Porsche Cayenne SpecificationsIn what has to be the world's longest tease, Porsche AG has released the specifications for its upcoming SUV. The Cayenne will debut the company's Porsche Traction Management (PTM) permanent four-wheel-drive system, a pneumatic suspension system with a self-leveling feature and six adjustable ride heights, and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), an electronically variable damping system that stabilizes body sway during extreme driving maneuvers. PTM is standard on both the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo, as is the Porsche Stability Management system (PSM). PASM is standard on the Turbo, optional on the S.
The Cayenne with PASM will have a maximum ground clearance of 10. 75 in. at mid axle (8.54 in. without). Curb weight for the S is 4,949 lb and 5,192 for the Turbo. Towing capacity for both is 7,700 lb. The two models share identical dimensions-75.9-in. wide, 66.9-in. high, 112.4-in. wheelbase, 64.8-in. front track, 65.4-in. rear track-expect for length. The Turbo is actually 0.1 in. longer.
As revealed at this year's Geneva show, the Cayenne S will be powered by a 340-bhp V8, producing 310 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-to-62-mph time of 7.2 sec. and a top speed of 150 mph. The Cayenne Turbo boasts a 450-bhp biturbo V8, outputting 457 lb-ft of torque, a 5.6-sec. 0-to-62-mph dash and a top speed of 165 mph. Stopping power for both versions is equally impressive, with an 18-in. brake system featuring six-piston aluminum monobloc fixed calipers at the front and a 17-in. brake system with four-piston aluminum monobloc fixed calipers at the rear. Inner-vented brake discs are found at all four corners. The wheels are massive 8x18 in size, wrapped with 255/55R18 tires.
First there were the photos, now we have the stats and, eventually, we'll see the actual vehicle.
Notes from EuropeShould the new Porsche 911-busting small Aston Martin be called the DB5? Dr Ulrich Bez, the passionate German engineer in charge of Britain's legendary sports car manufacturer, isn't sure. He can see the marketing logic in resurrecting one of the most famous monikers in the Aston pantheon. But while Aston Martin's heritage is important, he doesn't want the brand to be held hostage to the past.
The reality is AM305, as the new small Aston is known internally, will be a very modern car. It will, said Bez, be built on an aluminum and composite chassis structure similar in concept to that of the V12 Vanquish.
This chassis structure will also eventually underpin the next-generation DB7, code-named AM803, and, in the longer term, the Vanquish replacement. What's clever about this chassis is that it allows cars with different wheelbases, tracks and overhangs while using a large number of shared components. For a company like Aston, which last year built a record 1,600 cars-less than an hour's production for GM-such cost-saving synergies are crucial.
AM305 will be a strict two seater with, stated Aston Martin design chief Henrik Fisker, very short overhangs. It will be front engined, powered by a 4.2-liter V8 that uses Jaguar's all-aluminum block but features unique cylinder heads and internal components, and probably supercharging. "It will be the most sporting Aston in the line-up," said Bez.
AM305 is aimed squarely at the Porsche 911-a car Bez knows intimately from his time as head of R&D at Weissach-and will be priced at about $100,000. The car will initially be available as a coupe, but the new platform is being engineered to allow for a convertible version as well. Only question is, can Ford's marketing people resist the temptation to call it a DB5?
* Q: How do you double the value of a Skoda?A: Fill the tank with gas.