KEY POINTS:
To many, the idea of a Porsche off-roader still defies logic. But you can't deny that the Cayenne has been a real money-spinner for Germany's most famous sports car maker: the Stuttgart company is in rude enough financial health to have acquired a controlling share in technology partner
Volkswagen (whose Touareg is based on the same platform as Cayenne).
And while it may defy logic, the Cayenne also defies the laws of physics.
Right from launch in 2002, the big Porsche demonstrated a level of handling and roadholding that seemed impossible for such a large, high-set vehicle.
Porsche is pushing the dynamic abilities of the Cayenne even further forward with the facelifted version launched earlier this year. It's developed a system called Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), which adds active anti-roll bars to the front and rear suspension. By monitoring steering angle and lateral body movement, the PDCC automatically stiffens the chassis to eliminate virtually all roll. The Cayenne always tackled tight corners in a flat and nimble fashion, but PDCC has added a sense of the surreal to the driving experience.
With no body roll to communicate an increase in cornering speed to the driver, the only real question is what happens when the PDCC Cayenne finally lets go. It's not one I was able to answer - the handling limits of our Cayenne S V8 test car lay in some distant place that I wasn't keen to visit.
Porsche is certainly not a pioneer in this type of technology: both BMW and Land Rover employ active sway bars on some versions of their big off-roaders. But that's simply another reason to make sure you tick PDCC on your Cayenne option sheet, even at an eye-watering price of $6500. After all, if you're having a Porsche you want one with the latest technology - as much for bragging rights as future resale.
PDCC also cements the V8 models' status as the "proper'' Cayennes. The entry V6 ($128,000) has more power than the previous model, but still serves up rather modest performance, fairly low-rent cabin finish and conventional steel-sprung suspension.
You need the $175,000 4.8-litre V8 Cayenne S to really get things moving. It's got air suspension - a must if you want the PDCC option - and high-quality cabin trim, including a leather-lined dashboard.
Opt for the top Cayenne Turbo and you get PDCC as standard. Then again, it costs $260,000, which makes the naturally aspirated S-version tested here look like something of a bargain.
The Cayenne stands as a remarkable engineering achievement.
It's also the main reason why Porsche can afford to continue developing and building outstanding sports cars such as the 911.
But the big off-roader also still stands as a profligate status symbol that excites image-conscious owners, but offends almost everybody else. Porsche isn't blind to the environmental affront represented by big off-roaders - new technology in the Cayenne's 4.8-litre V8 engine, including direct injection and VarioCam camshaft control, has reduced the official fuel consumption by an impressive 1.2 litres per 100km. In the longer term, Porsche is even working on a petrol-electric hybrid Cayenne.
But that's another thing that defies logic. Has any Cayenne owner ever cared about fuel economy?
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PORSCHE CAYENNE S
We like: Throaty V8, staggering speed around corners.
We don't like: Ghastly styling, gauche image.
THE FACTS
Basic price: $175,000.
Options: Fitted Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control ($6500), 20-inch Techno alloys ($3800).
Price as tested: $185,300.
Warranty: 3 years/100,000km.
POWERTRAIN AND PERFORMANCE
Engine: 4806cc direct-injection V8.
Power: 283kW at 6200rpm.
Torque: 500Nm at 3500rpm.
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with low-range transfer, full-time four-wheel drive.
0-100km/h: 6.8 seconds.
0-160km/h: 15.7 seconds.
SAFETY
Active driver aids: Anti-lock braking with force distribution and brake assist, stability control, tyre-pressure monitoring system.
Passive restraints: Front, side and curtain airbags, five lap-sash seatbelts.
EuroNCAP occupant crash test rating: Not tested.
VITAL STATISTICS
Wheels and tyres: 20-inch alloy, 275/45 tyres.
Length: 4798mm.
Height: 1694mm.
Width: 1928mm.
Wheelbase: 2855mm.
Boot volume: 540/1770 litres (seats up/folded).
Fuel tank: 100 litres.
- Sunday Extra, Hos
