Paris show: Cayenne peppered with attention

DESPITE being revealed to the media for the first time officially the previous evening, Porsche's long awaited four-wheel drive off-roader still attracted a constant throng of attention during its debut public appearance in Paris, where most agreed it appears better in the metal than in photographs.

As expected, the Zuffenhausen sports car-maker's first five-door was shown in naturally aspirated quad cam 4.5-litre V8 Cayenne S and twin-turbocharged Cayenne Turbo guise, both expected to arrive in Australian Porsche showrooms around April, 2003.

Likely to start at around $140,000 for the S, Cayenne pricing should top out around a 911-matching $200,000 for the Cayenne Turbo.

A six-speed manual Cayenne S is due on sale in Europe by August, 2003, but is unlikely to be offered Down Under.

Similarly, the sub-$100,000 3.2-litre VW V6-engined entry level Cayenne originally expected for release 18 months after the V8 Cayenne launch now appears unlikely to be offered, in an effort to maintain Porsche's exclusive image.

Based on a unitary-construction chassis, Cayenne features fully independent suspension, a new six-speed Tiptronic transmission with paddle shifting, permanent four-wheel drive and Porsche's new traction management program, resulting in a 38/62 per cent front/rear torque split in normal driving conditions and the ability to transfer drive a full 100 per cent to either end.

There is seating for five, 100 litres of fuel capacity, luggage space extending from 540 to 1770 litres and impressive safety credentials thanks to twin front airbags and full side impact protection with thorax and curtain airbags, plus Porsche Stability Management.

Six-piston aluminium monobloc front brake callipers, standard 18-inch wheels plus optional 19 and 20-inch items, an electrically retractable 3500kg tow hook, full leather upholstery and a 10-speaker double-tuner CD sound system add to the formidable package.

The Turbo adds 14-speaker Bose audio, five-inch TFT screen with navigation, heated and power adjustable steering wheel and rear seat heating.

As previously reported, the Cayenne S delivers a BMW X5 and Range Rover-beating 250kW at 6000rpm and 420Nm of torque from 2500rpm, making for 0-100km/h sprints in 7.2 seconds and a top speed for the 2245kg vehicle of 242km/h.

The lower-geared Cayenne Turbo offers 331kW at 6000rpm and a big 620Nm from 2250rpm for a 0-100km/h sprint in just 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 266km/h, making it the world's fastest SUV.

But it also has 273mm of ground clearance courtesy of air suspension and the ability to wade through water up to 55cm deep.