2008 Porsche Cayenne Turbo - AutoWeek Magazine

The Porsche Cayenne Turbo will handle anything that Detroit's shattered roads can throw at it.
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As-tested price: $113,510
Drivetrain: 4.8-liter turbocharged V8; awd, six-speed automatic
Output: 500 hp @ 6000 rpm, 516 lb-ft @ 2250-4500 rpm
Curb weight: 5191 lb
Fuel economy (EPA/AW): 14/11.6 mpg
Options: 21-inch Cayenne Sportplus Wheels ($5,045); Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control ($3,510); rear-seat entertainment ($2,950); rear camera with park assist ($1,680); pre-heater with timer ($1,570); moonroof ($1,190); satellite radio ($750); six-disc CD changer ($650); trailer hitch ($630); light comfort package/memory ($610); sunscreens ($190); front and rear floor mats ($140)


OUR TAKE: If there is a more politically incorrect car available, we can't think of it. Okay, maybe the Hummer H2.

But what a hoot the Cayenne Turbo is. Speed limits arrive in a blink, the chassis will cope with anything Detroit's shattered roads can throw its way, and it truly handles like a sports car. It really is unbelievable: Everything you could ask it to do, it will do without breaking a sweat. Light on its feet? Nah, but just tromp on the throttle, hang on and go--and watch the fuel gauge drop.

At $113,000, this really should be something else--as well it is, at least dynamically. We do question little things such as the hard, seemingly inferior plastics trimming the door; for this kind of coin, we expected a more luxurious interior. And while Porsche clings to its heritage with an ignition switch located left of the steering wheel, it gives up on its tradition that the tachometer should be bigger (and thus more important) than the speedometer on the instrument panel. Considering that it is an automatic, it probably doesn't matter, but it does send a message that this is no traditional Porsche.

We'd also like a better brake feel, and the ride is harsh, especially on the sport setting. But you have to make some compromises for performance in a Porsche sport/utility vehicle, where the emphasis is properly on Porsche.