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2007 Porsche Cayenne Full Review
Date Published: 6/07/08
2007 Porsche Cayenne Review
Porsche passes on 2007-model Cayennes, saying that '06 versions will be available until a redesigned truck arrives later in the calendar year as a 2008 model. This SUV shares a basic design with the Volkswagen Touareg, but differs in styling and engines. The base Cayenne has a 247-hp V6, the S and S Titanium Edition a 340-hp V8. A turbocharged V8 makes 450 hp in the Cayenne Turbo, 520 in the top-line Turbo S. The V6 comes with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic; V8s are automatic only. Cayennes have all-wheel drive with low-range gearing and locking center differential. An off-road option includes a locking rear differential. A self-leveling suspension with driver-adjustable firmness and ride-height settings is standard on Turbos, optional otherwise. Turbo S has specific suspension tuning and larger brakes. All models include ABS, antiskid/traction control, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. A navigation system is optional. Also available are heated steering wheel and seats and engine-off climate-control operation.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize SUVs are similar in size and construction to Midsize SUVs. Most, in fact, are gilded versions of Midsize SUVs; though a few are exclusive upscale designs.

Our Best Buys include the Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended picks are the Mercedes-Benz R-Class and Volvo XC90.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Chrysler Aspen, and Lincoln MKX.
News
Having now expanded to four models, Porsche's SUV is due to get a front-end restyle and other cosmetic updates for 2008, say our sources. An uprated base model with 275-hp 3.6-liter V6 is also expected. Porsche was known to be mulling a long-wheelbase wagon, a short-chassis 2-dr wagon, and even a 4-dr crew cab pickup, but it's unclear if these ideas are still on the board. Further out, a second-generation Cayenne is expected around 2010 with a gasoline/electric drive system among the powertrain choices. Porsche has promised to offer a hybrid Cayenne using technology shared with one of several mass-market manufacturers, but nothing more is known at the moment.

Meantime, Porsche is working on its first sedan, a sleek 4-dr intended to take on the BMW 6-Series, Mercedes CLS, and other high-style 4-seaters. To be called Panamera, it's expected by 2009 or '10 on a new front-engine platform mounting Cayenne V8s. Production reportedly will be limited to about 20,000 per year for worldwide sale.
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2007 Porsche Cayenne Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration Fuel economy
Handling/roadholding
Cargo room
Build quality
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

Base w/18-in. wheels, auto. S S w/20-in. wheels Turbo w/20-in. wheels Class Average
5 7 7 8 6.2

No opportunity yet to test Turbo S. V6 adequate, but struggles to keep up with fast traffic. Porsche quotes 8.5 sec 0-60 mph with manual transmission, 9.1 with automatic. It pegs Cayenne S around 7.0 sec 0-60, Turbo about 5.5. Both V8s feel strong, but annoy with nonlinear power delivery. S also needs heavy throttle foot for maximum zip. Turbo responds with less-than-expected power in some situations, more than needed in others.
Fuel Economy

Base w/18-in. wheels, auto. S S w/20-in. wheels Turbo w/20-in. wheels Class Average
4 3 3 3 3.6

Test automatic-transmission V6 averaged 16.3 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test Turbo averaged 14.8 mpg in mixed driving. No opportunity to measure S or Turbo S. All engines require premium-grade fuel.
Ride Quality

Base w/18-in. wheels, auto. S S w/20-in. wheels Turbo w/20-in. wheels Class Average
6 6 4 4 5.7

Taut always. Short sidewalls on 19- and 20-inch tires mean poor bump absorption, but only sharp potholes really jar. Self-leveling "active" suspension firms progressively through Comfort, Normal, Sport modes. Some unwanted rebounding in Comfort. Sport jiggles on even gentle ripples. All Cayennes highly capable off-road, offer up to 10.7 inches ground clearance.
Steering/Handling/Braking

Base w/18-in. wheels, auto. S S w/20-in. wheels Turbo w/20-in. wheels Class Average
7 7 7 7 5.6

Power split 38/62 percent front/rear provides almost sports-sedan driving feel. Communicative steering. Unerring grip even in bumpy turns. Excellent directional stability. Arresting brakes, though occasionally squeaky on test Turbo. Summer tires standard, so optimal winter traction requires changing treads; all-season tires available for Base and S. Cayenne impresses off-road.
Quietness

Base w/18-in. wheels, auto. S S w/20-in. wheels Turbo w/20-in. wheels Class Average
7 7 6 6 6.5

Little wind rush below 70 mph. Appropriate exhaust growl; hint of whistle on Turbo. Twenty-inch tires noisy on all but smooth surfaces.
Controls

Base w/18-in. wheels, auto. S S w/20-in. wheels Turbo w/20-in. wheels Class Average
5 5 5 5 6.5

Controls and readouts surround driver, require predrive familiarization. Small audio buttons contrast with large, simple toggles for climate, suspension, transfer-case settings. No opportunity to test with navigation system. Cabin materials classy, but not opulent for this price level.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base w/18-in. wheels, auto. S S w/20-in. wheels Turbo w/20-in. wheels Class Average
7 7 7 7 7.3

Ample head room. Generous seat travel. Excellent lateral support, though seat bottoms may pinch some physiques. Standard tilt/telescope wheel. Great forward visibility. Large outside mirrors, but headrests, narrow liftgate window impede view aft. Slight step-up into cabin, but no-fuss entry/exit. Optional keyless entry needlessly complicates locking/unlocking.
Room/Comfort (rear)

Base w/18-in. wheels, auto. S S w/20-in. wheels Turbo w/20-in. wheels Class Average
5 5 5 5 6.3

Adequate head room. Good leg, toe space. Cushion supportive, but too firm for some testers. Doors open wide, but passengers need to twist ankles to clear door frames on exit.
Cargo Room

Base w/18-in. wheels, auto. S S w/20-in. wheels Turbo w/20-in. wheels Class Average
8 8 8 8 7.8

Good with rear seat up, but not expansive for an SUV. Seat splits 60/40, folds flat for plenty of space, but you must first flip cushions, then remove and stow headrests. Adequate cabin storage. Spare tire not included, just an emergency inflator kit. Optional spare mounts on tail.
Value within Class

Base w/18-in. wheels, auto. S S w/20-in. wheels Turbo w/20-in. wheels Class Average
4 4 3 2 5.9

V6 Cayennes lack the expected Porsche punch, and the V8 versions' nonlinear power delivery disappoints. But all Cayennes have Porsche-worthy road manners and impress for engineering, solidity, and off-road prowess.
Total Score

Base w/18-in. wheels, auto. S S w/20-in. wheels Turbo w/20-in. wheels Class Average
58 59 55 55 61.4
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
54
Average Score
61
High Score
82
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2007 Porsche Cayenne Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 01/10/2007
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
Base 4-door wagon $42,200 $36,771 $815
S 4-door wagon $57,200 $49,904 $815
Turbo 4-door wagon $90,200 $78,795 $815
Price note: Turbo S and Titanium Edition prices and equipment not available at time of publication.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
3.2-liter V6 engine, 6-speed manual transmission, hill-holder clutch, all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, traction control, locking center differential.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, 12-way power front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, cooled glovebox, variable-intermittent wipers, heated washers, map lights, cargo cover, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/65R17 tires, alloy wheels.
S adds to Base:
Powertrain
4.5-liter V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, Bose sound system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
255/55R18 tires.
Turbo adds to S:
Powertrain
4.5-liter turbocharged V8 engine.
Safety
Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system, power tilt/telescope heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, memory system (front seats, mirrors, steering wheel).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Bi-xenon headlights w/washers, cornering lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Height-adjustable and load-leveling active suspension w/manual shock absorber control.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Preferred Pkg.
Turbo
$3,790
$
Power sunroof, 6-disc CD changer, trailer hitch.
Preferred Pkg. Plus
S
$7,790
$
Preferred Pkg. plus navigation system.
Light Comfort Pkg.
Base, S, Turbo
$610
$
Automatic day/night outside and rearview mirrors, dimmer-controlled interior lights, automatic headlights, programmable approach lights.
Advanced Off-Road Tech Pkg.
Base, S, Turbo
$4,290
$
Locking rear differential, hydraulically disconnectable stabilizer bars, skid plates.
Wood Pkg.
Base
$1,040
$
Turbo
$345
$
S
$1,385
$
Wood interior trim.
SportDesign Pkg.
Base, S, Turbo
$5,870
$
Bodyside cladding, rear spoiler.
Powertrain
6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
Base
$3,000
$
Deletes hill-holder clutch.
Safety
Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system
Base, S
$990
$
Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system w/rearview camera
Base, S
$2,670
$
Requires navigation system.
Tire-pressure monitor
Base, S, Turbo
$590
$
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls
Base
$550
$
4-zone automatic climate controls
Base
$2,240
$
S, Turbo
$1,690
$
Includes rear controls.
Parking heater
Base, S, Turbo
$1,570
$
Navigation system
Base, S
$3,070
$
Includes voice recognition. Std. Turbo.
Extended navigation system
Base, S
$3,275
$
Turbo
$205
$
Includes off-road navigation and reverse-route guide.
Rearview camera
Turbo
$1,680
$
Power sunroof
Base, S, Turbo
$1,150
$
Panoramic power sunroof
Base, S, Turbo
$3,900
$
Variable-assist power steering
Base, S
$270
$
Std. Turbo.
Keyless access and starting
Base, S, Turbo
$995
$
6-disc CD changer
Base, S, Turbo
$650
$
Bose sound system
Base
$1,625
$
Satellite radio
Base, S, Turbo
$990
$
Smooth leather
Base, S
$3,040
$
Std. Turbo.
Comfort seats
Base, S
$1,290
$
Includes driver-seat memory.
Sport seats
Base, S
$1,290
$
Turbo
$0
$0
Base, S include driver-seat memory.
Heated front seats
Base, S
$560
$
Includes steering wheel.
Heated front and rear seats
Base, S
$990
$
Includes steering wheel.
Ski sack
Base, S, Turbo
$0
$0
Floormats
Base, S, Turbo
$130
$
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Bi-xenon headlights
Base, S
$1,240
$
Includes washers, cornering lights.
Black exterior trim
Base, S, Turbo
$320
$
Roof rails
Base, S, Turbo
$820
$
Special paint
Base, S, Turbo
$495
$
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Height-adjustable load-leveling active suspension
Base, S
$2,990
$
Includes manual shock-absorber control.
All-season tires
Base, S
$0
$0
255/55R18 tires
Base
$1,190
$
Cayenne Design Wheels
Base
$2,390
$
S
$1,200
$
Turbo
$1,050
$
Includes 275/45R19 tires.
Cayenne Sport Design Wheels
Base
$3,500
$
S
$2,310
$
Turbo
$2,160
$
Includes 275/40R20 tires.
Rear-mounted spare tire
S, Turbo
$1,980
$
Base
$1,595
$
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2007 Porsche Cayenne Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Porsche Cayenne 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 112.4
Overall Length, in. 188.2
Overall Width, in. 75.9
Overall Height, in. 66.9
Curb Weight, lbs. 4762
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 62.5
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 26.4
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 39.6
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 40.6
Rear Head Room, in. 38.8
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 35.9
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  sohc V6 dohc V8 Turbocharged dohc V8 Turbocharged dohc V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.2 /195 4.5 /275 4.5 /275 4.5 /275
Horsepower @ rpm. 247 @ 6000 340 @ 6000 450 @ 6000 520 @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 229 @ 2500 310 @ 2500 460 @ 2250 530 @ 2750
Availability Standard Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
       
6-speed manual 15/20 --/-- --/-- --/--
6-speed automatic 15/19 14/18 13/18 13/18
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Porsche Cayenne 4-door wagon
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 4/50,000 --
Corrosion 10/unlimited --
Free roadside assistance 4/50,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: Germany
Drivewheels: all-wheel drive
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