STATMAN

I took out the new 2008 Cayenne S for a test drive today. Somewhat more refined and powerful than my 2004 CS, but not extremely different. I would think that the cost involved in upgrading to the 2008 CS from the 2004 CS would not be worth it (unless you are running out of warranty).

I am considering a 2008 Turbo, 2006 Turbo S, but...typical...there is too much snow here and it would be unwise to drive the 2008 Turbo with the 21" summer tires. ( Not to mention, of course, that I am driving up in my CS with M+S rated W-speed-rated tires).

I like the look of the new CS and it is relatively smoother, but in my opinion it would not justify the expense of upgrading to this model from a previous CS model year.

Upgrading from the CS to the new CTT--now there is another story. I think the new CTT launch vehicles look pretty hot with the 21" wheels, wider fenders, and lower-to-the-ground look and feel---they look aggressive.

I think the depreciation on the Turco S vehicles will go into the toilet with this one. I can't wait for the snow to stop and test drive this thing.

Targa Tim

Hi Statman,

I'm considering the 08 Turbo too, should be a significant jump from our CS.

I usually keep a set of 20" summer tires and 18" winter tires so I can go everywhere in winter with confidence.

racer_65

Comparing apples to apples, I'm wondering how the '08 Turbo feels compared to the first generation Turbo.

If you want to save money, you can always upgrade to a first generation Turbo.

STATMAN

Hey Targa Tim,

The 08 Turbo I saw on the showroom floor is beautiful. It will clearly be an upgrade. I am not sure if you have seen the 2008 CTT in person, but the photos just do not do it justice. It looks lower, especially in the front, and appears a bit wider and more aggressive--kind of akin to the difference between a Carrera and Carrera 4S. It has more 997-like ground effects and, apparently, has a much-improved coefficient of drag. The design changes are subtle, but very effective. If the driving experience is as much an improvement over the previous-gen CTT, it is going to hard to resist this one. I am hoping it is NOT that spectacular, becuase I would just as soon save a substantial amount by purchasing a fast-depreciating 2006 Turbo S!

Yes, I too have 18" snow tires mounted on the OEM turbo wheels and have 22" M+S rated tires. This was my first winter with the 22s and I have had no reason to swap them out for the 18s--these Toyo Proxes S/Ts are great tires. So, I was kind of chuckling to myself that here is this 2008 CTT with 21" tires and we can't take it out--yet there is my CS with 22s ready to go through a Wisconsin blizzard. I know that Pirelli and Michelin now have come out with N-spec 20" tires for the Cayenne, so you may want to look into them if you don't like the idea of swapping back to the 18s every winter.

Targa Tim

Hey Statman,

Your description of the Turbo sounds very appealing. In Vancouver the Cayenne Launch Party is happening today at Mt. Seymour, which is one hour drive from me and I am too lazy to go. I will go to the dealership next week to check it out in person.

As for getting a 2006 CTTS, even with the deep discount, I suspect you will not save much compare to getting a brand new 2008 CTT. I think the hardest hit will be the trade-in value of our CS...

catchacab

I drove a 08 TT yesterday. The TT felt better than the 06 TTS I drove a few weeks ago. When driving the TTS, there was noticable lag, with the 08, power was available immedidately.

I will be ordering a TT in June, it will be a nice upgrade from my 04 CS.

grizzy

saw a 06 new turbo s in showroom this saturday-- $125 list asking under 100 i assume
not bad looks nice with 21's but its almost a 2 yr old car?!?!?! but 530 hp

Mike

andrew911

With two sets of rims, do you just change the wheels yourself? (i.e. no need to go to the tire shop) I like that idea...

Targa Tim

Hi Andrew,

Yes, can do it myself within one hour. This way, I can wait until the last minute to put my snow tires on.

ltc

Just be sure to shut off PASM....otherwise you'll never end up getting the wheel off the ground.

JFScheck

True - very true...

sigs

And get a good floor jack that will handle the weight of the Cayenne, so you'll be able to get yourself up off the ground when you're done.

skl

Ditto on the turning off PASM- didn't even know to do that the first time I changed wheels ( I know I know RTFM...) and the suspension went crazy... very easy to do, just push the level button forward until it gives you a message...

Edgy01

The 08 Cayenne TT is one sweet looking vehicle now. We had our show last night at the local dealership. Cleaned up .cd, and nicer front end, and DFI, all add up nicely.