Spy Shots: 2011 Porsche Cayenne SUV

Due to be on sale in late 2010 as a 2011 model, the 2011 Porsche Cayenne SUV has been spotted on several occasions, revealing some details of the vehicle.

Like the current model, the next Cayenne will still share a common platform with the next-generation Volkswagen Touareg and Audi Q7, and will be built in Volkswagen Group’s Bratislava plant in Slovakia. Unfinished Cayennes will then be transported to Porsche’s Leipzig plant for final assembly.

Plans are to make it smaller and more compact than the current model. The wheelbase will be shortened by almost 40 mm, while the height will be reduced by about 20 mm. Other details include a taller waistline and LED daytime running lights.

Inside, modifications include a redesigned center console with air vents positioned to the sides of the navigation screen instead of at the top, as well as much fewer buttons than the current model. The design also shows a similarity to the interior of the Panamera.

Under the hood, the 2011 Porsche Cayenne gets a range of powertrains. Both V-6 and V-8 petrol engines will be on offer, including a turbodiesel option, as well as a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain to be shared with the Panamera sedan. All engines will include Porsche’s new direct-injection technology, and some could even be matched to the automaker’s new dual-clutch gearbox.

It will reach a top speed of 180 mph and 0-60 mph times of less than five seconds for top end models. Meanwhile, taking the fuel economy into account, the new model will be lighter and more fuel efficient.

J.D. Power APEAL: Porsche win the most appealing nameplate for 5th year straight

J.D. Power and Associates has released the results of the 2009 Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) Study. It’s not surprising that Porsche ranks as the most appealing brand for the fifth straight consecutive year. Volkswagen had the most segment-leading models in APEAL, including the CC, GTI, Passat, and Tiguan. That's more than any other brand in 2009.

The APEAL study measures how satisfied new owners are with their vehicles after the first 90 days of ownership, with questions regarding more than 90 vehicle attributes. It gathered responses from more than 80,900 purchasers and lessees of 2009 model-year vehicles between February and May of this year.

Yet Porsche only had one top-placing model in Power's study, the Cayenne. Across all models, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class receives the highest APEAL score for 2009, for a third consecutive year. Other repeat segment winners in Power's APEAL include the Chevrolet Avalanche, Dodge Challenger, Hyundai Genesis, and MINI Cooper (all for the second year), while both the 2009 Honda Odyssey (also an IVA winner) and 2009 Honda Ridgeline receive segment awards for the fifth consecutive year.

From the result, there are some points we can notice. The overall level of APEAL scores has risen quite significantly this year. The average score across all models in 2009 is up 9 points from 2008 to 779. A large part of that increase is attributed to a boost in owner satisfaction with fuel economy, according to J.D. Power vice president David Sargent.

In the same way, American carmakers have a huge improvement in design and build quality of American vehicles. In 2007, domestics fell 27 points short of imports, while in 2008 that shrunk to 15 points. This year there's just 5 points between domestics and imports.

Porsche Cayenne Hybrid on the streets by late 2010

As everyone knows, Porsche's planning a range of production Cayenne hybrids. Now it was confirmed by Porsche board member Wolfgang Dürheimer, who told the German daily Rheinische Post that the vehicle would be in dealerships and on the street by the second half of 2010 with a starting price around €90,000 ($124,500).

Specifics on the Hybrid models haven't been abundant, but Porsche did release several key details about the Cayenne S Hybrid earlier this year. The vehicle is targeting V8 performance with four-cylinder emissions and efficiency - exactly what you'd expect of a hybrid.

But it's not just about the fuel-saving aspects. Teaming an Audi 3.0L V6 DFI engine rated at 333hp and 324lb-ft of torque with a 52hp, 221lb-ft electric motor and a 38kW NiMH battery pack, the Cayenne Hybrid S is a perkier than the regular hybrid, or 6-cylinder SUV. Zero to 62mph (100km/h) ticks by in 6.8 seconds, despite the ULEV II emissions rating, cutting CO2 by 20% compared to the standard version.

Porsche also revealed the function of the hand-off between electric and combustion drive. Good for up to 1.2mi (1.9km) on electricity alone, once that reserve is exhausted, the computer fires up the engine, engages the clutch and transfers power all in just 380ms. And it does it "without the driver or passengers noticing what is happening" according to Porsche.

An eight-speed transmission ties the whole system together, offering long gears at the high end for more efficient cruising. The top-speed gear is actually sixth, so seventh and eighth are effectively overdrives. In top gear, the vehicle can maintain constant speeds up to 86mph (138km/h) on electricity alone.

The Cayenne Hybrid S drive system will also make its way to a Panamera hybrid, which could hit the streets as early as the third quarter of this year.

Porsche Cayenne Russianized by Status Design

Status Design, a Russian tuning company, has taken on the Porsche Cayenne. They call it the body-whale, the images shown are just computer generated renderings and the real-life debut should take place by October.

The term body-whale is obviously meant to invoke some kind of marine-animal sense of sleekness and power but the design doesn't really seem to match that.

The kit is reportedly be made from plastic or optional carbon-fiber. While there are no engine modifications to the Status Design Cayenne, the new aerodynamics kit is easily enough to help differentiate the customized SUV from the standard model. Putting subtlety and elegance aside, Status Design has obviously decided to take the more-is-better approach to design with this iteration of the Cayenne.

Up front, the new bumper takes some angular elements from air-intakes seen on supercars and then combines them with what appears to be an Audi R8-inspired air-conditioning unit just below. There is also a new hood, with a pointed nose that goes down towards the front grille rather strikingly, and this is accompanied by some new front fenders.

Along with new side sills and some familiar looking two-tone panels that appear to have come in vogue ever since the Bugatti Veyron and Audi R8 adopted this style, the Status Design Cayenne also adopts one of the strangest looking rear spoilers we've ever seen.

Till now, it's still only a rendering that is due to be published this fall. What will be the result, we will wait to see.

Porsche Cayenne goes wider and lower with new MAFF Design ‘Muron’ Tuning Package

Porsche itself has recently gotten into the game of modifying its Cayenne SUV, so it's no wonder the vehicle has been a favorite of the tuner crowd for years. Though MAFF Design's latest creation may not have the exclusivity of the GTS Design Edition 3 revealed earlier in the year, it does have a flavor all its own.
Based on the 957 Porsche Cayenne, the MAFF Design Muron is primarily an appearance upgrade program. LED daytime running lights, an aggressive front, side and rear body kit with flared and vented fender wells to house the widened track. That's right, MAFF Design did do some mechanical work on the vehicle, spreading the width by 60mm up front and 80mm in the rear for an even more planted stance.

Combined with the lowering job - adjustable between 35 and 80mm thanks to an electronic lowering kit or optional Version 3 coilover, the Muron offers a new dynamic sensibility to Porsche's already very competent SUV. The MAFF portfolio includes some unique models able to develop over 700hp (522kW), which is one of the primary reasons engineers worked on the suspension of the big SUV.

Furthermore, no tuner Cayenne is complete without a set of huge alloy wheels, and MAFF doesn't disappoint, fitting a set of 22x10in alloys. Wrapped in beefy 295/30 rubber at all four corners, the driver will most likely run out of guts before the Muron runs out of grip.

For more details, see the PRESS RELEASE below:

MAFF Tuning Muron Porsche Cayenne

* “Muron” wide body kit for the entire Porsche Cayenne range
* Custom styled cockpit with Alcantara leather and carbon fiber inserts
* Multimedia system and sound system configured after a MAFF concept
* Power kit for the engine and sport exhaust tips designed by MAFF
* Retuned electronic suspensions and especially designed MAFF alloy wheels

Popularity turned the Porsche Cayenne into quite a common presence on the roads. This explains why the german model features in the portfolio of so many car tuners. Unfortunately, the big sales volume made the aftermarket industry follow in the foot steps of the stock car manufacturers. And this is because they started producing the so called exclusive, unique body kits in large series.

For all these reasons, MAFF Tuning developed the Muron project such as to offer the alternative of a truly custom interpretation of the super SUV. Thus, the Muron package represents a complex stylistic approach, which makes it more than sufficient for seriously amplifying the already powerful personality of the Cayenne.
But what really sets Muron apart from other tuners’ body kits is that MAFF proposes it as only the base on which the clients can build their fantasies. This is what actually means to offer custom services. This is what defines MAFF Tuning.

The Muron body kit is built of fiber glass components, in which elements of carbon fiber can be implemented. The package comprises of the following: front and rear spoilers, front grille with integrated LED daytime running lights, side skirts, roof spoiler, bonnet with dramatic scoops, masks for the head lights and tail lights, a discreet adornment for the boot lid, inserts of carbon fiber for the door handles, rear view mirror carcases with integrated LED signal lights and exhaust tailpipes covers. Each of these elements are a MAFF design and this is why the cars are adorned with the MAFF and Muron logos.

Even the light alloy wheels are a special MAFF design. And their dimensions vary according to the request of each and every client.

Also dedicated to the exterior of the car, the clients can choose a unique color or nuance for the paint, under the assistance of the specialized MAFF painters. The color mix and the painting process itself take place in the MAFF workshop, which is equipped with a high class painting booth.

For the interior of the car one can configure a virtualy unlimited number of layouts. This is possible due to the liberty MAFF gives to its clients regarding the choice of color, combination of materials, stitching design, embroiderments and inserts (carbon fiber among others). Only the finest leather types, like Alcantara, are used to tailor the cockpit. Even exotic alternatives like leather with a surface that imitates the carbon fiber texture have been selected by our customers. And the design, as well as the entire tailoring process are the work of the specialized department of the MAFF workshop.

The general feel of the lavishly styled cockpit is further nuanced with the help of ambiental lights, like the ones in the door sills which light up the Muron name.

And because every MAFF concept is meant to flatter each of the human senses, the configuration of the sound system is as elaborate and quality focused as the rest of the Muron project. So, depending on what the clients desire, there can be installed varied sound systems with first class components from brands like Alpine. MAFF tunes them and incorporates them in the cockpit’s design with great attention to detail and in a very elegant manner. For example, the subwoofer placed in the boot of the car is inside a resonance box upholstered like the rest of the cockpit. This box may even include a hidden storage aria.

There is also a multimedia kit, which includes the navigation system and is compatible with any audio or video format. On its main display, which can retract in the dashboard, are also shown the images captured by the video cameras integrated in the front and rear bumpers. Of course, the multimedia unit is correlated with the auxiliary displays, which can be implemented in the head rests, in the ceiling or in any other place, if the client’s fantasies dictate so.

The Muron project means personality, refinement, fantasy but we can not omit the fact that our object of work is a Porsche, a name acknowledged as being synonymous with performance and racing. Thus, MAFF set free even more of the potential this massive sports car has. Regardless of the engine version we work on, we can raise the power with up to 100 HP, without affecting the endurance of the engine. The power bonus is the result of the reconfigured electronic management of the engine, the fitting of bigger turbines and sportier admission systems and all the additional components for these.

The MAFF portfolio includes some unique models able to develop over 700 HP. This is why MAFF engineers also adjust the suspension of the car, aiming to improve its dynamic behavior. The ride height is consequently reduced by up to 8 cm. This is done by tuning the electronic management of the stock suspensions.

BMW pricing X5 M and X6 M performance SUVs in U.S.

Recently BMW has revealed pricing for the new X5 M and X6 M SUVs, which will start at $85,400 and $88,900, respectively, when they go on sale in the U.S. in the second half of the year. Full pricing and options, as well as pre-order sales, will be available from next month onwards.

BMW admits that it would like to draw customers away from vehicles like the Mercedes Benz ML63 AMG and Porsche Cayenne, and in an effort to make its M SUVs more appealing has fitted the pair with standard 20in wheels, sports seats, red needle gauges, and Merino leather trim.

Both models are powered by a newly-developed 4.4L V8 M engine delivering 555hp (412kW) at 6,000rpm and 500lb-ft (677Nm) of torque from a low 1,500 to 5,650rpm - enough to send the vehicles from 0-60mph in just 4.5 seconds.

This new M engine is the world's first with a pulse-tuned exhaust manifold encompassing both rows of cylinders combined with high-performance twin-scroll twin turbo technology. Two low-mass twin-scroll turbochargers are positioned together with the catalytic converters in the "V" section between the two banks of cylinders. By reversing the flow of gases through the engine from traditional arrangements, the intake and exhaust ducts are shortened and widened. The result is that pressure losses on the exhaust side are minimized.

This configuration, known as Cylinder-bank Comprehensive Manifold (CCM), offers quick turbo spooling, a linear build-up of engine power, and a broad, consistent torque curve by feeding each of the twin turbochargers with a "charge pulse" at approximately every 90 degrees of crankshaft rotation, rather than the more traditional "irregular schedule" of charging. Maximum boost pressure is set at 1.5bar (21psi).

BMW M engineers have also reworked the full drivetrain and chassis, adding new M-specific adaptive suspension, an uprated intelligent xDrive AWD system, and newly-developed Servotronic power steering.

Also featured for the first time on an M model is a six-speed automatic transmission, which for the X5 M and X6 M also comes with an electronic selector on the center console and offers three different driving modes – Drive, Sport and M Manual modes for absolute control of gear selection.