Porsche Cayenne (2011) upgrades announced

The Porsche Cayenne has been given a minor refresh for 2011. Even if you don't blink, you may miss it - but here's what you need to know about the modestly overhauled Cayenne 4x4 range.

Let's start with the Cayenne Diesel. The most unlikely of Porsches, the Cayenne Diesel SUV gets a mild engine tweak for 2011. A new variable-geometry turbocharger, revamped direct injection and a weight-saving programme cut 20kg from the porky SUV's kerb weight. 

Power goes up 5bhp to 245bhp, while fuel economy gains an extra 0.8mpg as it rises to 39mpg combined. CO2 emissions drop to 189g/km.  These result in a 0.2 second cut in the quoted 0-62mph time, down to 7.6 seconds. If you're above the law or on a derestricted autobahn you'll also appreciate the 2mph boost to top speed, now 137mph.

For the Cayenne owner with Greenpeace membership, the Cayenne S Hybrid has received updates to the hybrid management systems.

You can now enjoy low-speed EV mode from cold start (previously the system only allowed EV mode once the engine was warmed-up), and nod knowingly at your Prius-driving friends as you crawl silently away from traffic lights in Kensington.

Unrepentant Porsche absolutists will be delighted to know the new Cayenne Turbo can now be had with the Powerkit, that debuted with the Panamera Turbo S. The Powerkit brings a 40bhp bonus to the Cayenne Turbo's clearly insufficient 500bhp.  Cayenne Turbo pilots can now dispatch peasants from their path with a 4.6 second 0-62 time, and flee prosecution with a 176mph top speed.

All with identical fuel economy and emissions figures to the standard Turbo. Two new titanium-aluminium turbochargers are chiefly responsible for the performance gain.

They can't, in proud Porsche design tradition. Apart from specifying Porsche Exclusive options like tinted LED tail lights, adaptive headlamps or quad exhausts, there are no apparent styling changes for 2011.

By Mark Hamilton