Porsche Cayenne- S Trim, Turbo and Base Model
The turbo trim boasts a 500 horses’,4.8-liter twin Turbo,0 to 60 in 4.9 seconds,171 mph on the track,385-horsepower, 6-speed manumatic transmission

It’s the start of a new generation for the world’s speediest SUV. The biggest change coming this time around is making Porsche-worshipping family men drool a river—that would be the power boost, tipped off by the now-larger air intakes in the redesigned fascia. Now you can haul the kids around as needed and enjoy the power-pedal when appropriate.

Let’s Talk Numbers
The awesome power—500 horses’ worth—comes via the 4.8-liter twinned-out Turbo trim (MSRP ($93,700), which lets you jet from 0 to 60 in 4.9 seconds and is capable of 171 mph on the track. This one and the 385-horsepower S trim ($57,900) come with a 6-speed manumatic transmission, while the base model Cayenne’s ($43,400) 3.6-liter , 290-horsepower V6 can be paired with a 6-speed manual with overdrive or optional 6-speed automatic.

Nobody buys a Porsche for the fuel economy, and that’s especially so with the SUV incarnation; the V6 manages 14 city and 20 highway, while the higher-powered trims rate a mile-per-gallon or so lower. The good news is the new direct-injection technology reduces fuel consumption and emissions alike.

Exterior Changes
Other auto manufacturers modify their models’ shapes and round out their edges and then sharpen them again so you can’t tell what the other guy is driving until you’re stopped behind him at the light and you’re wearing your prescription sunglasses, Porsche has stuck pretty darned close to its signature style—forever. I mean, even steadfast ol’ Volvo has softened most of its trademark boxiness.

The adjustments you may notice in this new-generation Cayenne’s form weren’t made for visual reasons and most certainly not for the sake of change. It’s all due to aerodynamic tweaking, the only acceptable reason as far as Porsche is concerned. Stuttgart’s SUV does not have anything close to the iconic Porsche eyes, those insect-like headlights that have introduced the company’s cars for all time, but its overall curvy shape makes a valiant attempt at shouting “Porsche!”

How’s the Ride?
Any German-made car you slide into is going to cradle you in some degree of superlative comfort, and the Cayenne is no exception. But if there’s one thing Porsche lacks experience in it’s building back seats. Sure enough, the rear accommodation in this buggy makes a mighty short list of disappointments. Much of the reason is the trademark design just plain doesn’t allow for rear girth. But if your kids haven’t fully sprouted yet they should fit fine.

The same disclaimer applies to the back doors themselves. But as Porsche builds more and more Cayennes (and dare we say even more future SUVs?) they’ll surely get the hang of a rear door that offers improved egress.