Porsche Universe

Despite its tender age, the Cayenne is already being nipped and tucked to keep it current. Along with a bolder look and larger, more powerful engines comes a whack of technology designed to keep it shiny side up, even when pushed to the ragged edge.

A pentathlon of driving exercises at proving grounds outside San Antonio proved it is not the driver that makes the machine (although a good shoe is always a bonus) but the machine’s ability to compensate for the driver’s frailties that makes the real difference.

The freshened Cayenne and Cayenne S bring nicer headlights and grille and a lower overall look to their stance.

Around the back, the liftgate spoiler has been stretched and the bumper and rear defuser reworked. These changes drop the drag coefficient to 0.35 from 0.39.

The Cayenne Turbo is differentiated by a much more aggressive nose and substantially larger grille openings. Factor in the optional 21-inch wheels, P295/35 tires ($5,800) and enormous, bright red, six-piston front calipers and it really looks the part. The Turbo’s tail is subtler in nature — four pipes peep out of the lower valance rather than two.

Inside, there are few changes. The Cayenne and S feature a heavily grained dash. While attractive, it doesn’t say upscale. The Turbo, on the other hand, has a leather-wrapped dash panel that’s classy and says expensive. As for the rest of the interior, there is plenty of room in all seating positions and a ton of storage space. It’s also nirvana for those with a button fetish — there are 80-plus knobs and switches dotted throughout the cabin, plus the steering column stalks. It takes quite a while to become familiar with the layout.
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