Prototypes for Porsche’s next-generation Cayenne have been spotted testing in Germany on several occasions, revealing crucial details for the new SUV which is expected to go on sale by May 2010. First and foremost, we know the next Cayenne will be smaller than the current model although it will still share a common platform with the next-generation Volkswagen Touareg and Audi Q7, both of which are not expected to change significantly in size compared with current versions.

The smaller size of the new Cayenne agrees with Porsche’s desire to create a much more hard-core performance SUV than the current model, which has been criticized for being too heavy. The wheelbase will be shortened by almost 4cm, while the height will be reduced by about 2cm. Other details include a taller waistline and LED daytime running lights.

The interior spy shots also reveal some new details such as the redesigned center console with air vents now positioned to the sides of the navigation screen instead of at the top, as well as much fewer buttons than the current model. The design also shows a similarity to the interior of the Panamera, which was revealed recently.

Like the current model, the Cayenne will be built alongside the Touareg and Q7 in Volkswagen Group’s Bratislava plant in Slovakia. Unfinished Cayennes will then be transported to Porsche’s Leipzig plant for final assembly.

Once again both V6 and V8 petrol engines will be on offer, including a turbodiesel option, as well as a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain to be shared with the Panamera sedan. Power will increase across the range over the current model’s levels but emissions and fuel-economy will be reduced.

Kicking off the range will be an Audi-sourced 3.0L V6 turbodiesel with about 240hp (179kW) on tap. This will be followed by a 3.6L petrol V6 with 330hp (246kW) and a 400hp (298kW) 4.8L naturally aspirated V8. The Cayenne S will get a 420hp (312kW) version of this V8 engine, while a 500hp-plus (373kW) twin-turbocharged V8 will be reserved for the Turbo model. Finally, the hybrid model will feature the 330hp (246kW) V6 engine coupled with a 45hp (34kW) electric motor powered by nickel metal hydride batteries initially and lithium-ion units further down the track.

All engines will include Porsche’s new direct-injection technology, and some could even be matched to the carmaker’s new dual-clutch gearbox. Expect to see 0-60mph times of less than five seconds for top end models and top speeds in excess of 180mph.

 

Worldcarfans also have interesting article about 2011 Cayenne:

The new Porsche Panamera has inspired the interior of the upcoming 2011 Cayenne. These new spy pictures of the Porsche SUV driving up some mountains do not show a great deal of interior as previously spied, apart from the sporty Recaro race seats, but a previous spy video gave us a good look at the vehicle in action. This time our spies were not able to get close enough to the car to take more interior shots even though the doors were open.

The exterior was more camera-friendly in this instance. The shape of the rear lights for instance, shows more detail. Porsche seems to have stuck to its evolution styling philosophy and has kept the Cayenne largely as it currently is. But the look is now sleeker and appears more aerodynamic.

Engines for the 2011 Cayenne are not yet known. However, the Panamera provides some clues as to powerplants that could be shared between the two vehicles. One such motor is the 4.8-litre V8 that makes 400hp (294kW). Another is the Volkswagen Group's V6 TDI (good for emissions ratings) with 550Nm of torque. Porsche is also going into hybrids, so both Panamera and Cayenne II are primed for that powertrain. Power will be sourced from the 3.0-litre supercharged Audi engine while the electric motor will be run by a 38kW battery.

2011 Porsche Cayenne Spied in the Mountains - Worldcarfans

 

They look like a pack of bulldogs in a group of three... It's going to look great!

 

Expecting final look something like this

 

Its going to look great, loving the front teh rear might have a Panamera like rear tail lights.

 

It looks a lot sleeker and more aerodynamic compared to the current generation. I think I might finally warm up to this one...

 

It's looking really really good!

 

is it me or does the car look kinda small?

 

Yes, really small.