Porsche Universe

Porsche has released a refined Cayenne line-up for 2008. These include the base, S, and the Turbo. Two of the considered significant changes include the angrier looking, more slated VW headlights and a revised front fascia with ribs cutting across larger vents.

The turbo model keeps its signature hood bulges. It will also be differentiated from the other two models by larger turn indicators that resemble the LED strips found on the front of the new 911 Turbo. Base and S models on the other hand, will have smaller, round indicators. It was recently announced that a refined Boxster with increases of five horsepower for each model will go along with the vehicle. With this, some automotive journalists think Porsche will give a similar increase to the Cayenne.

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Porsche Cars of North America Inc. will launch a multi-platform, integrated marketing program on Plum to support the launch of the 2008 Porsche Cayenne and to connect with Plum’s affluent and influential audience.

The program, called The Porsche Performance Series, will play on Plum’s television channels, websites, and VOD platforms. Porsche also sponsored the Hamptons Concours d’Elegance, the premiere vintage automotive competition and auction in the Hamptons.

The short-form programming series highlights some of the most exciting destination events in Plum’s markets — celebrating exceptional “performance” in the art, music, and sports arenas. The Porsche Performance Series takes viewers to the heart of each event, spotlighting competitions, performances and celebrity studded happenings. The series also pays homage to the participants, organizers, and attendees who make these events, and the non- profits they benefit, a success.
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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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One of the last adventures on four wheels: The Rally Transsyberia 2007. 26 Porsche Teams take on the demanding orientation rally across Siberia. With the best equipment: The Cayenne S. Transsyberia modified especially for long distances rallies.

6,200 kilometres, 1 winner.
Who will make it?

Some updates on the 2008 Specs…

“Base Cayenne models will be outfitted with a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 290 horsepower and 283 pound-feet of torque. Pricing for the base models starts at $43,400. The Cayenne S will utilize a 4.8-liter V8 rated at 385 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, and pricing begins at $57,900. At the top of the Cayenne food chain is the Turbo, which uses the same 4.8-liter V8 and employs two turbochargers to generate 500 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Turbo models start at $93,700. Porsche claims the Turbo will hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and continue on to more than 170 mph.”

500hp!