Porsche readies revised Cayenne

SPY shots of Porsche's facelifted 2007 Cayenne have begun to emerge in Europe and the US, revealing subtle changes to the car’s big snout and fat rump.

Officially, Porsche has admitted an updated Cayenne is in the wings but won't confirm exactly what changes the revised SUV will bring.

As various spy photos show, however, Porsche's first off-roader will receive a cleaner, leaner look - courtesy of slimemr new headlights that bring the model more in line with Boxster and 911, a new front skirt with different air intakes and foglights integrated into the extreme corners.

Out back, there are bigger LED tail-lights, a reprofiled bumper and new spoiler. Inside, the cabin remains largely unchanged, except for some minor switchgear improvements and new trim.

The copious 383kW 4.5-litre V8 engine in the flagship Turbo S is said to remain unchanged. Likewise the sophisticated air suspension.

The freshened four-wheel drive goes on sale in Europe later this year, but its arrival in Australia is not likely to be until the second half of 2007.

Porsche is also continuing work on a hybrid Cayenne, being developed in conjunction with Volkswagen and Audi. But Porsche is expected to release the hybrid in 2008 at the earliest.

Apart from the Cayenne, Porsche is also believed to be considering a smaller off-roader based on the upcoming Audi Q5, which is a smaller version of the Q7.

This newest Porsche off-roader is set to become a rival against the BMW X3 and the upcoming Mercedes MLK.