The Next Cayenne is Slowly Showing Itself
With the next generation of the Cayenne just around the corner, automotive journalists have been spotting it testing, and it looks like the 2018 model will feature some nice upgrades. Here's what we know.
1. Previous Generation
Porsche's favorite SUV is considered one of the best-handling SUVs on the market, however, weight has always been an issue for it. Throughout this generation, the Cayenne has seen significant upgrades, including the introduction of a hybrid, and a load leveling air suspension. From 2010-2014 you could get a gas, or diesel V6, hybrid V6 combo, V8, or turbo V8, but now the naturally aspirated V8 has been dropped in favor of a turbo V6. Cayenne Turbo and Turbo S with the turbo V8 motors make 520 and 570-horsepower respectively, while the top choice for torque is the Diesel S with 630 lb-ft, 40 more than the Turbo S and at 500 rpm lower in the rev range.
2. Exterior Upgrades
Although it's not clear exactly what Porsche changed in the 2018 Cayenne, spy shots do show some upgrades and differences. The grille looks slightly bigger, giving it a tougher, bolder SUV look. On the Cayenne test mules that have been spotted, parts of the headlights are taped-off, which means they've been modified too. The profile view in the spy shots of the SUV look slightly more aggressive than the previous generation, and the side mirrors seem to stick out more. As for the rear, parts of the taillights were covered in the spy shots, which indicates they are also new and Porsche just doesn't want you to see them yet.
3. Interior Upgrades
Although the steering wheel looks exactly the same as the previous generation, the instrument cluster seems to have received a major facelift. The tachometer is analog like the previous year, but the rest of the instrument cluster will be digital for the 2018 Cayenne. The air conditioning vents that were next to the center screen are no-longer there, and instead, the screen is significantly larger. The vents are now located under it instead of around it. We are sure there are numerous other changes to the interior of the new Cayenne, but it is difficult to spot them in the quickly shot spy photos.
4. Engine
From the sound of the Cayenne that was being tested, spotters are quite sure that V8 power will be an option again. Automotive experts believe there won't be any changes to the powertrain options, but expect minor power increases. Customers can expect the return of the V6 (possibly with 2.9 liters and a turbo) with at least 300-horsepower, a 4.0-liter V8 turbo (like in the new Panamera) with at least 550-horsepower, possibly a V6 plug in hybrid version, and maybe even a Turbo S E-Hybrid with as much as 680 total horsepower.
5. Price and Release Date
Currently, the Cayenne is being offered with a starting price of $58,300, but the next generation sits on a whole new platform shared with the Bentley Bentayga and Audi Q7. However, the price is anticipated to rise only a few thousand dollars, likely starting at about $60,000 for the base model, and toping-out at $160,000 for the Turbo S V8. As for the release date, we will have to wait until the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, or Geneva in March which is when the 2018 Cayenne is expected to make its official debut.
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