2008 Porsche Cayenne Unveiled

Porsche skipped the 2007 model year for its popular Cayenne SUV in order to give it a slight styling change. Here are photos — from left to right — of the new Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo and base Cayenne. The biggest changes are the revised headlamps and lower grilles. The alterations give the SUV a more menacing look than it had before. Obviously, the Turbo also has a much larger grille to accommodate its turbocharger.

Details are limited, but all three engines have added direct fuel injection, which not only boosts power but also fuel economy. The base Cayenne will see an increase of 40 hp in its 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine, to 290 hp. That moves the 2008 Cayenne to 62 mph one second faster than the outgoing model.

The Cayenne S has a V-8 rated at 385 hp, an increase of 45 hp, and the Turbo moves into the 500-hp club and can hit 62 mph in 5.1 seconds.

We’ll learn more about the new Cayenne at the Detroit auto show in early January before it arrives at dealers in March, but for now check out the rest of the photos below.

Comments

I still can't wrap my brain around the idea of a Porsche SUV... What's next, a pickup? A minivan???

you can't drive the kids to private school in a 911 right? That's why there's a Porsche SUV. And it sells pretty well.

What about the Turbo S? !

The larger grill on the Turbo is most likely due to existence of an intercooler, not the turbocharger(s). Plus, it looks better (as far as a Porsche SUV is concerned). Hopefully, the Panamerica will be more logical...

well they use the intercooler because of the turbo system. you know what I meant.
no news on the turbo s, probably later in the car show circuit.

Dave, I know Porsche needed to diversify to stay in business and they did make a great vehicle, but it still seems strange. It would be like Hummer making a Miata-fighter. Personally I think Porsche should offer a delete option for the rear seats in the 911, as nobody with legs can sit in 'em. Put a carpeted parcel shelf back there instead. I agree with Kevin the upcoming Panamerica sedan makes a little more sense. (Is it Panamerica or Panamera?)

as far as I know and have read its Panamera.
but Porsche has used Panamerica in the past.

As for the Cayenne, Porsche has made a lot of money with it and its pretty popular so it "makes sense" in that regard. The luxury SUV market still does quite well and many people just want a luxury nameplate whether its BMW, Mercedes, Land Rover or Porsche on their SUVs.

I think in the grand scheme of things a sedan is almost more bizarre than the SUV for Porsche even if it has a sloping roof line. Regardless pull up to my house with a Porsche of any kind and hand me the keys and I'll happily take it.

Hey,
I just bought a 2008 Cayenne V6 after shopping the Mercedes and BMW dealerships in vain.
The Porsche delivers more bang for the SUV buck.
Sporty and agile, it is truly the ultimate driving machine, no matter what the folks at the BMW dealership say.
I instantly felt at home in the driver's seat. The simplicity of the Porsche interior, while seen as a drawback by some, is a refreshing return to the basics. You sit in the interior, rather than being swallowed by it.
It's AWD, but it will never go off road, until the apocalypse. And that's what we are all buying SUV's for--the hedged bet against future earthquakes and tsunamis.
Remember Hank Jr's take on it: "Preacher man says it's the end of time and the Mississippi River is a goin' dry. Interest is up and the stock market's down and you only get mugged if you go downtown. I live back in the woods you see, my woman and the kids and the dogs and me. I got a shotgun a rifle and 4 wheel drive and country boy can survive..."
If the 4wd is the Cayenne, you can forget the rest!
Lance

Can't wait to testdrive this car! Where does the intercooler sit?