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 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.
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 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.
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.