Road Test Porsche Cayenne 3.6 V8
Only in a Porsche Cayenne could a 3.6 ltre engine developing 290bhp be seen as underwhelming but hit the road in this 'top end' 4 x 4 and you will wonder what the point of spashing out for a V8 version is.
The step up from 3.2 to 3.6 litre knocks a full second off the 0-60 time and delivers an additional 40bhp.
Recently Porshes opposition have bared their teeth and the Cayenne needed to answer back. The 250bjp 3.2litre V6 model was just starting to look a little flaccid in the face of this onslaught so Porshe has done the decent thing and plumbed a much more modern powerplant into the blujff front end of the Cayenne.
With 290bhp on tap and coupled with prettier syhtling forf the monster Porsche, this Cayenne is going to attract a whole lot of costomers who may one have shielded their childrfens eyes when the previous model drove by.
Engine wise the entry level V6 now uses direct injection technology and the 0-60 mph time is down to a mere 7.8 seconds and top speed rises to 141 mph
In other words its got enough about it to keep a decent hot hatch honest.
Its only on narrow roads that the sheer bulk of the Cayenne becomes apparent. Even the standard chassis whithout PDDC is astonishingly talented.
Porsche Traction Management can direct up to 100 per cent of drive to the front or rear wheels if necessary so you will never be shy of urge when accelerating onto a wet roundabout or away from a T-junction.
In fact the biggest problem here is ensuring your hands are quick enought to the wheel to cope with the Cayenne’s startling quick step off from a standing start.
This is all the Cayenne you will need.
Spec at a Glance
Car;Porsche Cayenne 3.6 V6
Insurance group:20
Co2 emissions:310g/km
Performance:0-60 mph 7.8s / Max speed 141mph
Fuel consumption (urban) 15.3mpg/ (extra urban) 28.8 mpg / (combined) 21.9mpg
Standard Safety Features: Twin front and side airbags ABS, PSM
Will it fit in to your garage length.width.height 4786/1928/1699mm
Price:£37,100 on the road