Porsche Cayenne

Still a legend

The Porsche Cayenne is considered by many as a symbol of all evil automobile. Too big, too heavy and too thirsty was the massive SUVs. The high fuel consumption say the Zuffenhausen with the revised version now on the fight - not really convincing is the result.

Porsche is under pressure. The Stuttgart have to reduce the consumption of their cars, and as soon as possible. A good example now is precisely the new generation of the Cayenne sport utility vehicle going forward. "We have improved the environmental impact of the new model dramatically," promises CEO Michael Porsche Driving Presentation at the power of the car factory in Leipzig.

In plain language this means that three of the five-market at the 8th In May, in the normal cycle models consume less than ten liters of fuel. In addition, the SUV is compared to the previous 180 kg lighter.

The hybrid drive can not ultimately convince. While the traditional unit work well together with 333 hp and the 47-hp electric motor in normal operation. In electric mode, the speed of 60 km / h without the combustion engine allows, however, shows the inability of the E-Machine: The engine is far too weak.

Who wants to start at a traffic light all-electric, embarks on a slow journey and thus becomes an annoying impediment to traffic - until you reach a speed of 50, a chill goes forever. If the driver through the accelerator further to swim in the traffic flow with switches rapidly the 3-liter V6 added. On the positive side: The driver is not noticed, the only evidence is the skyrocketing tachometer.

Recuperation sailing

You glide in the city or on the highway then relax - the Porsche executives speak of sailing - the Incinerator turns off again and part of the kinetic energy is used to charge the battery. As usual with hybrid models, this also happens when braking.

If you expect the car in a modern lithium-ion battery will be disappointed. Porsche relies on the proven nickel-metal hydride. A lithium-ion storage is expected no earlier than the lift in two or three years to be available. Because these batteries have a higher energy density, should then improve the performance even in electric mode.

According to the manufacturer uses the hybrid Cayenne S on average 8.2 liters of fuel. This is for a car with a weight of 2240 kilograms quite remarkable, but in reality a little to-reach ideal value. Finally, each characterized by a certain sportiness Porsche. In our test drive we were able to undercut with 9.9 liters is precisely the 10-liter mark.

the predecessor of quite bulky figure was, the new model has now much snappier and more elegant. The aim of the designers was to give the new-generation Cayenne Porsche a stronger character. "The 911 is the measure of things, it carries the Porsche-design DNA," said designer Mitja Borkert, meaning, for example in the form of the silhouette of a coupe and fenders, which tower above the front hood.

These characteristics, Porsche designers have the new Cayenne is now more emphasized. This car is longer and flatter, even if it's actually grown up in the air - if only by six millimeters.

In the interior a lot has changed. The ignition switch is now like any other model on the left of the steering column and arranged in the center of the cockpit the driver now looking at a large tachometer. This should also underline the sportiness. In addition, the center console now runs diagonally upwards, and the air vents are placed vertically rather than horizontally.

Impressive off-road

Despite all the visual ease of the new Cayenne is still a colossus. This can be seen especially when driving with the hybrid. The 380 hp of the drive system are sufficient for a standard sprint to 100 km / h in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 242 km / h. Of course they are perfectly adequate values, but contribute to the 4.7 seconds and 278 km / h for the Cayenne Turbo relatively harmless.

That convinced the suspension in all versions of the Cayenne - on and off road. He is sick on the pavement and the driver always gives a safe feeling, even if the steering could be a bit more direct. Thanks to numerous assistance systems as a special vote of eight-speed automatic transmission in the off-road mode, optimum power distribution between the wheels and the terrain capabilities of the Hill Descent cars are not just lip service by the manufacturer. The Cayenne climb inclines of up to 80 percent, masters slopes of up to 45 degrees. Problem arises when too steep embankments. Then comes the Cayenne on quickly, which has lead to costly repairs.

On the 78 636-euro SUV much is new, but one he has in common with its predecessors: the question of the meaning of such cars. Probably not a customer will fully exploit the climbing skills and explore rarely climbing skills to the limit. In order to drive the kids to kindergarten or to pull a horse trailer from the coupling, one needs a Porsche. and also who would go on the track record on hunting, this will hardly make an SUV.