The current SUV gem from Porsche is nearly at the end of its life cycle, and that is why lately the successor is being caught more and more during its tests. Although spotted under heavy disguise the new 2018 Porsche Cayenne SUV is showing some of the general lines and features which are now reflected in sleeker body with longer and flatter roof.
Read about: 2016 LA Auto Show
The third gen Cayenne is due out in 2017 as a 2018 model year, and with its arrival, its fans and potential buyers will be graced with improved dynamics, fuel efficiency, performance and all of that is thanks to the SUV version of the Volkswagen Group’s MLB platform. This platform became very popular, ever since the debut under the body of the 2017 Audi Q7. Right after that, it appeared under the 2017 Bentley Bentayga and the 2018 Audi Q5, with announcements that it will underpin the next VW Touareg as well as Lamborghini’s Urus SUV.
If you are wondering what is making this platform this popular than the answer is simple – its benefits are reflected in lower weight and improved rigidity which is achieved by a combination of high-strength steel, aluminum and even some carbon fiber in the mix. That is the reason why the 2018 Cayenne is supposed to weigh as much as 220 pounds less than the current model, which in base trim still has almost 4,500 lb. The style of the third gen Porsche SUV is a combination of the Panamera Sport Turismo concept from 2012 and smaller Macan SUV. It will host something from both of these such as Macan’s clam shell-like hood and taillights that wrap around while front air intakes and C-shaped fender vents will be taken from the Panamera Sport Turismo concept.
As for the driving force for this one, it is fairly obvious to expect a mirrored lineup of the engines from the ongoing Cayenne. This translates to naturally-aspirated V6 for the base SUV, a turbocharged V6 for the mid-range one, a plug-in hybrid setup for the Cayenne E-Hybrid and one that is hard to forget – the top trim Cayenne Turbo with its twin-turbocharged V8. What is unknown is if the Porsche will offer a diesel burning version in the US markets of its third-gen SUV because of the emissions scandal that hit the VW Group, while it is almost certain that diesel will be offered in European markets where we expect to be one of the best-selling options for this vehicle.
2018 Porsche Cayenne Interior
What is left to report is the interior look of the 2018 Porsche Cayenne, which will not surprise you much because it is almost entirely based on the interior of the new Panamera. What is different and gives the impression of a cleaner cabin is the improved touchscreen interface which further reduces the amount of the physical buttons. There are some reports on improved infotainment and connectivity options, as well as more electronic driver aids paired with semi-autonomous features which are putting it a step further than other vehicles in the class.
