Cayenne Turbo S in Snow?
07-06-2006, 03:49 PM
#31
Instructor
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by ltc
Interesting there's a used Turbo S so soon after being launched.
Dave
02-06-2014, 12:01 AM
#32
1st Gear
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Colorado
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Cayenne Turbo is sketchy in snow
I've driven the roads in Colorado Rockies since I was 14. Many a vehicle I've put through the paces in all conditions and in particular adverse snowy conditions on the high mtn passes.
I always fit my vehicles with studded snow tires at all 4 corners, and so it is with my 2005 Cayenne Turbo. General Grabber AT-2 with half studs (inside edge). And the Cayenne drives adequately, but when pushed it gets loose, real loose.
PSM is of limited value at high speeds in the snow (my opinion). It does not inspire confidence. Perhaps it was the choice of the Grabber AT-2's (a certified snow tire) and normally studs will help.
Well, coming up Vail pass earlier today (after around 40" of snow in the last several days) the Cayenneski wouldn't track solid. Roamed within the snow groove and was not solid. Later driving up the Eisenhower tunnel approach, when I goosed the throttle, the back end actually broke loose (at 65+ mph with PSM on). Disconcerting.
Again, it may be the tires. Originally I had Michelin Arctic Alpine, but quickly switched over to the Generals (due to the HR speed rating and ability to stud).
But bottomline - I've driven lots in the mtns and in deep snow at speed (including icy conditions too). And the Cayenne is not ideal. I think it's due to it's short wheelbase and over powered nature. The turbo comes on in a rush and urges the wheels to break loose.
But in the dry, and with proper Continental Extreme Contact tires, it is the bomb and nothing can hang with it when the hammer is down and pulling up that long grade to the top of the hill.
I always fit my vehicles with studded snow tires at all 4 corners, and so it is with my 2005 Cayenne Turbo. General Grabber AT-2 with half studs (inside edge). And the Cayenne drives adequately, but when pushed it gets loose, real loose.
PSM is of limited value at high speeds in the snow (my opinion). It does not inspire confidence. Perhaps it was the choice of the Grabber AT-2's (a certified snow tire) and normally studs will help.
Well, coming up Vail pass earlier today (after around 40" of snow in the last several days) the Cayenneski wouldn't track solid. Roamed within the snow groove and was not solid. Later driving up the Eisenhower tunnel approach, when I goosed the throttle, the back end actually broke loose (at 65+ mph with PSM on). Disconcerting.
Again, it may be the tires. Originally I had Michelin Arctic Alpine, but quickly switched over to the Generals (due to the HR speed rating and ability to stud).
But bottomline - I've driven lots in the mtns and in deep snow at speed (including icy conditions too). And the Cayenne is not ideal. I think it's due to it's short wheelbase and over powered nature. The turbo comes on in a rush and urges the wheels to break loose.
But in the dry, and with proper Continental Extreme Contact tires, it is the bomb and nothing can hang with it when the hammer is down and pulling up that long grade to the top of the hill.
02-06-2014, 12:11 AM
#33
I've also driven the Colorado Rockies for the last 25 years. Getting in 40-50 days of skiing a year. Teaching the Audi ice driving schools, ice racing, etc.
Cayenne is fine! Not sketchy at all! Sounds like your tires and driving style to me!
Need to keep in mind that this thing is intended to be a SPORTS utility vehicle and has a rear biased torque split and an "aggressive" PSM designed to let you toss the car around. (It doesn't nanny you at every twitch of the steering like an Audi, Subaru, etc)
It the turbo is overwhelming you and breaking the tires loose, that it a problem of the right foot and tire combo, not the car. There is nothing abrupt or unpredictable about the power curve of the turbo, just too much throttle applied too choppy!
Hell.....I drove these "ultra high performance all seasons" for a few years to wear them out and never had an issue! Drive in the snow and ice a LOT!!
Cayenne is fine! Not sketchy at all! Sounds like your tires and driving style to me!
Need to keep in mind that this thing is intended to be a SPORTS utility vehicle and has a rear biased torque split and an "aggressive" PSM designed to let you toss the car around. (It doesn't nanny you at every twitch of the steering like an Audi, Subaru, etc)
It the turbo is overwhelming you and breaking the tires loose, that it a problem of the right foot and tire combo, not the car. There is nothing abrupt or unpredictable about the power curve of the turbo, just too much throttle applied too choppy!
Hell.....I drove these "ultra high performance all seasons" for a few years to wear them out and never had an issue! Drive in the snow and ice a LOT!!
02-07-2014, 12:57 AM
#35
But, if people want to post?!
Didn't think it was fair to leave the thread with a 1 time poster making wild claims!
02-07-2014, 09:53 PM
#36
Rocky Mountain High
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
My Cayenne S with 18" wheels and Michelin Latitude Alpin tires is great in the snow. It's very stable and has excellent traction. I drive it on Colorado Rocky Mountain passes on a regular basis.
12-04-2014, 12:07 AM
#37
Cruisin'
Join Date: May 2006
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Cayenne Turbo S winter tires
I drive a 2006 Cayenne Turbo S in the Colorado winter at a home elevation of 8500 feet. I use Blizzaks on 20" wheels. Two things to remember: The Turbo S's front brakes are SO BIG that the Sport Techno 20" wheels (stock) fit but the 20" Sport Design (which I bought for winter use) require a 5 mm spacer in the front! Supposedly the 19" Sport Design can be made to fit, but again, they may need a spacer in the front. The biggest drawback with these big wheels is the width. Narrow is better in snow. I use Blizzaks with great success. Next thing to keep in mind with the Turbo S: you can use a diameter that is quite a bit bigger than the stock 29". Don't limit yourself to TireRack's recommended sizes. Look at stuff in the 30" range, even up to 31". Taller is better. I keep getting snow packed into the wheels and it seriously throws off the balance and caused bad vibration.
12-05-2014, 04:24 PM
#38
Three Wheelin'
I've driven the roads in Colorado Rockies since I was 14. Many a vehicle I've put through the paces in all conditions and in particular adverse snowy conditions on the high mtn passes.
I always fit my vehicles with studded snow tires at all 4 corners, and so it is with my 2005 Cayenne Turbo. General Grabber AT-2 with half studs (inside edge). And the Cayenne drives adequately, but when pushed it gets loose, real loose.
PSM is of limited value at high speeds in the snow (my opinion). It does not inspire confidence. Perhaps it was the choice of the Grabber AT-2's (a certified snow tire) and normally studs will help.
Well, coming up Vail pass earlier today (after around 40" of snow in the last several days) the Cayenneski wouldn't track solid. Roamed within the snow groove and was not solid. Later driving up the Eisenhower tunnel approach, when I goosed the throttle, the back end actually broke loose (at 65+ mph with PSM on). Disconcerting.
Again, it may be the tires. Originally I had Michelin Arctic Alpine, but quickly switched over to the Generals (due to the HR speed rating and ability to stud).
But bottomline - I've driven lots in the mtns and in deep snow at speed (including icy conditions too). And the Cayenne is not ideal. I think it's due to it's short wheelbase and over powered nature. The turbo comes on in a rush and urges the wheels to break loose.
But in the dry, and with proper Continental Extreme Contact tires, it is the bomb and nothing can hang with it when the hammer is down and pulling up that long grade to the top of the hill.
I always fit my vehicles with studded snow tires at all 4 corners, and so it is with my 2005 Cayenne Turbo. General Grabber AT-2 with half studs (inside edge). And the Cayenne drives adequately, but when pushed it gets loose, real loose.
PSM is of limited value at high speeds in the snow (my opinion). It does not inspire confidence. Perhaps it was the choice of the Grabber AT-2's (a certified snow tire) and normally studs will help.
Well, coming up Vail pass earlier today (after around 40" of snow in the last several days) the Cayenneski wouldn't track solid. Roamed within the snow groove and was not solid. Later driving up the Eisenhower tunnel approach, when I goosed the throttle, the back end actually broke loose (at 65+ mph with PSM on). Disconcerting.
Again, it may be the tires. Originally I had Michelin Arctic Alpine, but quickly switched over to the Generals (due to the HR speed rating and ability to stud).
But bottomline - I've driven lots in the mtns and in deep snow at speed (including icy conditions too). And the Cayenne is not ideal. I think it's due to it's short wheelbase and over powered nature. The turbo comes on in a rush and urges the wheels to break loose.
But in the dry, and with proper Continental Extreme Contact tires, it is the bomb and nothing can hang with it when the hammer is down and pulling up that long grade to the top of the hill.
I've got DMV1's in 275/45/20 and live in Denver. I don't have any of the issues you're talking about. Sure, the tires are a bit mushy when warm, but I have no issues doing illegal speeds one handed while sipping a latte up I-70 when it's crappy. I don't even know how you can get loose in the slippery conditions with PSM on. I get TC almost immediately when a tire slips. Combine that with a near 50/50 weight distribution, and the car is fantastic in the snow.
12-06-2014, 01:17 AM
#39
Rennlist Member
Agree. Narrower and higher profile are better for wintry driving.
