2008 Porsche Cayenne Review by Mike Hanley

2008 Porsche Cayenne

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2008 Porsche Cayenne

Kelley Blue Book Retail $26,500–$42,700  

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Expert Reviews

By Mike Hanley

Cars.com National April 20, 2007

Vehicle Overview

Available at dealerships beginning March 3, the revised 2008 Porsche Cayenne has different front and rear styling and a new range of larger engines that feature direct-injection technology and make more power while using less fuel.

The Cayenne can also have the new Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control active suspension system that allows the SUV to corner with less body roll.

Exterior

The most visible changes to the Cayenne can be seen at the front of the SUV. The headlights are flatter, and the leading edge in front of the hood is more defined than before. There are still gaping lower grilles, though they've been restyled, too.

The Cayenne Turbo comes standard with an auto-leveling system and adaptive xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights. The base wheels measure 17 inches in diameter, and available wheels march up in 1-inch increments all the way to 21 inches. A power liftgate is standard.

Interior

The Cayenne's five-seat interior carries over mostly unchanged from before. A new black and brown leather package is optional. A power liftgate is standard.

Under the Hood

The Cayenne's base engine is a 290-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6, while the midlevel Cayenne S gets a 4.8-liter V-8 that kicks out 385 hp and 369 pounds-feet of torque. If you want even more power, the Cayenne Turbo's 4.8-liter V-8 makes 500 hp and 516 pounds-feet of torque and can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, according to Porsche. That's pretty good for a 5,191-pound SUV. Gas mileage is projected to be 8 to 15 percent better than before.

If you opt for the V-6 Cayenne, you can have your choice of either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, but V-8 Cayennes are only available with a six-speed automatic. Four-wheel drive is standard.

Safety

Antilock brakes, side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags and an electronic stability system are standard.

Additional Reviews

Cars.com Expert Reviews

Mike HanleyCars.com NationalApril 20, 2007

Affiliate Reviews

G. Chambers Williams IIIStar-Telegram.comMarch 26, 2007
Scott BurgessThe Detroit NewspapersMarch 21, 2007

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