamera rises up at an incline to meet the dashboard center stack with high-quality fittings and a touch-screen infotainment interface to provide a cockpit-like environment up front. The center console grab handles that were present in the original Cayenne are still there, yet with a new design that is carried over to all four doors.

Rear-seat comfort is much improved, as well, thanks to the extended wheelbase. The bench seat now slides fore-and-aft by 6.3 inches, and the backrest can be adjusted to three different angles, or up to 6 degrees.

Porsche's traditional set of five round instruments in the drivers gauge cluster includes a high-resolution circular 4.8-inch TFT screen to the right of the tachometer. It can be used to change radio stations, vehicle settings, or access the navigation system or view the map.

The new Cayenne Turbo comes with the latest generation of audio and communication systems found in the new Panamera, with Bose Surround Sound System and the Burmester High-End Surround Sound System.

New Comfort and Safety Systems

For the U.S. market, all Cayenne models include Bluetooth telephone connectivity and the universal audio interface to connect an external audio source such as an iPod or a USB stick with the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system as standard equipment. Servotronic speed-sensitive power steering and a moonroof is standard on the Cayenne Turbo.

Porsche also offers a range of systems for the new Cayenne Turbo to help the driver, including Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS). PDLS is a further development of the existing Bi-Xenon light system and offers not only dynamic and static cornering lights, but also for the first time in the Cayenne speed-sensitive headlight control with separate modes for roads and interstates. The system is standard on the Cayenne Turbo.

Another new option is the Lane Change Assistant (LCA). This driver aid monitors the adjacent lanes up to a distance of 230 feet behind the vehicle, including the driver's blind spots. As soon as another vehicle enters the blind spots or approaches rapidly from behind within a range of 180 feet, an LED warning light illuminates on the inside of the corresponding exterior mirror. If the driver uses the turn signal, the flashing light appears to alert the driver of the approaching vehicle.

Cruise control is standard equipment on all Cayenne models. Customers can also opt for the optional Adaptive Cruise Control system. This driver aid uses a radar sensor to monitor the space between the Cayenne and the vehicle ahead and maintains your preset distance. It does this by restricting the throttle or gently applying the brakes to maintain the preset distance. If the vehicle in front continues to decelerate, Adaptive Cruise Control will reduce cruising speed - even down to a stop. To set off again after coming to a halt, all the driver has to do is briefly press the control lever or the gas pedal.

Adaptive Cruise Control operates at speeds from 20 to 100 mph, and the required braking power, as calculated by the system, is provided by Porsche Stability Management (PSM) actively building up brake pressure. This provides active safety benefits to the driver. If the distance between the Cayenne and the vehicle ahead becomes too small, the system alerts the brake standby function to shorten the stopping distance required. It also pre-fills the brake system for quicker response and gives the driver both a visual and an acoustic warning and an additional brake pulse as an added driver warning in risky or possibly dangerous situations.

Porsche Cayenne Turbo: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications