Less than a year after the market launch of the second iteration of the Cayenne, Porsche has introduced a revised version of the SUV’s diesel engine while also improving and adding new options to the rest of the range. Beginning with the Cayenne Diesel, the 3.0-liter V6 oil-burner has been reworked by Porsche engineers and features a new turbocharger with improved response and greater efficiency, increased direct injection pressure to 2000 bar and a lighter crankshaft.

As a result, the V6 has shed 20 kg, cutting the unladen weight of the Cayenne Diesel to 2080 kilograms (4585 lbs). Furthermore, the revamped diesel unit delivers 245HP, 5HP more than previously, while fuel consumption has been reduced by 0.2lt/100km to 7.2 liters/100 km (32.7 mpg US), and CO2 emissions have dropped six grams to 189g/km.

Porsche says the new Cayenne Diesel can complete the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in 7.6 seconds, an improvement of 0.2 seconds over the outgoing model, while top speed has increased by 2 km/h to 220 km/h (137 mph).

Other modifications across the Cayenne range include the upgrade of the hybrid manager in the Cayenne S Hybrid, which allows the SUV to be driven at low speeds on electric power alone even from a cold start, and the availability of Porsche Exclusive options, carried over from the Panamera Turbo.

For the Cayenne Turbo, Porsche now offers a new Powerkit borrowed from the Panamera. The package boosts maximum output by 40HP to 540HP, while peak torque also increases to 750 Nm (553 lb-ft). With this kit, the 0-100 km/h sprint time is cut by 0.1 seconds to 4.6 seconds, while top speed is improved by 4 km/h to 281 km/h (176 mph).

Porsche says these improvements do not affect fuel economy, which remains at 11.5 liters/100 km (20.45 mpg). In addition to the technical upgrades, the Cayenne Turbo Porsche Exclusive adds blacked-out bi-xenon headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), tinted LED rear lights, quad sports tailpipe look and new trim options.

The Panamera also receives some upgrades for the new model year, including the availability of the Lane Change Assist system from fall 2011 and the new Porsche Exclusive package for the exterior, which includes bi-xenon headlights in black, and bespoke tailpipes. In addition, from June 2011, Panamera models will be available with a wireless Internet access option.

PHOTO GALLERY