The current Porsche Cayenne is approaching the end of its life cycle as a successor now been spotted on multiple occasions testing in prototype form.
as a successor now been spotted on multiple occasions testing in prototype form. The new SUV’s exterior is disguised but we can already make out the general shape of the third-generation model, which appears to have a sleeker look dominated by a longer, flatter roof.
The new Cayenne is due out sometime next year, as a 2018 model, and when it arrives it should offer improved dynamics, fuel efficiency and performance thanks to the SUV version of the Volkswagen Group’s MLB Evo platform. The platform made its debut in the 2017 Audi Q7and has since appeared in the 2017 Bentley Bentayga. It will also appear in the next VW Touaregas well as Lamborghini’s Urus SUV.
The benefits of the platform are lighter weight and improved rigidity, brought about by a combination of high-strength steel, aluminum and even some carbon fiber in the mix. We’re expecting the new Cayenne to weigh as much as 220 pounds less than the current model, which in base trim still weighs in at almost 4,500 lb.
Porsche's Panamera Sport Turismo Concept
Enlarge PhotoAs for styling, Porsche’s Panamera Sport Turismo conceptfrom 2012 plus the smaller Macan SUV point the way. Look for the new Cayenne to adopt the Macan’s clamshell hood and wraparound tail-lights. The Panamera Sport Turismo concept’s C-shaped fender vent and front air intakes are also expected to feature in the design.
Powertrains are expected to mirror the lineup in the current Cayenne. This means a naturally-aspirated V-6 for the base Cayenne, a turbocharged V-6 for the mid-range Cayenne S, a plug-in hybrid setup for the Cayenne S E-Hybrid, and a twin-turbocharged V-8 for the Cayenne Turbo. Given the VW Group’s diesel emissions scandal, which affects the current Cayenne Diesel, it’s not clear if this new model will still offer an oil-burner here in the United States.
Inside, expect a design similar to the one designed for the next-generation Panamera, which will be revealed later this year. There will be less physical buttons thanks to an improved touchscreen interface. There will also be some improved infotainment and connectivity options, plus more electronic driver aids complete with semi-autonomous features.
Stay tuned for updates as development continues.
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