Automotive

New Porsche Cayenne Turbo S Unveiled

New Porsche Cayenne Turbo S Unveiled
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January 5, 2005 A new, supreme top-of-the-range model is taking over the leading position within the Porsche Cayenne range; second only to the Carrera GT, the Cayenne Turbo S is the most powerful Porsche homologated for road use. Benefiting from careful improvement and on-going development of the turbocharger system, the eight-cylinder bi-turbo power unit develops maximum output of 383 kW (521 bhp) at 5500 rpm, 52 kW or 71 bhp more than the Cayenne Turbo. Maximum torque of 720 Newton-metres or 531 lb-ft, in turn, is maintained consistently all the way between 2,750 and 3,750 rpm. This impressive output is reflected by truly outstanding performance on the road. The Cayenne Turbo S accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.2 seconds, sprints from 80 – 120 km/h (50 – 75 mph) in fifth gear in 5.4 seconds, and has a top speed of 270 km/h or 167 mph.

Subtle external differences identify the new model; 20-inch SportTechno design alloy wheels, four exhaust tailpipes, the model designation at the rear and, if ordered by the customer, paintwork in Navy Blue Metallic, which is exclusive to this model. Under the bonnet, however, there are significant changes.

Upgraded turbocharger system

The 4.5-litre V8 engine featured in the Cayenne Turbo S remains unchanged in principle, modification of the two intercoolers serving to boost both engine output and torque to a new level of performance. Fitted between the turbochargers and the throttle butterfly, the intercoolers serve to cool the compressed air supplied to the engine, improving the cylinder charge in the process.

The heat exchangers fitted in front of the wheel arches, together with the air supply and discharge ducts, are now made completely of aluminium and are 13 millimetres or 0.51" larger than on the Cayenne Turbo, ensuring a much higher level of efficiency and, at the same time, a significant improvement of flow conditions in the radiator, with the loss of pressure loss down by more than 50 per cent.

Porsche development engineers have also used these positive effects to increase boost pressure, depending on the speed range, by up to 0.2 bar to a maximum of 1.9 bar, with engine output increasing further in the process. However, it is only the concurrent optimisation of engine efficiency that really confirms the supreme standard of engine management achieved by the new power unit, the Cayenne Turbo S not consuming any more fuel than the Cayenne Turbo in the same speed range.

Eight-cylinder with substantial reserves

Even in its 'basic‘ trim and configuration the engine is easily able, through its strong and sturdy components, to meet the highest loads and requirements. Particular features of this four-valve power unit are VarioCam technology allowing a cam adjustment angle of 40o, as well as integrated dry sump lubrication for reliable lubrication of all engine components even under extended periods of high lateral acceleration. Configured in closed deck design, the crankcase is closed at the top by a cover plate resting on the cylinder head and forms a complete, self-contained system together with the cylinder cooling ducts in the interests of a very high level of stiffness. Able to run at an extreme angle of up to 45o both in longitudinal and lateral direction, the engine is perfectly suited for even the toughest off-road conditions.

Modified high-performance brake system

Reflecting the supreme performance of the Cayenne Turbo S, the development engineers have increased brake power accordingly, the new model featuring even larger brake discs with larger callipers than on the Cayenne Turbo. To be specific, the diameter of the front brake discs is up to 380 mm from 350 mm (14.96 - 13.78"), the diameter of the rear brake discs has been increased to 358 from 330 millimetres (14.09 - 12.99"). The engineers have also designed new cooling ducts and achieved an increase in heat dissipation by 10 per cent. In standard trim the Cayenne Turbo S rides on 20-inch SportTechno design alloy wheels running on road tyres measuring R 275/40 Y. A tyre pressure control system is also featured as standard.

Six-speed automatic transmission

Like the engine, the six-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission is perfectly prepared for the supreme power and torque to be conveyed to the wheels, with gearshift points adjusting infinitely to the driver’s style of motoring and the route he – or she – is taking.

Benefiting from the usual Porsche standard, the driver is also able to shift gears manually via buttons on the steering wheel. The additional option to shift gears instantaneously by briefly flicking the selector lever forwards or backwards serves above all to ensure a safe and smooth gearshift process when driving off-road.

Four-wheel drive for optimum traction

Transmission of power to all four wheels is elementary to the supreme driving dynamics offered by the Cayenne. Permanent Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive transmits 62 per cent of the engine’s power to the rear wheels and 38 per cent to the front wheels in the basic mode. Via a multiple-plate coupling operated by an electric motor and controlled electronically, power distribution may be varied as a function of driving conditions with up to 100 per cent of engine power going to the front or rear, depending on current requirements. This enables the Cayenne Turbo S to convey the supreme power of the bi-turbo engine to the road under dry conditions, without the supply of torque being cut off. The result, therefore, is optimum acceleration under full power for supreme performance on the road.

Porsche Traction Management for supreme driving dynamics

Porsche Traction Management (PTM) has a significant effect on the supreme standard of driving dynamics the Cayenne is able to offer. The longitudinal lock masterminded by map control and the optional differential lock on the rear axle included in the Advanced Off-Road Technology Package not only respond to a lack of traction on the front and rear axles, but also interact with sensors measuring the speed of the car, its lateral acceleration, the steering angle and the position of the throttle pedal, allowing PTM to calculate the optimum degree of differential lock on both axles at all times and thus distribute exactly the torque required to each axle. PTM thus ensures a high level of agility in bends plus exemplary driving stability when changing lanes, both at high speeds and when driving on ice and snow at a lower speed.

Superior chassis and suspension with air springs and adaptive self-levelling

With the chassis and suspension of the entire Cayenne model series being developed from the start to meet the greatest demands and requirements, Porsche was able to carry over the entire concept of this exceptional car to the new top-of-the-range model without making any changes. The front axle with rack-and-pinion steering comes in double control arm configuration, with the entire axle resting on its own subframe. The rear axle, in turn, is an elaborate multi-arm configuration also supported by a subframe.

The Cayenne Turbo S comes as standard with air springs allowing no less than six different levels of ground clearance for optimum conditions and driving qualities both at very high speeds and when driving off-road. Benefiting from integrated self-levelling, the suspension offers the further advantage of consistent ground clearance, regardless of the load the vehicle is currently carrying. And the automatic reduction in ride height is two steps down from the normal level makes a significant contribution to enhanced driving safety at the very high speeds the Cayenne Turbo S is able to achieve.

Variable damper system featured as standard

Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) also comes as standard on the Cayenne Turbo S. This electronic, variable damper adjustment system controls damper forces infinitely as required, depending on surface conditions and the driver’s style of motoring. As an example, PASM will intervene under very dynamic driving conditions involving powerful acceleration and application of the brakes, as well as on winding roads with many bends. A further advantage achieved in this way is the reduction of roll and body sway in the interest of enhanced smoothness.

Safety and equipment of the highest level

The excellent passive safety of the Cayenne Turbo S results not only from the use of the most modern materials such as high-strength steel throughout the body of the car, but also from the entire structure of the vehicle with three load levels above one another serving to absorb deformation energy.

Inside the Cayenne Turbo S, a wide range of airbags protects the occupants in a crash, examples being the driver, front passenger and thorax airbags as well as curtain airbags integrated in the roof frame and serving to protect the occupants at the rear.

This complete system of largely "invisible" safety elements is enhanced by a high level of equipment boasting full leather upholstery and trim throughout the interior as well as other comfort components. These include bi-Xenon headlights with dynamically controlled, static curve lights, electrically adjustable comfort seats at the front with a memory function and seat heating, as well as heated seats at the rear, automatic air conditioning, ParkAssist, Porsche Communication Management incorporating satellite navigation, and Bose Surround Sound System all featured as standard.

The Porsche Cayenne Turbo S goes on sale in the UK on 25 February, priced from £81,565 and including a Porsche Driving Experience programme. Other availability information will be added as it comes to hand.

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