2003 Porsche Cayenne

Production plans for the Cayenne were announced in the summer of 1998, when it also was announced that the Porsche SUV would have permanent four-wheel drive and true off-road capability while maintaining Porsche standards for ride and handling.

While the Cayenne’s engines were designed at Porsche’s Research and Development Center in Weissach, Germany, and will be built in the Porsche factory at Zuffenhausen, the Porsche SUV will be assembled in a brand new factory located in historic Leipzig, Germany.

Taking the Porsche experience to a new level, the Cayenne is designed to create a perfect balance of performance and power, delivering an optimum blend of supreme on-pavement and equally outstanding off-pavement driving qualities. The car is to make its international debut in late 2002.

The Cayenne will be introduced in two versions, the Cayenne S and the Cayenne Turbo.

A 4.5-liter V8 engine rated at 340 horsepower (DIN) and 310 pound-feet of torque will power the Cayenne S. It will accelerate from a standing start to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.2 seconds on its way to a top test-track speed of 150 mph (242 km/h).

The Cayenne Turbo will be powered by a twin-turbocharged version of the 4.5-liter V8. The boosted engine will provide an incredible 450 horsepower (DIN) and 460 pound-feet of torque. The Cayenne Turbo will accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in only 5.6 seconds and can achieve a top test-track speed of 165 mph (266 km/h).

The Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo will feature a new six-speed Tiptronic® S automatic transmission as standard equipment.

Both Cayenne models will have permanent four-wheel drive, an inter-axle d i ff e rential lock and additional low-range gears, the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system, and the capability to tow 7,716 pounds (3,500 kilograms). Both will ride on wheels that range from 18 inches to 20 inches in diameter.