Porsche Cayenne (2011) undisguised

The Porsche Cayenne 2010 / 2011 undisguised is ready for a launch at Geneva in March

We’ve seen spy shots of the 2011 Porsche Cayenne on a pretty regular basis over the last year as Porsche works to fettle the new Cayenne before a launch at the Geneva Motor Show in March. But with that debut looming we now see shots of the new Porsche Cayenne out and about all but undisguised.

Porsche are attempting to address criticisms of the current Cayenne by making the new Cayenne a much more road-focused car and by shedding weight from what is, by any standards, a heavyweight SUV. Reports say that the new Cayenne will be 10% lighter than its predecessor and will drop any real pretensions as an off-roader.

From the perspective of a Cayenne owner I find that quite disappointing. Not the weight reduction, but the off-road ability. The current Cayenne is astonishingly competent off-road and the match of any big SUV – and most non-SUVs – on-road. But Porsche are intent on dropping the locking diffs and transfer box to shed weight and make the Cayenne nimbler. Which to my mind will make the argument that the Cayenne is a 911 on stilts more credible. And more pointless.

Still, Porsches are supposed to be road-focused and the new Cayenne will be more so than ever. Engine choices will be the normally aspirated and turbo versions of the current 4.8 litre V8 (with 400bhp and 500bhp respectively), a 3.6 litre V6 with 300bhp, the 4.0 litre diesel from the Q7 with 240bhp and a V6 petrol hybrid V6 from the hybrid Touareg offering 330bhp.

The interior – not the strongest point on the current Cayenne – will get a Panamera-style makeover with better quality materials and all Cayennes will get an eight-speed auto ‘box and stop-start to keep emissions in check and improve economy.

The first proper outing for the 2010/2011 Porsche Cayenne will be at Geneva in March with sales starting in the Summer.

By Cars UK