stjobs

I think they should be allowed to run... SCCA lets pickup trucks run in my region. There is one guy with a 1984 Toyota pickup with 14" wheels that beats most Civics and Integras out there. Flipping one would be quite hard... IMO a VW Jetta would be easier to flip, with its super soft suspension. A Cayenne is still a Porsche, and very capable

stjobs

BrokeAss

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by richard glickel:
<strong>DE has a number of cars on the track at the same time and I'm thinking that you really can't see around, or ahead, of a truck and that may cause valid safety concerns for drivers of mere cars, no?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Richard,

I think you've really got a point there. They also pose a safety issue with the other cars. For example, I'd hate to be running in a 914 and come up on a Cayenne. A 914 would probably slide right under a Cayenne.

MJR911

I have heard from a reliable source, a Porsche driver testing at the factory, that a lowered turbo Cayenne is faster than a 996 around Weissach. Take it for what its worth, but they're capable. What CLub Racing class?! Haha

Mitch

Ken

So, a Cayenne showed up at the NNJR PCA autocross last weekend(with its temp tags still on). I actually faired pretty well. For comparison, the fastest time of day(stock Porsche) was a boxster that ran a 40.925. The Cayenne's fastest time was a 43.503. My fastest time was a 45.620. The rest of the results are <a href="http://vista.pca.org/nnj/Inprogress/Autocross%202003-05-04.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> if you want to compare other cars. It's classed as S11.

Overall I'd say it did really well. It was scary working at the flag station having an SUV fly by though. The driver said the PSM helped alot. He was 1-2 seconds faster with it on.

Z-man

I'm all for the Cayenne playing in an autocross. I attended the same NNJR Autox event that Ken is speaking of. (BTW, I think the 43.xxx time is a typo: Craig's best time in the Peppervagon was 45.xxx, IIRC!) But this Cayenne Turbo S did remarkably well: it was posting times mid-pack. (Then again, Craig's an excellent autocrosser!)

Autox: I have no problem with the Cayenne runnnig. DE: that's a different story: I'm not so sure it's a good idea. Next week (Monday, Tuesday), there's an NNJR DE at Summit Point / Jefferson Circuit. A Cayenne will be running in the White run group, the same group I run in. I am a bit concerned about this. That car sits up pretty high: I wonder if he will have trouble spotting the smaller cars beside him when a pass is given. (I'd sure hate to be running in a 914 with him on the track! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> ).

The nice thing about running a Cayenne in DE is that you probably don't have to worry about waiting for a tow truck if it goes off track: just let the 4wd and higher ride height get you outta there!!!

Just my $0.42
-Z.

Tom

I had a pick-up truck in my run group at a DE a few weeks ago that didn't pose a particular problem as we were generally far enough apart that it was not intimidating. It was interesting to watch him corner for a while!!

Zigzagn

Now that I have seen the Cayenne in action, I can definitely say YES. This is a true Porsche in every meaning of the word. I haven’t driven one at the autocross, but those that have, say it is very close to the Boxster. This to me is a huge accomplishment.

Why did we ever doubt Porsche engineering???

triscadek

I don't see why not, just remember personal responsibility.

Caveat Emptor.

ebaker

There will be some bruised egos at DE's when the Cayenne blows by on the straights.

Rich W

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by richard glickel:
<strong>But, DE has a number of cars on the track at the same time and I'm thinking that you really can't see around, or ahead, of a truck and that may cause valid safety concerns for drivers of mere cars, no?
</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Why should that matter? You don't pass in a DE unless the other driver gives you a signal to do so.

Paul Foster

First it was Boxsters at DEs without roll bars. Now it's Cayennes at autocrosses and DEs. I wonder which will result in a fatality first?

PogueMoHone

Porsche uses it to do the autox course at their PDE, that should tell you something; and it handles (balance wise) like a boxster. It amazed me, and i bought one!

To flip it you'd have to be out of your flippin' mind.

Paul Foster

It's an SUV. As such it's center of gravity is much higher than conventional vehicles. If you can convince the SCCA that the Cayenne is somehow 'special' and somehow defies the laws of physics then I'd be willing to reconsider the issue. Until then I agree with their stance that no SUVs are allowed to participate.

Ed Newman

We played with one a few weeks ago. I'd say go for it. My bigger worry is the recent ratings from NHTSA that say the BMW 3 series is a serious roll over hazard. Should we ban M3s??

Paul Foster

3 series Bimmers have a much lower center of gravity. Nice try though.