An off-roader that thinks it is a 911 racer

The launch to international media of the third-generation Porsche Cayenne in Crete recently represents the third chapter in a success story that started in 2002. Since the launch of the first-generation Cayenne 15 years ago, the company has sold more than 770,000 units of the best-selling Porsche car ever.
In the latest version, Porsche has the balance right between the dynamics of a sports car and the comfort of a touring car. The Cayenne has many technical components from the 911 range and that shows in its performance on mountainous roads and tight chicanes. This Cayenne has come closer to its roots as a sports car than ever before.
The Cayenne continues to offer outstanding off-road capabilities. The exterior design of the new Cayenne got the proportions and aerodynamics right. To emphasize the sporty character of the car, Porsche has added an adaptive roof spoiler and air brake for increased performance and shorter braking distance. Cayenne Turbo is the first SUV in the world to have this feature, which has always been the reserve of sports cars.
The car comes fully connected with onboard WiFi hotspot, online navigation with real-time traffic information, Bluetooth interface, online voice control and four USB ports. The Cayenne has extensive assistance systems including adaptive cruise control with stop/go function, lane-keeping and lane-changing assist and night-vision capabilities. Most functions can be controlled from the 12.3-inch-wide touchscreen.
At launch, early next year, the new Cayenne will come in three models. The top-performance model is Cayenne Turbo with a 550bhp bi-turbo V8 engine, which propels the car to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds. Adding a Sports Chrono package improves this performance to 3.9 seconds. Top speed is 286km/h.
Second in line is the Cayenne S, which is powered by a 2.9 liter bi-turbo V6 engine generating 440bhp. It reaches 100km/h in 5.2 seconds and achieves a top speed of 265km/h.
The base model Cayenne has a 3.0 liter six-cylinder turbo engine delivering 340bhp. It accelerates to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 245km/h.
All engines are connected to an eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission, which combines faster shifting and comfortable smooth starting with improved initial acceleration performance. All Cayenne models achieve top speed in sixth gear with seventh and eighth gears designed for cruising comfort on long journeys.
To contain the substantial power of the Cayenne engines, Porsche has developed a new surface-coated brake, composed of discs coated with hard tungsten-carbide layers, which improve responsiveness, lower wear and tear and ensures 30 percent longer service life. Porsche says that it is the world premiere of the system.
Porsche has developed an adaptive three-chamber air suspension. In addition to comfort on sporty drives, the system controls ground-clearance off-road. The system is standard on the Cayenne turbo and an option on other models. Also, for the first time, the Cayenne is available with rear-axle steering as an option, which improves driving dynamics and reduces turning circle.
The new Cayenne is available to order but first deliveries to the GCC will reach the region in February 2018. Prices for Saudi Arabia are SR308,600 ($82,250) for the Cayenne; SR375,800 for the Cayenne S and SR573,700 for the Cayenne Turbo