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Enthusiasts blanched when Porsche began producing the Cayenne SUV back in 2002, but positive reviews of the vehicle, particularly the Turbo, communicated that Porsche had clearly kept the "sport" in "sport utility." Today, the Cayenne is Porsche's top-selling vehicle and a common (if not pretty) sight on the road; an observation bolstered by the news that Cayenne number 200,000 rolled out of Leipzig this week. The milestone truck was one of the new Cayenne GTS models, finished in that red that looks particularly good on its jumbo bodywork. According to Porsche, thirty-percent of Cayennes are sold here in the US (insert soccer mom joke here), the vehicle's largest market. The Cayenne has been a resounding success for the automaker, and even if you're not a fan, remember that the profits attached to the pricey überwagen help Stuttgart keep raising the bar with its offerings on the sports car side of the biz as well.
[Source: Porsche]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
tankd0g @ Feb 2nd 2008 2:23PM
200,000 more and the design might start to grow on me.
John @ Feb 2nd 2008 2:23PM
This was the vehicle Porsche really needed to make a real difference in sales here in the US. I know the purist folks out there don't like it and to be honest I'm not a big fan either. But they make great products and it filled a void in the luxury/performance end of the SUV market.
When the Panamera 4 door comes out I hope it also helps drive their sales. And maybe someday I could afford one (big maybe!).
Andrew @ Feb 2nd 2008 2:40PM
I agree, and I think both vehicles are beautiful. Truly innovative styling (though somewhat conservative). Something the U.S. auto market has been lacking for some time.
EJ25RUN @ Feb 2nd 2008 2:44PM
correct but i stii need to see the
"Porsche Cayenne Paris Dakar"
porsche need to race and thats the only way that thing will ever get respect!
Jason Bird @ Feb 2nd 2008 2:59PM
I have never been a Porschephile, as a matter of fact I have had open disdain for Porsche for years.
But you have to give this company some big Kudos. I thought the idea of the Cayenne was ridiculous. Then I got a chance to drive one. They are just this side of amazing.
I will never afford one, but they have proven that they can do just about anything...I'm sure the sedan will be amazing as well.
Tristan OTierney @ Feb 2nd 2008 3:12PM
All this proves is that there are 200,000 people with more money than brains.
Andrew @ Feb 2nd 2008 3:24PM
That doesn't sound like envy at all.
Also, why did the reply system change? Bring back the old one!
Alex Nunez @ Feb 2nd 2008 3:30PM
Not sure what the deal is with the reply system, but I have notified the pertinent individuals. I agree that it is annoying.
zamafir @ Feb 2nd 2008 3:33PM
... I would have thought several decades of producing one of, if not the, greatest automotive icons ever all the while competing and doing quite well in all sorts of motorsports would have done that, let's be real here. I've never aspired to own a Porsche product but that doesn't mean they aren't arguably one of the greatest automotive companies.
tlapse @ Feb 2nd 2008 3:39PM
I have a 2004 Cayenne Turbo that I drive everyday. With over 80k miles now, I've driven it both on the track at Thunderhill and on parts of the Rubicon trail. I love it!
MGBYG @ Feb 2nd 2008 3:46PM
Enough of the "They can sell these abominations so they can make money and sell us sports cars" BS!!!!
Porsche has been one of the most profitable car companies long before this POS sell-out.
Selling this pig has made them too much money that now the board is trying to buy VW...
I don't care how fast their version of the AMC Eagle wagon is, it's still a joke. They must have had to do tests on breast implants and airbag inter-action as this is their main customer.
adrian @ Feb 2nd 2008 4:44PM
I don't have a problem with Porsche producing a SUV, It's just the look of the Cayenne that bugs me, it's vile.
TheOne @ Feb 2nd 2008 6:48PM
lol, STFU with your asinine point. The same thing could apply to the car you drive, or any SUV, or flat out any car that you happen to dislike. It could apply to any car priced over 30k. Just because you happen to dislike a car your opinion is law and anyone who buys it is a fool right? While I would never buy this it isn't that bad.
PJ @ Feb 2nd 2008 8:26PM
I didn't know the Porsche factory was staffed with Keebler elves...
W.Gates @ Feb 2nd 2008 8:48PM
Most of them sold are little more than VW Touareg's with a jacked up price to appeal to the clueless.
almost Dr. G.. @ Feb 2nd 2008 9:13PM
i own exactly zero of these babies. although i thought porsche was going to bomb with these things theyve turned up on every corner. i also thought they were f*ing up but im wrong again..
Richard Warren @ Feb 2nd 2008 11:09PM
And the comments right here on ole Autoblog for many a year, "it won't sell."
So much for the marketing experts.
bd @ Feb 3rd 2008 2:12AM
Can't say I like the concept of a Porsche SUV, but it does fund development of the RS Spyder, GT3 Cup and GT3 RSR cars which is something to get excited about.
Whitie @ Feb 3rd 2008 7:49AM
It bothers me, Andrew, to be agreeing with you.