press release: 500-HP Cayenne with panorama roof

[janzenms]

This was released today. Found on the Porsche press site. ...and I know I know wrong board. :-)

PORSCHE® UNVEILS 500-HP CAYENNE TURBO OPTION AND PANORAMA ROOF

Company also Offers an Optional Rearview Camera for all Cayenne Models

ATLANTA, SEPT. 14, 2004 --- Stuttgart-based Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG is expanding its Cayenne customization program to include increased horsepower for the Cayenne Turbo, an automatically extending rearview camera on all three Cayenne models, and new Panorama roof system that is approximately four times larger than the standard Cayenne tilt-and-slide sunroof.

Beginning in December 2004, Porsche will offer increased horsepower for the Cayenne Turbo through its Tequipment program. The upgrade includes increasing the engine performance from 450 to 500 horsepower, a reinforced brake system and an adapted suspension system requiring 19-inch or larger wheels. Thus equipped, the Cayenne Turbo can reach a top test-track speed of 167 mph (series production: 165 mph), and a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds (Cayenne Turbo with 450 horsepower: 5.2 seconds). Fuel consumption, as with the 450 horsepower Cayenne Turbo, remains unchanged at 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway.

Porsche achieved the 50 extra horsepower by optimizing the flow design of the intercooler and other engine management developments. In conjunction with changed accelerator pedal characteristics, this results in an optimized torque build-up and even sportier engine characteristics. The maximum torque has increased from 460 to 515 pounds-feet, and maximum torque is available between 2,250 and 4,750 rpm.

The front brake system has a new aluminum six-piston monobloc disc-brake caliper with a brake pad area that is more than 12 percent larger than the standard Cayenne Turbo front brake system. The brake disc is 14.96 inches/380 mm in diameter and 1.5 inches/38 mm thick (series production: 13.78 inches/350 mm in diameter and 1.34 inches/34 mm thick). Porsche engineers also optimized the brake ventilation. The rear brakes discs have also been enlarged to 14.1-inches/358 mm (series production: 13 inches/330 mm).

The Cayenne Turbo with the Tequipment upgrade is available for a U.S. MSRP of $109,200. A retrofit package is available through Tequipment for $18,500 plus installation at an authorized Porsche dealer.

From December 2004, all Cayenne, Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbos are available with an optional electrically operated Panorama roof system made from laminated safety glass. It has a surface area of just over 15 square feet/1.4 square meters and is approximately four times larger than typical sliding sunroof/pop-up sunroof systems.

The panorama roof system features three movable segments and one fixed segment. The front segment swings up when opened and acts as a wind deflector, which minimizes wind noise and turbulence at high speeds. The two central glass segments can be opened separately to allow a targeted flow of fresh air for the front and/or rear areas. The two segments can be pushed above or below one another, and to maximize the opening both segments can be moved all the way to the rear. In addition, it is possible to set the roof system in a raised position over the rear seats. In total, 15 different roof configurations can be selected.

In addition, an electric roller blind helps protect the interior from excessive sunlight. The entire roof system is operated by way of an illuminated rotary switch located in the roof console. The system is available for a U.S. price of $3,900.

Rearview Camera for Precise Maneuvering

All Cayenne models also will be offered worldwide beginning in December 2004 with a rearview camera system.

The camera, which is mounted just below the rear window and features a wide-angle lens, extends automatically when the reverse gear is selected. Once activated, it provides the driver with a clear image of the area behind the car via the 6.5-inch full-color display on the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system. This system not only provides precise reverse parking and the ability to see obstacles behind the car, it also lets the driver couple a trailer without the driver having to rely on a second person providing directions. A cover plate moves to protect the rearview camera once a forward gear is selected or at speeds above 9 mph/15 km/h. The U.S. price will be $1,680.

[Lux]

You know, I love my Boxster. But Porsche can suck it. I can't believe they would rather make a 500hp SUV than give the Boxster the power it deserves.

So now the company that was once known as specializing in sports cars has become a GT (911) and SUV specialist. Great.

[Tool Pants]

It is a shame but Porsche is now just like any other car company.

They make what sells and makes money for the company and the shareholders. And there is nothing wrong with that.

Next, they will produce a tractor.

[QporscheQ]

Personally, I dig the Cayenne and I am not too crazy about the 987 or 997. Most likely, my next vehicle purchase will be a Cayenne.

Similar to what Tool Pants said, the purpose of any company is to make money, a quick look at the PCNA sales number will show you that is sells big time.

One downside to the Porsche tractor, and Cayenne for that matter, is that PCNA will not let you race them in club races

[janzenms]

This is how I look at it. If I have to have an SUV (and I do need one for all the home imporvement stuff my wife likes me to do around the house), I'd rather have one from Porsche. I'd rather NOT have some bimmer or mb or lexus or chevy or whatever. So I'll definitely trade my accord for one some day (as soon as my wife gets sold on moving up from her honda).

I'm also glad that Porsche is smart enough to realize that in today's market place you need to sell what sells to survive. In other words... I'm glad they came up with the cayenne so they can continue to exist to build the cars we love.

So I'd say... No they are not like every other car company. ... now if they came out with a pickup we might need to picket them. lol

[aesir]

I think the primary reason they don't put more HP in the Boxster is to avoid sales cannibalization. The 911 is still a sports car to me in GT3 and GT2 forms. Additionally I see the Carrera GT as all sports car.

What strikes me odd about that is all of those cars have "Grand Touring" in it.

Although with the upcoming Boxster coupe and all the Tequipment programs they're offering I wouldn't be surprised to see one for the Boxster at some point or perhaps just another step up for the 987 Boxster as sales slow.... who knows.

[aesir]

Oh yeah, and back to the topic. I would love to own a Cayenne as well as the Boxster. Maybe turn the Boxster into a track only car.

[janzenms]

You're right about the positioning in the line up with the boxster and 911. If you look at the MSRPs they are fairly evenly spaced 44k, 53k, 69k, 79k. I can't imagine Porsche wanting to have two similarly priced cars (unless it was as dirrerent as a cayenne). For example if they ever did a boxster turbo they would probably charge at least 70 for it. And you know it would be faster than a 911.

As far as all the luxury stuff in the cars now I think it must have more to do with buyers' expectations of what a 50K-60K car should have on it.

I guess what surprises me the most about their line up is that there isn't an even cheaper entry level boxster with a 4 cylinder engine, for say about 35K. I bet they'd sell a ton of those. But then everyone would probably say it sucked and might take away from their reputation than a high line SUV would.

So I bet in the end they probably figured the lesser to the two evils was to go into the SUV market instead. Sell lots of cayennes, for more money, to their current cliennt base who already have SUVs in their garages.

Now the boxster coupe... which is definitely on the way... is totally confusing to me... but I'll shut up for now and get back to work... lol

[aesir]

Personally I am very happy that Porsche does not offer a 4 cylinder Porsche Boxster. I bought my Porsche Boxster for many reasons: performance, style, comfort and also for the name.

Don't get me wrong I am not an "Image Monger". An "Image Monger" buys the car for other people to see them in it. I bought the car for myself.

Let me explain. When I bought my Porsche part of it was a way of rewarding myself for the hard work that I have done so far in my life. It was my way of saying, "Yes, I am on my way." I'm sorry, but I just didn't get that feeling when I was in a Honda S2000, which can also boast great technological achievements and performance.

So forgive me if I don't want to see everyone driving a Porsche. I want to feel like the work that I have done in my life is for something and as a car guy the best way for me to do it is with a car that puts a smile on my face 6 feet wide.

Maybe there's a little bit of an "Elitist" attitude there, but I'm really not an elitist. I do believe that people who work hard and have made sacrifices in appropriate areas should be able reap the rewards of that work and those sacrifices. I honestly feel for those that have made those sacrifices and have put in the work time and do not get their rewards. Because of those people I consider myself and everyone else on this forum driving a Porsche fortunate.

[Lux]

Wow. A lot of Pepper supporters here.

Personally, I hate SUVs. Unless you're towing a boat or 4 wheeling, there's really no need for one. Station wagon serves the same purpose with the same amount of space; minus the high roll center. And a 500hp SUV is just retarded. Do you realize that's as much hp as in the Viper? But I digress...as that's not the point of my rant. Porsche can make 1000hp SUV's for all I care. What I want to know is where's the pumped up Boxster?

And the comment on sales figures YTD doesn't really apply as the Boxster is in it's final year while the Cayenne is still 'new'. From what I understand, isn't the Boxster total sales around 150K units since inception? They were going strong at about 25K units/year for awhile, no? That's a lot more than any other Porsche.

And about cars with similiar performance:
The Corvette shares it's LS1 engine with many lesser cars (Camaro, Firebird, CTS-V, GTO, etc.). Some of these cars are just a tiny-bit slower in the straights yet cost almost half. But it sure as hell doesn't stop Corvettes from selling every one they make (around 35K cars/year).

Yeah, Porsche *might* know what they're doing. But then again, didn't they almost run out of money a while back? So maybe they *don't* know what they're doing? Maybe it's time to stop propping up the 911?

[aesir]

Something else to think about on a pumped up Boxster is that it really could fit in the line up and could be for two difference customers.

The base 911 starts at 69xxx the Boxster S is 51xxx. That's an 18k gap. That a good amount of room to work with. You could easily make the pumped up Boxster more like the GT3, something for the racer crowd. Make the sport chassis, sport seats, etc. standard. Then you could charge 60k for it.

Poeple would continue buying the 997 for a GT and the Racing Nuts would go after the Boxster RS or whatever they feel like calling it. Also it could easily be made by just using the 3.6 liter engine in the 997 Carrera. I'd be pretty happy with a 325 hp Boxster with high 4 second 0-60 times. They could even detune it 10 hp back to 315 if they felt they needed to..but I'd rather they didn't and with a sports emphasis, I don't think it would be needed.

[janzenms]

excellent idea. and you know... I was thinking... I bet Porsche does the even step pricing mostly because they are a smaller company. But many auto manufacturers have lots of different types of cars at all sorts of different prices. I bet the 911 is perfectly safe in its segment and that you are right... a souped up boxster wouldn't compete at all with the 911 coupe.

Acually I bet Porsche will do a boxster turbo (as rumored) and it will be in the same price range as a 911, and it won't prove to be competition for the 911.

And if it is competition... they'll probably make as much or more money per unit as the 911... so who gives a f&$# anyway. lol

[Kan-O-Z]

One thing I dont get is why is Porsche so concerned about the Boxster getting to 911 performance levels. In the end, isn't it sales and money that drives a company as it was stated here earlier? Why did Porsche make the Cayenne...money. Why doesn't Porsche make the Boxster compete with all the new cars coming out....like the new M3. Offer a higher level model just like aesir stated. So what if it eats into 911 sales....who gets the money in either case.....Porsche!! Personally, my fav cars are the Boxster and Carrera GT. The 911 is ok, I wouldn't pay for it. Porsche tried to kill this car off before and I personally think that the Cayenne is a step towards killing this car off again. The Cayenne....don't get me started. All I say is that if they are going to make a 500hp Cayenne then they need to make a 500hp Boxster. For those that have the argument that the Cayenne sells more than the Boxster....I have this to say. How many 500hp Cayenne does Porsche think it's gonna sell....exactly not many....much less than Boxster? So why did they go into the effort of developing a 500hp Cayenne? Do they want a Halo SUV? I thought this was a sports car company.

Kan-O-Z

[Perfectlap]

someone posted an article saying the Cayenne is 40% of Porsche Sales.
40%!
Who would have ever thought that nearly half of the money Porsche makes
is from sellling mini vans! LOL

I'm thinking of heading down to PA and picking up a CayenneS at one of those dealer auctions. I'm going to keep my eye on the prices.

Having a BoxsterS and a CayenneS in the garage? What could be better?
Yes I know...a GT3 and a BoxsterS.

[Kan-O-Z]

I made a typo. Here is what I mean to say:

"The 911 is ok, I wouldn't pay for it. Porsche tried to kill this car off before and I personally think that the Cayman is a step towards killing this car off again."

Yes I sort of did know that the Cayenne is making the most sales even before this post. The thing that blows me away is the Cayenne Turbo. As you can see below, it's only 25% of all Cayenne sales. So once again. If Porsche is money minded, why would you go out of your way and try to improve the version that only 25% of customers buy.

I really see a contradiction in the way Porsche is handling things. They have always had the true sports car enthusiast image yet they don't want to pump up the real sports cars like Boxster, they want to make SUVs. The car they decide to pump up doesnt' need any pumping(already 440hp) and doesn't even sell that well and isn't even a sports car!.
They are not gaining sales nor are they gaining their sports car image!

Give the 911 500+ hp and Boxster 400+hp along with the Cayenne and it'll all make sense.

Kan-O-Z

[slogans7]

SUV supposedly stands for "Sport Utility Vehicle." One of the reasons I hate most SUVs is that they're anything but sporty. Tell me a Lincoln Navigator is sporty. And utilitarian?

Most SUVs rarely see anything but supermarket parking lots and elementary school driveways.

"Sporty" my "Compact Athletic Teenage" ass.

So at least the Cayenne honestly is an SUV. While I'd quickly buy a Volvo Wagon before any SUV to carry a bunch of people or boxes, this Cayenne is one of the sportiest SUVs out there.

[RandallNeighbour]

Originally Posted by Kan-O-Z

One thing I dont get is why is Porsche so concerned about the Boxster getting to 911 performance levels.

Who ever said or read where a Porsche representative stated they were concerned about the boxster getting to 911 levels?

Sure, the magazine writers reviewing the Cayman and the new Boxster S say crap like this, but I've never seen any official statements from Porsche AG or PCA about it.

I think this statement is a fairly accurate assumption, but until I hear or read a formal statment from Porsche, it's just an assumption! I sure would like to hear something other than conjecture on their issues of pricing and performance along their line of cars.

(You just gotta know that Porsche employees in the marketing department from Atlanta peruse these forums from time to time... so if you-Porsche Marketing Executive-are lurking here and reading this post, I do hope you'll clear this up for us! Hey, sign up on this forum as "deepthroat" and we'll know it's you!)

Kan-O-Z, please don't get your feeling hurt by me quoting you...I could have easily quote a thousand others as everyone has made this assumption

[todd1ada]

I am so thankful that Porsche made the Cayenne. In a perfect world I would love to drive a 911 or Boxster S everyday, but it's just not practical with family, bad weather, commuting etc. Cayenne feels like a big 911 and performs similar to Boxster in acceleration, handling etc. BUT, unlike Boxster or 911, it's awesome in the snow, roomy and a pleasure to commute or travel long distances in. Previosuly had an X5, but didn't give that sports car experience. Not addictive to drive like the Cayenne S, which has a beautiful engine note. No other "SUV" performs like it. It's an incredible machine and perfect for what I need. As far as I am concerned, Porsche was spot on when they set out to build this "large sports car".

[andrewb]

i do enjoy the new cayenne for what it is. Having said that we have a boxster and a 4.4 x5. The X5 is an excellent car for the money and the only suv i would rather have my wife driving is the cayenne, but she didn't want it. Save the hate for non german cars.

on the side, i would really like to have a turbo boxster and my son has been talking about it for sometime.

[Kan-O-Z]

I am not totally against SUVs. Don't get me wrong they can be quite useful. We have a dog and when we travel, we have a dog as well as his stuff as well as our stuff to carry. This can get quite difficult in any car. Even station wagons don't have the same type of room. On top of that, I personally don't like the look of station wagons. This doesn't leave much choice other than a mini-van or an SUV. I do like SUVs but I am very particular. I like SUVs that are built like cars on a uni-body platform (Cross-overs). Most SUVs don't off-road and even light off-roading is ok in Cross-Over SUVs. Cross-over SUVs offer the best of both worlds, car-like ride, car-like handling, car-like acceleration, car-like gas mileage(maybe not but pretty close), and SUV like room and utility. By the way, as far as sporty(normally aspirated) SUVs are concerned, I think the FX-45 takes the cake. I think it's sportier than the Cayenne S.
Anyway, my main point I am trying to make in this thread is that it's ok for Porsche to make SUVs....as long as they pay equal or more attention and advancements to their other cars....after all aren't they a sports car company. Like I said, they can make their 500hp SUV but they also need to make a 400hp Boxster and 500hp 911. The Boxster is such a great car and with the right horsepower, it really would become untouchable by any car and be the talk of town enhancing Porsche's sports car image even further. I can't imagine anything but positive things for Porsche if they did this...I would predict even more revenues for them....even if it's not through the Boxster!


"Kan-O-Z, please don't get your feeling hurt by me quoting you...I could have easily quote a thousand others as everyone has made this assumption"
Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

Not at all. Even though Porsche won't come out and state this, I think most people would agree as you stated. As a matter of fact, a lot of car companies have this problem. Mazda is one that quickly comes to mind. Their Miata is like a Boxster in the sense that if given the right power it would become a legend and build a great name for Mazda. It is purposely handicapped because of that RX-8 that I don't care for. A Miata with lets say 300hp would outperform a Vette and out handle just about any car out there. I guess when I see potential and it's purposely being handicapped, it's really sad. What makes things even worse is that Porsche is actually researching on how to make their non-sports car Cayenne even faster when it doesn't need it and the Boxster does.

Make a 3.8 Cayman or Boxster Twin Turbo with 500 horses for maybe 20-30k more than the current prices. Porsche would have the world at their feet and people would buy Cayennes and everything else even more!