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New 2012 Porsche Cayenne: what you need to know

The second generation of the Porsche Cayenne made its debut for 2011

by Marcus Dubois

The second generation of the Porsche Cayenne has only been around for a year. Yet like the proverbial buses we’ve got another new model on the horizon. The good news for owners of the 2011 model is that there’s no external redesign here – all the changes are under the skin.

Crucially the upgrades are to engines and drivetrain, enough to tempt new Cayenne buyers looking to save money at the pumps or hoping for improved performance.

Click here to view our photo gallery of the 2012 Porsche Cayenne

Throughout this year Caravan Times has been campaigning for lower fuel prices after feedback from caravanners struggling to enjoy the hobby in 2012. And while the high list price of the Cayenne (starting at £42,990) might mean owners scoff at the cost of fuel, Porsche has still worked to improve efficiency.

Less weight, more power, cheaper fuel costs


The diesel is the bestseller in the Cayenne range and best suited for our purpose. The 3-litre V6 engine found in the Cayenne Diesel has been given a power hike of 5 hp to 245 hp. Combine this with a 20kg reduction in weight and upgraded parts and you get minor improvements. Two-tenths of a second has been shaved off the acceleration time from 0-62 mph, which now takes 7.6 seconds. Fuel economy is also marginally better at 39mpg from the previous figure of 38.2 mpg.

All very well regarding facts and figures, but how does this benefit you? The reduction in kerbweight will be noted by those who nickname the big Porsche “porker”, while a drop in CO2 emissions to 189 g/km is another welcome boost.

Hybrid towing


One of the criticisms levelled at using hybrid vehicles for towing is the availability and delivery of power. Updates to the Cayenne S Hybrid could help change this theory however. Porsche has made changes to the hybrid management systems to allow low-speed EV mode from a cold start. (Previously a driver could only access this mode once the engine was warm enough).
So if the conditions are right, Porsche claims that you can drive and manoeuvre at low speeds on electric power alone. This should help drivers considering towing with a Porsche Cayenne.

The ultimate Cayenne

If you’re not fussed about saving the planet and want the ultimate in performance, then read on. The new Cayenne Turbo now gets the powerkit that debuted on its sister model the Panamera Turbo S. This means the Cayenne Turbo’s already stupendous 500 bhp now gets an extra 40 bhp. 0-62 now takes 4.6 seconds with a top speed of 176 mph.

Click here to view our photo gallery of the 2012 Porsche Cayenne