Porsche Cayenne Gets Audi S4 Supercharged V6 for China

We knew that it was only a matter of time before the Chinese market-destined version of a car coming from a top worldwide automaker would no longer just be different from what the rest of the world gets, but a better vehicle.

And that day has arrived, with Porsche’s Chinese-destined Cayenne ditching the 3.6 liter naturally aspirated V6 engine and using the supercharged 3.0 liter V6 powerplant from the Audi S4.

The company has decided to make the move due to a tax legislation reason. The Chinese car taxes are calculated based on a vehicle’s engine capacity. The “rest of the world” 3.6 liter displacement would place the SUV in the 3 to 4 liters category, meaning that it would receive a 40 percent tax level. Replacing the aforementioned unit with the S4’s engine brings the Cayenne under the 3 liter limit, cutting the taxes on the car to 25 percent.

So the Chinese customers benefit from a hefty tax reduction, but also receive a more advanced machine. Let us explain. The supercharged 3.0 liter TFSI V6 unit offers 333 hp between 5,500 and 7,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 324.5 lb-ft between 2,900 and 5,300 rpm, while the naturally aspirated 3.6 liter engine in the Cayenne delivers 300 hp at 6,300 rpm and 295 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm . So the Chinese market gets more horsepower and torque as well as improved driveability.

In addition to that, the TFSI unit also offer a superior fuel efficiency - after all, this is the engine used in the hybrid version of the Cayenne (all over the world).