2005 PORSCHE CAYENNE NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2005 Porsche Cayenne?
New for the 2005 Porsche Cayenne are a six-speed manual transmission, a standard power latching rear tailgate, body-colored exterior trim, and a Homelink programmable transmitter. Porsche also adds to the options list with a choice of Sirius or XM satellite radio, a huge 15 square-foot sectioned glass sunroof, a rearview camera, and new option packages called SportDesign and Light Comfort. Later in the year, a massaged Cayenne Turbo is expected to generate 500 horsepower and 515 lb.-ft. of torque, boosts of 50 and 55 respectively. Accompanying the power increase are larger brakes and a stiffer suspension, all part of the new Tequipment package for the Cayenne Turbo.

Advantages of the 2005 Porsche Cayenne:

• Impressive off-roading capability
• On-pavement performance befitting a Porsche SUV
• Only Porsche able to seat four adults comfortably

Objections to the 2005 Porsche Cayenne:

• Affordable Cayenne V6 model dilutes Porsche brand
• High price tag for S and Turbo models
• Portly curb weight

Editor's Advice:
To the great chagrin of Porsche purists, the Cayenne SUV is a success. While sales of the 911 and Boxster have dropped in recent years, it is the Porsche Cayenne that has increased profits and is insuring the company's ability to remain autonomous in a world of corporate buyouts and mergers. However, Porsche may have gone too far in its pursuit of success. There is a version of the 2005 Porsche Cayenne powered by a Volkswagen-sourced, Zuffenhausen-massaged V6 engine. This is the first Porsche in history to be powered by a V6 engine, and it suffers the ignominy of a zero-to-60 mph acceleration time that closes in on ten seconds. Not since the Porsche 924 has this proud sports car manufacturer created such a decidedly unsporting machine. At least it retains the impressive (for an SUV) steering, handling and braking of the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo, and off-roading ability that far surpasses your garden-variety crossover. Stepping up to the S or Turbo models gains access to traditionally Porsche-like acceleration in exchange for traditionally Porsche-like price premiums.