• HOME
• 
• AUTO LISTINGS
• 
• FINANCE
• 
• NEWS
• 
• DIRECTORY
• 
• REVIEWS
• 
• FORUM
• 
• BLOG
• 

2005 Porsche Cayenne Overview

New Options Are Especially Expensive for Canadians

So far 2004 has been a banner year for Porsche, in sales, profits and new product releases. The independent German automaker is praised the world over for building the most reliable yet exciting sports cars available, has redesigned both the venerable 911 and the upstart Boxster two-seat roadster for the 2005 model year.

Both cars have been reworked to incorporate performance enhancing technologies, higher-grade materials to raise interior fit and finish, comfort and reliability, while their styling has been updated in order to strengthen their identities, or more precisely their inherent Porsche DNA.

But among the upgrades, Zuffenhausen hasnt completely forgotten about its breadwinning sport utility vehicle either. The VW Touareg-based

More options for the 05 Cayenne will keep deep-pocketed customers interested despite new performance SUVs coming to market. (Photo: Porsche Cars North America)

SUV will be improved to ward off potential threats from a new generation of BMW, Cadillac, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Audi (the Q7 will share architectures with the Porsche and VW SUV), Porsche will up power, luxury and convenience.

One of the new options that highlight the 2005 model year change is a variable panoramic glass roof. Earlier this year sightings of a Cayenne with unusual roof panels lapping the Nurburgring circuit were reported by spy photographers, and now the

Porsche adds a cool/hot new panoramic glass roof, depending on the time of year, which measures a gigantic 15 square feet. (Photo: Porsche Cars North America)

new feature is official. Although its not an actual Targa-roof as some originally predicted, the large-format sliding roof serves a similar purpose, to provide an airy, open-like driving experience without chopping off the top - not ideal for structural rigidity. Remarkably, the new roof is almost four times larger than the Cayennes conventional sunroof, encompassing a total area of 15 square feet.

The solenoid-operated panorama roof consists of three moving slabs of safety-laminated glass and a permanently fixed fourth screen. The first acts much like a wind deflector, automatically rising when the roof

Displayed in full color through the PCM system, a new rear-mounted camera makes hitching a trailer easy work while keeping toddlers lost in SUVs blind spot safe when reversing. (Photo: Porsche Cars North America)

is opened to reduce wind turbulence at higher speeds. Unlike the 911 Targa, which featured a single sliding panel of glass when available, the Cayennes glass roof offers several panels in order to cater to the needs of both front and rear passengers. With 15 possible positions, all passengers should find it pleasing. Whats more, at the push of an overhead button an electronic shutter can also be slid into place to protect occupants from excessive sun exposure. Customers will be able to purchase the panoramic roof option on all Cayennes for a price of $3,900.

Another option which will be available across the Cayenne model range as of December this year will be a rearview camera. This safety-precaution device

The tiny camera is just a few centimeters long, operating only when reverse gear is engaged. (Photo: Porsche Cars North America)

was first mass-marketed on Toyota and Lexus SUVs as a parking and safety assist for the Japanese automakers large sport utility vehicles. The rearward field of vision in a large SUV is minimal and is limited at the height of the tailgate, therefore anything below this point such as a wandering toddler or a potentially damaging obstacle would be "blind" to the driver. The camera, which eliminates this blind spot, is particularly useful for those who regularly hitch and tow trailers as well, as it allows the driver to single-handedly reverse and attach the trailer without needing guidance from people outside the vehicle.

The Cayennes camera stays out of sight, hidden behind a body-color cover which automatically opens when reverse is selected. The image from the camera is then displayed on the 6.5-inch TFT display integrated into the center stack as part of the Porsche

The 2005 Cayenne Turbo offers extra power from its optional Tequipment package, ideal for towing the camp trailer to first place in line at the campsite. (Photo: Porsche Cars North America)

Communications Management (PCM) system. Porsches mechanism is particularly smart, with built-in precautions to avoid damage. Like most, the system doesnt work while the car is moving forward, but unique in the industry it will automatically retract if reverse speeds exceed 10 mph. This option will be made available on all Cayennes worldwide for a price of $1,680.

Page:  1  2

AUTOMOBILE REVIEWS BY MAKE

Acura  Audi   Bentley   BMW   Buick   Cadillac   Chevrolet   Chrysler   Daewoo   Dodge   Eagle   Ferrari   Ford   Geo   GMC   Honda   Hummer   Hyundai   Infiniti   Isuzu   Jaguar   Jeep   Kia   Lamborghini   Lexus   Lincoln   Lotus   Maserati   Mazda   Mercedes-Benz   Mercury   MINI   Mitsubishi   Nissan   Oldsmobile   Plymouth   Pontiac   Porsche   Saab   Saturn   Scion   Subaru   Suzuki   Toyota   Volkswagen   Volvo