Porsche Cayenne Turbo (2004)

Lights in the bend

Apart from bi-xenon headlights with automatic, dynamic headlight range adjustment and headlight cleaning, Porsche also features controlled direction adjustment of the headlights in bends as standard equipment in the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. Using sensors measuring the steering angle and road speed, the lights system calculates the dynamic motion of the headlights in a bend, ensuring improved illumination of the road ahead.

Light-alloy wheels up to 20 inches in size

The Cayenne runs on specially developed aluminium wheels reducing weight to a minimum. In standard trim the Turbo features 8J x 18 wheels in Turbo design running on 255/55 R 18 tyres. Larger wheels measuring 19 and even 20 inches are also available as an option.

Porsche has developed an entirely new family of tyres for all Cayenne wheels tested for their qualities at very high speeds. As a result, the Cayenne Turbo comes on Y summer tyres registered for a top speed of up to 300 km/h or 186 mph.

Leather and aluminium throughout the interior

The wide range of standard features on the Cayenne Turbo significantly exceeds the standard features on the Cayenne S.

Apart from highlights in technology such as air suspension and bi-xenon headlights with curve-following control as well as metallic paintwork, the interior equipment is supplemented by an electrically adjustable and heated steering wheel, electrically adjustable comfort seats at the front with memory function and seat heating, heated seats at the rear, Porsche ParkAssistant, Porsche Communication Management (PCM) complete with a navigation module and a BOSE surround sound system.

The wide range of leather equipment is likewise even more comprehensive than on the Cayenne S, the roof lining is finished in alcantara and features such as the door and instrument panel trim come in aluminium.

The New Dimension in the SUV World

Porsche's third model range Porsche has successfully gained a strong foothold in the sports utility segment. Porsche's development engineers and designers have indeed created a vehicle leaving nothing to be desired in terms of off-road driving qualities, ensuring comfort of the highest standard, and at the same time meeting all expectations in terms of looks, performance, driving dynamics and safety the discerning motorist has of a genuine Porsche.

A face full of power and character, with bi-xenon headlights and curve adjustment

Like the other Cayennes, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo features V-shaped front and rear lines combined with harmoniously stretched out surfaces at the side, making the entire vehicle look far more compact than you would expect of an SUV measuring no less than 4.78 metres in length.

At the rear the Turbo stands out only discreetly from its sister models, four instead of two stainless steel tailpipes bearing clear testimony to the enormous power lurking within the engine bay. At the front, by contrast, the Turbo looks quite different from its "smaller" brother, extra-large air intake scoops revealing the large amount of cooling air required by the turbocharged V8 power unit.

This look is further accentuated by the innovative headlight concept made up of bi-xenon headlights with light control in bends: Using sensors for the steering angle and road speed, the new light system calculates the dynamic motion of the right-hand and left-hand head-lights in a bend. Apart from improving motoring comfort to an even higher standard, this lights system serves above all at night to enhance driving safety and provide better illumination of the road ahead.

Adjustment of the headlight beams in bend is also a great advantage in offroad terrain, helping the driver recognise obstacle at the side at an earlier point.

450 bhp provided by two turbochargers

Benefiting from two exhaust gas turbochargers with intercooler, the V8 power unit develops a staggering 331 kW (450 bhp) at 6000 rpm. The foundation for this power is laid by the V8 normal-aspiration engine displacing 4.5 litres, featuring four valves per cylinder, and boasting Porsche's VarioCam variable intake camshaft system.

Since this increase in power on the Cayenne Turbo also means higher loads acting on the engine, the cylinder heads of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo are made of special high temperature-resistant aluminium alloy which has already proven its qualities in motorsport. On the intake side the ducts are modified for the higher throughput of fuel/air mixture and double valve springs are featured on the outlet side to ensure an absolutely safe and reliable closing process. Also reflecting the higher engine load, the pistons are forged and are additionally cooled by oil injection jets.

Following the same philosophy as on the 911 Turbo, the two exhaust gas turbochargers are in parallel arrangement. Small intake manifolds, short exhaust manifolds and a mixed flow turbine with mass inertia reduced to a minimum ensure a very good response and supreme performance. To increase the temperature of the air entering the turbines in the interest of optimum combustion under full load, the turbine housing is made of high-quality cast steel. The compressed air flowing out of the turbine is then re-cooled to provide a high cylinder charge and reduce the temperature of the system components to a minimum. Intake air flows on subsequently to the two compressors through one air filter housing each for the left- and right-hand row of cylinders. Finally, the compressed air flows on to the E-gas adjuster via two intercoolers positioned respectively in front of the wheel arches left and right.

The bypass valves are integrated in the turbine housings, turbocharger pressure being adjusted by controlling the bypass valves through a joint cycle valve masterminded by the engine management system. Maximum turbocharger pressure at full load is approximately 1.6 bar and is reached at a speed of 2250 rpm. Then, as engine speeds increase, boost pressure is cut back and remains at approximately 1.5 bar with the engine running at maximum power (331 kW/450 bhp at 6000 rpm).

A top performer throughout the entire speed range

This turbocharger technology gives the Cayenne Turbo a standard of performance otherwise offered only by a thoroughbred sports car: Dynamic power and performance plus excellent engine response are ensured throughout the entire speed range borne out in particular by the enormous maximum torque of 620 Newton-metres (457 lb-ft) maintained consistently from 2250 to 4750 rpm.

In conjunction with the wide overall speed range, this guarantees sporting performance of the highest calibre giving the Porsche Cayenne Turbo top speed of 266 km/h or 165 mph. And acceleration from 0 - 100 km/h comes in just 5.6 seconds.

Six-speed Tiptronic S meeting the greatest demands

Six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission comes as standard on the Cayenne Turbo. Specifically geared to the vehicle's supreme torque, power and performance, this new transmission, benefiting from the additional sixth gear, allows even more precise and individual gearshift control at all speeds.

The gearshift points are adjusted with infinite control to the driver's style of motoring and the profile of the route he is taking. Hill recognition, for example, changes the gearshift points accordingly, retaining low gears as long as possible on uphill or downhill gradients. This ensures even better acceleration and, where necessary, provides extra brake power from the engine.

Again benefiting from Porsche's usual philosophy, the driver can shift gears manually by means of paddles on the steering wheel. Alternatively, he can also shift gears by briefly flicking the selector lever in the appropriate direction. Multiple control options of this kind serve in particular to provide a smooth and safe gearshift in offroad terrain. And with the new "Shift on the Move" function the driver is able for the first time to activate and deactivate the low-ratio gearbox (below 15 km/h and, respectively, up to 30 km/h).

Innovative drive and suspension technology

A number of technical highlights have made their world debut in the Cayenne, providing an ideal combination of supreme onroad and equally outstanding offroad driving characteristics.

Porsche Traction Management (PTM), for example, is acknowledged as the new generation of four-wheel drive, distributing engine power front-to-rear in the basic mode at a ratio of 62:38 and, whenever necessary, feeding up to 100 per cent of the engine's power either to the front or to the rear.

Like an active electronic system able to anticipate upcoming requirements, PTM also ensures better control when driving to extreme dynamic limits, for example on snow and ice. PTM consistently interacts with Porsche Stability Management (PSM), the latter controlling important systems such as ABS, ASR and ABD (automatic brake differential), but only intervening when the driver pushes his vehicle to the limit, thus not in any way restricting the thrill of sports motoring. When towing a trailer, in turn, PSM recognises any risk of swerving and intervenes in the brakes on the respective wheels to restabilise the vehicle.

The chassis and suspension on both Cayennes is designed for outstanding performance combined with supreme safety, motoring comfort and offroad driving requirements. This is ensured by an extra-large double-track control arm axle at the front with a subframe mounted elastically on extra-large rubber bearings. With the track control arms being spaced relatively far apart, forces in the suspension are kept to a minimum.

The rear axle is an elaborate multi-arm concept handling both the traction forces and the heavy loads the Cayenne is able to carry in superior style. In the interest of extra comfort and refinement, the rear axle is mounted on a subframe supported by extra-large, hydraulically dampened rubber bearings. The specific axle kinematics reduce any undesired dive or squat effect when applying the brakes and accelerating. A particularly striking feature is the long spring travel for offroad motoring, inward and rebound spring travel on the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, benefiting from the air suspension featured as standard, measuring 102 and, respectively, 118 millimetres (4.02 and, respectively, 4.65") at the front and 124 and, respectively, 125 millimetres (4.88 and, respectively, 4.92") at the rear.

Air suspension ensuring maximum ride height

Apart from superior ground clearance, air suspension, featuring automatic self-levelling, ensures consistent ride height regardless of the load the vehicle is carrying. Automatically lowering the entire vehicle at increasing road speeds, air suspension furthermore combines maximum driving pleasure with a high standard of active safety - and featuring six different levels in ride height, the air suspension offers an overall adjustment range of 116 millimetres or 4.57".

These different levels start with the loading level of 157 millimetres or 6.18" and extend all the way to the special offroad level for extreme driving conditions, giving the Cayenne no less than 273 millimetres or 10.75" ground clearance. This, in turn, provides an embankment angle of 32.4° at the front and 27.3° at the rear, allowing the Cayenne Turbo to take even relatively steep ramps without the slightest problem. Even difficult crests in offroad terrain do not present a significant obstacle thanks to the ramp angle of 24.7° - and with its ability to cross bodies of water up to 555 millimetres or 21.9" inches deep, the Cayenne Turbo does not have any problems in this respect, either.

Yet another standard feature is the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) variable damper system fitted in combination with the air suspension.

Acting electronically, PASM continuously adjusts damper forces as a function of road conditions and the driver's style of motoring. Whenever the driver prefers a very dynamic style of motoring, for example, accelerating and applying the brakes all-out, PASM will intervene when necessary. It also gives the Cayenne driver the option to choose his own personal settings, offering him the choice of individual Comfort, Normal and Sports programs.

Safe traction even in the toughest terrain

Porsche offers the Advanced Offroad Technology Package as an option for the most extreme offroad requirements. Inter alia, this package comprises special side-sill protectors, a steel underfloor protection panel around the radiator, and a fully controllable differential lock on the rear axle with 100 per cent locking action.

Using the offroad switch on the centre console, the driver even has the option to disconnect the anti-roll bars on the front and rear axle, thus increasing potential axle displacement front and rear by 60 millimetres or 2.36". Then, as soon as the driver exceeds a speed of 50 km/h, the anti-roll bars are automatically reconnected.

Brake system setting new standards

Living up to its reputation as a manufacturer of world class brake systems, Porsche has naturally given the Cayenne supreme brakes fulfilling all of Porsche's own extremely tough requirements. In practice, this means that all Cayennes have successfully passed the famous Porsche fading test, just about the toughest brake test in the market.

This means application of the brakes with full force 25 times in a row from 90 per cent of the vehicle's top speed down to 100 km/h, in the process maintaining consistent deceleration of 0.8 g. Clearly, the only way to pass a test of this calibre is to match all components such as the cooling air supply, the wheel brakes, the wheels themselves and the anti-lock brake system with utmost care.

Even though the Cayenne Turbo, due to its weight, the higher centre of gravity and the engine positioned at the front, cannot be compared with Porsche's sports cars, it sets the benchmark in its segment also in terms of brake technology. This is ensured by an 18-inch brake system at the front with inner-vented brake discs measuring 350 millimetres or 13.78" in diameter and featuring six-piston aluminium monobloc fixed callipers and 17-inch brakes at the rear with inner-vented brake discs measuring 330 millimetres or 13.00" in diameter, in this case featuring four-piston monobloc fixed callipers. Taking the risk of contamination under offroad conditions into account, the brake discs are not cross-drilled on the Cayenne.

High-speed tyres for up to 300 km/h

Special aluminium wheels measuring 18, 19 and even 20 inches have been developed for the Cayenne Turbo, again with the focus on minimum weight. These wheels are built in a process called flow-forming, which serves to keep the rim hump extra-thin, thus reducing weight, depending on rim size, by 1-1.5 kilos.

The Porsche Cayenne Turbo is fitted as standard with 8 J x 18 wheels in Turbo design and runs on 255/55 R 18 tyres. Porsche has developed an entirely new family of tyres for these wheels, subsequently tested for their performance at high speeds. As a result, the Cayenne Turbo runs on Y-rated summer tyres registered for a top speed of 300 km/h or 186 mph.

High-strength steel for supreme body stiffness

Thanks to its optimised structure and the consistent use of modern, high-strength and ultra-strength steel, the various models in the Cayenne range offer supreme stiffness and rigidity throughout their entire body. This serves, first, to provide a new standard of passive safety and, second, to maintain a secure foundation for absolutely smooth and accurate suspension.

One of the highlights in this context is the highly resistant passenger cell offering occupant safety of the highest standard. A network of longitudinal and transverse reinforcement bars at the front of the car ensures intelligent distribution of the forces generated in a collision.

Deformation energy is absorbed by three load levels on top of one another, distributing forces into the stiff longitudinal floor bars, into the side-sills, down the propeller shaft tunnel and along the door shafts, and thus reducing deformation of the interior to a minimum. The lower load level is formed by the front subframe made of high-strength IHU steel pipes. The middle load level is formed by the combination of the front chassis legs and the bulk-head cross-bars. The upper load level, finally, consists of the upper chassis legs. The latest and most advanced multi-phase steel offering supreme strength throughout is used for the seat crossbars at the bottom and on the rear floor crossbar. Rollover protection, finally, is ensured by the B-pillars inside and reinforcement of the A- and B-pillars made of TRIP steel.

Modern restraint systems for superior safety inside

Like in the other Cayenne models, the passengers riding in the Cayenne Turbo are secured by a comprehensive restraint system. Apart from three-point seat belts, belt latch tensioners and belt force limiters, this system features full-size airbags for the driver and front passenger operated by a two-stage gas generator.

Should the driver fit a child seat at the front, he can deactivate the front passenger airbag by means of a switch operated through the key to the car on the front passenger's side of the instrument panel.

A particular feature in the Cayenne is the side impact protection system with a thorax airbag integrated in the seats and a curtain airbag fitted in the roof frame. The side airbags are activated by four additional sensors positioned around the B-pillars and on the wheel arches.

Exclusive interior

The interior of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo is refined, exclusive and sophisticated in every respect, offering all the features and highlights so typical of Porsche.

Like in the Cayenne S, these features include the ignition lock to the left of the steering wheel, the three-spoke steering wheel with Tiptronic control, and the five circular instruments accentuating the vehicle's sporting character. Circular dials of equal size for the speedometer and rev counter allow the integration of a large display in the middle providing all the functions required.

On the Cayenne Turbo this central display is a 5-inch-large (measured diagonally across the screen), high-resolution TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) liquid crystal colour display unit. The Turbo comes as standard with Porsche Communication Management (PCM) comprising a DVD navigation module, the on-board computer, diversity aerials and a BOSE Surround Sound system featuring 14 loudspeakers with a total output of 250 W. As an option PCM is available also with an electronic trip recorder and a TV tuner.

Leather upholstery and trim is even more comprehensive than in the Cayenne S, and specific features such as the door and instrument panel trim are finished in aluminium, with the roof lining in Alcantara. The wide range of exclusive - but standard - features inside the car includes an electrically adjustable and heated steering wheel, electrically adjustable comfort seats at the front with memory function and seat heating, heated seats at the rear and the Porsche ParkAssistant for parking the Porsche Cayenne Turbo with utmost ease and precision.

To see even more clearly how much space there still is at the rear end of the vehicle and to hook up a trailer even more easily, the customer is able to order a back-up camera as individual equipment.

And to enjoy nothing but the sky above, finally, the discerning customer can choose the variable Panorama roof system also available on the Cayenne and Cayenne S: Covering a total area of 1.4 square metres, the Panorama roof is almost four times the size of the optional sliding/vent roof.