The latest generation of Porsche’s Cayenne and Cayenne S, the brand’s flagship and successful SUV model line, have been unveiled in Qatar yesterday by Porsche Centre Doha, Al Boraq Automobiles Co.
“Since its initial launch, the Cayenne has been one of the most popular models in Qatar, and I have no doubt that the third generation, which offers even more sports car performance and practicality, will continue this success story,” Porsche Centre Doha chairman and CEO Salman Jassem al-Darwish said.
The vehicles were unveiled by al-Darwish, Porsche Middle East and Africa CEO Deesch Papke and Porsche brand manager Ahed Dawood at a special event.
The new Cayenne’s versatility is truly unique. It is at home on any road, but it is equally ready to explore new terrain,” al-Darwish noted. “It enjoys a short sprint as much as a long road trip, and the commute to work as much as a lap on the track.”
“That is really what sets the Cayenne apart from any other SUV,” al-Darwish stressed.
As a true sports car in its segment, the new Cayenne features powerful turbocharged engines, enhanced chassis systems, a range of off-road modes and a sharper design.
Some of the additional enhancements to the latest generation include ‘intelligent assistance systems’ and more connectivity features aimed at offering improved driver and passenger comfort.
Dawood echoed al-Darwish’s statement saying that the Cayenne remained the most important Porsche for the Qatar market, which he pointed out as “an SUV-dominated market”.
“People have fell in love with the Cayenne since its introduction in 2002,” he said, adding, “The demand has always been overwhelming for the Cayenne year after year.”
While the Porsche Macan (the brand’s compact SUV) doubled in sales in 2017 (33%), Dawood noted that Cayenne’s sales maintained its leadership with 34% of Porsche’s sales.
“We already saw an 8% increase in 2017 compared to 2016 and with the Cayenne we definitely envision a greater development in sales and we will leave it by the end of 2018 to disclose,” Dawood added.
Basic retail prices of the Cayenne is QR296,600 while the Cayenne S is QR361,200.
For the first time, the Cayenne is available with rear-axle steering as an option and a mixed tyre configuration. The tyres are also larger than before, ranging
from 19 to 21 inches.
Both developments are derived from the 911 to improve agility, stability and safety, whilst rear-axle steering also reduces the turning circle by 0.6 metres for even greater practicality.
The new Cayenne also offers a spacious cabin with several comfort and convenience
features throughout.
Performance driven engines: The third generation model range Cayenne combines powerful and efficient engines with a new, responsive eight-speed Tiptronic S gearbox.
The six-cylinder turbo engine of the Cayenne delivers 450 Nm of torque and 340hp, a 40hp increase on its predecessor. It reaches 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds, or just 5.9 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package, and has a top speed of 245 km/h.
The Cayenne S is powered by a 2.9-litre, biturbo-charged V6 engine with 440hp (an increase of 20hp) and 550Nm of torque. It reaches 100km/h in 5.2 seconds (4.9 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package) and boasts a top speed of 265km/h.
With its 550hp biturbo eight-cylinder engine, the Cayenne Turbo is the top model in the new generation and exceeds the engine of its predecessor by 30hp while the maximum torque of 770Nm represents an increase of 20Nm. It accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds (or 3.9 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package), and achieves a top speed of 286km/h.
