The next-generation Porsche Cayenne is nearing its official debut, judging by its latest state of disguise, or rather, lack of it. The upcoming Leipzig-built SUV adopts more of the current design language also seen on the Panamera, while naturally taking on technology and powertrain from the recently launched GT as well.
Stylistic cues from the Panamera are evident, particularly in the intakes of the front bumper, though the headlamps and tail lamps still have some camouflage foil applied to them to show fake outlines – safe to say, these will have the new, current style of four-point LEDs front and rear, which already feature on other current Porsches like the 911 and of course, the Panamera.
As with the Panamera, the SUV’s engine line-up will largely mirror that of the lower-slung four-door, according to an Autocar report, with the 3.0 litre turbocharged V6 and 2.9 litre twin-turbo V6 kicking off proceeding for the petrol models. There will also be a Cayenne Turbo, using the same 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8. Exact outputs haven’t been revealed, but are expected to be very close to, if not mimic, those on the Panamera.
Given the MLB Evo platform it shares with Volkswagen Group stablemates the Audi Q7 and the Bentley Bentayga, it will utilise much of the same architecture which includes ancillaries such as the electric compressor charger on the Q7 and the Bentayga.
The Autocar report adds that electrification will continue to feature in the Cayenne line-up, with a duo of hybrids expected – there will be a 470 hp ‘standard’ hybrid with the 2.9 litre twin-turbo petrol serving internal combustion duties as well as an electrified biturbo V8 in the vein of the Panamera S E-Hybrid, also in the region of 680 hp.
The Cayenne’s driveline is augmented by clutch packs, which replace the Torsen centre differential arrangement as used by its Audi and Bentley cousins. Here, the Cayenne follows tradition in employing a torque converter auto (eight speeds, to be exact) compared to the dual-clutch setup in the Panamera, with most variants sending drive to all four wheels.
Further under the skin, the website also reports the (expected) use of optional air springs and PASM active damping. As seen in the images here, the upcoming Cayenne is just about ready for its debut, and is set to do so at the Frankfurt Motor Show taking place from September 16.
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the low ground clearance is unappealing..
A new VW Q7!
Looks almost the same as previous. At least change the headlamps.
They are under the stickers, would be like those in new panamera and panamera sport turismo.
The headlights are different, but they’ve got big stickers on them to disguise the true shape. So do the tail lights.
The author hasn’t been entirely genuine with his article headline…
Porsche should just build a Panamera wagon and ditch the Cayenne. The ’18 Cayenne looks like a VW.
WHAT is this?