More specifically the diesel versions?

And if so it is a 2 speed with low range?

Seems the North American Toauregs have been stripped of this feature...

 

 

The above isn't right.
All Cayennes are "all wheel drive all the time". Diesel and Hybrids have what Porsche refers to as "permanent all-wheel drive" - not the same as permanently locked. It's a torsen-C type of differential that locks with a difference in front/rear axle speed, so the Hybrid and Diesel versions do lock, but they lock reactively. The Base, S, GTS and turbo can preemptively lock the variable clutch plate differential either preemptively through the traction control management software, or even the driver can select to lock the center differential as well.

All 958 Cayennes have the ability to lock the rear differential if they are equipped with the PTVPlus option.

The 958 model does not have a low range like the 957 models. Porsche realized that a Cayenne has enough torque to handle the type of off-roading that a Cayenne will see, without needing the low range.

 

 

Yes, that's what is super cool about it, it helps on-road (without doing anything) but you can manually select Off-road Mode 3 and that will completely lock the rear differential. The new Cayenne locks the rear differential (when equipped) in "ROCKS" mode.

 

 

Thanks, was wondering the same thing myself.

To go a step further, can anyone explain what technically happens when "off-road" mode is selected? I have a '16 CD. Does it change the sensitivity/reactivity of the locking?

 

Sure!

Off-Road mode 1 (first click and first light that activates on the console) does the following changes on a Diesel:

• Air suspension goes up one level to terrain mode 1 (if equipped)
• ABS programming is altered to permit greater locking of the wheels (slip values of ABS are increased) to enable the accumulation of debris in front of the wheel (wedge effect) to help stopping. Off-road ABS is deactivated if steering input is necessary.
• PSM programming is altered to allow a much greater amount of rotation of the vehicle before braking or throttle interventions occur
• The accelerator pedal programming is altered with a much flatter curve at low speeds to permit better throttle modulation
• Transmission shifting is altered to reduce shift frequency (hold gears longer) and torque converter lockup occurs sooner to permit better throttle modulation over difficult terrain. In manual shifting mode, the transmission automatic upshifts will not occur, neither will the kickdown function
• With PSM off and in off-road mode, a transmission "dune program" is activated where gears are held to maintain higher engine speeds while wheel slip/drifting is occurring

A Cayenne diesel's center differential locking amount or rate does not change when Off-road mode is selected since it's a purely mechanical differential that is reactive only to axle speed differences.

Diesels are never equipped with PDCC, but for those with other 958 models, if you have PDCC, then the programming and function is altered at low speeds in Off-road mode 1 by decoupling the sway bars to increase suspension travel and decrease body motion and weight transfer from bumps. At higher speeds, the roll stabilization function of PDCC will return.

For Base, S, GTS and Turbo 958 Cayenne models, the following also occurs with changes in the off-road programming modes:

• In Off-Road mode 1, the PTM programming is more aggressive in achieving locking: the front axle torque provided by the transfer case clutch pack reaches higher levels more rapidly than in on-road mode.
• In Off-road mode 1, the PTV Plus limited slip locking torque is increased vs on-road mode
• Off-road mode 2 is possible on these models, which locks the center differential for 50/50 Fr/Rr power distribution that doesn't change.
• Off-road mode 3 is possible if you have PTV Plus.

Cayenne S-hybrid models have no off-road programming capabilities. I don't think Porsche intended for them to wander off the pavement!

 

 

I knew about the three modes but didn't know about the Dune program or ABS/PTM programming, that is really cool! I wish I had PTV and could lock my rear but just am able to lock center.

 

 

The one light in the middle should light up, that is offroad mode 1 which is transmission, throttle mapping changes and other programming changes noted above. You just can't manually lock your center diff like the Gassers can.

 

Thank you VERY much for the detailed explanation! So clearly, PSM off and off-road on = hoon mode. (As much as one can hoon a 5,000lb P!g)

 

Thanks for the great explanation garrett376!

 

Reviving an old thread a bit…
So I’ve got a 2016 Cayenne S and am wanting to change all of the drivetrain fluids.
There are different fluids listed for the locking vs. non-locking transfer cases.
From the above information, can I assume I have the locking type due to year?
I’m asking before I order fluids.
The procedures for the rear also indicate different fluid depending on whether or not it has an electronically controlled limited slip.
Easy enough to check for that without removing any belly pans.

Thanks in advance.
Easy enough to check for that… says it’ll have some wires going to it