Saw the Cayenne for the first time in person
05-18-2003, 11:31 PM
#1
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Saw the Cayenne for the first time in person
After much reading in the latest and great Porsche magazine and online publications, I was able to head out to Porsche North Orlando today and see this controversial piece of machinery in person. First impression, granted - coming from me, who has long since abandoned any "purist" attitude I had with any hatred toward the Cayenne, was "holy crap."
Both models in the showroom were merely the S model, but the Lapis Blue Metallic lined with chrome accents was stunning, to say the least. I read many an article and post written by "enthusiasts" who actually take the time to complain about the design of the blinker lever, or the position of the window switch, but that's not what I'm about to do. That interior, although I did not sit in it (they don't like it when you do that), was as good as I've seen on any luxury car. I've had the pleasure to drive and be driven in some pretty nice, expensive cars, and this interior although not revolutionary, at the same time wasn't lacking.
That's when I looked down and saw those amazing silver-painted Porsche calipers. If you haven't seen those in person, you are missing out. Think the "big reds" are large?? Or even the "big yellows"?? Well, take one look at the Brembos sitting behind the front wheels of the Cayenne and you'll realize what the most powerful part of this Porsche is -- the brakes!
All this, with a GT2 sitting no less then 15 feet behind me. I was in heaven! Although this post isn't about the GT2, it wouldn't be right to not even mention it here. What an amazing automobile! If I remember correctly, the back tires measure 315 wide, with the fronts at 235. This is some serious rubber on the pavement.
Back to the Cayenne, unfortunately they didn't have a Turbo model there (or they didn't want to take a 23 year old dreamer to see one), but seeing the S was enough for now. The salesman that came up to talk to me was a nice guy, because most often in the past at Porsche North Orlando (fomerly Contemporary Cars) I have merely been ignored. Today was different, most likely because my mom and dad were with me, and if my dad was so inclined, he could have walked out with one today. Maybe the salesman read this, or maybe he wanted to share his knowledge with another generation. Let's hope he latter.
In the end, I left with a new affinity for the Cayenne, and although there will still be some of you who will continue to bash the "pepper" regardless what it does for Porsche AG, I truly subscribe to the "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" philosophy. I have no moral or ethical conviction against Porsche building an SUV, and I surely hope none of you take it that far. I say we let Porsche grow and develop as a automobile company who is competing in a market really all their own.
After the smoke clears and the Cayenne is still standing, what makes a Porsche a Porsche is still that little family crest on the hood that has graced these fine automobiles for the last near half century, and will continue to for many years to come.
Both models in the showroom were merely the S model, but the Lapis Blue Metallic lined with chrome accents was stunning, to say the least. I read many an article and post written by "enthusiasts" who actually take the time to complain about the design of the blinker lever, or the position of the window switch, but that's not what I'm about to do. That interior, although I did not sit in it (they don't like it when you do that), was as good as I've seen on any luxury car. I've had the pleasure to drive and be driven in some pretty nice, expensive cars, and this interior although not revolutionary, at the same time wasn't lacking.
That's when I looked down and saw those amazing silver-painted Porsche calipers. If you haven't seen those in person, you are missing out. Think the "big reds" are large?? Or even the "big yellows"?? Well, take one look at the Brembos sitting behind the front wheels of the Cayenne and you'll realize what the most powerful part of this Porsche is -- the brakes!
All this, with a GT2 sitting no less then 15 feet behind me. I was in heaven! Although this post isn't about the GT2, it wouldn't be right to not even mention it here. What an amazing automobile! If I remember correctly, the back tires measure 315 wide, with the fronts at 235. This is some serious rubber on the pavement.
Back to the Cayenne, unfortunately they didn't have a Turbo model there (or they didn't want to take a 23 year old dreamer to see one), but seeing the S was enough for now. The salesman that came up to talk to me was a nice guy, because most often in the past at Porsche North Orlando (fomerly Contemporary Cars) I have merely been ignored. Today was different, most likely because my mom and dad were with me, and if my dad was so inclined, he could have walked out with one today. Maybe the salesman read this, or maybe he wanted to share his knowledge with another generation. Let's hope he latter.
In the end, I left with a new affinity for the Cayenne, and although there will still be some of you who will continue to bash the "pepper" regardless what it does for Porsche AG, I truly subscribe to the "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" philosophy. I have no moral or ethical conviction against Porsche building an SUV, and I surely hope none of you take it that far. I say we let Porsche grow and develop as a automobile company who is competing in a market really all their own.
After the smoke clears and the Cayenne is still standing, what makes a Porsche a Porsche is still that little family crest on the hood that has graced these fine automobiles for the last near half century, and will continue to for many years to come.
05-19-2003, 03:17 AM
#2
Crash test, passed.
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05-19-2003, 03:49 AM
#3
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Matt, I was also there at the dealer a few weeks ago and did drive the Cayenne S. I agree its a great "car", and the brakes are outstanding. But Tiptronic... hmmm i think its so bad its better to leave it in automatic, it gives you an impression you cant shift, it doesnt match rpms at all, and the delay just bothers me.
05-19-2003, 04:47 AM
#4
Nordschleife Master
Well, at least it's a decent SUV...but I'll take my 944 which can double as a small truck anytime! Yesterday we fit a 2 drawer side open Hon filing cabinet flat into the back of Legoland's Red 944! And better gas mileage, to boot.
I hate SUVs, but then you all know that already about me!
The only reason I will not bash this one is because it's a Porsche with huge brakes.
- Julie
I hate SUVs, but then you all know that already about me!
The only reason I will not bash this one is because it's a Porsche with huge brakes.
- Julie
05-19-2003, 07:47 AM
#5
I generally dislike SUVs (or rather, I generally dislike the way many SUVs are driven!).
However, I test drove a Cayenne about a month ago and was very impressed. The brakes are incredible, and the vehicle really handles well. The engine music was nice, and it delivered plenty of torque.
At the very least, Porsche has built a superbly engineered vehicle. They succeeded in creating an SUV that drives like a Porsche.
However, I test drove a Cayenne about a month ago and was very impressed. The brakes are incredible, and the vehicle really handles well. The engine music was nice, and it delivered plenty of torque.
At the very least, Porsche has built a superbly engineered vehicle. They succeeded in creating an SUV that drives like a Porsche.