Now that the launch of the 2015 Macan is out of the way, Porsche can focus its attention on its top-selling model, the Cayenne. Only four years into the current lifecycle, the 2015 Porsche Cayenne is getting a lengthy list of upgrades including substantial styling changes and new powertrain options.
Topping the list of new features for the 2015 Porsche Cayenne is the all-new S E-Hybrid model, which replaces the previous S Hybrid. Like the Panamera S E-Hybrid, the 2015 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid delivers a more advanced plug-in hybrid system that utilizes the same 333-hp 3.0-liter supercharged V-6, but almost doubles the power to the electric motor from the previous 47 hp to 95 hp. Total system output is now rated at 416 hp and 435 lb-ft of torque, which is up from the Cayenne S Hybrid’s 380 hp and 428 lb-ft. Porsche has not stated what the electric driving range of the Cayenne S E-Hybrid will be, but it can drive up to 78 mph before the engine kicks on. Acceleration from 0-62 mph will be 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 151 mph.
Along the same lines, the 2015 Porsche Cayenne S aims to improve both performance and efficiency dumping the 4.8-liter V-8 and installing a 3.6-liter twin-turbo V-6 in its place. Rated at 420 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, this engine is more powerful than the current Cayenne S, and it delivers better performance, too, with a 0-62 mph time of 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 160 mph. Porsche has not released fuel economy or curb weight figures for any models, but we’d expect significant improvements from the 2015 Cayenne S in both areas.
Porsche has not specified what changes it made to the engine of the 2015 Porsche Cayenne Turbo, but this model now lays down 520 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, which is the torque rating as the current Turbo S and just 30 hp short. With a 0-62 mph time of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 173 mph, the 2015 Cayenne Turbo almost matches the numbers of the 2014 Cayenne Turbo S.
Like the powertrains, Porsche has made big improvements to the overall styling of the 2015 Cayenne. Up front, the key changes include the cleaner fascia with larger grille openings and redesigned headlights. On the S, Diesel and S E-Hybrid, the headlights will be Bi-Xenon with Porsche’s now-signature four-point LED running lights, while the Turbo will get standard LED headlights. Styling changes at the rear of the 2015 Cayenne are even more extensive with a new liftgate, sportier rear fascia with fully integrated exhaust outlets and sleeker taillights. We don’t have shots of the 2015 Porsche Cayenne interior yet, but Porsche promises upgrades like a 918-inspired steering wheel and a redesigned rear seats including the addition of optional seat ventilation.
Porsche says it's launching the new Cayenne in just the S, Diesel, S E-Hybrid and Turbo models, so there's no word about what will happen with the base Cayenne, Cayenne GTS or the Cayenne Turbo S; regardless, the 2015 Porsche Cayenne goes on sale in the U.S. on November 1, 2014. All of these changes are bringing some hefty price increases, too, with the 2015 Cayenne Diesel starting at $61,700 (up $5,100), the 2015 Cayenne S starting at $74,100 (up $7,300), the 2015 Cayenne S E-Hybrid starting at $76,400 (up $5,500) and the 2015 Cayenne Turbo starting at $113,600 (up $3,200).
Google News