Mobility, technology and a better life

MANILA, Philippines — What is there not to like about the Porsche Cayenne — nothing, I guess.

When I got to drive this wonder of an SUV recently, I was amazed — I always am.

Take it from the president and CEO of Porsche Philippines when he said:

“A globally successful model, the Porsche Cayenne is the epitome of a Sport Utility Vehicle with the power and character of a sports car,” said Roberto Coyiuto III, Porsche Philippines CEO. “This third-generation Cayenne further elevates the Porsche experience with its new turbocharged engines, three-chamber air suspension, and innovative digital cockpit display.”

These words were on my mind when I got behind the wheel of the Cayenne recently. It is true, the completely redeveloped Cayenne is even closer to its roots as a Porsche sports car than its predecessor, boasting intelligent lightweight construction, powerful drives, exceptional driving dynamics and smart driver assistance systems. All of these, combined with outstanding handling on any terrain, improved comfort and greater suitability for everyday use, result to superior performance and technology.

Technology moves people

I was in awe of the way the Cayenne is equipped with a multitude of tech features that moving people from one point to another efficiently is more about that technological advances are in the car  — than its mechanical features.

A run through of what the Cayenne is mad of will give you a good glimpse.

It begins with the look.  The Cayenne has been enhanced in the style that runs through the Porsche Design DNA. The Cayenne is 4,918 millimeters long and 1,983 millimeters wide.

The luggage compartment volume is now 770 liters more — an increase of 100 liters. The wheels are one inch larger in diameter, adopting a sports car attribute of wider tires on the rear axle for the first time.

The distinctive Porsche logo spans the redesigned rear lights with three-dimensional design and end-to-end narrow LED strips. The exterior of the new Cayenne and its interior chassis components and floorplan assembly are made with a multi-material mix of aluminium and steel. One particular technical highlight is the innovative lithium-ion polymer starter battery, which alone accounts for a weight saving of 10 kg over the predecessor. In total, the weight of the Cayenne has been reduced from 2,040 to 1,985 kilograms — this definitely a more efficient use of its gas as you run in the traffic-laden streets of the metro.

This third generation Cayenne also offers a significantly increased performance range due to the new eight-speed Tiptronic S gearbox. Programmed on-road and off-road modes make it easy for the driver to select the right setup for their drive. The new Cayenne also combines three chassis concepts in one new design: sports car, off-roader and touring car.  Even on rough terrain, the Cayenne provides a straightforward driving pleasure.

These are the technological advances that put the Cayenne ahead of the SUVs in its class.

Just now

And, for the first time, the Cayenne offers the optional rear-axle steering. The system, tried and tested both in the 911 and the Panamera, improves agility on bends and stability when changing lanes at high speeds. The reduced turning circle also makes everyday handling of the SUV easier.

I was truly impressed in the cockpit as I took the cayenne for a spin on a weekend. The Porsche Advanced Cockpit is fully integrated into a sporty yet luxurious atmosphere. At the heart of the new display and control concept from Porsche is the 12.3-inch full-HD touchscreen from the latest generation of Porsche Communication Management (PCM). A range of digital functions can be operated intuitively – including voice control. The analogue controls on the new center console are focused on the main functions of the vehicle. Other buttons are harmoniously integrated into the smartphone-like, glass-look touch surface, giving acoustic and haptic feedback when operated. In typical Porsche style, the driver has a central analogue tachometer to view. This is flanked by two 7-inch full-HD displays, which feature all other relevant driving data and additional information selected using the multi-function steering wheel.

What does it all mean — all the control in the cockpit and their tech advancements made the weekend I was behind the wheel, truly relaxing. Technology is all about making the ease of use a reality to any driver.

More powerful, more dynamic, and more efficient  — the Cayenne makes the Porsche experience even more fascinating and diverse with its versatility, quality, and cutting-edge technology. By bringing sportiness into everyday life, this Porsche SUV remains what it always was: a real sports car.

I was so engrossed with all the advancement of the Cayenne that I totally forgot about the drive I took that weekend — and concentrated on what was inside the car that truly made its mobility so easy and it’s ride so comfy

Technological advancement and greater mobility, getting people from one place to another safely are what true driving is all about.

The Porsche Cayenne marries mobility and they make a perfect pair.

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For information, call 727-0381 to 85 or visit any Porsche showroom in Greenhills, Alabang, Global City and SM Seaside City Cebu.