2009 Porsche Cayenne

The Sport Button
There is something appealingly cartoon-like about a button on the dash that, when pushed, offers, as Porsche describes it, "extra dynamism." Who doesn't want that?

Real Off-Road Capabilities
It would have been simple for Porsche to go light on the all-terrain capabilities of its SUV, since it is likely many of its drivers will never venture off asphalt, so it is more than reassuring to know that Porsche engineers took their rough-country mandate seriously and created a vehicle that can slog through slime.

While the 2009 Cayenne is the most commodious of all Porsche models, its interior retains the same sophisticated luxury feel offered by sports cars like the 911. In proper Porsche fashion, the ignition lock is placed to the left of the steering column, while the instrument faces have the no-nonsense look of a sports model. The switches that adjust the suspension are integrated into a busy center console. The "offroad switch" is a toggle that allows quick adjustment of various chassis and suspension settings, and it is accompanied by the Sports button, which alters the responsiveness of the engine and the suspension. Both rows of seats are finished in leather, and leather also decorates the steering wheel rim, door handles, grab handles and other areas where many luxury models use simulated coverings. With rear seats up, the Cayenne accommodates a substantial 19 cubic feet of cargo, but unlike several other European luxury SUVs there is no third-row option.

Fresh from a thorough makeover last year, the 2009 Cayenne carries over with only minor cosmetic changes. Although it bears a strong resemblance to the original Cayenne, the subtle changes make both esthetic and functional sense. For instance, the headlights are now moved to the outside of the front fascia and covered with clear glass, improving looks and offering an aerodynamic benefit. The coefficient of drag is also lower than the first-generation SUV, a nod to improved fuel economy and better high-speed handling. Even the standard 17-inch wheels have presence, but the available 20- and 21-inch wheels really show off the huge brakes and calipers that are fitted on the car, a utilitarian style statement.

The engines in the various Cayenne trim levels represent an embarrassment of riches. All three – 3.6-liter V6, 4.8-liter V8 and 4.8-liter twin-turbo V8 – offer more overall horsepower and torque output and better fuel economy than the first generation Cayenne engine lineup. One key reason is the use of direct gasoline injection technology, which results in up to 15 percent lower fuel consumption plus up to 12 percent better vehicle acceleration. Variable valve timing and a two-stage input in the naturally aspirated V8 are other contributors.

3.6-liter V6
290 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
273 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20

4.8-liter V8
385 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
369 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/19

4.8-liter V8 (GTS)
405 horsepower @ 6500 rpm
369 lb.-ft. of torque @3500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 11/17 (manual), 13/18 (automatic)

4.8-liter Twin-turbo V8
500 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
516 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/19

4.8-liter Twin-turbo V8 (Turbo S)
550 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
553 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2250
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/19