Less than a week ago Porsche announced minor updates for its luxury SUV, yet the Typ 92A (its internal code) still dates back to 2010.
Even with its 2014 facelift the Cayenne is nearing the end of its life cycle and the test mule that was caught on camera affirms it.
Expected to launch at late 2017 or early 2018, the third generation of the car that practically revived the brand in 2002 will be much more advanced than the current version.
For starters, like the rest of the VW Group luxury SUVs, namely the Bentley Bentayga and Audi Q7 and the upcoming Lamborghini Urus, it will be built on the MLB platform. This allows for a saving of around 150-200 kg (330-440 pounds), depending on the version, compared to today’s model – which, in turn, was up to 250 kg (550 pounds) lighter than the 2002 car. Not that anyone is complaining about the current Cayenne’s handling, as it is top-notch by SUV standards, but the new one will move the game forward.
Porsche is going for forced induction on its entire range bar some specials like the 911 GT3 and Cayman GT4, so the naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 and 4.2-liter V8 of the base and S versions will be replaced by turbocharged units, the most likely candidate being an updated version of the Audi S4 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6.
Diesels have been an issue lately and they’re not that popular in the US, though Europe still wants them so they’ll be included in the range, as will a plug-in hybrid and, maybe, an all-electric powertrain at a later date.
Porsche being Porsche, the styling will be evolutionary despite the car being all-new. The more marked fenders of the test car are a pointer and the production model should combine cues from both the Macan and the second-gen Panamera saloon.
Finally, the interior will be redesigned and lose most of its buttons in favor of touchscreens like every upmarket model that gets launched these days. For the 2017MY, the Cayenne was brought up to date with the latest connectivity tech, so we guess Porsche will just introduce features like hand gesture control.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops
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