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Third Cayenne coming
Strong North American sales convinces Porsche to add V6 version
By Tom Mack
Thursday, September 4, 2003
Following the successful launch of the Porsche Cayenne - including two top magazine awards and more than 7,300 Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo V8 models sold so far in North America - the Stuttgart, Germany-based automaker will add a third representative to its SUV model line. The new entry-level Cayenne, deriving its power from a 6-cylinder engine rather than the S and Turbo models' V8 powerplant will be seen for the first time at next week's Frankfurt Auto Show and subsequently go on sale in Germany and Europe.
Once it is introduced in North America during the first half of 2004, this latest model - named simply Cayenne - will feature the same on- and off-road capabilities of its V8-powered siblings. But just because it relies on V6 power doesn't mean it won't offer its own impressive performance figures. It can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds and has a top test track speed of 214 km/h (133 mph).
The Cayenne's V6 engine marks the first ever offered in a Porsche and has been modified for the most severe off-road driving conditions. It has four valves per cylinder and produces 247 horsepower (SAE) at 6,000 rpm and 229 lb-ft of torque between 2,500 and 5,500 rpm.
Aside from its new power source, the Cayenne offers all of the features first introduced on the Cayenne S and Turbo, including the Porsche Traction Management permanent 4-wheel drive system, Porsche Stability Management and air suspension.
Since its arrival at the end of 2002, the Cayenne has been making a name for itself in the vibrant luxury sport-utility segment, offering best-in-class on-pavement driving characteristics and exceptional off-road performance. Among its honours so far, AutoWeek magazine readers named the Cayenne the Best SUV/Off-Road Vehicle as part of its 14th Annual "America's Best" Survey and the Robb Report also presented it with the "Best of the Best 2003" award in the sport-utility segment.
No word yet on specific Canadian model pricing but look for this new Cayenne to run in the $65,000 to $70,000 range.
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