For 2008, Porsche Cayenne was redesigned to present a more aggressive appearance. Its designers wanted to lower the car's visual center of gravity.
So for 2008, the headlights were moved farther apart and feature new bi-xenon designs. The air intake was re-shaped, the roof section is three inches longer and a rear spoiler adorns the trailing edge of the roof. The 2008 models benefit from new wheel designs;17-, 18-, 19-, 20-, and 21-inch wheels are available. Aerodynamics are improved for 2008: The 2008 Cayenne slips through the air with a 0.35 coefficient of drag, compared with 0.39 for the first-generation (2003-07) models. New taillights, a redesigned rear bumper cover, a new exhaust system, and a new diffuser setup highlight changes to rear for 2008. The outside mirrors mimic the shape of the tail lights.
Cayenne is easily identifiable as a Porsche with headlights and grillework that resemble that of the 911 and Boxster. The more powerful models have functional design cues indicating higher levels of performance. The Cayenne Turbo is distinguished by larger grilles that increase the amount of air flowing through the engine bay.
The Cayenne is not small, measuring nearly 189 inches in length, with a wheelbase of 112.4 inches. That's about the same length as the current BMW X5 (191.1 inches) and Mercedes M-Class (188.5 inches). Cayenne is 75.9 inches wide, about the same as the X5 (76.1 inches) or a half-inch wider than M-Class (75.2 inches).
In size, Cayenne most closely matches Volkswagen's Touareg, which is no surprise given the two vehicles were developed jointly by Porsche and VW. Engines and other Cayenne components are built by Porsche in Zuffenhausen, Germany, and mated to the Cayenne at an assembly plant in Leipzig. Cayenne, Touareg, and the Audi Q7 share basic structures, though the Audi is stretched for more passenger space. Engine and suspension tuning, styling and all the finish work were the separate responsibility of each manufacturer.
The Cayenne offers near optimal front/rear weight distribution of 52/48 percent, for outstanding handling balance in all circumstances (the weight in most unladen SUVs is more heavily biased toward the front). At least as important, in Porsche's view, is the Cayenne's optimal aerodynamic balance. Aerodynamic downforce on the rear wheels increases with speed, delivering the high-speed stability that has become a Porsche trademark.
