Autoblog

ENCO Exklusive Gladiator 700 GT Biturbo is angry about something

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, SUV, Europe, Porsche

ENCO Exklusive Gladiator 700 GT Biturbo - click above image for hi-res gallery

Or at least it looks that way. Maybe it's mad that the new BMW X6 M is stealing all the Porsche Cayenne's uber SUV thunder? Or maybe the Gladiator is mad 'cause ENCO Exklusive dressed up the "Zuffenhausen" Bull in a Bugatti-like two-tone (and silly looking) black and crimson paint job? Regardless, if you're a fan of buck wild SUVs, you be hard pressed to find a more extroverted aftermarket example.

And just check what ENCO did to the stock Cayenne Turbo's engine - bigger turbos, freer-flowing exhaust, high performance cats and some new manifolds adds up to just about 700 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. As ENCO says of the 700 GT Biturbo when it's at full gallop, "the Gladiator carries such an incredible amount of kinetic energy that a bazooka could hardly stop it." You know what? That would be fun to try.

The brakes are equally kooky, especially up front - 16.1 inches, twelve piston calipers. But how do you fit such a massive stopping system into a wheel? Make sure said wheel is twenty-three inches in diameter. Even with those alloys, ENCO found a way to lower the ride height by about two inches. Not only that, they took four of the carbon fiber bucket seats from the GT3 RS and stuck 'em in the cabin. We have to say that four sport buckets are the way to go, regardless of the car. You'll also notice that the interior is liberally doused with bright carbon fiber. So much, in fact, that you might think for a second ENCO was concerned about weight (they're not - the Gladiator still weighs 5,000 pounds).

So there you have it, the Gladiator 700 Biturbo is about as close to a four-seat GT3 RS as you'll ever see. Unless ENCO - or Porsche - decides to do a Panamera. Anyhow, have fun in the comments and remember that beauty is but skin deep and in the beholder's eye, etc. In fact, let's just coin a new term - this here ENCO is all SEMA'd out. Full release after the jump, high-res glory below.

Gallery: ENCO Exklusive Gladiator 700 GT Biturbo

[Source: ENCO]

Continue reading ENCO Exklusive Gladiator 700 GT Biturbo is angry about something

ENCO Exklusive Gladiator 700 GT Biturbo is angry about something originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW's Winterkorn reportedly proposes a trio of new Porsches

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Porsche

2010 Porsche Panamera - Click above for a high-res image gallery

VW CEO Martin Winterkorn appears to be laying out a future for Porsche that could make the company happier, but might not please its core customers... again. Of course, the impetus is to increase volume. Porsche sold nearly 100,000 vehicles in its last fiscal year -- but won't get anywhere close to that this fiscal year -- but Winterkorn wants the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer to put out 150,000 units annually by 2013.

More volume means selling more of what they've got, or making something new to sell. The new proposed direction is the latter: three new models, two of which would be lower-cost numbers-makers. There were no details given beyond market placement, but the first car would slot in below the Boxster. If you have images of a 914 sputtering through your head, banish the thought -- Winterkorn promises that VW will not make Porsches.

The second car has been referred to as a "baby brother" for the Cayenne, or a Porsche version of VW's Tiguan. That could be the mini-ute that Porsche and Audi have spent the past few years denying its existence. At the top is another version of the Panamera, maybe one with the same stellar interior and driving abilities but with a stellar back end to match. No matter what they end up looking like, the real point is that you'll be seeing a lot more Porsches on the roads soon.

Gallery: 2010 Porsche Panamera

[Source: AutoBild (translated) via German Car Blog]

VW's Winterkorn reportedly proposes a trio of new Porsches originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Russian Attack: Status Design reimagines the Porsche Cayenne

Chris Paukert — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, SUV, Porsche

Throughout its life, Porsche's Cayenne hasn't exactly come in for critical praise for its aesthetics, so thankfully it has always been just about peerless dynamically. Perhaps as a result of that observed deficiency, countless aftermarket companies have taken up the their pens and styling knives to try to improve upon Stuttgart's controversial jack-of-all-trades. Suffice it to say that most of these sorts of efforts haven't worked out terribly favorably.

The latest company to attempt rhinoplasty on the Cayenne is Russian outfit Status Design, whose grilled and gilled design is a radical departure from the standard SUV. Looking a bit like a Cayenne that's swallowed a handful of Ferrari Enzo front clips, this Status Design effort has all manner of vents and inlets which hopefully enable better breathing - check out the NACA duct on the nose. There's also an assortment of other changes, including a pair of odd flying buttress-like extensions below the rear-most pillar and some retro-minded color scallops on the side. It's certainly a unique and eye-catching look - whether that's a good thing is up to you.

In any case, while the Moscow Cayenne is just a rendering at this state, a production version is expected this Fall, complete with carbon-fiber and plastic construction, along with some LED garnishes that look rather familiar.

With our Russian language skills not exactly being up to snuff, we were forced to rely on Google Translate's prowess to help us glean more details from the company's website. In typical fashion, it delivered some curious wording that doesn't quite come across as English. Despite being lost in translation, some of the Googlized statements read as oddly appropriate: "Modeling false weight to the Porsche Cayenne" and "Individual body-whale and tuning elements under the exclusive personalization of vehicles" being our favorites.

Either way, we're quite sure that if we had this thing storming up in our rearview mirror, we'd move over with a quickness, and that's got to count for something.

Gallery: Status Design Porsche Cayenne

[Source: Status Design]

Russian Attack: Status Design reimagines the Porsche Cayenne originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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When in Romania: MAFF Muron Porsche Cayenne

Noah Joseph — Mon, 11 May 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, SUV, Porsche

MAFF Muron Porsche Cayenne - Click above for a high-res image gallery

"Yeah, but it drives like a sportscar." "You should see the interior." "All the kids arrive at soccer practice in one." We've heard it all before, and there may even be some truth to some of the claims, but push come to shove, the Porsche Cayenne is one ugly beast. And there's only one way to fix that: make it even uglier. That's apparently why we've seen so many widebody kits for the Porsche sport-ute - this be-gilled creation being the latest.

Made by Romanian tuning house MAFF, the Muron package adds all manner of fiberglass and carbon-fiber body panels to help accentuate the Cayenne's natural lines. But the Bucharest-based aftermarket garage doesn't stop there, giving the full treatment to the interior as well. Buyers can choose from a variety of cabin trim options, with various leather and alcantara choices available along with carbon fiber accents and plenty of info-tainment choices to make your Cayenne stand out at the soccer field.

Fortunately, there are engine upgrades available too, topping out at 700 horsepower, all of which you can read about in detail in the press release after the jump and view in the high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: MAFF Muron Porsche Cayenne

[Source: MAFF ]

Continue reading When in Romania: MAFF Muron Porsche Cayenne

When in Romania: MAFF Muron Porsche Cayenne originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 May 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gemballa Tornado 750 GTS ready to eat your young - and your pocketbook

Drew Phillips — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, SUV, Porsche

Gemballa Tornado 750 GTS - Click above for a high-res gallery

Gemballa has created some pretty over-the-top Porsche models in the last few years, but the Tornado 750 GTS takes the cake for overall visual impact and completely unnecessary amounts of horsepower.

Using the Cayenne Turbo as a base, Gemballa starts by hacking off an incredible 550+ pounds thanks in part to carbon-fiber bodywork that provides increased downforce and vents air to the front brakes as well as away from the engine compartment.

The turbocharged V8 has been upgraded in typical Gemballa fashion - displacement has been increased to 5.0-liters, upgraded pistons and connecting rods have been added, and a racing turbocharger provides additional boost. The result is 750 horsepower and 775 lb-ft torque, 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.3 seconds, and a top speed of 186 mph. Perhaps even more interesting is that all of this mechanical mayhem can be routed exclusively to the rear wheels if the customer so requests it.

Astounding performance yes, but with looks only Darth Vader's mother could love and a €400,000 price tag (around $525k USD), we're guessing Gemballa may have a tough time filling orders for its planned production run of fifty cars. Hit the jump for Gemballa's press release and check out the high-res photo gallery below.

Gallery: Gemballa Tornado 750 GTS

[Source: Gemballa via CarPlatform.com]

Continue reading Gemballa Tornado 750 GTS ready to eat your young - and your pocketbook

Gemballa Tornado 750 GTS ready to eat your young - and your pocketbook originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Limited-edition Cayenne GTS Porsche Design Edition 3 to hit the streets

John Neff — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Porsche, Specialty

Porsche Cayenne Design Edition 3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Like the Porsche Cayman S Design Edition 1 and Boxster S Design Edition 2 before it, the Cayenne GTS Design Edition 3 shows off what German automaker's industrial design shop can do. The Cayenne version continues the trend set by the Cayman S and Boxster S with special dark striping on the doors and hood that subtly contrasts with the unique Lava Grey Metallic paint color. The 21-inch SportPlus wheels are also cast in the same dark color and feature this spokes through which the GTS' braking hardware can be viewed. A roof spoiler, tinted glass and special "Porsche Design Edition 3" badging round out the exterior accouterments. The interior is finished with lots of carbon fiber trim, black leather and contrasting red stitching, while more "Porsche Design Edition 3" branding can be found on the tach face, door sill and a placard in the glove box along with the vehicle's serial number.

While there are no real performance improvements to this limited edition version of the Cayenne GTS, which is already a capable performance SUV, you do get a sports exhaust and slightly lowered suspension. What may sway buyers more are the Porsche Design accessories that come standard, including a chronograph watch and four-piece luggage set. Only 1,000 examples of the Porsche Cayenne GTS Design Edition 3 will be made, each starting at €79,100 in Europe where they'll be exclusively sold and $89,900 in the U.S. where only 100 will be sold.

UPDATE: U.S. press release added after jump.

Gallery: Porsche Cayenne GTS Design Edition 3

Gallery: Porsche Design Accessories

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Limited-edition Cayenne GTS Porsche Design Edition 3 to hit the streets

Limited-edition Cayenne GTS Porsche Design Edition 3 to hit the streets originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: Sailing in Stuttgart with Porsche's Cayenne S Hybrid

Chris Paukert — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Europe, Green, Technology, Porsche, First Drive

Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid - Click above for high-res gallery

While charging along at 85 mph with a particularly poker-faced Porsche engineer riding shotgun, traffic begins to cluster on the horizon. Not willing to risk our seven-figure prototype, I gently roll off the accelerator, at which point a funny thing happens: Without warning, the tachometer needle dies, unceremoniously plunging to zero RPM. The supercharged, 3.0-liter V6 ahead of us has gone stone dead, yet our Porsche Cayenne continues to waft along unruffled. We are coasting along on the Autobahn, with only a modest bit of wind noise and tire roar as our soundtrack.

Just as quickly as it began to appear, Stuttgart's traffic thins, and after gliding along for perhaps 15 or 20 seconds -- losing remarkably little velocity -- I ease back onto the throttle, at which point the rev counter jumps back to life just as quickly as it had extinguished, and the Cayenne sashays back up to 95 mph before I slot in amongst slower traffic in the right lane. Beyond the tachometer's telltale drop and jump, there is exactly no indication that the engine momentarily packed it up just seconds before. My copilot, Dr. Michael Leiters, project manager for Porsche's Cayenne Hybrid, allows himself a brief smile.

Far from indicating a mechanical defect, we've just witnessed what our Deutsche companion refers to as "segeln" -- sailing -- a fuel saving maneuver that Porsche says other automakers have written off as impossible at roadway speeds without jolting disruptions. Yet beyond the tach needle's machinations, there has been no drama whatsoever: no untoward thwack in the back, no expensive-sounding noises, no head toss, no coffee spilled, just seamlessly reintroduced acceleration. The gas pedal simply called upon the engine again and the electric motor restarted it in a flawless, 300-millisecond passing of the power baton. Remarkable stuff.

Follow the jump for more.

Gallery: Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid

Our travel and lodging for this media event was provided by the manufacturer.

Continue reading First Drive: Sailing in Stuttgart with Porsche's Cayenne S Hybrid

First Drive: Sailing in Stuttgart with Porsche's Cayenne S Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'09 Boxster/Cayman pricing announced

Chris Shunk — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Porsche

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Porsche Cayman

The all-new 2009 Porsche Cayman and Boxster are coming Stateside in March, with new technology, more power, and a price hike over the outgoing model. The 2009 Boxster will start at $46,600, and the right to own the more powerful Boxster S will run you $10,100 more at $56,700. The Cayman will start at $50,300, and adding an S will bring you up to $60,200. Porsche's 2009 pricing represents a 1.8% increase when compared to the outgoing 2008 models, but you get quite a bit more Porsche for the New Year.

Thanks to Porsche's new Direct Fuel Injection tech, both the Boxster and Cayman models will receive a significant power boost. The base 2.9-liter flat-six will increase power for the Boxster and Cayman to 255 and 265 ponies. The S-level 3.4-liter engine will now crank out 310 hp in the convertible and 320 hp for its fixed roof sibling. Also available is Porsche's new seven-speed PDK double-clutch transmission, which offers manual paddle shifting without the labor of a clutch. The new powertrains will give Porsche owners some extra punch, while also improving fuel economy -- combined estimates come in at over 25 mpg.

Porsche is also cranking up the price of the iconic 911 and the Cayenne will also see a bump in price for 2009. Beginning in February, both models will receive a 1% price hike, with the average sticker jumping by about $900.

Gallery: 2010 Porsche Boxster

Gallery: 2010 Porsche Cayman

'09 Boxster/Cayman pricing announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: New Porsche Cayenne interior spotted

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Porsche

It appears to be official: the Panamera interior that this particular blogger loves but has been almost universally reviled by everyone else is Porsche's new interior design language. A refreshed Cayenne has been photographed with an instrument panel directly descended from that of the Panamera four-door super "coupe" (sedan, really). The new Cayenne center console has vents flanking the nav screen instead of placed atop, and the transmission tunnel controls have been inclined to meet the IP just below the console screen.

However, compared to the Panamera, the Cayenne is down on the button count. The Panamera gets a long, parallel row of buttons flanking the shifter, while the Cayenne gets a full complement on the left side of the moonball gearshift and a truncated version on the right. With no shots of the new Cayenne's ceiling console, we will have to wait to find out if it's got the Panamera's additional controls mounted up top.

Luxevelocity mentions climate control buttons under the navigation screen, but those are probably for the sound system, as on the Panamera. And there's a large red button that we can only hope is for an ejector seat, but is probably for something much more mundane: it will either be replaced with a button or panel, or it could be Porsche's entry into the MMI game. Outside, the Cayenne won't offer anything new beyond 911-style LED lighting.

[Source: Luxevelocity]

Spy Shots: New Porsche Cayenne interior spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Dec 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS

Alex Nunez — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUV, Porsche

2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche makes sports cars backed by a rich tradition and race history. The thought of something wearing the badge that's also able to cart around your family and a load of their assorted junk was once laughable. Today, of course, that thought manifests itself in the form of the Porsche Cayenne. Even now, the idea of the Porsche SUV still seems wrong. Sure, the red Cayenne GTS in the Autoblog Garage has a spec sheet that looks exciting on paper. 405 V8-sourced horses and that shield on the hood makes you almost forget the five doors and 4,900 pounds that fill out the rest of the package. Read on to find out how the 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS fared as a family hauler during a quick vacation up the coast.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS

Continue reading Review: 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS

Review: 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Europe gets diesel Porsche Cayenne

Alex Nunez — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Porsche

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Porsche Cayenne diesel

Porsche made it all official today. New European regulations that result in tax credits for diesel vehicles have spurred the automaker to drop an oil-burner under the hood of the Cayenne starting in February, 2009. Audi's 3.0L TDI V6 gets the call and will give the Cayenne diesel 240 horsepower, a peak torque rating of 405 lb-ft and a 25 mpg fuel economy number. The all-important (in Europe) CO2 emissions number is 244 g/km. There are no visual indicators to distinguish the diesel from the gas-powered base Cayenne. You have to look under the hood, where the engine cover is emblazoned with "3.0 V6 Turbo Diesel Injection" if you're hell-bent on finding some branding.

While the diesel Cayenne is a Europe-only model for now, Porsche pretty much says that other markets and countries are to follow. Will that include us? Who knows. You can bet that Stuttgart's going to keep tabs on how well Mercedes' new Bluetec trucks and Audi's forthcoming U.S.-market Q7 TDI do in the States before it makes a decision. We don't see them shipping over the Cayenne diesel unless it's pretty clear that it'll find an audience. The full press release from Porsche is pasted after the jump.

Gallery: Porsche Cayenne Diesel

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Officially Official: Europe gets diesel Porsche Cayenne

Officially Official: Europe gets diesel Porsche Cayenne originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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edo competition takes on the Porsche Cayenne GTS

Drew Phillips — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, SUV, Porsche

Click above for a high-res gallery of the edo competition Cayenne GTS

For Porsche Cayenne GTS owners who wish they would've opted for the forced induction 'ute, edo competition has come up with a performance and styling package that helps close the gap between the two models. The German tuner adds another 45 horsepower through the use of high-flow cats, a performance air filter, and a recalibration of the ECU. As a result, the Cayenne GTS is capable of reaching 60 mph in a mere 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 168 mph. Handling and braking is improved with massive 15-inch, six-piston front brakes and an adjustable sport suspension. Other upgrades include 22-inch forged wheels, power dome hood, a new front fascia, and a variety of interior options. Full details are in the press release after the jump, and plenty of high-res photographs can be found in the gallery below.

Gallery: Edo Competition Porsche Cayenne GTS

[Source: edo competition]

Continue reading edo competition takes on the Porsche Cayenne GTS

edo competition takes on the Porsche Cayenne GTS originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stuttgart EMS gets a pair of Porsche Cayennes

Alex Nunez — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Porsche, Police/Emergency

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Stuttgart EMS Cayennes

Porsche has delivered two customized V6 Cayennes to the Stuttgart fire department, both heading into service with the city's EMS unit. Like the Cayenne emergency vehicles built in the past for use at Porsche facilities, the new EMS trucks have been modified to carry a stretcher and a variety of medical equipment. GPS tracking lets home base know where the trucks are at any given time, while pedestrians and other drivers are told to get the Hell out of the way with a new siren that adds a hiss to the mix, supposedly making it easier for people to determine which direction the truck's coming from. As for the rest, it's your basic ambulance tech: flashing lights all around and high-visibility white-and-orange paint. Plus, if Germany ever decides to host ambulance drags, the Stuttgart team is in good shape right off the bat. (Hey, if it's good enough for news guys...)

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Stuttgart EMS gets a pair of Porsche Cayennes

Stuttgart EMS gets a pair of Porsche Cayennes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tie a pork chop around its neck - Telegraph counts down 100 ugliest cars

Dan Roth — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 13:52:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Europe

It didn't start off as a way for readers of England's Telegraph newspaper to engage in the popular pastime of bashing American cars, but it wound up that way. To be fair, there are plenty of odd and ugly vehicles from all over the place on the Telegraph's list of the 100 ugliest cars of all time, and the voters didn't beat up on the colonies too badly. With so much homegrown hideousness to choose from, we can see how they'd be reluctant to throw stones.

The usual suspects are accounted for, of course. The Pacer is there, as are the Cayenne, BMW's 1 and 7 Series, though we thought the Rolls Royce Camargue was conspicuously low on the list. C'mon, guys, stop going easy on it just because you've got hometown pride. The Camargue really was horrid, no matter how well it sold. There are also vehicles that don't belong; cars that aren't even remotely ugly. The Boxster, XJS, TR7, and Chrysler 300 don't strike us as repulsive. The readers were almost spot-on, though, voting the Fiat Multipla into the second place slot. Number one is a car that everyone loves to hate, but it doesn't strike us as uglier than the Multipla. That vehicle? Aztek. Seriously.

[Source: Telegraph.co.uk via Hemmings]

Tie a pork chop around its neck - Telegraph counts down 100 ugliest cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Aug 2008 13:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3-liter Audi diesel confirmed for Porsche Cayenne

Noah Joseph — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Green, Audi, Porsche

Many will cringe at the idea of a diesel-powered Porsche, but since Stuttgart rolled out its first SUV, we've all had a while to get used to the idea. Although previous speculation held on to hopes that Porsche might employ a more powerful 3.2-liter oil-burner, reports now indicate that the Cayenne diesel will employ Audi's 240-horsepower 3.0-liter TDI V6.

Expect the diesel Cayenne to debut next March, following a probable launch at the 2009 Geneva auto show.

[Source: Automotive News Europe - subs. req'd]

3-liter Audi diesel confirmed for Porsche Cayenne originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche exec denies small SUV development, two-door Panamera

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 19 May 2008 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Porsche

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Porsche that doesn't exist.

Despite what recent spy photos might suggest, Klaus Berning insists that Porsche isn't working on a baby Cayenne. The Porsche marketing executive spoke with Auto Motor und Sport on a variety of topics, from the production of the Panamera sedan to the expansion of Porsche's worldwide dealer network.

Berning told the German pub that Porsche's board hasn't discussed a smaller SUV to slot in below the Cayenne, nor is it considering a successor to the two-door 928 based off the Panamera's FR platform. According to Berning, Porsche's resources are tapped out with the launch of its new sedan, and that development and production of another model would be too much for the automaker to handle at present. Interestingly, Berning admits that the Panamera has the potential to cannibalize Cayenne sales, so despite Porsche predicting yearly sales of the sedan to reach 20,000 units, the automaker expects that overall sales will remain around 100,000 units.

Additionally, Porsche expects to employ another 2,100 workers in the coming years, both in the manufacturing and dealer sectors. The automaker is looking to expand its reach into Russian and China, two of the world's fastest growing markets.

Gallery: Porsche Baby Cayenne - spy shots

[Sources: Auto Motor und Sport via The Local]

Porsche exec denies small SUV development, two-door Panamera originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 May 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nein! Porsche denies U.S. production of Cayenne

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 15 May 2008 13:43:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Porsche, Volkswagen

It didn't take long for Porsche to set the record straight about its rumored production plans for the Cayenne in North America. Speaking with Autoweek, Porsche spokesman Albrecht Bamler, refuted a report by Germany's Handelsblatt newspaper that the automaker planned to build Cayenne's at Volkswagen's new factory in the U.S. According to Bamler, there's no need to produce Stuttgart's uber-ute here in the States, since European manufacturers supply parts and Porsche is protected against the weak dollar by currency hedging through 2013. However, Handelsblatt's report said that production of the Cayenne in the U.S. wouldn't begin until after 2015, two years after Porsche's currency hedging expires. Does that mean N.A.-built Cayennes are still a possibility? Bamler says it's too early to speculate on the next Cayenne and Porsche's production plans.

[Source: Autoweek]

Nein! Porsche denies U.S. production of Cayenne originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 May 2008 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Poorly-translated rumormill: VW to build Porsches in U.S.

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 13 May 2008 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Porsche Cayenne GTS.

As much as we enjoy scouring through German newspapers, something inevitably gets lost in translation. However, the title of a story in Germany's Handelsblatt ePaper is clear: Volkswagen is considering building Porsche Cayennes at its new plant in the U.S.

While VW hasn't made a decision on the plant yet, it's been confirmed that the automaker is looking at locations in Alabama, Michigan and Tennessee to produce 150,000 units annually, including the Jetta and an all-new Passat-sized sedan. How the Cayenne fits into that equation remains a mystery, but the idea that VW and Audi could shift production of its Touareg and Q7 Stateside means that building the Cayenne in the U.S. is a distinct possibility.

Gallery: 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS

[Sources: Handelsbatt (Google-translated), Autoweek]

Poorly-translated rumormill: VW to build Porsches in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 May 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Beijing 2008: Porsche unveils the Cayenne Turbo S

Alex Nunez — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 09:45:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Europe, Porsche, Misc. Auto Shows

Click image for a hi-res gallery of the new Cayenne Turbo S

Porsche says that Asian and Eastern European market demand for ridiculously high performance SUVs has resulted in a new addition to the Cayenne range. After a brief respite following the introduction of the current-gen Cayenne, the Turbo S moniker returns. With it comes more power, more torque, newly-available features, and a commensurate cost of entry.

Updated engine management and a new exhaust system raise peak output to 550 horsepower and 553 lb-ft. Channeled through a 6-speed Tiptronic S gearbox, that's enough to rocket Stuttgart's new über-ute to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and give it a top speed of 174 mph. Reining in those horses becomes even easier if buyers pony up for the optional, massive ceramic composite brakes (16" front / 14.5". rear), now available on Cayenne for the fist time. Exclusive "Lava Gray" paint, the requisite badges, body-colored grille slats, 21-inch wheels, and the quad-tip exhaust help clue savvy onlookers into the fact that this is no mere Turbo. Inside, two-tone seating and a raft of gadgetry ensure that the oligarch at the wheel stays comfortable and entertained. The Cayenne Turbo S arrives in August and if you want one, bring plenty of money. It starts at €111,400. Follow the jump for Porsche's press release and the official tech specs.

Gallery: 2009 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Beijing 2008: Porsche unveils the Cayenne Turbo S

Beijing 2008: Porsche unveils the Cayenne Turbo S originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Apr 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche updates Cayenne S Transsyberia for '08 rally

Alex Nunez — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, SUV, Europe, Porsche

Click above for a gallery of the updated Cayenne S Transsyberia

Last year, Porsche built a series of race-ready Cayenne S Transsyberia SUVs for use in the rally event bearing the same name. Lessons were learned, and so for the 2008 running of the Transsyberia, Porsche is offering the teams who bought the trucks last year a conversion package that features a number of upgrades. These include a new sump guard, a beefier tire package, tweaked air suspension, a shorter final drive ratio (same as the new Cayenne GTS), plus updates to the transmission programming, dynamic chassis control and traction management systems. Driving from Moscow to Mongolia is no picnic, and these upgrades should make the already-robust Cayenne S Transsyberia even better-suited to handle the rough-and-tumble 4,400-mile course. You can check out the full specs after the jump, and see last year's post on the truck's unveiling for a peek at many of the other modifications that came as part of the standard package.

Gallery: 2008 Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia Upgrade

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Porsche updates Cayenne S Transsyberia for '08 rally

Porsche updates Cayenne S Transsyberia for '08 rally originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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