"Porsche adds a more powerful turbocharged model to its SUV lineup for 2006. Cayenne shares a basic design with the Volkswagen Touareg, but differs in styling and engine choices. The base Cayenne has a 247-hp V6, the S model a 340-hp V8, the Turbo version a 450-hp turbocharged V8. Added during the 2006 model year, the Turbo S has a 520-hp turbocharged V8. The V6 comes with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic, the V8s with the automatic only. Cayennes have all-wheel drive with low-range gearing and locking center differential. An off-road option includes a locking rear differential. Standard on Turbos and optional on the others is a self-leveling suspension that allows driver adjustment for firmness and ride height. Turbo S models have specific suspension tuning and larger brakes.
Front side airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, ABS, and antiskid/traction control are standard. The base model comes with 17-inch wheels. Eighteen-inch wheels are optional on the base, standard on S and Turbo; 19s and 20s are optional. The Turbo S has standard 20s. A navigation system is optional. Also available are heated steering wheel and seats, front and rear obstacle detection, and satellite radio. Ability to heat and cool the interior with the ignition off is newly available. "

"Britain's CAR magazine says Cayenne is in for a facelift and larger, more powerful engines. Timing is unclear, but we see the revised models reaching U.S. Porsche dealers by mid-2006. According to CAR, the base Volkswagen-sourced V6 grows to 3.6 liters and about 275 hp, while the Porsche V8 expands to 5.0 liters for some 375 hp in S-model trim and around 550 for the Cayenne Turbo. Also on deck is a lightened, 375-hp V8 Clubsport model with quicker steering, revised suspension, 20-inch front wheels and 21-inch rears, and Porsche's composite ceramic brakes. The Clubsport is by no means assured for the U.S., but could come here by 2008 if Porsche feels the need. CAR also reports that Porsche is mulling several Cayenne spinoffs, including a long-wheelbase wagon, a short-chassis 2-dr wagon, and even a 4-dr crew cab pickup.
And that's not all. Porsche says it will offer a hybrid-power Cayenne, though not before the SUV's scheduled redesign in the 2008-2009 timeframe. A German newspaper reports that Porsche is in talks with Volkswagen, DaimlerChrysler and Toyota about joint development of a gas/electric powertrain, which would be a very costly solo project for a small automaker like Porsche."

"Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize SUVs are similar in size and construction to Midsize SUVs. Most, in fact, are gilded versions of Midsize SUVs; though a few are exclusive upscale designs.
Our Best Buys include Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended picks are Mercedes-Benz R-Class and Volvo XC90.
New or significantly redesigned models include Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and Saab 9-7X."