2009 Porsche Cayenne

NEW FOR 2009:

- New Cayenne Turbo S and Transsyberia models

- Revised Porsche Communication Management

- Turbo model receives larger brakes

- GTS sport seats with Alcantara upholstery and padded multifunction wheel now available on all models

- Available ceramic composite brakes, XM Satellite Radio and six-CD changer

- Exterior colours: GTS Red and Nordic Gold available on all models; Macadamia Metallic and Lava Grey Metallic added

Following its all-new makeover for 2008, the Porsche Cayenne introduces a new flagship model, the 550-horsepower Cayenne Turbo S, for 2009. There's also a special Transsyberia trim model, in honour of the Cayenne that took on the Transsyberia Rally in 2008. The Porsche Communication Management system (PCM) is also revised, now using a touch-screen rather than a separate keyboard, with fewer keys and menus to simplify operation; Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and auxiliary music player input are available. The navigation system, standard on Turbo models and optional on others, is now based on a 40-gb hard drive.

The Cayenne comes in five models: the Cayenne, with 3.6-litre V6; the Cayenne S and Cayenne GTS, with naturally-aspirated 4.8-litre V8; and the Cayenne Turbo and Turbo S, with turbocharged 4.8-litre V8, making 500 horsepower in the Turbo and 550 horsepower in the Turbo S. Transmission choices are a six-speed manual or six-speed Tiptronic automatic; the automatic is the only choice on the S, Turbo and Turbo S. All models include an all-wheel drive system that normally operates in a 38/62 split, but which can send 100 per cent of torque front or rear when necessary through an electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch. Low range can also be accessed via a switch for serious off-road driving.

Features on the Cayenne include 17-inch alloy wheels, 12-way power front seats with memory, leather-trimmed multifunction wheel, automatic climate control, 60/40 folding rear seat, footwell lighting, front and rear fog lamps, CD/MP3 stereo with 12 speakers, trip computer, power windows with remote key-fob closing, rain-sensing wipers, heated washer jets, power liftgate, cruise control, garage door opener, black roof rails, trailer hitch preparation and rear spoiler.

The Cayenne S adds 18-inch alloy wheels and dark-tinted rear glass.

The GTS adds 21-inch alloy wheels, air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management, side skirts, painted moldings, roof spoiler with "biplane wings", and black window surrounds.

The Cayenne Turbo builds on the S and adds speed-sensitive steering, self-levelling bi-Xenon headlamps, brushed aluminum roof rails, front and rear heated seats, heated steering wheel, navigation system, front and rear park assist, leather-trimmed dashboard, and Alcantara headliner.

The Cayenne Turbo S adds Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, body-colour wheel arch extension, matte-finish air intake grilles, dual-twin tailpipes, and two-tone leather upholstery.

The Transsyberia is based on the Cayenne S, but uses the high-performance, 405-horsepower V8 from the GTS. It includes 18-inch Cayenne S II wheels, 4.1:1 final drive, sports exhaust system, air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management, two-tone exterior colour scheme, off-road roof lights, exclusive interior colour scheme, and padded Alcantara steering wheel rim with contrasting 12-o'clock mark.

A surprising success story for a sports car manufacturer, the Cayenne has proved to be immensely popular, with more than 150,000 copies sold. All models are powerful, but the new Turbo S takes it a step beyond, coaxing 550 horses out of its supercharged engine. The Transsyberia model, as off-road capable as it looks, should give a rugged new flair to rough country roads and downtown driveways alike.