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.