When it was first launched way back in 2002, the Porsche Cayenne was seen by many as the death-knell of the German sports car firm.
Roll on 12 years, however, and it's clear that theCayennehas been a huge success. But Porsche purists may sneer a little at what the Cayenne stands for; family-focussed and rather conservative when compared to the 911s that gave the Stuttgart based firm its renown.
However, ‘family friendly’ and ‘conservative’ seem to have worked a treat. And the smidgen of sports car prowess has no doubt boosted the car's fortunes.
But that's all it is – a smidgen. Especially if you consider the all-new engine found in the updatedCayenneS. It's goodbye to the 4.8 litre V8 and hello to a 3.6 litre V6 – an engine design that is perhaps better suited to these more austere times.
However, according to reviews, the V6 doesn't offer much in the way of a compensatory fall in emissions or fuel economy.
New Looks
Aside from a drop in engine excitement factor, the Cayenne S comes with redesigned bumpers that certainly look attractive – even if they are a far cry from what used to be Porsche's core product type: thrilling sports cars.
Other key stats to note about the S: It can hit 62mph from standstill in 5.5sec, has a top speed of 160mph, as well as delivering fuel economy of 22.8mpg/29.7mpg (EU urban/combined).
Those among our annual breakdown cover customers with the requisite funds can buy a Cayenne S from October 11. Prices start at £60,218.
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