The photography on these pages was done in a remote section of the Mojave Desert. Most of you will never go there nor would you want to. No people, no cops, no phone service. It's something akin to controlled anarchy-do whatever you want, just don't hurt anyone. That said, our newest long-term addition was set loose to run wild, doing things most Cayennes will never do. And that's a damn shame because this is quite possibly the most capable Porsche-ever.
Flying across a dry lakebed at 130 mph, traversing across boulders the size of beer kegs, jumping the odd ravine, the Cayenne does it all. People ask what it's like. I tell them it's basically a big, lifted 911, a sports car for the dirt and street.
Loaded with food, drinks and a trunk stuffed with more hardware than a Counter Strike squad (it's a FPS video game), we looked like guys from a post apocalyptic B-movie. We figured a little target practice during the road test would be a great way to write off 5000 rounds of ammo. We also wanted to see what would happen to a propane tank when punctured by a 308 round (they don't explode like the movies, they just sort of fly around like unleashed balloons).
Although playing "Mad Max" is fun, I'd prefer it remain fiction. However, should the shit really hit the fan, there's no car I'd rather be in than the Porsche Cayenne S.
Upon returning to civilization, the reality of life hits you in the face like a wet gym sock. You've gotta take the dog to the vet, pick up kids from school, make 10 trips to Home Depot and the grocery store. The banality makes me shiver. This type of stuff is what most Cayennes will be doing. Fortunately, they can do it very, very well.
The 2005 Cayenne S has an MSRP of $53,300. Though I doubt you'll ever see one in that state of trim, the list of standard features is immense: a 340-hp V8, six-speed Tiptronic transmission, 18-inch wheels, six-piston brakes, Porsche Stability Management (PSM), Porsche Traction Management (PTM), leather interior, electric seats, Bose audio system, split-fold rear seats, trip computer, remote central locking and stainless-steel sills and pedals. Our Cayenne S includes Lapis Blue metallic paint ($495), 19-inch Cayenne Design wheels ($1200), Convenience package ($3630), Touring package ($4805), floor mats ($130), air suspension with PASM ($2990), trailer hitch ($630), heated seats and steering wheel ($520) and destination charge ($815). Rolling off the Rusnak Porsche lot in Pasadena, this Porsche wore a $71, 515 price tag. Yeah, it's a big chunk of change but it's worth it. I'll tell you why.
During an especially intense bit of SoCal weather, city streets transformed into raging rivers, trees littered the roads and most people plum forgot how to drive. It was like the rain was a signal to speed and tailgate. I counted no less than ten accidents on a four-mile stretch of local freeway. Just getting to my house became a daunting task as 16 inches of water filled the street. The Cayenne's optional air suspension features six ride height settings including an extreme setting that leaves the car looking like a Baja 1000 contender. In this guise, the Cayenne is capable of forging through water up to 22 inches deep thanks to its special sealing concept. The intake funnel and transmission purge opening are elevated and the side sills are fully encapsulated. Essentially, the lower half of the Cayenne S is tight as a submarine. While other cars drowned, the Cayenne S surged ahead and thanks to its optional tow package actually pulled several neighbors to higher ground. Above 19 mph, the Cayenne progressively lowers itself; at speeds above 130 mph, it goes into an ultra-low setting. There's also a load trim level that essentially brings the car to the ground. You must be parked to activate this setting and it's a great asset when throwing screaming kids in the back.
Though it seemed like all hell was breaking loose (half the time we're on fire, the other half, under water), the Cayenne S remained firmly planted. Porsche's PSM is simply brilliant, like an invisible hand guiding the car along. I was always big fan of PSM on the 911-I like it even more on the Cayenne. By itself, the supreme feeling of safety is worth the entry price.
The air suspension is improved with PASM, Porsche's active suspension management system. Operated electronically, PASM adjusts damper forces infinitely as a function of surface conditions and the driver's driving style. PASM serves to steady any body sway and dive motions by monitoring movement through five accelerometers. When the motion exceeds a predetermined limit, PASM steps in and modifies damping forces on the necessary corner. PASM also features three settings: comfort, normal and sport. The settings are aptly named, providing a ride in tune with their description. Typically I set the PASM to "comfort" primarily to cross a particularly nasty set of railroad tracks by our offices. At 50 mph, you hardly know they are there.
Weighing some 5650 pounds, the Cayenne S is a fairly heavy machine. However, its 340-hp V8 has more than enough beans to move it with authority. With some 310 lb-ft of torque available at 2500 rpm, aggressive use of the Tiptronic S gearbox makes for an exciting ride. Like its flat-six sibling, the V8 makes power right up until its redline, in this case 6000 rpm. I can't help but liken its snarl to the 928 of years past. Perhaps my only gripe with the driveline is its tendency to choose the most relaxed gear (in full auto mode). Getting it to kick down requires a good boot to the throttle for the engine to wake up (or use the thumb buttons for instant gratification). The cabin is very understated and refined (although our gray interior trim might seem a bit on the bland side). Porsche's accessory controls are very intuitive and it's easy to become familiar with this car in minutes. The navigation system is an especially nice piece and features the most detailed maps we've seen. Though we haven't used the voice route system, other Cayenne owners have said it's very good. We'll get lost and test that theory. We've got a whole year to figure it out.
The Cayenne will comfortably seat four people, five if you're in a pinch. Given its sizable rear cargo area and 60/40 fold down rear seats, the Cayenne has become a staff favorite for its sheer utility. Then again, its sporty demeanor means it never sits still for very long. The Cayenne is both sporty and utilitarian (what a great idea). Porsche, however, is the first carmaker to get the mix just right.
Quick StatsTotal mileage: 2140This month's fuel economy: 16 mphwith easy break-in driving (sort of)This month's cost: 0Faults: Lazy transmissionThumbs up: Superb sports car-likemannerisms, great off road capability, snarky looking bodyThumbs down: This is one thirsty beast