2nd Generation Porsche Cayenne (958.2) Story & History Cayenne (2015 – 2018) Date of unveil by Porsche AG: 2014 July...
Porsche Cayenne 958 (2nd Gen)
The second-generation Porsche Cayenne was introduced as a 2011 MY update to the super successful first generation car. The 958 ran through till the 2018 model year, with the two versions known as the 958.1 and 958.2. The second generation Cayenne was built on the VW PL72 platform. Think of it as a solid update, but not revolutionary in any real way. The big change model-wise this generation was the introduction of headline-grabbing Cayenne S Hybrid, which borrowed the 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 from Audi and added an electric motor for a total of 380 hp. Designwise, the Porsche new Cayenne looked smaller and fitter than the first generation. We loved the update and it finally made the Cayenne look good. The second generation Cayenne was actually larger, yet more than 500 lbs lighter. All models had more power, better acceleration and better handling. See all of our 2nd Gen Porsche Cayenne Research.
2nd Generation Porsche Cayenne (958.1) Story & History Cayenne (2010 – 2014) Date of unveil by Porsche AG: 2010 February...
The Cayenne GTS is the hair-splitter’s latest achievement. It’s a Cayenne powered by the same 4.8-liter V-8 as seen in the Cayenne S but tuned for an additional 20 horsepower and 11 pound-feet of torque to make 420/380. It wears a body similar in style to the Cayenne Turbo, meaning a domed hood, blacked-out trim, and body-color fender extensions and side skirts. And it’s loaded with standard performance gear that is optional on lesser Cayennes. What isn't there to like?
The Cayenne S diesel earns the “S” by way of a twin-turbocharged 4.2-liter diesel V-8 engine that pumps out a prodigious 382 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. By comparison, the non-S Cayenne diesel’s 3.0-liter V-6 spits out a relatively puny 240 hp and 406 lb-ft of twist. Interestingly, the S diesel gets Porsche’s engine stop-start system standard; here in the U.S., the fuel-saving feature isn’t available on the pedestrian Cayenne diesel.
The Cayenne S diesel earns the “S” by way of a twin-turbocharged 4.2-liter diesel V-8 engine that pumps out a prodigious 382 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. By comparison, the non-S Cayenne diesel’s 3.0-liter V-6 spits out a relatively puny 240 hp and 406 lb-ft of twist. Interestingly, the S diesel gets Porsche’s engine stop-start system standard; here in the U.S., the fuel-saving feature isn’t available on the pedestrian Cayenne diesel.
The facelifted version of the Porsche Cayenne was introduced in 2014 and it received a restyled design, new features, and, most important, upgraded engines, such as the V6 diesel version. The V6 diesel version played an important role in this and Porsche decided to keep it in the stable. Along with the facelifted version of the second generation Cayenne, a new V6 diesel was installed. Under the hood, the 2014 Cayenne Diesel offered an enhanced version of the 3.0-liter V6 diesel unit.
The V6 diesel engine was the same unit found in the other Volkswagen group models. The 3.0-liter unit offered 240 hp. It was mated as standard with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Cayenne Diesel Turbo 3.0 176 kW for 2011 model year. In 2012, power increased to 180 kW. 2013 saw the launch of the Cayenne Diesel S Turbo 4.1 281 kW version. The Cayenne Diesel with its 240 bhp is hardly a top performer.
The Turbo S version was the sportiest version for the second generation of the Porsche Cayenne and, along with the rest of the stable, it received a facelift for the 2015 model year. The revised engine offered 20 hp more than its predecessor. It was the same twin-turbo 4.8-liter V8 unit and it was paired to an 8-speed auto and like the Turbo, it was offered with a standard air-suspension but adds Ceramic Brakes system.
As the flagship of the Cayenne army, the Turbo S was well received by those who were looking for a faster SUV. And it wasn't only the speed, but also the cornering speed that the Turbo S was capable of. The engine was based on the 4.8-liter V8 unit installed in the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo, but with a higher compression ratio that led to 50 more hp. The standard transmission was an 8-speed Tiptronic S.
The second generation of the Porsche Cayenne was launched at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. It was a big improvement over its predecessor and featured an evolved design. For the engine, the Cayenne Turbo featured a 4.8-liter V8 unit which offered 500 hp. For the transmission, the 2010 Cayenne lost the low-range transfer case. The standard transmission was an 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox. All-wheel drive was installed standard as well. Other new improvements led to a decrease in the overall weight by 180 kg (400 lbs).
The Cayenne Turbo facelift was introduced in 2014 as a 2015 MY. Think of it as an enhanced version of the non-facelifted version. It offered the same torque as the non-facelifted Cayenne Turbo S, but less power. Under the hood, the revised engine offered 20 hp more than its predecessor. The exterior of the 2015 Cayenne was enhanced with a sharper design and clear lines. The front fenders, the grille, and the headlights were entirely new, with LEDs.
For the 2015 facelift, the Cayenne GTS was improved in every way, offering better performances and lower fuel consumption. But unlike the rest of the range, it offered a sportier look. That side was reserved for the GTS, which took its badge from the 1963 Porsche 904 GTS. It was the first Porsche to revive that acronym.
The exterior of the 2014 Cayenne Hybrid was slightly different than the rest of the range. From the 4-LED daytime running lights and the green brake calipers to the special light-alloy wheels. The rear roof-spoiler was standard as well. Unusual though, even if the German SUV was a plug-in hybrid, it featured four round exhausts. The engine was a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 which offered 333 hp. It was helped by a 95 hp electric motor.
The absolute highlight of this new generation is the world debut of the Cayenne S Hybrid with its technically highly sophisticated parallel full hybrid drive and fuel consumption in the New European Driving Cycle of just 8.2 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 34.4 mpg imp), which means CO2 emissions of just 193 g/km. The Cayenne S Hybrid therefore combines the performance of an eight-cylinder with the economy of a six-cylinder running on much less fuel.
The Cayenne S gains V-6 power during its midcycle update. Porsche advertises more power und more efficiency—the new motor is up 20 horsepower to 420. Torque is a healthy 406 lb-ft, but the turbo-six lacks the personality of the V-8. Which, as V-8s go, was quite nice if rather generically Teutonic. Like, perhaps the iron-fisted Swabian middle manager of V-8s. It keeps the 8-speed automatic. Porsche claims that it has made interior revisions, but the innards look pretty much the same to us, save for the new steering wheel.
Car and Driver said:' "More horsepower and less weight add up to a winning combo in the Cayenne S". We agree. Alongside the weight loss and the striking new exterior and interior design, Porsche got an extra 15 hp from the Cayenne S’s naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V-8. A new transmission with two more forward ratios (now an 8-speed) transforms the drive. Cayenne S hits 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and clear the quarter-mile in 14.1 at 101 mph.
In July 2014, Porsche launched a facelifted Cayenne range for the 2015 model year. Minor exterior alterations and new power-train options. For the base Cayenne, there was a a mildly revised exterior and interior inspired by the 918 Spyder. Two new interior colors, Carrara White and Palladium Metallic, are new while the two-tone black/beige upholstery is now a no cost option. Dark walnut is also a new addition to the available interior accents. The suspension on all Cayennes has also been revised.
The second-generation Cayenne moved the game on for SUVs. It has a nicer design, more powerful engines and much nicer interiors. The base V6 Cayenne was good for 299 hp @ 6,300 rpm and 295 ft lbs of torque. Acceleration was decently brisk with 0 - 60 mph over in 7.5 seconds and top speed of 143 mph. The car was slightly longer, wider, and higher than its predecessor. All new models shared the new headlight graphics with additional lights at the inside so unmistakably Porsche.
