Individually Calibrated: 2016 Porsche Cayenne SUV

Now in its 14th year of production, the 2016 Porsche Cayenne model range has been individually calibrated to provide the most Porsche-like experience in its class. That means putting an emphasis on straight-line performance and handling, while simultaneously providing a class-leading five-seat interior, and a high degree of customization opportunities.

Redesigned last model year, the Porsche designers have given the Cayenne a sharper and more distinct design in its latest guise. At the same time, the design emphasizes the road prowess of the Cayenne and underlines its sports car character. The front of the vehicle plays a decisive role in shaping the overall appearance – this is why the front fascia, fenders and hood have also been completely redesigned. All main design lines no longer run towards the middle of the vehicle, but outwards. This gives the Cayenne a much wider and more powerful look.

The rear of the new Cayenne in particular has been noticeably updated. The rear lights now have a flatter and more precise design. Like the LED daytime running lights at the front, the brake lights have a four-part design. License plate recess, handle strip and lighting are integrated even more elegantly into the tailgate.

What’s more, the new tailgate takes up the shape of the rear lights and stretches it via a precise horizontal light refracting edge. This emphasizes the width of the vehicle and gives it a more powerful road stance. The new design of the exhaust tailpipes which are integrated in the lower rear fascia also enhances this appearance. The roof spoiler no longer has a step, stretching the basic line of the roof even more consistently and thus making the Cayenne appear more muscular.

The Cayenne is offered in the following models: Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne S E-Hybrid, and Cayenne Turbo. For 2016, Porsche adds the Cayenne GTS and Cayenne Turbo S to the line-up.

The Cayenne GTS features two key attributes of - lateral dynamics and passion. Within the model family, the Cayenne GTS is positioned between the Cayenne S and the Cayenne Turbo, and it can be made out as an athlete at first glance. The Sport Design Package is standard equipment; it includes more powerfully contoured side skirts and wheel arch extensions as well as a Turbo front end. It also has a chassis that makes the GTS the most agile of Cayenne models. Not only does the engine contribute to this, so does the standard air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management system (PASM) with its sporty tuning and ride height lowered by 20 mm. The Cayenne GTS accelerates from zero to in 4.9 seconds (4.8 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package).

The Cayenne Turbo S is the top model of the series, and it stands for exclusiveness and superlative performance. Its character is defined by the most powerful engine of the model series, a chassis that scores high in comfort and sportiness as well as an extensive range of features. Although it projects a subtle sporty image, the Cayenne Turbo S displays its extraordinary performance on its distinctive front end and large air intakes. And it is always ready to switch over to a highly dynamic driving style. The Cayenne Turbo S accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds – which is 0.5 seconds faster than its predecessor.

Inside the passenger cabin, the new Cayenne generation is now fitted with even more standard equipment. All models are equipped with Porsche Communication Management (PCM), HD radio, an automatic tailgate, a multifunction sport steering wheel including shift paddles, stainless steel door sills, a tire pressure monitoring system and a universal audio interface with USB and Auxiliary-In inputs.

The new multifunction sports steering wheel with shift paddles is based on the design of the steering wheel found in Porsche’s super sports car 918 Spyder. A further highlight is the rear seat that is now even more comfortable. Seat ventilation is now available as an option for the rear seats (previously only for the front seats). Available comfort enhancing options include a soft close function for the doors.

All Cayennes are equipped with the universal audio interface to connect with external audio sources. Porsche Car Connect is standard in the Cayenne S E-Hybrid and available as an option for all other models. It offers simple and quick access to all kinds of different vehicle information and control of various functions via the Porsche Car Connect smartphone app. Dimensions & specifications Wheelbase: 114.0; overall length: 191.1; width: 78.7; height: 67.4

All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 3.6L V6 – 300 hp at 6300 rpm and 295 lbs-ft of torque at 3000 rpm; 3.6L twin turbo V6 – 420 hp at 6000 and 406 lbs-ft of torque at 13504500; 3.6L turbo V6 (GTS) – 440 hp at 6000 rpm and 442 lbs-ft of torque at 1600-5000 rpm; 4.8L twin turbo V8 (Turbo) – 520 hp at 6000 rpm and 553 lbs-ft of torque at 2250-4000 rpm; 4.8L twin turbo V8 (Turbo S) – 570 hp at 6000 rpm and 590 lbs-ft of torque at 2500-4000 rpm; (E-hybrid) – 3.0L supercharged V6 – 333hp at 5500-6000 and 325 lbs-ft of torque at 3000-5250 rpm and electric motor – 95 hp at 2200-2600 rpm and 229 lbs-ft of torque at less than 1700 rpm and advanced lithium-ion battery – 10.8 kWh/382V.

Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic S automatic

EPA Fuel Economy; 19 city/24 hwy. (Cayenne); 17 city/24 hwy. (Cayenne S); 47 MPGe (Cayenne E-hybrid); 16 city/23 hwy. (GTS); 14 city/21 hwy. (Turbo/Turbo S) Cargo capacity: 60.2 cubic feet Payload capacity: 1,709 lbs Towing capacity: 7,716 lbs Warranty Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile Corrosion: 12-year/unlimited Roadside Assistance: 4-year/50,000 mile 24-hour