Most are no doubt familiar with the Porsche Cayenne. It is the German sports car maker’s first ever crossover SUV, and it is one of its top-selling models. And now in 2022, the nameplate is celebrating its 20th anniversary. But did you know that this high-performance crossover was supposed to have a top-down model?
The Porsche Cayenne Convertible Targa-top
From the get-go, Porsche was planning on building a Cayenne two-door model with a top-down coupe-like design based on the first-generation Cayenne. The rear end itself would also look different to accommodate the targa top. This was necessary as it was supposed to fold down and take a portion of the vehicle’s rear cargo section. Moreover, the top would have had a similar mechanism to the Z-pattern folding type system on the Porsche 911 Targa.
The Stuttgart-based brand also built a rolling shell prototype for this concept. It even had interior bits. Officially, this was designated as a Package Function Model or PFM. The aforementioned roof mechanism never got past the computer-based design, however. And as a PFM, none of its on-board systems ever worked. It didn’t even get an engine.
The PFM with the top up
Going back to its rear section, this PFM bore two completely different designs. These two different rear sections were literally tacked on the right and left sides of the same rolling shell’s rear end. This was because the engineers at Porsche at the time didn’t exactly agree on which of these were going on the final product.
One had a sleeker pillar, while the other had deeper lines for its license plate section. One also had its taillights positioned a bit lower than the other. Aside from that, other differences between the regular first-gen Cayenne and the targa-top variant is the latter’s massive doors. Specifically, these were a staggering 200mm longer than the regular model’s doors. Curiously enough, the top-down prototype’s interior also featured a smaller touchscreen.
With the top down
The decision to develop a top-down convertible Cayenne took place way back in 2002, that’s 20 years ago. So again, it marks the 20th anniversary of this curious targa-top Cayenne as well as the Porsche Cayenne itself.
Unfortunately, (or fortunately) the Porsche management at the time decided not to push through with this design as it was described as “having very strange shapes.” It was, after all, a heavy-set crossover SUV, and designing it to be pretty and sleek was an outright challenging prospect.
Check out that nutty-looking rear end
Then again, the PFM rolling shell of the Porsche Cayenne still survives to this very day, and it is kept in storage at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany.
So what do you think? Would this interesting Cayenne have changed how this model was received?
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Know more about Porsche Cayenne 2024
The Porsche Cayenne is a luxury midsize crossover that has been in the German automaker's lineup since 2002. It is offered in the Philippines in six variants, while the pricing is available upon request. Under the hood, Porsche Philippines is offering three engine options. First is the 2.9-liter V6 Biturbo good for 434 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque, while the second option is a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that makes 336 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. Lastly, a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 is offered, which delivers a maximum power of 631 horsepower and 850 Nm of torque. Both the 3.0-liter V6 and 4.0-liter V8 engines can be paired to a 100 kW electric motor for the hybrid variants. All of which are connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Dimensions-wise, the Cayenne measures 4,918 mm long, 1,997 mm wide, and 1,696 mm high. Meanwhile, the Coupe version is 4,931 mm in length, 1,997 mm in width, and 1,676 mm in height. In the local market, the German luxury midsize crossover competes against the likes of the BMW X5, Audi Q8, and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.
>>> New and used Porsche Cayenne 2024 for sale in the Philippines
Porsche Cayenne Launch
The first-generation Porsche Cayenne was introduced in 2002 and powered by an eight-cylinder piston engine. It was acclaimed and became the standard performance vehicle among available crossovers in the market during that period.
The second generation was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010. Its refreshed version boasts a larger body, contemporary updates on its interior and exterior, and more use of aluminum for fuel efficiency.
Locally, the third-generation Porsche Cayenne was launched by PGA Cars Inc. in April 2018.
Porsche Cayenne Exterior
The updated version of the Cayenne Philippines pays homage to its predecessors. Its front displays a broad and modern grille, sweptback headlight with the German company’s signature four-LED daytime running lights, and a revamped bumper.
Its muscled physique boasts signature detailed curves and gorgeous lines. Its lengthened body by 63mm efficiently extends cargo storage. Compared to previous releases, the current Porsche Cayenne is lighter by 65kg as lightweight alloys are used. Depending on the variant, a set of customizable 19-inch to 22-inch supports this premium crossover.
Its rear is highlighted by an adaptive spoiler designed with beautiful contours and an elegant taillight strip found also on the Porsche 911 models.
Porsche Cayenne Interior
Inside, luxury is extended as it is furnished with a fixed panoramic glass roof with a sunblind, adaptive and electric 18-way leather sports seats with optional massage function, four-zone automatic climate control, three-spoke steering wheel cased in leather, a center console with a touchscreen panel that displays important details, and more.
Technology & Safety Features
It is built with the Porsche Communication Management system that helps you control audio, communications, and navigation. It is accessed through a full High-Definition touchscreen that measures 12.3-inch with Apple CarPlay connectivity. It also offers an online connection and a voice control system.
In terms of safety, it comes with the Porsche Stability Management System that utilizes data and information from sensors that aid your steering and cruising in any road condition. It also comes with the Porsche InnoDrive that examines a road’s condition in your route before getting there. Other safety features include a good number of advanced airbags, night vision assist, park assist, surround view, lane-keeping assist, lane change assist, and collision assist.
Platform & Chassis
Standard on the Porsche Cayenne is a six-piston aluminum monobloc forward brakes and a four-piston aluminum monobloc rear brakes. It is equipped with an advanced Porsche Traction Management system that efficiently utilizes the torque on each wheel.
Engine & Drivetrain
The standard Porsche Cayenne runs using a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that produces 336 horsepower and a Newton-meters of 450. The S variant is powered by a 2.9-liter V6 Biturbo motor that generates a horsepower of 434 and a torque of 550 Newton-meters. The Turbo options are equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 Biturbo engine that promises a horsepower of 550 and 770 Newton meters.
All engines are partnered with an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission.
Available colors for the Porsche Cayenne are White, Black, Carrara White Metallic, Jet Black Metallic, Quartzite Gray Metallic, Carmine Red, Crayon, Cashmere Beige Metallic, Mahogany Metallic, Dolomite Silver Metallic, and Moonlight Blue Metallic.
The Porsche Cayenne is one of the most powerful luxury midsize crossovers local market compared to rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class and BMW X5.
Porsche Cayenne 2024 Price List
Let's check out the Porsche Cayenne 2024 price in September in the Philippines.
| Variants | Price |
|---|---|
| Porsche Cayenne S | Price on request |
| Porsche Cayenne S Coupe | Price on request |
| Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid | Price on request |
Porsche Cayenne Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comes in a wide array of engine options
- Plush interior
- Impressive handling
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- One of the most common Porsche models on the road
- Maintenance costs aren't cheap
Price available upon request
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